by orionontv | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday December 24th at 10:14 PM
Here are my thoughts on all 23 boys teams heading into the holiday season.
North Farmington: The Raiders are rolling right now with wins over Clarkston, Groves, and Oak Park along with Farmington, Zeeland West, and Detroit Martin Luther King. Tyler Spratt and Landon Williams are playing really well and Rob Smith has been very good for North Farmington. Coach Todd Negoshian has this team clicking on all cylinders. They have Flat Rock looming in the North Farmington Holiday Extravaganza before heading into 2024. Negoshian has this team in a good spot right now.
Ferndale: The Eagles had a really tough 69-58 loss to West Bloomfield which set them back a little bit. Ferndale has three tough games looming with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit along with Muskegon and North Farmington heading into 2024. Coach Juan Rickman needs more scoring out of those besides Trenton Ruth if they want to get back in the thick of the Red title picture.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers are a perfect Rodney Dangerfield with how they have played lately. Unlike Berkley, West Bloomfield has went through greatness like beating Ferndale, Westland John Glenn, and Southfield Arts and Tech to some heartbreaking losses like Warren Lincoln and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, a blowout loss to East Lansing, and a tough one to River Rouge. The win over Ferndale was very important for Coach Arnette Jordan because if they played like they did against the Eagles and do that on a consistent basis then they could beat anyone especially when they get to the postseason when they could see Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Lakers have two Roundball games against Grand Rapids South Christian and Detroit Renaissance. It will be very interesting to see how Jordan does in those two games and also in 2024 as well.
Adams: The Highlanders bounced back after a really tough 52-48 loss to Clarkston with a win over Groves. Adams had been on a roll with wins over Rochester, Oxford, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Milford, and Northville. William Gee and Peter Kardasis are doing their part but Trenton LaGarde has stepped up for Coach Isiah Novak. LaGarde has had several double digit games and has really become that third option for Novak. Adams has Grosse Pointe South looming in the Roundball. The Highlanders are in a really good spot right now heading into 2024.
Clarkston: The Wolves have played very consistent as of late with the play of Peyton Fitzsimmons, Cole Charter, John Kaul, Quinn Rosenburg and company. Clarkston is 4-1 in their last five games with wins over Lake Orion, Fenton, Adams, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Brighton along with tough losses to North Farmington and Detroit Old Redford Academy. Coach Tim Waslik has this team clicking on all cylinders heading into 2024.
Oak Park: The Knights could be in some serious trouble with their play lately. They needed a buzzer beater to beat Warren Michigan Colligate. They were blown out by Ferndale and North Farmington which are not good signs in the Red. Oak Park has Flint Hamady in the Roundball which should be very interesting. Coach Durrand Sheppard needs to figure some things out heading into 2024 or it could be a very rough go especially when the postseason looms.
Groves: The Falcons have been really struggling. They have lost four in a row to North Farmington, Ferndale, Plymouth Canton, and Adams. Defense has been a big problem for Coach Marc West’s team as they have allowed over 60 points in three of those four games. They also have a loss to Troy and had to survive against Redford Thurston in which they allowed 77 points. They also have wins against Oxford and Livonia Clarenceville where they won by double figures. Groves has Detroit Cass Tech looming in the Roundball. West needs to address the defense heading into 2024.
Troy: The Colts have started to turn things around after their stunning loss to Berkley. They have wins over Southfield Arts and Tech, Harper Woods, Farmington, Novi, and Groves. Troy’s success has been based on their big three of Mason Parker, Jon Whiteside, and Chase Kuiper. Coach Gary Fralick is rolling right now. They have Detroit Edision in the North Farmington Extravaganza before going into 2024. The Colts are rolling right now.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers have played a really tough schedule. They have wins over Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills but losses to Troy, Detroit Renaissance, Detroit Edison, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central has been rough. Coach TaJuan Porter has Adrian looming at the Roundball. The Pioneers look like they are starting to put things together.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been up and down as of late. They had some really tough losses to Redford Thurston and Lake Orion along with a stunning blowout loss to Howell. Troy Athens has wins over Rochester, Waterford Oakdale Prep, Livonia Churchill, Seaholm, and Southfield Arts and Tech. Emmanuel Robinson has been playing really well for Coach Dave Scott. The Red Hawks have St. Clair Shores Lakeview looming in Port Huron. Troy Athens is in a good spot right now.
Seaholm: The Maples have been around 500 lately with wins over Southfield Arts and Tech, Avondale, and Livonia Churchill but they have had losses to East Lansing, Harper Woods, Troy Athens, Walled Lake Western, and Royal Oak are very concerning. Seaholm is very good when they keep teams under 45 points and have struggled when the opponent scored over 45 points. They scored over 50 points in each of their last two games. Coach Mike DeGeeter is more than capable of getting this team back on track heading into 2024.
Lake Orion: The Dragons have won five straight since suffering losses to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Clarkston. Lake Orion has wins over Holly, Troy Athens, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington, Oxford, Plymouth, and Rochester. Coach Jose Andrades has done a really nice job with this really young team. The Dragons have built proven scorers and it has shown. Lake Orion will be tested heading into 2024 but they are in a really good place right now and the scary part is they can get better.
Farmington: The Falcons are better than their record indicates. Greg Grays has been playing very well for Coach Byron Johnson. They have been in a ton of close games against Lake Orion, Livonia Stevenson, and Livonia Franklin even though they lost those games much closer than the score indicated. They did beat Bloomfield Hills but was blown out by Troy in their last game. Farmington has Avondale in the Roundball along with a game against Redford Union. The Falcons are a very young team. If Johnson can keep this core together than two years from now they will be very good
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks are really struggling right now. They have blowout losses to Walled Lake Central and Lake Orion along with tough losses to Harper Woods, Farmington, Royal Oak, and South Lyon. Talking to Coach Brian Canfield it’s like putting a puzzle together. Canfield has the pieces there like a Phillip Muhammad, or a DeRon Mason, or a Mason Canfield but it’s putting it all together and it will take time. Bloomfield Hills has Detroit Central looming before going into 2024. It’s a puzzle when describing the Blackhawks.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been really struggling. They had blowout losses to West Bloomfield, Belleville, Summit Academy, Troy, and Seaholm. They lost a tough one to Troy Athens and beat Detroit Fredrick Douglass and Detroit Denby Tech. Coach Terrance Porter is taking small steps with this team. They have Dexter in the Roundball looming. It will be interesting to see how Porter does with Southfield Arts and Tech as we head into 2024.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have really struggled and the stats prove it. They don’t really have a true scorer besides Tre Walker. Walker needs to be on the floor in order for Coach Jeff Olind’s team to be successful. They have Sterling Heights looming. It’s clear as day that Walker needs to be on the floor for Stoney Creek to be successful.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have started to turn things around a little bit with wins over Pontiac and Ferndale University. Avondale has kept teams from going under 50 points which is a recipe for success for Coach Jaret Thomas. Thomas has played a brutal non conference which included tough losses to Birmingham Brother Rice, Seaholm, and Dearborn. They also have wins over Berkley and Detroit Loyola as well. The Yellow Jackets have Farmington in the Roundball and Walled Lake Northern in the North Farmington Extravaganza looming. Thomas has Avondale in a good place right now.
Oxford: The Wildcats have won four straight after a 1-3 start. Oxford has wins over Royal Oak, Stoney Creek, Rochester, Plymouth Salem, and Lapeer along with tough losses to Lake Orion, Groves, and Adams. Jake Champagne has been a scoring machine but others have stepped up like Luke Stoffan, Jay Cady, Drew Cady, and Nolan Mauser. Coach Joe Fedorinchik has his team in a really good place heading into 2024.
Rochester: The Falcons earned their first win of the season with a 62-59 win over Pontiac. Prior to that game they had scored no more than under 50 points until this past week where they scored 57 and 62 respectably. Rochester had blowout losses to Lake Orion and Adams along with really tough losses to Dearborn Fordson, Troy Athens, Oxford, and Berkley prior to their win over Pontiac. Coach Nick Evola has been trying to get this team on track and it looks like he has. They have the New Baltimore Anchor Bay Classic looming with Grosse Pointe North then if they win or lose that it would be either New Baltimore Anchor Bay or Lakeland after that. It will be a big tournament for sure for the Falcons and if they can win that tournament then it would be huge heading into 2024.
Berkley: The Bears are your classic Rodney Dangerfield. They are off to a strong start which included an upset win over Troy but losses to Novi, Avondale, and Hartland are very concerning but to their defense they didn’t have Owen Stone in the Hartland game. Berkley has played very well since the Hartland game winning two straight and heading into 2024 with a ton of confidence. Coach Joe Sermo has this team in a better place right now.
Pontiac: The Phoenix are 1-4 in their last five games which is not good. The defense has been the problem for Coach Andrew Myers. They have allowed over 60 points in each of those losses. They have Pontiac Notre Dame Prep looming in the Roundball. If Pontiac wants to get back to what got them wins over Hazel Park, Ferndale University, and Southfield Christian they have to really defend because if they don’t they could be in some trouble.
Royal Oak: The Ravens started off strong with wins over Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills. They rolled to a 7-2 start with their losses to Oxford and Livonia Stevenson. Camden Clark has been the story for Coach Aaron Smith. They have others as well like Nick Hoffman among others who have also stepped their games up. They have Novi looming. If Royal Oak can keep this up then they could be a darkhorse in the Blue heading into 2024.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have lost three straight league games to Pontiac, Royal Oak, and Avondale. Ferndale University hasn’t been able to get to 50 points in those games which is very concerning for Coach Josh Nicks and the points against has gone up. The Eagles were scoring over 50 points earlier in the season but teams have done a good job defending them. Ferndale University needs to score more than 50 points if they want to be very competitive in 2024.
by orionontv | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday December 24th at 10:30 AM
What we learned about each team.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers have been on a roll to start the season. West Bloomfield has had two wins over Plymouth Salem and Chicago Butler Prep. The Davis twins have been very good especially Indya as of late but Summer has had her moments. Destiny Washington and Sheridan Beal have been very good along with Kendall Hendrix for Coach Daryelle McCallaster. They have two very interesting games in the Hardwood Classic at Romulus with Chicago Phillips in a rematch of a classic comeback win last season and Utica Ford II. West Bloomfield comes into 2024 riding with a ton of confidence.
Rochester: The Falcons have been unusually struggling with really tough losses to Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy, Dearborn Fordson, and Utica Ford II, all be it all of them are really good teams and they beat Adams. They have relied a ton on Alice Max scoring a double-double per night but it’s clear she needs help, she needs a robin, it’s the same situation it is with the boys basketball team at Oxford with Jake Champagne. Kylie Robinson is expected to be back in January which should help but the bigger concern for Coach Bill Thurston has to be which guard can step up and take the pressure off of Max. Thurston has Kaitlyn Guiola and Lucy Cook, among others but the problem has been trying to find that guard that can take the pressure off of Max before league play starts. Thurston has to address this or they are in trouble.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been on a roll which has pleased Coach Columbus Williams who is in his first year with the program. Stoney Creek has been dominant against Macomb County foes Romeo and Utica Eisenhower winning by 14 and 13 points respectively. They have also had to survive upset traps against Bloomfield Hills and Brighton. Defense has been the strength for Williams especially the press whether it’s the 1-2-2 or the 2-2-1 full court trap. The changing defenses has really confused offensives that Stoney Creek has faced thus far. Sarah LaPrarie, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj has played very well for Williams and they have had others that have stepped up as well. The Cougars should be tested when 2024 starts when they have Royal Oak. It’s been a good for Williams and company thus far.
Lake Orion: The word resilient is perfect to describe the Dragons and their 4-0 start. Lake Orion has been through the ringer with gutsy wins over Plymouth and Bay City Western along with wins over Adams and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Izzy Woltinski is back to being herself being a double-double machine every night. Ryann Pawlacyzk, Charlotte Peplowski, and Lexi Stroshein have been very good as well. Ellie Britt has been that stabilizer. Nevaeh Wood fits right in with this team especially in clutch time and that’s not mentioning Grace Hoenshien, Lauren LaForge, Xana Cuesda, and Dani Heck who’ve been very good off the bench for Coach Bob Brydges. This is much different team than they were in the summer and even last season when they lost nine seniors to graduation. Lake Orion has a ton of room for improvement as well. This will be a team to watch in 2024.
Clarkston: The Wolves have been battle tested which it has shown in recent weeks. They have wins over Saginaw Heritage, Novi, Haslett, Howell, and Lake Fenton along with a blowout of Macomb L’Anse Creuse. Their only loss was to Chelsea who is the top ranked team in Division Two. Coach Aaron Goodnough has had several players step up and make crucial plays in crucial times in Brooklyn Covert, Emily Valencia, Claire Walker, and Elliana Robak. Clarkston has Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the Hardwood Classic at Romulus. The Wolves have been very competitive which is a great sign heading into league play and their likely postseason clash with Lake Orion.
Oxford: The Wildcats have been around 500 despite playing a really tough schedule. They have wins over Flushing, Warren Regina, and Davison but really tough losses to Saginaw Heritage, Belleville, and Macomb Dakota. Peyton Ritcher, Sophia Rabb, Lexie Yankee, Emma Beggs, Braydee Elling, and Alison Huffstedler have been the glue for Coach Rachel Bryer. Mia Champagne has started to develop into her own as of late. The non-conference Oxford has played should help them especially going into the postseason where they have beaten Davison but they don’t see Lapeer or Grand Blanc until the postseason. The Wildcats are in a really good place heading into 2024.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have used their balance to win games and they have been battle tested. Royal Oak has had three close games against Livonia Stevenson, Walled Lake Northern, and Berkley which resulted in wins but it prepares them for the road ahead. 2024 should be a fun year for Coach Brian Sopota and company.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have been very competitive for Coach Kristen Massey despite two early losses to Stoney Creek and Plymouth Canton. They have had no issues with Farmington and Ferndale University winning by a combined 128-24 in both meetings. Bloomfield Hills has a really interesting week to start 2024 with Lansing Waverly followed by Oxford and Lake Orion. We’ll see where they stand after the first week of January but the Blackhawks are heading in the right direction.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers haven’t really played in a long while which is a concern heading into 2024. They sit at 3-1 right now but they have to start playing some games. Harper Woods has a tough January looming which should test Coach LaTonya Tate’s team big time.
Seaholm: The Maples have been up and down lately with their 3-2 record. Addy Flynn has been solid for Seaholm. They earned blowout wins over Farmington, Livonia Franklin, and Clawson but two tough losses to Saline and Warren Cousino. We’ll know a lot about Coach Chris Manchester’s team in January when they play Clarkston and Stoney Creek, it’s a perfect barometer to see where the Maples are at.
Groves: The Falcons have been a really hard team to figure out. Coach Allison Hidey’s team was blown out by Hartland and Birmingham Detroit Country Day, and lost a tough one to Livonia Churchill. They have two wins against Troy and Avondale. Groves needs to find a way to be very competitive against really good teams heading into 2024 especially with the district they are in this postseason. They have a really tough January which includes Novi, Arbor Prep, and West Bloomfield.
North Farmington: The Raiders have been on a roll winning five straight games but they haven’t been battle tested so to some experts the jury is out on Coach Michael Allin’s team. North Farmington has a big test awaiting them when they head to Lake Orion, that game will be a good indicator to see where the Raiders are at. North Farmington is off to a strong start after having a great 2023. Lets see what 2024 brings for the Raiders.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are back to their scoring ways which is a good sign for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Southfield Arts and Tech has a ton of proven experience and it has shown in their wins over Warren Michigan, Colligate, Detroit Denby Tech, and Avondale. The loss to Livonia Stevenson is a concern especially that the Warriors are in the same district with the Spartans. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot to be excited about heading into 2024.
Troy: The Colts have a young team going through a transition period and for Coach Laura Guzman the transition had to happen during the season. Troy is 2-1 vs Macomb County teams which includes wins over Sterling Heights Stevenson and a monster win over St. Clair Shores Lakeview but they have had some really tough losses to Groves, Orchard Lake St. Marys where they were very competitive, and blowout losses to Novi, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, and Romeo. It’s been very rough for the Colts but they have the players and the time to turn this around. They could be a dangerous team come postseason time with the experience and they could sneak up on some people in the Blue.
Berkley: The Bears are in a much better place despite their 4-3 record with tough losses to Royal Oak, Plymouth, and Madison Heights Foley but they have a monster win against Utica Eisenhower which is huge at the moment. They have been very competitive in each of their losses and have been improving under Coach Clay Shaver. Berkley has built program strength as well which should help heading into the future. This is a darkhorse team in the Blue and in the district. I don’t think a ton of teams will like to play the Bears in 2024, they are getting better and better.
Adams: The Highlanders have been very competitive for Coach Joe Malburg but it was a really tough week with losses to Lake Orion and North Farmington. They had another blowout loss to Rochester and a tough one to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. Adams has two wins over Waterford Kettering and Northville which is a huge win for Malburg. Samantha Blaine has been Malburg’s top player but his top players are very young and are gaining a ton of experience. They are a scrappy group defensively. The Highlanders will be fine but they have a brutal January coming up.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have had a rough December but ended the month on a high note winning 40-25 over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Coach Stacie Klump’s team were very competitive against Utica Eisenhower and South Lyon but were blown out by North Farmington and Wayne Memorial. Troy Athens started to get some consistency and will look for some more consistency which should lead into wins heading into 2024.
Farmington: It has been a really rough 2023 for Coach Natalie Nowak and the Falcons. Farmington is really struggling, no sugar coating that. They have been blown out in each game this season which is very concerning. Nowak needs to change something in 2024 if the Falcons are to be competitive.
Avondale: The injury bug has really hurt Coach Roy Christmon’s team. The Yellow Jackets has lost three straight to Dearborn, Chippewa Valley, and Southfield Arts and Tech. The defense has been the problem for Avondale. They have allowed over 50 points in each of their five losses. Christmon needs to focus on the defensive end with his proven squad. The Yellow Jackets have a tough schedule coming up with features Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Harper Woods, Rochester, Seaholm, and Lake Orion along with the Gold schedule. Defense is something that Christmon needs to address heading into 2024.
Ferndale: The Eagles have made a statement which included a win over Detroit Cass Tech in Detroit. Ferndale has played proven teams in Macomb Dakota and Dexter also tough as well. Coach Keith Paris has built this program. They have Ann Arbor Pioneer and Tecumseh in different classics with both games being very winnable. The Eagles are a much different team than last season. They could be the favorite in the Gold in 2024.
Ferndale University: The Eagles were very competitive in their first two games and especially against Detroit Old Redford Academy where they lost by nine but they have only scored nine points in two games. This is something where Coach Brianna Rowe needs to correct heading into 2024.
Oak Park: The Knights have some issues scoring which has shown in their three losses, two of them were blowout losses to Harper Woods and South Lyon but they were very competitive despite their loss to Walled Lake Central by three points. If Oak Park can develop scoring and play aggressive defense then they could surprise some people but it’s one game at a time for Coach Tyler Washington and company.
Pontiac: The Phoenix have three wins over Hazel Park, Marine City Cardinal Mooney, and Brighton Stockwood Prep. They have been very competitive in their losses to Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart, Westland John Glenn, and Waterford Kettering. Pontiac didn’t win a game last season and having three wins is a great sign for a young program that Coach Corray Lett has. The Phoenix still have Troy Athens and Royal Oak with every non-conference game being winnable. They still have a long way to go but Lett has this program heading in the right direction heading into 2024.
by orionontv | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday December 20th at 7:52 PM
This is a move that will cause a ripple effect around the OAA.
Coach Aaron Marshall will change colors from red, white, and blue to orange and black but with the same Warriors name. Marshall has accepted the Birmingham Brother Rice coaching job fresh off of winning the Division One State Championship.
“This is an important moment in the history of Brother Rice and it’s athletic department, Coach Aaron Marshall’s leadership, his understanding of Brother Rice, our values as an institution, our commitment to academic excellence and demonstrated ability to build and lead a quality and highly respected program set him apart throughout the search process. His respect for the past, vision for the future, and enthusiasm for the present will serve our student athletes and the school community moving forward. We look forward to welcoming Aaron Marshall, his wife Lynnea, and his children Lia, Peyton, and Aaron Jr. to our Warrior family” said Birmingham Brother Rice Athletic Director Jeff Calcaterra.
Marshall takes over for Adam Korzeniewski who was 40-33 in seven years with Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors went winless this season in the always very tough Catholic League. He played at Birmingham Brother Rice but moved to Chicago before coming back to Michigan to be at Southfield Arts and Tech to be an assistant under Coach Tim Conley.
“I see an opportunity to build on the rich tradition at Brother Rice and continue the legacy that has touched me and my family. I really appreciate this chance to be part of something special. I promise the Brother Rice community that we will be the hardest working team in the offseason, anywhere. We are going to get to work right away in the next year and we will make you proud” Marshall said in a statement.
Marshall leaves Southfield with a 23-11 record in his three years with the Warriors. He took over for Conley in 2021 after he retired. He was the top assistant and offensive coordinator at Southfield Arts and Tech before taking over the job for eight years and was the head coach at Detroit Northwestern for two years.
It’s a great hire for Birmingham Brother Rice and a tough loss for Southfield Arts and Tech. It will be very interesting to see what the Warriors do without Marshall. Program strength is very interesting to watch with Southfield Arts and Tech. Marshall will have a very strong program with both their sub varsity programs going undefeated.
We’ll see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
by orionontv | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday June 20th at 9:20 AM
Updated Tuesday December 26th at 10:50 AM
This article will be updated very often. Coaches including those are not in the OAA, if you want your thoughts on your district for the blog, please DM me on Twitter or email me.
Here is the districts.
District 60 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Eastpointe
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English Village Prep
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods, 2. Harper Woods Chandler Park
FAVORITE: Harper Woods
NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit East English Village Prep
PLAYER ON SPOT: Clearia Peterson-Harper Woods
THOUGHTS: This district should be much easier for the Pioneers coming back from Division One to Division Two this season. The familiarity should help Harper Woods knowing the district is in the city of Harper Woods even though it’s not at Harper Woods High School. The Pioneers won 12 games last season and will look for more this season. They have Clearia Peterson, Laniaya West, Mikyra Kelly, Tamina Montgomery, Autumn Trotter, and Kendall Kelsey coming back for new coach LaTonya Tate. Detroit East English Village Prep won 13 games last season for Coach Michelle Goodwin. Detroit Denby really struggled last season. They will have a new coach in Quintelle Foster taking over the program. Eastpointe won four games last season for Coach Deon Woods. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 14 games last season for Coach Omar Ahart. This district looks like it should be a two team race between the Pioneers and the Eagles but Detroit East English Village Prep could be a sleeper in this district.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No real changes to this district. The Pioneers are off to a strong start even though they have played a few games. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy is solid. Detroit Denby Tech has been around 500, Detroit East English is struggling a little bit. Eastpointe has been up and down. Overall no real changes are made when it comes to seeding.
District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Henry Ford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Ariyanna Wiggins-Birmingham Detroit Country Day
THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district on paper. Birmingham Detroit Country Day won 18 games last season and is the favorite in this district. The Yellow Jackets have Ariyanna Wiggins, Ayaana Hai, Julia Younes, Sadie Rifkin, Jaidyn Elam, Peja Liles, Emma Arico, Jayla Jackson, and Naiya Krispin coming back for Coach Amber Deane. Detroit Henry Ford went from Division One to Division Two. The Trojans won four games for Coach Chevelle O’Brien last season. Detroit Lincoln King won six games for Coach Eric Boyles last season. Ferndale made a ton of strides winning eight games last season. They will look to have more success this season. The Eagles have Trinity Bennett, Jada Buchanan, Madiah Clark, Alia Herron, Ja’Nyia Larry, Jayla Jackson, Lily Bowson, Iyanna Davis, Demi Bolton, Aaliyah Frost, Jai’la Martin, Isabella Mendoza, and Jayla Pouncy coming back for Coach Keith Paris. Ferndale University really struggled last season. The Eagles have Laressa Brogdon, Lemia Butler, Terrionna Davis, Brooklynn Gray, Tyla Jacon-Parish, JonNae Kitchen, Kayla Lewis, Nakyra Montgomery, and Leanna Spencer coming back for Coach Brianna Rowe. This district overall looks like its Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s district to lose.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No real changes to this district. Ferndale has really improved and has a win over Detroit Cass Tech. I don’t really see any other team challenging the Eagles or the Yellow Jackets in this district.
District 32 @ Grand Blanc
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Lapeer
Holly
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: Oxford
NEXT: Grand Blanc
DARKHORSE: Lapeer
PLAYER ON SPOT: Alison Hufstedler-Oxford
THOUGHTS: This district might be the best chance for Oxford to make some noise. The Wildcats are in the Red and have proven talent in Peyton Richter, Allison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Emma Beggs, Braydee Elling, and Lexi Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Grand Blanc has beaten the Wildcats the last three years in the postseason. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Lauren Piscopink, Raven McQueen, and Mayla Brown coming back for new coach Bob Taylor. Davison really struggled winning seven games last season but there has been some hype surrounding the Cardinals with the proven experience and what they have done this summer. The Cardinals have Paige Allis, Mayae Carradine, Grace Little, Lillian Kish, Gracie Wright, Marionna Dixon, Samantha Beller, Brooke Pizzala, and Lily Morey coming back for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Lapeer won seven games last season. The Lightning have Sephora Miller, Madison White, Lilly Young, Carley Hoover, Hannah Dennis, Alexis Norman, and Madison Spanicciatti coming back for Coach Evan Bell. Holly really struggled winning three games last season. The Bronchos have Mallory Hall and Adel Hoglund coming back for Coach Ben Varner. Overall this district looks like a two maybe three team district but this could be the Wildcats best chance as mentioned.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No changes with the Wildcats or the Bobcats. Oxford still is the early favorite despite their 500 record. I’ve been really disappointed with Davison, the Cardinals I thought would have taken the next step but they have not done that. Lapeer on the other hand has been solid which is a credit to Coach Evan Bell. The Lightning has a huge win over Davison and is right now the darkhorse over the Cardinals. Overall have to put Lapeer over Davison otherwise no changes.
District 29 @ Waterford Mott
LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Lake Orion, 2. Clarkston
FAVORITE: Lake Orion
NEXT: Clarkston
DARKHORSE: Pontiac
PLAYER ON SPOT: Izzy Wotlinski-Lake Orion
THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season when Lake Orion won the district crown at Clarkston 54-52 last season. This district could have the same story but different venue. Waterford Kettering really struggled last season. The Captains have Avery Topinka, Elle Dropps, Lourdes Hale, Jaiden Brady, Isabella Labo, Kylee Nickerson, and Nora Hernandez coming back for new coach and former Oakland University mens basketball standout Rawle Marshall. Waterford Mott will be a very interesting team. The Corsairs have Marissa Trevino, Karli Koskinen, Kate Saunders, Natalia Santia, Ahmya Gulley, and Julianna Lemus coming back for new coach Andy Wellman. Pontiac was very young last season with seven freshmen now sophomores led by Aniyah Shaw, Isisas Shaw, and Carroll Hunt coming back. The Phoenix should be better for Coach Corray Lett. Clarkston is a very interesting team with some proven talent despite being young and not having a ton of size. The Wolves have Elliana Robak, Emily Valencia, Claire Walker, Marley Mazur, Kierra Zorski, Lauren Fishtaller, Ellery Hernandez, and Ella Morgner coming back while Brooklyn Covert and Lexi Fry could make their names known as freshmen for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Lake Orion graduated nine seniors from a team that went to the regional final last season but four players remain from the team that won the district crown either last season or two years ago. They could be very interesting to watch this season. The Dragons have Izzy Wotlinski, Lexi Stroshein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Ryann Pawlacyzk coming back. They added a transfer in Neveah Wood and Ellie Britt returned this offseason for Coach Bob Brydges. Wood and Wotlinski are coming back from ACL injuries. If Brydges can put the pieces together then the Dragons could be right where they need to be. Overall not a ton of changes, this district still looks like it should be a blue and gold vs green and white district final.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No changes to seeding in this district. Pontiac is a deep darkhorse but as mentioned this district is either green and white or blue and yellow. Lake Orion and Clarkston have played brutal non league schedules. The Phoenix are improving but I don’t see them challenging the Dragons or the Wolves respectably. The Waterford schools have been up and down but like I said, I don’t see them challenging the top tier either. Overall no changes to this district.
District 28 @ Troy Athens
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
TROY
TROY ATHENS
AVONDALE
SEAHOLM
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Seaholm
FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills
NEXT: Seaholm
DARKHORSE: Troy
PLAYER ON SPOT: Olivia Sprangler-Troy
THOUGHTS: This should be a wide open district at Troy Athens. Bloomfield Hills has been rising each year winning the Blue last season. This might be the best chance for the Blackhawks to win a district.”Bloomfield Hills will be the team to beat” said new Troy Girls Basketball Coach Laura Guzman. The Blackhawks have Ruby Smith, Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, and Michelle Barnett coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. Troy was very young last season. “I think the girls at Troy are eager to learn” said Guzman. The Colts have Diamond Prince, Reagan Zeiter, Olivia Sprangler, Aly Matuza, Kelsey Block, Victoria Siegan, Carly Blair, Sophia Kaltsounis, and Carly Higginbottom coming back for Guzman. “I think sleeper is the best way to describe the girls” Guzman added. Avondale was very young last season but they made a splash this offseason with Morgan McPherson transferring from Adams. The Yellow Jackets have Madison Manyweathers, Amaria Daniel, Trenitee Carroll, Sasha McClellan, Khalia Bradley, and Arielle Dudley coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens has been an up and down team with injuries really derailing them last season. The Red Hawks have Abby Malone, Katy Keller, Ava Laurer, Kayci Mercier, and Alex Link coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Seaholm has been a team that has had their ups and downs. The Maples have a ton of proven experience in Mary Wiltgen, Mary Gumbis, Clara Guffey, Addy Kitzman, Emma Weber, Taylor Hartwig, and Addy Flynn coming back for Coach Shay Manchester. Overall this is a wide open district, anyone can take this district that is for sure.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This district has proven itself to be wide open. There are a ton of changes. Seaholm has played a tough schedule and is going to be a tough team to beat in this district. I would still put Bloomfield Hills ahead of them because of the interior matchup but these two will play twice in the White. Avondale has had a ton of injuries right now. Coach Roy Christmon’s team needs to get healthy. Troy is going through a transition period that has to happen during the season but when they get more experience they will be a team no one wants to play come March. Troy Athens got their first win but they have a long way to go. Seeing this district it’s wide open as mentioned.
District 27 @ Stoney Creek
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek. 2. Rochester
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Rochester
DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower
PLAYER ON SPOT: Merrick Schlawbach-Stoney Creek
THOUGHTS: This district should be very interesting when looking at the teams. It is the same as last season when Rochester won the district crown. Utica Eisenhower has Devyn Raymond, Brooke Nicholson, Ava Gojcaj, Mariana Stojcevski, Gabriella Gojcaj, Paige Hays, Abby Nezich, and Abby Klaft coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo won 12 games last season. The Bulldogs have Clare Carmody, Abigail Ganfield, Lydia Hall, Anna Iwanicki, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Mya Muschong, Emily Reynolds, and Allison Schoenherr coming back for Coach Ronald LeBlanc. Adams had a very young team last season. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Samantha Blaine, Layla Tomezak, Raegan Jarrell, and Faith Zoldos coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Rochester is coming off their first district crown since 2016. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, Kaitlyn Guiola, Kayla Parsons, and Lucy Cook coming back and Angela Cichowski could make some noise for Coach Bill Thurston. Stoney Creek has been a contender each year in this district and this season is no other. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Merrick Schlawbach, Taylor Fulkerson, and Izzy Ivezaj coming back but Coach Kellen James stepped down and Columbus Williams was named the new coach. Overall the Falcons are the slight favorite because of Max but the Cougars are right there as well as the Eagles but never count out the Highlanders or the Bulldogs by any means in this district.
Adams Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC1SlkaSIfs
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This district should be very interesting. Rochester has some serious concerns at the guards and that’s even when Kylie Robinson comes back. Alice Max has had to do a ton for the Falcons on both sides of the ball. Stoney Creek is off to a strong start with the play of their big three in Sarah LaPrarie, Izzy Ivezaj, and Merrich Schlawbach. Utica Eisenhower has been a really hard team to figure out as of late. Romeo is off to a really strong start with their only loss being to Stoney Creek. Adams has played much better but has struggled in the last two games since beating Northville. Overall no real changes, just have to keep an eye on Rochester’s guard situation, whats up at Utica Eisenhower with consistency, and can Adams bounce back after two losses.
District 23 @ Warren Cousino
GROVES
ROYAL OAK
Warren Cousino
Warren Mott
Sterling Heights
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Royal Oak, 2. Warren Cousino
FAVORITE: Royal Oak
NEXT: Warren Cousino
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jacey Roy-Groves
THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which has a ton of different dynamics. Warren Cousino won 14 games last season and has home court. The Patriots have a ton of proven experience in DeMaya Asberry, Bailey Bainbridge, Laela Bendert, Sara Kozel, Nina Williamson, Alex Pfeiffer, Marleen Marooki, and Nevaeh Porter coming back for Coach Amy Mitchell. Warren Mott won 11 games last season. The Marauders have Leajah Ferguson, Claira Taylor, Addison Brown, and Conamora Ndana coming back for Coach Patrick Schmidt. Sterling Heights won 12 games last season for Coach Michael Gurney. Groves is a very interesting team. They lost a ton of talent but they have some proven players back from a team that should have beat Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons have Jacey Roy, Neveah Cochran-McCay, Cameron Little, and Cira Racco coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Royal Oak may be the most dangerous team in this district because they have everyone from last season coming back. The Ravens have a ton of proven experience with Emilee Austin, Ceci Irwin, Meghan Hahn, Maddie Lawerence, Anna Waterstredt, Lydia Dickens, and Lucy Freytag coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. A player who could make some noise for Royal Oak is Katie Roelofs. She has made some noise during the summer and could be a key player for Sopota. “We’re east again with Groves there and several MAC schools, we’ve been south with Detroit Renaissance, north with Birmingham Marian, and the last time we went east Warren Cousino went onto win a State title, we’ll see different teams and compete in that district” Sopota said at Media Day. This should be a very interesting district to watch that is for sure.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: There could be some changes when it comes to this district. Royal Oak is the favorite but Warren Cousino, Groves, and Sterling Heights could be players. The Patriots beat Seaholm and have played a tough schedule. The Falcons have a tough schedule coming up in 2024. The Stallions have been much improved and a bit of a surprise. Warren Mott has been around 500 but they were blown out by Avondale and Berkley both OAA schools. The gap right now looks to be the Ravens and then everyone else heading into 2024.
District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Farmington Hills Mercy
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Farmington Hills Mercy
FAVORITE: West Bloomfield
NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy
DARKHORSE: Birmingham Marian
PLAYER ON SPOT: Sheridan Beal-West Bloomfield
THOUGHTS: This district is deemed the “Group of Death” with three proven schools that are in this district. West Bloomfield is a slight favorite in this district and I mean slight very lightly. The Lakers have Kendall Hendrix, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Gabrielle Hale, Summer Davis and Indya Davis coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Farmington Hills Mercy is going to be a serious player in this district after winning 22 games last season. The Marlins have Aizlyn Albanese, Owynn Evans, Emily Walker, Allison Smiley, Ava Lorriane, Jessica Heath, and Abby Bores coming back for Coach Gary Morris. It was un Birmingham Marian like last season winning 10 games but they won a district. The Mustangs should be much better this season. They have Mackenzie Swanson, Molly McLeod, Ella Swanson, Charlie Bingham, Charlotte Quaine, Katelyn Morgan, Scarlett Bouschet, Abby Landa, Annalisa Bortolotti, and Ruby Jansen coming back for Coach Michelle Lindsey. They also have incoming freshmen Mack Reid who could make an impact this season. Farmington is a very interesting team with EdiMari King, Anna Tornachuk, and Jayla Silver coming back. They will have a new coach Natalie Nowak. North Farmington is in complete rebuild mode. The Raiders have Hannah Hart and Asiyah Jihad coming back along with transfer Anaiah Bowers for new Coach Michael Allin. Three teams have a shot to win this district as mentioned. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No changes when it comes to seeding in this district. West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills Mercy are off to strong starts. Birmingham Marian has been up and down as of late. North Farmington is off to a strong start but the jury is out when it comes to their non conference. Farmington has had it really challenging. Really no changes and everything seems to be playing out.
District 21 @ TBA
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Southfield Arts and Tech
FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Southfield Arts and Tech
DARKHORSE: Berkley
PLAYER ON SPOT: Maeve Nolan-Berkley
THOUGHTS: This district looks very interesting on paper. Detroit Renaissance is the early favorite because they went to the Division One Final Four last season. The Phoenix have the majority of their roster in Alehia Wade, Anaya Hardy, Harmonie Bolton, Nyana Pharr, Victoria Gambles, Makayla Johnson, Christian Sanders, Sterling Gooden, Jaebrian Autry, Nevaeh Otis, Imani Johnson, and Marhea Bradshaw coming back for Coach DeShawn Wood. Detroit Mumford lost some talent from a team that won 10 games last season but they could be a sleeper. The Mustangs have Cherish Jefferson, CeNiyah Williams, Alaijah Thomas, and Kamira Bragg coming back for Coach Kareem Hogan. Redford Thurston won nine games last season but they will have a new coach in Sydney Droughins this season. Oak Park was up and down last season. The Knights should have some more experience for new coach Tyler Washington. Southfield Arts and Tech has been very good offensively but just awful defensibly. The Warriors have some proven talent in Kamara Paige, Christen Banks, Jordan Ushery, and Jamyra Fritz coming back for Coach Shaquita Coltrane Berkley has a ton of proven experience after a very tough year last season. The Bears have Avery Wintergarden, Maeve Nolan, Haley Kirkwood, Katelin Sillis, Kate McAllister, Madi Boswell, and Nadia Watt coming back for new Coach Clay Shaver. Early on, this district looks like it’s Detroit Renaissance’s but Berkley and Southfield Arts and Tech could have says and maybe Detroit Mumford although it’s not likely with the Mustangs.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: No changes when it comes to seeding. Detroit Renaissance is off to a strong start as expected. Southfield Arts and Tech is off to a strong start although the loss to Livonia Stevenson concerns me. Berkley has been playing really well despite the record. Detroit Mumford has been up and down as of late. Redford Thurston has been up and down. Overall no changes but that can all change heading into 2024.
Here is the districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2024-Districts
by orionontv | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Boys Basketball Districts Are Out 2024.
Written Tuesday June 20th at 9:15 AM
Updated Tuesday December 26th at 11:35 AM
This article will be updated very often. Coaches including those are not in the OAA, if you want your thoughts on your district for the blog, please DM me on Twitter or email me.
Here is the districts.
District 23 @ Groves
GROVES
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Groves, 2. Royal Oak
FAVORITE: Groves
NEXT: Oak Park
DARKHORSE: Berkley
PLAYER ON SPOT: Josh Gibson-Groves
THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Beverly Hills. Warren Mott will look to have a much better season after winning two games last season for Coach Greg Tilney. Royal Oak was up and down last season. The Ravens have Nick Hoffman, Luke Lizak, Eddie Skaleski, and Camden Clark coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Berkley is a very interesting team and could be a wildcard. The Bears have Donovan Powell, Micah Green, Andrew Cook, Joe Voss, and Michael Onuoha coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is not in a district with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit which helps. The Knights have Geon Hutchins and Jason Sanders coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Groves had a great regular season sharing the White with West Bloomfield but they fell to arch rival Seaholm in the first round last season. The Falcons have John Simpson, Josh Gibson, Brody Tushman, Landon McKinney, Paul Hubbard, and Elijah Yelder coming back. They also have David Jones who could make an impact for Coach Marc West. This district could be shaping up to be a Knights/Falcons district final but can’t count out the Ravens or Bears by any means.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This has been a really tough district to figure out when it comes to seeding. Oak Park and Groves are in the Red but they have struggled in December. Royal Oak is off to a torrid start but MPR could be a concern down the line for them. Berkley has been very interesting but they have started to play really good basketball. Warren Mott has really struggled. Overall this is a hard district to predict, I made a change to the MPR to put the Ravens in the two slot but that may not last especially with the Falcons and Knights schedule in the Red. The Bears are a strong darkhorse. Royal Oak will be the team to watch for sure in this district.
District 24 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
Livonia Franklin
PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Livonia Franklin
FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Livonia Franklin
DARKHORSE: Redford Thurston
PLAYER ON SPOT: Dylan Smith-North Farmington
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Livonia. Redford Thurston won 13 games last season. The Eagles have Daniel Winston, Nathan Thompson, Jonathan Tate, Jalen Ferguson, Nicholas Warren, Nathan Williams, Jeremiah Robinson, and Ryan Williams coming back for Coach Brian Bates. Livonia Franklin won 17 games last season. The Patriots have a ton of proven experience in Robbie Wynn, Owen Pottenger, Jon Jasionowski, Mitch Cronyn, Owen Phail, Mendale Broaden, Stocker Kenyon, Aiden Jacobson, Zach Cox, Owen Naum, and Drew Kelbert coming back for Coach Thomas Hurley. Livonia Stevenson won 13 games last season. The Spartans have Mark Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Isaac Iacoban, Nathan Muntean, John Ericson, and Jon Toth coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. Southfield Arts and Tech has Xavier Bowman coming back for Coach Terrance Porter. Farmington should be much improved this season. The Falcons have Greg Grays, Quintez Saltler, Darrell Cochrane, and Anthony Bailey coming back for new coach Byron Johnson. North Farmington lost some proven talent after their very controversial loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional finals last season but they’ll have some proven talent this season. The Raiders have Tyler Spratt, Robert Smith, Landon Williams, and Avi Melster coming back along with Walled Lake Western transfer Dylan Smith and Oak Park transfer Rob Smith for Coach Tom Negoshian. The Raiders are favored but the Patriots might have a strong say and watch for the Falcons and Eagles, they both could make some noise in this district.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: North Farmington is everything that I’ve expected to see and then some. Livonia Franklin has been solid but have had some are you kidding me moments (Dearborn, Dearborn Heights Crestwood.) Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down lately. Livonia Stevenson has won three of their last four games. Farmington has been improving despite their record. Redford Thurston has been up and down. Overall no changes but the gap has widen between the Raiders and everyone else.
District 25 @ TBA
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Western
Lakeland
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield
FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
NEXT: West Bloomfield
DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central
PLAYER ON SPOT: Donnie Watts-West Bloomfield
THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s a mismatch on paper. Orchard Lake St. Marys should be the overwhelming favorite in this district after getting to the final four despite having a losing record and beating four top ten teams in the postseason. The Eaglets have Daniel Smythe, Andrew Smith, Isiah Hines, Luke Crighton, Jayden Savoury, Norman Klawender, Peyton Kemp, Sharod Barnes, and Trey McKenney coming back for Coach Todd Covert. Walled Lake Central was very young last season. The Vikings have Josh Olsson, Robbie Smiley, Vish Das, Nick Hopkins, Jake Nellett, David Yakubov, Xakaria Jallow, Justin Holmes, Nathan Cody, and Luke Sechrist coming back for Coach Chuck Spolsky. Lakeland had an up and down year after winning 13 games last season. The Eagles have Nsikan Usen, Zach Reppuhn, Noah Tiernan, Hayden Cross, Drew Carlson, Cole Bromley, and Bryce Cleasby coming back for Coach Ron Thompson. Walled Lake Western won 11 games last season. The Warriors have Max Kirk, Bryce Wiggins, David Seo, Cameron Walters, Pasha Goffee, Issac Kanouno, Logan Hickey, Kellan Hickey, Nikolas Hakim, Kellen Krzisnik, Jacob Walley, Nathan Doak, and Novak Lazich coming back for Coach Dwayne Graves. Walled Lake Northern should be strong this season after winning eight games last season. The Knights have Owen Hickey, Antonio Hatcher, Drew Smith, Dylan Kramer, Stone Seyburn, Bryce Hodge, Noah Lamerato, and Pierson Bahoura coming back for Coach Ryan Negoshian. West Bloomfield shared the White last season and is in the Red this season. The Lakers have Donnie Watts, Corey Pittman, Chris Britton, Caleb Caudle, and Dyoni Edwards coming back and they added Bloomfield Hills transfer Drew Wilson for Coach Arnette Jordan. This district looks like a mismatch on paper with the Eaglets as the overwhelming favorite and for good reason but the Lakers might have a shot, you never know.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: Walled Lake Central is off to a surprising start to the season with wins over Waterford Mott and Lakeland. Their only loss was to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Lakeland has had moments of greatness. Walled Lake Western has been up and down with wins over Seaholm. Walled Lake Northern is well coached and could pose a tough out for anyone. West Bloomfield has been the Rodney Dangerfield but they have seemed to be turning things around. Orchard Lake St. Marys has had a strong start but fell to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Overall no real changes but the Vikings are a darkhorse to watch.
District 27 @ Grand Blanc
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Davison, 2. Grand Blanc
FAVORITE: Davison
NEXT: Grand Blanc
DARKHORSE: Oxford
PLAYER ON SPOT: Ka’Vion Smith-Holly
THOUGHTS: There are four proven teams in this very tough district in Genesee County. Grand Blanc went to the final four with two different coaches and now they have a new but very familiar coach. The Bobcats have Anthony Perdue, Bryce O’Mara, Donnie Hutchinson, and Daniel Stelle along with incoming freshmen Isaiah McCree coming back for new coach Doreace Martin. Lapeer really struggled going winless last season. They are looking for a bounce back season. The Lightning have Hayden Josef, Will Fisher, Aiden Huestis, Connor Brown, Nikola Mashni, and Trenton Bierbusse coming back for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison really made some strides. They won 17 games last season. The Cardinals have Grew Lawson, Cortez Porter, Buddy Banks-Williams, Conner Woodruff, Sawyer Glennie, Jackson Bowden, and Danny Wolak coming back for Coach Mike Williams. Holly had a special year winning 17 games along with the Flint Metro League tournament last season but was upset by Hartland in the district semifinals. The Bronchos have Ka’Vion Smith, Anthony Simmons, and Bowen Moore coming back for Coach Steve DeHart. Oxford won 13 games last season. The Wildcats have some proven experience in Luke Stoffan, Jay Cady, Drew Cady, Jonah Lundberg, and Jake Champagne coming back for new coach Joe Fedorinchik. This district looks like its Grand Blanc’s to lose but keep an eye on Davison, Holly, and Oxford, these three teams are more than capable of springing an upset.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This district has some major changes. Grand Blanc is 0-2 and there are some major concerns with the Bobcats that I have surrounding them. I’ve seen Davison play and they look really good. The Cardinals are more than capable of breaking through in this district. Holly when healthy is very dangerous. The Bronchos can make up a ton of ground quickly and are well coached. Lapeer is coming off two wins against Holly and Flint but had a rough loss to Clio. Oxford has a win over Lapeer in the regular season. The Wildcats have been playing much better and that’s a good sign. Overall the Cardinals are the favorite but the Bobcats need to be careful with teams like Oxford and Holly when healthy that could pass them.
District 28 @ Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Mott
DARKHORSE: Lake Orion
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jacoby Manyweathers-Waterford Mott
THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very tough and interesting district in Waterford. Waterford Mott added a ton of transfers in the offseason despite winning 16 games last season. The Corsairs have Jordan White, Jacoby Manyweathers, Gavin Ort, Geno Sheets, Jaiden Price, Greg White, Devon Lewis, Marlone Reed, and Isreal Anthony, Damari Stevens, Tory Robinson, and Max Jansenvanvuren coming back. Sheets and Jansenvanuren are coming in from Florida and Birmingham Brother Rice respectively for returning Coach Jeff Jayson. Waterford Kettering really struggled winning four games last season. The Captains have Noah Salazar, Jordan Jarrell, Kevin Meredith, Hunter Jager, Adrian Hicks, Carter Schroeder, Diego Rocha, and Noah Bisnett coming back for Coach Steve Emert. Pontiac really struggled last season but things have been trending in the right direction. The Phoenix have JJ Claudio, Traveon Peters, Carter Leatherwood, OJ Ghee, Famarzay Jeffery, Faheem Jeffery, and Tim Ewing for new coach Andrew Myers. Claudio, Peters, Ghee, Jeffery, and Ewing are either freshmen or sophomores. Avondale had some turmoil last season. They have a new coach and has been a pure Jekyll and Hyde team this summer. The Yellow Jackets have DJ Moody, Dequarius White, Anthony Burton, Amaria Daniel, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back for new Coach Jaret Thomas. Lake Orion was very competitive last season winning 12 games. They are a very young team but they could surprise some people. The Dragons have Gabe Scott, Nick Galben, Ethan Sharkey, Hayden Armstrong, Quay Fly, Ryan Rocheleau, and Sam Blakeley coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. Lake Orion did get a transfer in Zach Parks. Parks transferred from Brandon this offseason. Clarkston won 12 games despite what fans called a struggling year last season. The Wolves have Aidan Barnes, Brady Beck, Cole Charter, Quinn Rosenberg, Peyton Fitzsimmons, John Kaul, Brycen Lefief, Matthew Pflieger, and Matthew Taverna coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. This district is very tough as mentioned. The Wolves are a slight favorite but never count out the Corsairs, Dragons, Yellow Jackets, or Phoenix.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This district is really starting to get interesting. Clarkston despite their early struggles has been rolling. I’ve been torn on Waterford Mott and Lake Orion. The Corsairs have been struggling a little bit while the Dragons have been a machine. Avondale has been starting to turn things around and could be a tough task for anyone who has to play them. Pontiac has been up and down. Waterford Kettering has been also up and down. Overall I thought about moving Lake Orion over Waterford Mott but decided to keep everything as is because of the play in the Lakes Valley Conference.
District 29 @ Troy Athens
TROY ATHENS
TROY
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Birmingham Brother Rice
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Troy
FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice
NEXT: Troy
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Warren Marshall-Birmingham Brother Rice
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district on paper. Birmingham Brother Rice fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals last season despite winning 22 games. The Warriors and the Eaglets are in different districts this season. The Warriors have TJ Yaldo, Lohan Hamama, Luke Salkowski, Evan Koph, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Jeremiah Caffey, David Williams, Cash Lawson, and Chase Van Ameyde coming back. They added Elijah Williams from Arizona, Trevor Smith transferred in from Okemos and have a freshman standout in Ace Walters for Coach Ricky Palmer. Troy won 15 games last season and should be in the mix. They have Jon Whiteside, Andrew Lake, DeNiro Price, Bryce Bauman, Chase Kuiper, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Bloomfield Hills lost a ton of proven talent from last season. The Blackhawks have Daron Mason, Carter Canfield, Mason Hitchcock, Blake Nagy, Reggie Hinton, and Phil Mohammad coming back for Coach Brian Canfield. Troy Athens should be a sleeper and they have home court. The Red Hawks have Emmanuel Robinson, Hayden Crum, Brayden Downey, Griffin LaBay, Luke DiGiovanni, and Eli Garvin coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Seaholm won the Blue last season after a rough start. The Maples have Findlay Sparby, Abraham Miller, Max Laskey, James Chinonis, and Jacob Drouillard coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. This district looks like it’s the Warriors to lose but the Colts might have a very strong say about that and everyone else in this district is not bad at all.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Brother Rice is off to a very strong start. Troy has bounced back nicely after their opening night loss to Berkley. Troy Athens has been up and down lately. Bloomfield Hills has really struggled this season. Seaholm has been up and down thus far. Overall no changes when it comes to seeding in this district.
District 30 @ Adams
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Utica Eisenhower
Utica
Romeo
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Utica
FAVORITE: Adams
NEXT: Utica
DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower
PLAYER ON SPOT: Peter Karadasis-Adams
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district whoever hosts. Utica won 15 games last season. The Chieftains have Numehnne Gwilly, Sebastian Soriano, Mason Brodi, Silas Smith, Hussein Naser, Timothy Geottes, Ali Hasan, Blake Dan, Nick Gojcaj, and Luke Cottingham coming back for Coach David Hinke. Utica Eisenhower should be very interesting. They won 14 games but fell to Adams on a buzzer beater at home in the district finals last season. The Eagles have Brandon Buza, Alex Varner, Hayden Bills, Ian Patterson, Preston Crum, Owen Van Dam, Karsten Vaughn, Dominic Trupi, Cody Raymond, and Khristian Dimovski coming back for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo has been an enigma especially in the postseason. The Bulldogs have Deron Foster, Maguire Guinn, Rickey Hussey, Aidan Kamego, Aidan Tague, Andrew Taseski, and Jacob Watson coming back for Coach Marv Cushingberry. Rochester should be solid again this season. The Falcons have Max Mohl, Logan Pleasant, Noah Kim, Luke Lionas, Evan Crowe, and Jake Tandy coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Stoney Creek really struggled last season. The Cougars have Tre Walker, and Tommasso Sinacola coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Adams went through a lot of changes this offseason but they should be in the mix come postseason time. The Highlanders have William Gee, Peter Karadasis, Trenton LaGarde, Jake Andrzejak, Aaron Troxwell, Chan Yang, and Gavin Farris coming back for new Coach Isiah Novak. This district is very interesting as mentioned. The Eagles and Highlanders stand out but watch for the Cougars with their young nucleus. The Falcons and Chieftains aren’t bad either. It’s really hard to trust the Bulldogs come postseason time.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: The Highlanders have been off to a good start and the record shows it. Utica has been off to a torrid start going 8-0. The Chieftains have wins over Romeo and Utica Eisenhower. Romeo it’s hard to trust them when it comes to consistency. Utica Eisenhower is starting to turn things around despite losses to Utica and New Haven. Rochester has struggled but got a win to close 2023. Stoney Creek has really struggled and the stats prove it. Overall a ton of changes but Utica should scare anyone who is in this district.
District 58 @ TBA
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English Village Prep
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Harper Woods
FAVORITE: Harper Woods
NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit East English Village Prep
PLAYER ON SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods
THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines in this district but no one is hosting as of yet. Detroit Denby won 10 games last season for Coach Kevin Woodmore. Detroit East English Village Prep won five games last season for Coach Vincent Bright. St. Clair Shores South Lake won six games. Eastpointe went winless last season. The Shamrocks have Aaron Perry, Dalon Davis, and Kean Davison coming back for Coach Michael Railey. Harper Woods Chandler Park won 15 games last season for Coach Bobby Thompson. Harper Woods made the district finals in Division One last season. They are back in Division Two this season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Isiah Lewis, Colby Bailey, Jason Prince, Delano Key, Tyler Lowry, and Stephone Buford coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Overall this looks like a two team district between the Pioneers and Eagles but don’t count the Tars, they could surprise some people.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: Detroit Denby Tech has really struggled this season. Harper Woods has been up and down with their record but they have played a really tough schedule. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy is off to a strong start but fell to Detroit University Prep and they are one of the favorites in the districts. Eastpointe has been up and down. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been up and down lately. Detroit East English Village Prep has been up and down but they are my darkhorse in this district.
District 59 @ Detroit Pershing
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Pershing
Detroit Osborn
Warren Lincoln
Hazel Park
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Warren Lincoln
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT: Warren Lincoln
DARKHORSE: Detroit Pershing
PLAYER ON SPOT: Trenton Ruth-Ferndale
THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Talking to Ferndale Coach Juan Rickman during media day, he is not a big fan of this district being held at Detroit Pershing. Hazel Park won six games with a very young team last season. The Vikings have LaMontai Otis, Ajavion Rogers, Mason Pickett, Kaleb Lervik, and Caleb Strother coming back for new Coach C.J Goff. Warren Lincoln won 18 games last season. The Abes have Markus Blackwell, Moses Blackwell, and Timarion Minor coming back for Coach Wydell Henry. Detroit Osborn really struggled. They won three games last season for Coach Anton Bradford. Detroit Pershing won four games with a very young team last season for Coach Shawn Hill. Ferndale University had an up and down year last season. The Eagles have Tyler Stokes, Arthur Stanley, Jeremiah Hill, Dajuan Small, and Pierce Sanders coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Ferndale won the Division Two State crown for the first time since 1966 last season but they will have a young team that will have three freshmen and a sophomore this season. The Eagles have proven experience in Trenton Ruth, Mishawn Hearford, Julian Cardenas, Markiese Young, Kaden Hudson, and Darien Johnson coming back along with the arrival of Eden Vinyard and Toriano Adams for Rickman. Overall this district looks like it’s a two team race but never count out Ferndale University or Hazel Park by any means.
HOLIDAY THOUGHTS: This district will be a two team battle between the Eagles and the Abes. Both are State ranked and have proven experience to their lineups. Detroit Pershing is now the darkhorse with their start. The Doughboys could be a problem for the top two teams. Ferndale University has been up and down. Detroit Osborn has been playing really good basketball and they are off to a strong start. Hazel Park has been up and down. This should be a very interesting district late into the year. It should be very competitive.
Here are the Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2024-Districts
