Girls Basketball District Preview

Girls Basketball District Preview

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball District Preview

Written Sunday February 25th at 10:45 AM

Here are the Girls Basketball District matchups and preview looking ahead.

Here is deeper insight of each district.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/written-tuesday-june-20th-at-920-am.html

 

District 60 @ Harper Woods

Eastpointe vs HARPER WOODS

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

THOUGHTS: This does not look like a very strong district. Harper Woods has some experience despite having a losing record. The Pioneers have played a very difficult schedule based on the MPR but have struggled as of late. Eastpointe has the most wins out of this group but the strength of schedule is not the greatest for the Shamrocks. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the second seed but the Eagles could make amends in the tournament despite their struggles. Detroit East English has really under performed this season but like Harper Woods Chandler Park they could make amends in the postseason. Harper Woods is the favorite in this district but they could get upset by Eastpointe in the district semifinals if they aren’t careful.

 

District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Lincoln King

Winner plays Birmingham Detroit Country Day in district semifinals

 

Detroit University Prep vs Detroit Henry Ford

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is shaping up to be a Ferndale vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district final. The Yellow Jackets have had a really strong season and look to keep that momentum going. Detroit Lincoln King could give them some fits in the district semifinals pending if they can get by Ferndale University in the first round. The Eagles have had a strong season winning the Gold and have been battle tested. They edged out Detroit Lincoln King for the second seed. Detroit Henry Ford could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Overall I see this being a district final preview as mentioned between the two seeded teams.

 

District 32 @ Lapeer

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Grand Blanc in district semifinals

 

Davison vs OXFORD-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Grand Blanc looks to be the favorite because of their strength of schedule but keep an eye on Oxford. The Wildcats went to the Red this season just for this moment. Grand Blanc has beaten Oxford three straight years but there are some who believe this is the Wildcats time to break through the Bobcats wall. Oxford will have to get past Davison again if they want to make it back to the district finals. The Wildcats beat the Cardinals 42-34 earlier in the season at Ian Smith Gym but the foot injury to Sophia Rabb will be worth monitoring to see if she comes back for the district. Grand Blanc will see the winner of Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. Both teams have really struggled this season but the Lightning have a win over Davison in the regular season. This should be a Wildcats/Bobcats district final on paper but you never know.

 

District 29 @ Waterford Mott

 

Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

 

Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

THOUGHTS: This district has the makings of a Lake Orion/Clarkston district finals which seems likely at the moment where both teams won at home in their two Red matchups (Clarkston 60-48, Lake Orion 49-48.) Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott doesn’t really match up well to the Dragons and Wolves respectively. Clarkston has won several games behind their balance attack of Brooklyn Covert, Ellery Hernandez, Ellie Mourner, Marly Mazur, and Emily Valencia. They have been without their best player in Ellianna Robak who has been battling an ankle injury she injured against the Dragons in their regular season meeting at Lake Orion. Lake Orion has found multiple ways to win after some really tough losses in the middle of the season. The Dragons have relied on Izzy Wotlinski, Ryan Pawalcyzk, Ellie Britt, Lexie Stroschein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Neveah Wood along with timely defense in that stretch. This district as I said in June will be colored in green and white or blue and gold.

 

District 28 @ Troy Athens

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs TROY ATHENS

Winner plays TROY in district semifinals

 

AVONDALE vs SEAHOLM- district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting when looking at the teams, it’s anyone’s for the taking. Seaholm got the best part of the draw having to play Avondale in the district semifinals where they won 64-42 in Birmingham earlier in the season. The Maples clinched at least a share of the White with their win over Harper Woods. The Maples beat Bloomfield Hills 53-37 at Little Caesars Arena earlier in the season but they have not played Troy or Troy Athens this season. The Yellow Jackets have been injury riddled all season. Troy has really improved since their 3-7 start and have played much better in recent weeks. The Colts have a daunting task awaiting them, they could see either Bloomfield Hills or Troy Athens which should be very interesting in the district semifinals. Troy has a 54-51 win at Troy Athens earlier in the season but they haven’t played the Blackhawks this season. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.

 

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

 

ADAMS vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays STONEY CREEK in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district on Tienken and Sheldon Road. Stoney Creek has beaten everyone in this district at least once this season but they struggled as of late with the rough and tear of the Red. The Cougars will see either Adams or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Highlanders are better than their record says they are and they gave Stoney Creek everything they could handle in the Crosstown Showdown. The Eagles are not an easy team either by any stretch. On the other side of the bracket, this is the worst matchup for Romeo having to play Rochester. The Falcons have two very talented bigs in Alice Max and Kylie Robinson and despite their record, Rochester has been here before. The Bulldogs have had a really good season but playing the Falcons is a tough chore. This should be a very interesting district, Stoney Creek is the favorite because of home court and proven experience players in Sarah LaPraire, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj but they have several roadblocks ahead of them in the postseason.

District 23 @ Warren Cousino

 

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights

Winner plays Warren Cousino in district semifinals

 

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Royal Oak had the top seed all but wrapped up but they fell 46-42 to Groves in Beverly Hills in a very good game. The loss to the Falcons placed the Ravens into the second seed which means they will rematch the Falcons for the third time in the district semifinals (Royal Oak won first meeting 38-31 in Royal Oak.) Warren Cousino benefited from this outcome by getting the top seed and will await Warren Mott or Sterling Heights in the district semifinals. The Patriots have won 15 games this season which included a 50-47 win over Seaholm in Warren and they have home court. It will be very interesting to see what OAA team awaits them in the district final unless they get upset which is unlikely. Warren Cousino is the favorite because of home court but Royal Oak and Groves have other plans in mind.

District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

Winner plays West Bloomfield in district semifinals

 

Birmingham Marian vs Farmington Hills Mercy-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with powerhouse names. North Farmington and Farmington will have a rematch in the first round after the Raiders won 59-12 over the Falcons earlier in the season. Whoever wins that game will play West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. The Lakers are the overwhelming favorite in this district with proven experience in Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, and Ava Lord. Whoever wins that side of the district will get a Catholic League power in the district finals. Birmingham Marian or Farmington Hills Mercy in part four of their season series (Catholic League and the Catholic League playoffs) in the district semifinals with the winner likely having to face the Lakers in the district finals. I don’t see how anyone in this district will give West Bloomfield a game.

District 21 @ Berkley

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs OAK PARK

Winner plays Detroit Renaissance in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Detroit Mumford in district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting on Catalpa Drive. Detroit Renaissance is the favorite and are veteran heavy. Southfield Arts and Tech could give the Phoenix some trouble in the district semifinals with their athleticism and speed pending if they can get by Oak Park. Berkley and Redford Thurston should be very interesting with both teams winning double digit games this season. The Bears have been playing really good basketball behind the play of Maeve Nolan, Madi Boswall, Hailey Kirkwood, Nadia Watt, Avery Wintergarden, Kaitlyn Sills, and others. The winner will play Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. The Mustangs have played a really tough schedule so don’t let their record deceive you they are well coached and very good. This is shaping up to be a very good district at Berkley.

Girls Basketball District Preview

Boys Basketball District Preview

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball District Preview.

Written Saturday February 24th at 5:00 PM

All first round matchups are on top with the second on the bottom. The top plays at 5:30 on Monday and Wednesday while bottom plays at 7 PM on the same days. The district finals for each will play on Friday at 7 PM unless proven otherwise.

Here is a more detailed preview from June.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/boys-basketball-districts-are-out-2024.html

 

District 58 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Winner plays Harper Woods Chandler Park in district semifinals

 

Detroit Denby Tech vs Eastpointe

Winner plays HARPER WOODS in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: The Pioneers might have gotten the best draw in this district. The Eagles will likely have to see Detroit East English Village Prep pending if they get by the Cavaliers in the first round. Harper Woods Chandler Park’s best win was over Flint New Standard Academy. Harper Woods has played a tough schedule in the White. Detroit East English is the sleeper who could ruin an all Harper Woods district final.

 

 

 

District 59 @ Detroit Pershing

 

Detroit Pershing vs Hazel Park

Winner plays Warren Lincoln in district semifinals

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Osborn

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s going to be Ferndale against Warren Lincoln district final like last season when the Eagles used this win to springboard them to the Division Two State crown. Detroit Pershing is a sleeper and could give the Abes some big problems in the district semifinals. On the other side, Detroit Osborn is not a bad team, they could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Both the Eagles and the Abes have been ranked in Division Two for a long while now, it shouldn’t be any different especially with the winner likely going to make a deep postseason run.

 

 

District 30 @ Adams

 

STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays Utica in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

Winner plays ADAMS in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at the corner of Adams and Tienken Road. Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower have golden opportunities to get to the district final and they will meet each other in the first round. I haven’t been sold on Utica all season despite winning the Macomb Area Conference Blue along with wins over Romeo and Utica Eisenhower however they were crushed by Warren De LaSalle and fell to Chippewa Valley last week. On the other side, Adams looks like they are the team to beat, they will get the winner of a star studded guard matchup between Max Mohl of Rochester and Aiden Tague of Romeo. The Falcons are scorching right now. This has the makings of a Highlanders/Chieftains district final. I would be more concerned with Utica’s path then I would with Adams but Rochester could give them some trouble if the Highlanders aren’t careful.

 

 

District 29 @ Troy Athens

 

SEAHOLM vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Winner plays Birmingham Brother Rice in district semifinals

 

TROY vs TROY ATHENS-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a Birmingham Brother Rice/Troy district final but can’t count out Troy Athens. The Red Hawks are the hosts and have had a good season despite falling twice to the Colts. It’s very hard to beat a team three times in a season. Bloomfield Hills has that same dilemma against Seaholm in the first round but the winner will have a really tough matchup with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. The Warriors are the favorite because of their size but you can’t count the city of Troy out just yet.

 

 

District 28 @ Waterford Kettering

 

LAKE ORION vs Waterford Kettering

Winner plays Waterford Mott in district semifinals

 

CLARKSTON vs PONTIAC

Winner plays AVONDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This should be a very competitive district. Waterford Mott is the early favorite but Lake Orion could give them some problems in the district semifinals should the Dragons get past Waterford Kettering in the first round. On the other side, Clarkston looks to be the favorite to get to the district finals but former Wolves standout Andrew Myers stands in the way and he brings the Phoenix into a first round matchup and Clarkston has been around 500 this season. Whoever wins gets Avondale in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. Anyone can win this district, that is for sure.

 

 

District 27 @ Grand Blanc

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Davison in district semifinals

 

OXFORD vs Grand Blanc-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting storyline. Davison has been very good all season while Grand Blanc has enjoyed a resurgence after a rough start. The Bobcats have a very interesting matchup with Oxford in the district semifinals. The Wildcats bring the best player in the district in Jake Champagne. Holly could give the Cardinals some trouble in the district semifinals pending if they get by Lapeer. This should be a very interesting district in Genesee County.

 

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

 

Lakeland vs Walled Lake Northern

Winner plays Orchard Lake St. Marys in district semifinals

 

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Winner plays WEST BLOOMFIELD in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district, Orchard Lake St. Marys got the top seed and the best draw knowing that West Bloomfield and Walled Lake Central will likely see each other in the district semifinals even though the Vikings have lost two straight games with one to Walled Lake Northern which was surprising. The Knights could give the Eaglets some trouble in the district semifinals although it’s not likely to occur. This could be a battle of Orchard Lake district final which seems possible at the moment.

 

 

District 24 @ Livonia Stevenson

 

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Livonia Franklin

Winner plays NORTH FARMINGTON in district semifinals

 

FARMINGTON vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Livonia Stevenson in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in northern Wayne County. North Farmington got a really good draw but they have struggled in recent weeks. Farmington lost their chance at the two seed to Warren Michigan Collegiate. It is unknown if Greg Grays will give it a go with his foot injury but if he does, it’s a big boost for the Falcons. I’m not sold on Livonia Stevenson despite them being the host. Whoever wins that side of the draw will have a really tough time with the Raiders in the district finals.

 

 

District 23 @ Groves

 

OAK PARK vs ROYAL OAK

Winner plays GROVES in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Warren Mott-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district, Groves is the top seed however Oak Park could give the Falcons big time trouble if the Knights are healthy in the district semifinals pending if Oak Park can get by Royal Oak who has really struggled by going 1-7 in their last eight games in the first round. Berkley is on the other side and should get past Warren Mott in the district semifinals. The Bears should await the winner in the district finals. This is a three team district for sure.

Help Stop Invasive Species During Awareness Week

Help Stop Invasive Species During Awareness Week

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: February 26, 2024
Program contact: Susannah Iott, 517-420-0473
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Help Stop Invasive Species during National Invasive Species Awareness Week

LANSING – National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is an international annual event held February 26 through March 3, 2024, looking to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose, and what can do together to prevent their spread. In support of NISAW, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is encouraging all Michiganders to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens not native to an area and can cause serious harm to the environment, economy, agriculture, or public health. These pests often are fast growing, reproduce rapidly, and have few predators or natural controls in their new environments.

“Our department works tirelessly to prevent the spread of these pests, but getting everyone involved in prevention and detection is key to the fight against invasive species,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director.

Here are some ways to help limit the spread of invasive species:

  • Buy heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it to avoid transporting insects or tree diseases that may be hitchhiking untreated wood.
  • When returning from international travel, declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these items are pest-free.
  • Avoid buying seeds or plants online from unknown vendors.
  • After enjoying the outdoors, inspect and clean shoes, clothing, gear and vehicles to assure they are pest and seed free.

“Each year, invasive pests destroy up to 40 percent of food crops around the world and cause billions of dollars in production and trade losses,” added Carlson. “Additionally, the changing climate and increasing loss of biodiversity are made worse when invasive species alter our natural ecosystems.”

Check out MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series to learn more about invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in Michigan. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases to MDARD through the Michigan Invasive Species website or at 800-292-3939.
Michigan’s Graduation Rate Nearing All-Time High 

Michigan’s Graduation Rate Nearing All-Time High 

by | Feb 23, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 23, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Michigan’s Graduation Rate Nearing All-Time High

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Center for Educational Performance and Information reported that Michigan’s graduation rate is at the second highest-level ever, second only to the 2019-2020 rate, during the governor’s first year in office. The governor made education a central focus of her 2024 State of the State Address, calling to expand pre-K for all and make community college tuition-free for all high school graduates.

 

“Michigan’s graduation rate increased for the second year in a row and is approaching an all-time high. These numbers reflect the work we’ve been doing to make sure every child gets a quality education that sets them up for future success,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, we increased mental health and after-school counseling, expanded tutoring programs to get kids back on track, and delivered free breakfast and lunch to every public school student in Michigan. We are going to build on this momentum, which is why we proposed the Michigan Guarantee in this year’s budget, so every Michigander is guaranteed a tuition-free path from pre-k through community college. Let’s get it done.”

 

The Michigan Guarantee

In her 2024 State of the State Address, the Governor laid out her vision to improve education in Michigan. The Governor proposed the Michigan Guarantee, so every Michigander can have access to quality education from pre-k through community college. Free pre-K saves families an average of $10,000 a year and helps students build a solid academic foundation for long-term success, improving literacy rates and closing achievement gaps. The governor also wants to make the first two years of community college tuition-free for every high school graduate. This will save students an average of $4,000 as they earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate at a community college, helping them land a better-paying, high-skill job in a career field they are passionate about.

 

Governor Whitmer’s Record, Bipartisan Investments in Education

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a historic, bipartisan education budget that made the highest per-student investment in Michigan history. The budget made record investments in mental health and school safety, individualized tutoring and academic support through the MI Kids Back on Track Program, and secured funds to retain and develop existing teachers through mentoring programs. The budget also delivered on free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students and expanded free pre-k to 5,600 four-year-olds for this academic year. The Governor also set the Sixty by 30 Goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skill certificate by 2030 and created the Office of Sixty by 30 to lead the state’s effort. Governor Whitmer also lowered the age of Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21, offering Michigander’s tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate in high-demand careers.
Early voting for Primary heads into final weekend

Early voting for Primary heads into final weekend

by | Feb 23, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

Early voting for Presidential Primary heads into final weekend

Find early voting sites, hours at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting

LANSING, Mich. – Early voting sites across the state will be open Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 for the second and final weekend of in-person early voting for Michigan’s Presidential Primary. Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.

 

More than 50,000 Michigan voters have cast their ballot at an early voting site since the start of early voting last Saturday. Visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting to find the nearest early voting site and hours of operation. Municipalities have the option to operate early voting sites through their county or in partnership with other municipalities, so early voting sites may be different than a voter’s usual polling place.

 

This is the first statewide election in Michigan’s history in which voters have had the option to cast a ballot in person at an early voting site. At least nine consecutive days of in-person early voting for state and federal elections – including two weekends – is now a constitutional requirement following the 2022 passage of Proposal 2.

 

Early voting sites operate similarly to Election Day polling places — voters walk in, receive their ballot, mark their ballot and enter it into the tabulator. Voters who requested and received an absentee ballot have the option to bring that ballot to their early voting site and enter it into the tabulator. Early voting ballots and absentee ballots are not counted until Election Day.

 

Michigan citizens can register to vote in person at their clerk’s office with proof of residency now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can register and cast a ballot on the same day.

 

On Election Day, Feb. 27, polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

 

Learn more about voting and elections at Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

WATCH: Early voting in Michigan