by orionontv | Feb 6, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday February 5th at 12:40 PM
These are the updated districts with my thoughts so here they are.
District 6 @ Clarkston (Winner heads to Fenton to Play District 8)
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
AVONDALE
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Mott
DARKHORSE: Avondale
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: John Kaul-Clarkston
UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m still at a loss for words how Clarkston didn’t get the top seed in the district last season and Waterford Mott ended up getting that spot. The Wolves should be the favorite with home court and proven experience. They have been hanging by the moment all season with a ton of close games. Clarkston has Brayden Wiley, Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, John Kaul, Cole Church, and Cavanaugh Diton for Coach Tim Waslik. Waterford Mott won the Lakes Valley last season and had the top seed last season but fell to Clarkston in the district finals last season. They are in a battle with South Lyon East, Milford, Lakeland, and Walled Lake Western for the crown. The Corsairs have been up and down this season. They have Dequantre Warren, Jacoby Menyweathers, Octave Lawerence, Davon Warren, Kalieb Osborn, Devin Lewis, Davis Ellis, and Jake Martin coming back for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering struggled last season but they have been improving despite the struggling record. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Zarek Zelinski, Noah Salazar, Josh Brooks, Adrian Hicks, and Marcus Mitchell for longtime Oxford Girls Basketball and Walled Lake Central Coach Steve Emmert. Pontiac has really been up and down this season. They have Daveon Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglas for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale is a sleeper in this district. They had a coaching change during the season which was very unusual. Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Justin Sykes, Terry Daniel, DJ White, Issac Gordon, Jeremiah Phillips, and Darren Pagel coming back for interim coach Aaron Fox. This should be a rematch of a district final from last season between the Wolves and the Corsairs but anything is possible.
District 5 @ Utica Eisenhower (Winner heads to Fenton to Play District 7)
LAKE ORION
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Adams
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Romeo
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Mychajulk-Utica Eisenhower
UPDATED THOUGHTS: Could this district be Macomb County revenge??? It looks like it but Oakland County could spoil things again like what happened last season when Lake Orion played Rochester Adams. Utica Eisenhower has home court and proven experience in Ethan Mychajulk, Braden Buza, Preston Crumm, Jackson McHale, Hayden Bills, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, and Kyle O’Reilly for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo has had a good season but the past has really haunted them. They have gotten past the first game once in the last four years. The Bulldogs have Tim Kewey and Aiden Tague for Coach Marv Cushingberry. Stoney Creek has really struggled this season and a lot of the struggles has to be the injury to Peyton Rummler. Rummler is expected to be back for the postseason which should help them big time. The Cougars have Aiden Groszko, Jake Fulkerson, Tre Walker, Leo Kent, Tommasso Sincola, and Jonah McCay for new coach Jeff Olind. Adams should be the favorite in this district. They lost a ton of experience from last season but has Brady Prieskorn, William Gee, Drew Blackmer, and Peter Karakasis for Coach Jaret Thomas. The Highlanders are having a strong season in the always tough Red. Rochester has really struggled which is very unusual. They lost a lot of experience from last season. They have Elijah Kalaj, Joe Lulgjaraj, Grant Calcagno, Rex Matoud, and Kharmani Potts for Coach Nick Evola. Lake Orion should be very interesting. They have had a ton of bad luck and play in the very tough White. The Dragons have Nate Havrilla, DJ Morrow, Kevin Tobe, and Blake Liddell for Coach Jose Andreadas. They are the sleeper in this district despite having a ton of bad luck as mentioned where they lost four one possession games to very good teams. This district looks to be anyone’s for the taking, it is possible there could be an all Oakland or all Macomb County district final but its wide open for the taking.
District 4 @ Grand Blanc (Winner heads to Flushing to play District 3)
OXFORD
Grand Blanc
Davison
Lapeer
Flint Kearsley
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Davison
DARKHORSE: Oxford
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Lawson-Davison
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is the same district as of last season but the district is at Lapeer. Grand Blanc has a ton of storylines. They have a new coach in Tory Jackson. Jackson takes over for Mike Thomas whom left to take the East Kentwood coaching job. It will be very interesting to see how the transition period goes. The transition period has gone well and the Bobcats are rolling again. Grand Blanc was a Division One State runner up has Robert Williams, Tae Boyd, Amonte Allen-Johnson, Micah Welch, Anthony Perdue, RJ Taylor, Bryce O’Mara, Trevon Johnson, Jake Lindquist, Joe Nemeck, and Donnine Huddleston for Jackson. Lapeer has really struggled this season. The Lightning have Owen Boyle, Matt Sierakowski, Christopher Best, Alex Wells, and Matthew Smith for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison has a very young core that has made a ton of strides during the season and has also been doing very well in the Saginaw Valley League. The Cardinals have Greg Lawson, Teon Armstrong, Buddy Williams, Zach Papadakis, Henry Carstaphen, and Braylen Himmelin for Coach Mike Williams. Flint Kearsley has been up and down this season. The Hornets have Neely Dakari, Donovan Harrington, and Julienne Brandt for Coach Joe Corkan. Oxford is a sleeper in this district, I do wonder what Chicago Brothers Pizza Owner Dan Brown has to say about this district??? They have been up and down this season. The Wildcats have Dominic Cassisse, Lucas Botette, Jake Champagne, Kyle DiMalanta, and Dylan Stone for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Grand Blanc right now is the favorite but watch for Oxford and Davison.
District 25 @ Berkley (Winner heads to Troy to play District 27)
BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK
OAK PARK
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Oak Park
FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
NEXT: Oak Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit Renaissance
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sonny Wilson-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Berkley. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the early favorite in this district. The Cubs won this district last season and has Sonny Wilson, Tarrance Reed, Julian Robinson, David Herron, Xavier Johnson, Zavier Banks, Sebestian Randolph, and Branden Walker coming back for Coach Tim Connely. Detroit Mumford had a really rough season last year and is also having a really rough year this season for Coach Anthony Woods. Detroit Renaissance has had a good year but they have had some tough losses in which they were in some high scoring games. They can score but defend is the question. The Phoenix have Lance Stone, Dion Stinson, Jayson Gamblin, Jacob White, and Jayden Savoury for Coach John White. The Bears can’t seem to get a break with the district but they have home court and is having a really good season so far. Berkley has David Rolands, Tamir Runekvich, Riley Shafritz, Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, and Ian Smith for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is having another very strong season. The Knights made the district finals last season but have ran into Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the last two years where they haven’t been able to overcome that hump despite having very good seasons. They have Jason Harns, Robert Smith, Geon Hutchins, Kevin Tolliver, Soloman White, and LuJuan Holliday for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak is a very odd team. They started off unbeaten but had a really rough January but have managed to turn things around again. The Ravens have Camden Clark, Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Rashad Wilson, and Nick Hoffman for Coach Aaron Smith. Hoffman is the all-time points leader at Royal Oak. This district has the makings of very similar to last season.
District 26 @ North Farmington (Winner heads to Troy to play District 28)
NORTH FARMINGTON
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Henry Ford
Livonia Stevenson
PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Detroit Henry Ford
FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford
DARKHORSE: Farmington
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Landon Williams-North Farmington
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. North Farmington should be the favorite in the district and they could be a possible State title contender. They have proven that they are more than capable with their start. The Raiders have Landon Williams, Prince Jackson, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Ryan Hurst, Tyler Spratt, Donovan Williams, Dwayne Ray, Daemon Eubanks, Connor Childress, and Lamar Walls for Coach Todd Negoshian. Farmington should be improved and have shown major strides. The Falcons have Greg Greys, Anthony Bailey, Tony Tobert, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, William Henderson, Jaden Turner, and Darrell Cochrane for Coach Derrick McDowell. Southfield Arts and Tech has been a very interesting story this season. They have been up and down which has been very surprising and have a lot of proven experience in Greg Davis, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Bryce Hewins, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey for former Farmington Coach Terrance Porter. Detroit Henry Ford won 11 games last season but have been playing around 500. The Trojans have some proven talent in Terrance Coker and Semaj Sanders for Coach Ken Flowers. Livonia Stevenson won 12 games last season but they have really struggled this season. The Spartans have Bailey Way, Domnick Jentzer, Nate Curtis, Maek Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Lucas Young, John Toth, and Chuck Davidek coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. The Raiders won this district last season and is the favorite again but Detroit Henry Ford could give them some fits, something to watch.
District 27 @ Bloomfield Hills (Winner heads to Troy to play District 25)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES
SEAHOLM
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Birmingham Brother Rice
Orchard Lake St. Marys
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Orchard Lake St. Marys
FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice
NEXT: West Bloomfield
DARKHORSE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded after winning the district last season and could be one of the favorites again. The Eaglets have Trey McKenny and Sharad Barnes for Coach Todd Cobert. Birmingham Brother Rice has having a very strong year and is on the verge of a Catholic League Central crown. They have a ton of proven experience. The Warriors have Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, John Blackwell, Luke Salkowski, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Tom Labruzzy, Curtis Williams, Keithan Gilmore, and Chasr Van Ameyde for Coach Ricky Palmer. Bloomfield Hills has had a very good year despite some very tough losses in the White. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, Drew Wilson, CJ Jackson, Brandon Newland, Ahmad Taylor, and Henry Jackson for Coach Brian Canfield. Groves is very interesting. They have had a strong bounce back this season. The Falcons have Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Josh Simpson, Elijah Yelder, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Josh Gibson coming back for returning Coach Marc West. Seaholm is always scrappy and they have showed it in January when they got healthy. The Maples have Ben Diskin, Findlay Sparby, Rishi Thota, Abe Miller, and Jeff Sheldon for Coach Mike DeGeeter. West Bloomfield has been much improved in the very tough White. The Lakers have Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Donnie Watts, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Dewan Moore, Corey Pittman, Tory James, Chris Britton, and Mitchell Seay for Coach Arnette Jordan. This will be a very interesting district as mentioned but the Catholic League stands out but watch for West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.
District 28 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson (Winner heads to Troy to play District 26)
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford II
Utica
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Troy Athens
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Troy Athens
DARKHORSE: Utica
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Penoza-Troy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Troy is the early favorite in this district and has had a strong season thus far. The Colts have Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Nate Liberty, Carter Cusmano, Kyle Parker, Bryce Parker, and Mason Parker for Coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens should be very interesting. They have been on a roll as of late and in the thick of the Blue standings. The Red Hawks has Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proefkee, Kyree Harper, Emmanuel Robinson, and Brogan Withun for Coach Dave Scott. Sterling Heights Stevenson has a ton of proven experience and home court. The Titans have Austin Akrawi, Mariano Manciel, Sam Kashat, Mazino Amuwha, Caynon Love, Darrin Bobbitt, Zach Alinfogan, Victor Campbell, Alex Moratalla, Daron Bobbitt, Joseph Malak, and Luke Sesi for Coach Ryan Joseph. Utica really struggled last season but they have really improved and have won eight of their last nine games. The Chieftains have Logan Davis, Mason Brodi, Trent McFarland, Sebastian Soriano, Jack Malone, Nick Bosilkovski, Nathan Silver and Austin Lemerise for Coach David Hinke. Utica Ford II is much improved despite the struggling record this season. The Falcons have Dakari Rogers, Aaron Johnson, Diego Harden, Carson Strumn, Eli Miller, Gavin Gugliemetti, and Maid Kurjakovic for former West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna. Troy should be the favorite but Utica, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Troy Athens should have strong says.
District 59 @ Hazel Park (Winner heads to Hazel Park to play District 57)
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Old Redford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Old Redford
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT Detroit Old Redford
DARKHORSE Ferndale University
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Chris Williams-Ferndale
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district but it’s starting to become very clear at the moment. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years and has a pretty strong team despite losing their two top players. Detroit Lincoln King Academy won 14 games last season but they are really struggling this season. Detroit Old Redford won 11 games last season and is rolling. Ferndale University is a sleeper in this district. They have had a bounce back year despite the 500 record. The Eagles have a ton of proven experience in Chris Kendrix, Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Semaj Clark, Cordae McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Jonathan King, Zakaria Smith, Antione Owens, and Damir Orr for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park is the weakest team in this district and they are having a really rough season. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Caleb Renfroe, Jayden Hardiman, Noah Blocker, Kendall Mays, Maurice Booth, and Trenton Ruth for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale is the early favorite in this district but Detroit Old Redford and Ferndale University could challenge if things go right for them.
District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North (Winner heads to Macomb Dakota to play District 32)
HARPER WOODS
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Roseville
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grosse Pointe South, 2. Grosse Pointe North
FAVORITE: Grosse Pointe South
NEXT: Grosse Pointe North
DARKHORSE: Roseville
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district that has four teams that won more than 10 games last season and each team has won at least eight games. Roseville won 13 games last season but is very low in the MPR which is very odd. The Panthers have Brian Hunter, Amonti Greene, AJ Scott, Todario Payne and Isiah Mays for Coach Greg Boler. Grosse Pointe North has played a really tough schedule. The Norsemen have proven experience in Adam Ayrault for Coach Andrew Ayrault. Grosse Pointe South has had a very good season and they have some wins over OAA teams. The Blue Devils have Donovan Moody, Noah Stiyer, Karter Richards, Tommy Maccagnone, Griffin Adams, Brady Kennedy, and Alex English for Coach Stephen Benard. St Clair Shores Lakeview is the lowest team in the MPR despite winning double digit games. The Huskies have Matthew Ritter, Austin Stockett, Keonte Woolf, Tyler Griffin, Charrone Gordon, Bryce Ong, Easton Demeulenarere, and Zavier Hassan for Coach John Carr. Harper Woods came up from Division Two this offseason. They control their own destiny in the Gold and is having a really strong season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams for Coach TuJuan Porter. This is a very tough district, it’s anyone’s district to take in Grosse Pointe.
by orionontv | Feb 6, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday February 5th at 12:40 PM
Here are the updated Girls Basketball districts.
District 4 @ Lapeer (Winner heads to Flushing to play District 3)
OXFORD
Grand Blanc
Lapeer
Davison
Holly
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford.
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Oxford
DARKHORSE: Davison
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada McCree-Grand Blanc
UPDATED THOUGHTS: When I saw this district back in June I couldn’t believe it. Oxford is in a district with Grand Blanc for a third straight year??? I don’t know what my good friend Dan Brown at Chicago Brothers Pizza has to say about this but knowing him he won’t be happy. They have proven experience. The Wildcats have Peyton Richter, Nevaeh Wood, Allison Hufstedlar, Sophia Rabb, Brady Elling, Avery Feeney, Lexi Yankee, and Miranda Wyniemko coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Oxford has had a very strong season and is currently fighting for the White crown with North Farmington however the Wildcats lost Wood to an ACL injury which is a huge loss for them. Lapeer has really struggled but they have made some strides as a program. The Lightning have Mallory Butterfield, Rosemary Kollar, Mya McKenna, MaKynna Saltzman, Laura Brown, Alexis Norman, Alida Wing, and Abigail Francis for new Coach Evan Bell. They have lost seven of their last nine games since the New Year started. Davison has really struggled this season. The Cardinals have Gracie Little, Lillian Kish, Gabi Stevens, Marionna Dixon, Skyler Miller, Katie O’ Connor, and Lily Morey for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. They really have struggled with consistency which is not a good sign heading into the postseason. Grand Blanc has gotten red hot at the right time. They have won 12 of their last 13 games with their only loss being to a very good Flint Carman Ainsworth team. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Jada McCree, Rayven McQueen, Ali Anderson, Kendyle Hall, and Malaya Brown for Coach Mike McCay. McCree and Bishop have really been the catalysts for Grand Blanc rolling right now. Holly went winless last season but has picked up some good wins. The Bronchos have Alana Simmons, Annabelle Basham, Audrey Combs, McKenna McGhee, Morgan Fluckey, Annalease Thiese, and Mollina Adams for Coach Ben Varner. When looking at this district, the Bobcats are still favored but I have a funny feeling that Oxford is not that far off despite the two blowout losses to Grand Blanc in the last two years, the third time is always the charm and it could be for the Wildcats.
District 5 @ Rochester (Winner heads to Lake Orion to play District 7)
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
ADAMS
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Stoney Creek
FAVORITE: Rochester
NEXT: Stoney Creek
DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Williams-Rochester
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a district that has the same teams from last season except for Lake Orion which moved to a different district. Rochester should be the early favorite to win this district however they have not gotten past the district finals in the last four years. There is hope to change that this season and they have home court. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kiley Robinson, Natalie Rayce, Ava Williams, Alania Webb, Stevie Norgrove, and Abby Pleasant for Coach Bill Thurston. Rochester has not changed a beat and is having a really strong season. Stoney Creek is another team that stands out. They should be motivated after having a disappointing postseason last year. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Emily Flynn, Mia Carson, Merrick Schwalbach, and Lily Solek for Coach Kellen James. Stoney Creek has had a good year so far this season. Adams has really struggled this season with a lot of it being youth and inexperience but things are on the rise for the program. The Highlanders have Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, Taylor Green, AuJayna Howard, Jin Ah Jasper, Morgan McPherson, Nicole Kedzierski, and Skyler Slezak for Coach Joe Malburg. Utica Eisenhower would like another shot at Rochester in the postseason. They have been rolling winning seven of their last nine games. The Eagles have Deyvn Raymond, Autumn Reed, Maggie McGuire, Layna Sturza, Jennifer McWerthy, Ava Stack, Marianna Stojcevski, Abby Klaft, Abby Nezich, and Lexi Horattas for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo had a rough year last season but there is some optimism. The Bulldogs have Eva Hill, Ava McMillan, Clare Carmody, Elise Rilley, Amanda Kitchen, Jacquine LeBlanc, Gabriella Matina, and Rachel Miller for Coach Ron LeBlanc whom has done a very good job with Romeo in his first year coaching varsity. This district looks to be very interesting. Utica Eisenhower leads Stoney Creek for the second spot in the MPR and whomever loses out has to play on that Monday. Three teams standout but anything is possible.
District 6 @ Clarkston (Winner heads to Lake Orion to play District 8)
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Lake Orion, 2. Clarkston
FAVORITE: Lake Orion
NEXT: Clarkston
DARKHORSE: No One
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Hernandez-Clarkston
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This will be a very interesting district. There are two teams that really stand out on paper and have proved it during the season. Clarkston lost Maddie Skroupski and Izzy Hadley from their regional final team last season. They have some talent and home court in the district. The Wolves have Ava Hernandez, Mia Zorski, Emily Valencia, Kierra Tolmie, Ellery Hernandez, Marley Mazur, Ella Morgner, Anna Thomas, Claire Walker and Elliana Robak for Coach Aaron Goodnough however Zorski and Thomas are out for the season with ACL injuries. Lake Orion was in it with Clarkston for three and a half quarters in their regional semifinal against Clarkston last season. The Dragons are loaded with proven experience and have beaten Clarkston twice in the regular season but always in sports the third time is always the hardest. They have Chloe Wiegers, Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Taylor Dinda, Audrey Wischmeyer, Ryann Pawalcyzk, Grace Sullivan, Ali May, Fontana Blackney, Jodie McCaffery, Charlotte Peplowski, Alana McGinnis for Coach Bob Brydges. Lake Orion has had a really strong season despite injuries to Izzy Wotlimski and McCaffery. Pontiac has really struggled this season. The Phoenix have not gotten over 20 points this season. Anything is possible in the postseason for first year coach Corray Lett. Waterford Kettering has been very disappointing this season. They have not gotten over 30 points this season. The Captains have Malyanna Schoof, Ellie Dropps, Payton Amshay, Bella Labo, Gracela Lovett, Abby Hayword, Avery Topinka, and Nora Hernandez for first year coach Erik Parker. Waterford Mott was very young last season but they have really struggled to score other than the Pontiac game and win games this season. The Corsairs have Makayla Henderson, Karli Koskinen, Juliana Lemis, Izzy Esquivel, Madison Winters, and Emma Paschke for longtime Coach Michelle Sklar. This district could go green and white or blue and yellow and this season has shown that point.
District 7 @ Lakeland (Winner heads to Lake Orion to play District 5)
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Lakeland
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Western
PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Walled Lake Northern
FAVORITE: West Bloomfield
NEXT: Walled Lake Northern
DARKHORSE: Lakeland
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Destiny Washington-West Bloomfield
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district is where the defending Division One State Champs will begin their State title defense in White Lake. West Bloomfield is loaded with proven experience and has been battle tested. The Lakers have Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Kendall Hendrix, Sydney Hendrix, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Jaylee Head, Jada Vaughn, Gabrielle Hale, and Gabby Williams for Coach Darrin McAllister. West Bloomfield has dominated in blowout fashion this season with their only losses to South Bend Washington, Indiana and Ypsilanti Arbor Prep. Lakeland made the regional semifinals last season but they have been around 500 this season with a very young team. The Eagles have Kira Brower, Molly Marino, and Parker Ostach for Coach Mike Leithelm. Walled Lake Western was very young last season but has been very disappointing this season. The Warriors have Emma Hoffmeyer, Emma Cassatta, Bella Yaldoo, Kelsey Beck, Makenna Krzisnik, Evana Gjelaj, Ryan Geisler, and Ryah Dewey for Coach Kelly Costello. Walled Lake Northern is a very interesting program. The Knights were very young last season but they have really improved this season. Walled Lake Northern has made a ton of strides this season and is currently battling South Lyon East for the Lakes Valley Crown. They have Amal Younes, Addison Porter, Laney Jakubowski, Layne Biggers, Reese Nemeth, Natalie Wilbert, Macie Hunter, and Aleena McCullough for first year Coach Josh Pees. Walled Lake Central was very young last season but they have been having a rough year this season. The Vikings have Jaden Henderson, Amelia Maktari, Carys Lucas, Kyeli Anderson, Savannah Breitwesier, Angelina Virga, Lillian Miracle, Maddie Schopf, Jordyn Harris, and Grace Mathson coming back for Coach Robert Schopf. This district looks to be West Bloomfield’s to lose but Walled Lake Northern could give them some fits in this district.
District 25 @ Berkley (Winner heads to Royal Oak to play District 27)
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Berkley
FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Royal Oak
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nevaeh Otis-Detroit Renaissance
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of storylines. Berkley pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the State by beating Detroit Renaissance in the district finals last season but the Phoneix are a much different team this season. The Bears have home court in this district but struggled early but have since rebounded and have been making some noise as of late. They have some proven experience in Jillian Gomes, Mya Jones, Ava Beard, Hailey Kirkwood, Addison Hambright, Maddi Bonsall, Avery Wintergarden, Maleve Nolan, and Sammi Withrow for Coach Cody Feltner. Royal Oak has been much improved from last season. The Ravens have Celcia Irwin, Lydia Dickens, Anna Waterstredt, Lucy Freytag, Emily Walden, Emiliee Austin, Maddie Lawrence, and Hannah Sanders for Coach Brian Sopota. Royal Oak has been up and down recently. Detroit Mumford has been playing very well and they have a very talented player in Samayra Jefferson for Coach Kareem Hogan. Detroit Renaissance has a lot of proven experience and talent along with being battle tested. They are still unbeaten and should be motivated after their upset loss in the district finals as mentioned last season. The Phoenix have Immani Johnson, Christian Sanders, Nevaeh Otis, Anaya Hardy, Victoria Gambles, Amaya Esponal, Makayla Coleman, Sterling Gooden, Makayla Johnson, Kiyla Brooks, Haramonie Bolton, Jaebrian Autry, and Nyana Pharr for first year Coach DeShawn Wood. Oak Park really struggled last season but they have really improved lately. The Knights could be a sleeper for Coach Chantelle Corson. This district should be very interesting to watch at Berkley.
District 26 @ North Farmington (Winner heads to Royal Oak to play District 28)
NORTH FARMINGTON
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Farmington Hills Mercy
Detroit Henry Ford
Livonia Stevenson
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. North Farmington
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: North Farmington
DARKHORSE: Southfield Arts and Tech
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sela Lefler-North Farmington
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. This looks to be a two team final but maybe a third or fourth team could emerge. Farmington Hills Mercy is the early favorite and for good reason. The Marlins won 18 games last season and have a lot of proven experience. They have Maya White, Fran DeNardo, Aizyn Albanese, Alison Smiley, Lillian DeJong, Ava Lorraine, Caroline Butcher, Lauren Smiley, and Emily Walker for Coach Gary Morris. Farmington Hills Mercy has been rolling despite losing two of their last three games. Farmington could be a sleeper in this district. They have had a good year but they have gotten most of their wins in the Blue. The Falcons have Yasmine Thorpe, Jayla Silver, Brooke Farrington, Annalin Nardelli, and Clarissa Hankins for Coach Laura Guzman. Southfield Arts and Tech might be the most dangerous team coming into this district. The record is very deceiving but they have been playing much better lately. The Warriors have proven experience in Christian Banks, Jayla Austin, Kamira Page, and Jordan Ushery for Coach Shiquita Coltrane. North Farmington should challenge Farmington Hills Mercy for the district crown and has home court. They are unbeaten and look to be in firm control of the White. The Raiders have proven experience in Sela Lefler, Penelope Creary, Asiyah Jihad, Eliza Muller, Amarriah Merriweather, Hannah Hart, Sam Hoffer, and Halee Rogers for Coach Jeff Simpson. Detroit Henry Ford won 10 games last season for Coach Chevelle O’Brien. Livonia Stevenson should be a player. The Spartans have Gracie Shahu and Scarlett Webster for Coach Kareem Smart. This is shaping up to be a very interesting district as mentioned with four teams standing out but it could be a Marlins/Raiders district final and if that’s the case then that could go down to the wire at the NogoDome.
District 27 @ Birmingham Marian (Winner heads to Royal Oak to play District 25)
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
TROY
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Bloomfield Hills
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Bloomfield Hills
DARKHORSE: Seaholm
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. There really isn’t no clear favorite to win this district. Groves has been much improved despite their recent struggles. The Falcons have Kaitlyn Sanders, Cira Racco, Lilly Gallagher, Cameron Little, and Nevaeh McCay for Coach Alison Hidey. Troy comes to this district after making it to the State Quarterfinals last season. It has been a struggle for them this season with injuries, youth, and inexperience. The Colts have Charlotte Gillion, Avery Allen, Shaivani Angadi, Carly Higginbottom, Katie Morris, Aly Matuza, Raegan Zeiter, and Diamond Prince for Coach Julius Porter. Seaholm had a very strong season last year but they have really struggled to find their stride this season. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Taylor Hartwig, Lola Weber, Olivia Davis, Kate Anderson, Clara Guffy, Emma Weber, Mary Gumbas, and Anne Boogerian for Coach Chris Manchester. Bloomfield Hills has been much improved and are in firm control of the Blue. The Blackhawks have Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, Grace Main, and Ruby Smith coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. The schedule hasn’t been the greatest with them in the Blue but they have three tough non conference teams in Stoney Creek, Walled Lake Western, and Birmingham Marian this season. It has been a very tough for former assistant Michelle Lindsay with Birmingham Marian’s recent struggles. Lindsay took over for longtime coach Mary Cicerone whom retired this past offseason. The Mustangs have home court in this district but as mentioned they have struggled. They have Mackenzie Swanson, Ella Ervin, Abby Landa, Molly McLeod, and Charlie Bingham for Lindsay. The district could be a three team race but Birmingham Marian for now is the favorite.
District 28 @ Avondale (Winner heads to Royal Oak to play District 26)
AVONDALE
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica
Utica Ford II
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Utica Ford II, 2. Troy Athens
FAVORITE: Utica Ford II
NEXT: Troy Athens
DARKHORSE: Utica
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ellie Musto-Troy Athens
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district that features a combination of Oakland and Macomb County schools. Avondale had a ton of ups and downs last season and have really carried over into this season to find any consistency. The Yellow Jackets have Lily Titus, Madison Manyweathers, Khila Bradley, Amaria Daniels, Takera Williams, and Kaliyah Carroll for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens is very interesting. They have had an up and down year after a very strong start this season. The Red Hawks have Ellie Musto, Rebekah Delia, Lily Batzold, Fiona Wingblad, Kaci Mersier, Abby Malone, Alex Link, and Skylear Emerson for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a great year last season under former Rochester boys basketball coach Vance Kirkwood. The Titans won 11 games under Kirkwood in his only season in Sterling Heights but he left to coach Boys Basketball at Mount Clemens and have really struggled under first year coach Madison Ristovski. Utica has done very well in the past however they have been very disappointing this season. The Chieftains have Cameron McConachie, Sarah Fromm, Natalie Shtogrin, and Katelyn Shtogrin for Coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II had a very good year winning 16 games last season and have had a better year this season winning the Macomb Area Red crown. The Falcons have Sydney Garon, Lilah Earl, Madison Bettys, Kailee Gillich, Anayya Davis, and Rachel Riepma for Coach Matt Joseph. Utica Ford II is the favorite but Troy Athens could have a strong say about this.
District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North (Winner heads to Macomb Dakota to play District 32)
HARPER WOODS
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Roseville
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grosse Pointe North, 2. Grosse Pointe South
FAVORITE: Grosse Pointe North
NEXT: Grosse Pointe South
DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores Lakeview
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Annabel Ayrault-Grosse Pointe North
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very tough district with every team winning double digit games last season. There are two teams that made the regionals that are in this district. Grosse Pointe North is the favorite in this district and for good reason. They have had The Norsemen have Jenna Winowiecki, Annabel Ayrault, Mia Stephanoff, Charlotte Juilen, Natalie Babcock, and Sophie Boroski for Coach Gary Bennett. St. Clair Shores Lakeview made the regional semifinals last season but they been up and down this season. The Huskies have Zion Harris, Camara Knighton, Jillian Ostrowski, Mackenzie Stein, Isabella Tiseo, Maria Decker, Ava Prasnjak, Samantha Guciardo, Autumn Wirick, Alexis Pottu, Me’Ahna Owoiya, and Madison Geib for Coach Joe Charrette. Roseville has really struggled this season. They are 1-6 in their last seven games. The Panthers have Aaniya Jordan, Saniah Love, Dionni John, Cheyenne Hrelja-Hill, Haleigh Olivas, Michelle Huffman, Reyvan Frank, Rihanna Reeves, Keyonna Scorpio, Presley Rubio, and Sydney Masterson for Coach Andy Houghton. Grosse Pointe South is a traditional power however they unusually struggled winning four games last season but is having a much better year this season. The Blue Devils have Maddy Benard, Bella Deveroux, Madison Duff, Olivia Dimuzio, Ava Sjorgen, Chloe Power, and Karter Richards for Coach Kevin Richards. Harper Woods comes from Division Two into this district after having a really good season last season. The Pioneers have a lot of experience which helps and has had a strong season. They have Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Lauren Peterson, and Clearia Peterson for first year coach Anthony Brown. Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe South are battling for the second MPR spot. This should be a very tough district with a lot of proven programs.
District 58 @ Hazel Park (Winner heads to Hazel Park to play District 60)
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Warren Lincoln
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Warren Fitzgerald, 2. Hazel Park
FAVORITE: Warren Fitzgerald
NEXT: Hazel Park
DARKHORSE: Ferndale
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada Buchanan-Ferndale
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Hazel Park. It has been more of a redemption for two Macomb Area Conference teams while the two Oakland County schools have struggled a little bit. Ferndale University has really struggled this season under first year coach Brianna Rowe. The Eagles made the district finals falling to Birmingham Detroit Country Day last season. Ferndale had things very rough last season but they are doing much better. The Eagles have Jada Buchanan, Angel Ajonouma, Briunna Young, Tarriyah Early, Jaila Pouncey, and Jayla Martin for returning coach Keith Paris. Hazel Park has home court and has been building their program recently. The Vikings won 11 games last season for Coach Dakota Ogles and have recently won the Macomb Area Conference Bronze crown for the first time since 2008 when they were in the OAA. Warren Lincoln struggled winning four games last season and the Abes has really struggled again this season. Warren Fitzgerald has been a very good success story this season. They won one game last season but have managed to turn things around and won the Macomb Area Silver crown this season. The Spartans have Janiya Williams and Mariah Anderson for Coach JuWan Shakespear. I’m seeing a two team district between the Spartans and Vikings but Ferndale could be a sleeper to watch in this district.
