Final Week Previews

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Final Week Previews.

Written Sunday June 9th at 5:45 PM

We’re into the final week of the season. Here is the Girls Softball State Quarterfinal and Girls Soccer State Semifinal Previews.

Softball

LAKE ORION vs Lakeland @ Marysville

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have very strong softball traditions. The Eagles are coming off a sweep of Troy Athens (15-0) and Bloomfield Hills (8-3) by a combined 23-3 which gave them their first regional crown since 2012. This will be Lakeland’s biggest test of the postseason as they face a Dragons team that has been battle tested and been put through the gauntlet. Lake Orion beat Stoney Creek and Macomb Dakota by 5-4 scores in the district and regional finals respectably. The winner of this State Quarterfinal matchup will see either Hartland or Ava Bradshaw and South Lyon in the State Semifinals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This will be the Eagles toughest test in the postseason. Lakeland has played against fellow Lakes Valley Conference rivals South Lyon and South Lyon East. The tough schedule favors the Dragons and that’s why they’ll be heading to Michigan State for the second straight year and likely see Bradshaw and the Lions. PICK: LAKE ORION.

Soccer

ADAMS vs Plymouth Salem @ Troy

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have made surprising runs this postseason. Plymouth Salem had a big district final win over Livonia Stevenson in the district final. The Rocks had to see Plymouth and Plymouth Canton have deep runs but this season was their time to shine and it’s their first regional crown since 1995. Adams had to go through Rochester and Troy to get to this point. The Highlanders seen Stoney Creek make a deep run last season but it’s their time. The winner will see Hartland or Grand Haven in the State Finals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This should be a good one, I see the Highlanders winning this one being it’s a shorter drive from Rochester to Troy unlike Plymouth to Troy. I see Adams winning in a classic. PICK: ADAMS.