Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview.

Written Saturday June 1st at 8:15 PM

Softball

Have projections for softball as well.

Region 7 @ Waterford Mott

TROY ATHENS vs Lakeland

NORTH FARMINGTON vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This should be a very competitive but interesting regional. Anyone can win this regional. Bloomfield Hills outscored their two opponents in Waterford Kettering (13-0) and Clarkston (2-0) by a combined 15-0 in both games. The Blackhawks have a ton of balance heading into their game with North Farmington. The Raiders had to earn their way to a district crown by beating Groves 7-4 in the district semifinal and Seaholm 4-3 in eight innings. North Farmington has been really tested as anyone heading into this regional. Lakeland might have a case to say what the Raiders have been saying. The Eagles had to survive Walled Lake Northern 6-3 in the district semifinal and survive 10-7 over arch rival Milford in the district finals. Troy Athens has been riding with a ton of confidence. The Red Hawks knocked off arch rival Troy 12-6 in the district semifinal and 12-3 over Avondale in the district finals winning by a combined 24-9 in both games. It should be a very interesting semifinal matchup with Lakeland.

PICK: Lakeland: The Eagles have a ton of proven experience and beating a team like Walled Lake Northern should help their confidence. I think Bloomfield Hills gets by North Farmington in a really tight game. I like Lakeland over Troy Athens but also that will be close. I think experience gets the Eagles to the quarterfinals as mentioned.

 

Region 8 @ Lake Orion

LAKE ORION vs Utica Ford II

Macomb Dakota vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: I watched the State Champs Softball podcast and they were very high on Macomb Dakota and the accomplishments they have had this season. Yes the Cougars have a new coach in Shelby Weeks and have had a great season which included a 7-5 win over Lake Orion at Lake Orion. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 5-4 win over Stoney Creek and their star ace Erin Flynn. Utica Ford II really wasn’t tested in their district. The Falcons won over Macomb L’Anse Creuse (15-0) and Fraser (10-6) by a combined 25-6 in their two district games. New Baltimore Anchor Bay has been up and down all season. The Tars won their district over Port Huron Northern (18-0) and Romeo (3-0) by a combined 21-0. Macomb Dakota has beaten New Baltimore Anchor Bay this season in MAC play. These four teams know each other quite well.

PICK: Lake Orion: The State Champs Softball Podcast has Macomb Dakota winning this regional. Now I respect their opinion but I don’t agree with it. I think Lake Orion comes out of this for a few reasons. I think they will beat Utica Ford II in a very competitive game. The Cougars should have no issue with New Baltimore Anchor Bay now that could change. Lake Orion should be motivated after falling to Macomb Dakota earlier in the season. The Dragons beat the Cougars in the regional final last season which featured an insane catch by Ellie Britt in that game. The loss to Lake Orion was the Cougars motivation earlier in the season. This could be a very interesting and very tense regional.

 

Region 14 @ Trenton

HARPER WOODS vs Carleton Airport

Dearborn Divine Child vs Riverview

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: These are some very familiar teams in this regional particularity three of the four you kind of expected to be here in this regional. The Pioneers weren’t really tested in their district. They won by a combined 30-0 over Detroit East English Village Prep (15-0) and Detroit Denby Tech (15-0.) Harper Woods will have a really difficult task against a solid Carleton Airport program. The Jets knocked off a very good New Boston Huron program 4-3 in 12 innings in the district semifinals and a really good Trenton team 7-0 in the district final to get to this matchup. The second game should be very interesting between Dearborn Divine Child and Riverview. The Falcons had no problem with Detroit Martin Luther King and Dearborn Henry Ford in their district. The Pirates had no issue with Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Southgate Anderson and Dearborn Heights Annapolis outscoring their three opponents by a combined 45-2. This should be a very interesting regional over in Trenton.

PICK: Riverview: The Pirates were a machine in both of their district games and is a proven powerhouse. Dearborn Divine Child and Carleton Airport should give them games but at the end of the day it will be too much Riverview here for them to move on.

Baseball Regional Semifinals

SEAHOLM vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Seaholm

This should be a very interesting matchup between the Cubs and the Maples. Seaholm became an honorary member of the Catholic League. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit wasn’t really tested in their district after winning by a combined 23-1 over Ferndale (13-1) and Southfield Arts and Tech (10-0.) Seaholm was very impressive in their district outscoring Royal Oak (10-1) and Troy (8-1) by a combined 18-2 earning back to back district crowns. The winner of this game will meet either Birmingham Brother Rice or Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional final at Wayne State.

ROCHESTER vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay @ Stoney Creek

This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that haven’t really seen on another. The Falcons are coming off winning the Lake Orion regional knocking off Adams 6-1 in the district finals. The Tars earned a hard fought 4-3 win over Romeo in the district finals. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned in Stoney Creek. The winner will meet either Grand Blanc or Flushing at Grand Blanc in the regional final.

 

Girls Lacrosse State Semifinals

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Brighton

This is a very interesting matchup between the Blackhawks and the Bulldogs at West Bloomfield. Brighton has had Bloomfield Hills number and has been impressive this postseason after winning 19-11 over Northville. Bloomfield Hills had to survive Troy in overtime 13-11 in their regional final. This should be a very interesting matchup to watch as mentioned.

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

OAA Champions Crowned

OAA Champions Crowned.

Written Saturday June 1st at 6:06 PM

Oak Park repeats as State Champions in Girls Track.

The Knights girls track and field team showed their dominance in the Division One State meet at East Kentwood on Saturday afternoon.

Oak Park scored 88 points repeating as the Division One State Champions.

The Knights did their damage in the mid distance. Oak Park got 18 points from Neveah Burns and Dayshana Kellogg in the 400. Kylie King won the 800. The Knights won the Four by One, the Four by Two, and the Four by Four relays. Burns took sixth in the 200.

Rochester finished 12th with 18 points, West Bloomfield was tied for ninth with 19 points, Bloomfield Hills was tied for 30th with seven points, Farmington was tied for 33rd with six points, Royal Oak was tied for 41th with four points, Groves was tied for 44th with three points, Southfield Arts and Tech and Lake Orion were tied for 48th with two points.

Ferndale was in the Division Two State meet at Hamilton High School. They finished tied for 49th with four points.

Oak Park has a ton of proven talent coming back next season. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Knights are right back in this conversation.

On the boys side, Troy Athens was 13th with 15 points, Troy was tied for 17th with 13 points, Oak Park was tied for 20th with 11 points, Adams was tied for 31st with eight points, Royal Oak was tied for 36th with five points, West Bloomfield and North Farmington were tied for 41st with four points, and Groves was tied for 45th with three points.

Clarkston wins State Crown in Tennis.

The Wolves earned their first State crown in Girls Tennis scoring 28 points in the Division One State meet in Midland on Saturday afternoon.

Troy was fourth with 18 points, Adams and Stoney Creek tied for eighth with 12 points. Bloomfield Hills was 13th with eight points. Rochester was 17th with five points, Troy Athens and West Bloomfield were tied for 22nd with one point, and Royal Oak did not score.

Clarkston had three winners in Kayla Lemke, Charlotte Partchenko, and Sydney Gisez who won their respective brackets in the singles competition.

In Division Two, last season’s state champions Seaholm finished second with 23 points falling to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern who had 29 points. Groves was tied for seventh with 11 points, North Farmington was 10th with 10 points, and Berkley was tied for 15th with four points.

Congrats to Oak Park and Clarkston for bringing home State crowns to the OAA.

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

Girls Soccer Regional Preview

Girls Soccer Regional Preview.

Written Saturday June 1st at 4:00 PM

Here is my preview for the regionals.

Region Two at Oxford

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Milford

The Blackhawks are riding with a ton of confidence after outscoring West Bloomfield and Waterford Mott by a combined 16-0. Bloomfield Hills will be tested by a Milford team who had to overcome a tough district and knock off Walled Lake Northern 1-0 in the district finals. This should be a very interesting matchup to say the least.

LAKE ORION vs Hartland

The Dragons are riding with a ton of confidence, overcoming their three early season losses to Clarkston (3-2 in Petoskey), Oxford (6-5), and Davison (2-1.) Lake Orion has won 12 straight games since their 3-1 loss to Plymouth Salem on April 27th in Rochester. The Eagles will be a tough matchup for Lake Orion. Hartland outscored Lansing Holt, Okemos, and Brighton by a combined 6-0 in route to their district crown. It should be a very interesting matchup of different styles.

 

Region Four at Stoney Creek

ADAMS vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay

The Highlanders have had a really strong season. They won the toughest district in the State having to survive Rochester 1-0 in penalty kicks in the district finals and not to mention winning 6-1 over Utca in the district semifinals. The Tars have had a rough road thus far despite having home field in the postseason. They had to survive 3-1 over Macomb L’Anse Creuse North in the district semifinals and 1-0 over Macomb Dakota in the district finals

TROY vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview

The Colts needed four early goals to beat their arch rivals Troy Athens 4-1 in the district finals. Troy will ride their experience into a matchup with St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the regional semifinals. The Huskies come into this game unbeaten with two ties and the MAC Blue crown this season. They have not been as tested as the Colts will give them in this game. Also Troy is the Red champ.

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

OAA/KLAA Challenge 2024 Early Thoughts

OAA/KLAA Challenge 2024 Early Thoughts.

Written Friday May 31st at 12:25 PM

Here are the matchups and early thoughts about the OAA/KLAA Challenge for Girls and Boys Basketball.

Games are around December 10, 12, 13, and 14. Boys are at OAA sites, Girls are at KLAA sites.

BERKLEY vs Livonia Franklin

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that should be in the middle of their league races. The Patriots are loaded with proven depth with Owen Pittenger, Mendale Broaden, Cameron Dale, and Mark Kiss among others coming back for Coach TJ Hurley. The Bears have their fair share of proven experience led by Avery Freeman and Jacob Freeman for Coach Joe Sermo. Also being at Berkley should be an advantage for the Bears. This should be very interesting that is for sure.

GIRLS: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are heading in different directions. The Bears are on the upward trajectory after a very successful first year for Coach Clay Shaver. Berkley has a ton of proven talent in Avery Wintergarden, Maddie Boswall, Kaitlyn Stills, Hailey Kirkwood, and Nadia Watt coming back among others. The Patriots had a really rough year, winning five games. They were very young with the majority of their team being freshmen and sophomores for Coach Collen Flaherty. This looks like it’s a mismatch on paper but you never know with Livonia Franklin.

 

ROYAL OAK vs Brighton

BOYS: The Bulldogs have a solid program which could prove problems for the Ravens. Brighton has eight guys including the 6.8 Vincent Salmon coming back for Coach Mike Greist. Royal Oak will need to be hitting threes and then some to combat the size of the Bulldogs. They have Nick Hoffman, CJ Hariston, and Yurmen Patino coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. This is going to be a very tough matchup for Smith and the Ravens especially with how Salmon has been playing this offseason.

GIRLS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that are reloading a little bit. The Ravens are coming off their first district title last season. They have Lucy Fretag, Lydia Dickens, Hannah Saunders, Jordan Hills, Vivan Lawrence, and Maddie Lawrence coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. The Bulldogs were solid last season. They have Emma Adamcyzk, Grace Houck, Sophia Heady, Ellie Pierson, Maya Bjedov, and Mya Nemecek coming back for Coach Bob Wellman. This should be a very interesting coaching and experience matchup of two evenly matched teams.

 

SEAHOLM vs Dearborn

BOYS: These are two teams that are going through complete revamping. The Maples are changing their identity with a new coach in Spenser Adams taking over the program. Seaholm’s program strength was really good last season and they feature Everett Wertz coming back. The Pioneers had an unbeaten regular season and had a very experienced team but they were shocked 59-58 by River Rouge in the district finals. The Panthers would then went onto the State Quarterfinals after beating Dearborn. There is a ton to prove for Coach Abe Mashhour and his program which should be a very young group. This should be a very interesting matchup.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have some experience. The Maples have everyone back for Coach Chris Manchester and could be a serious contender this season. The Pioneers were not a deep team last season despite winning 12 games for Coach Mahdi Hamade. Seaholm will have their hands full with the travel but they did go to Detroit last season so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue with an experienced team.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Belleville

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup between the Tigers and the Lakers. Belleville has the majority of their team led by Shemar Woodson coming back for Coach Adam Trumpour. West Bloomfield has a ton of proven experience led by Drew Wilson, Corey Pittman, and Chris Britton among others for Coach Arnette Jordan. This should be a fun battle between two teams that like to go up and down.

GIRLS: This matchup could be the most interesting of the challenge. Both teams were in the Final Four last season. The Tigers are well coached have a very talented player in Sydney Savoury along with a very strong supporting cast including Se’Crette Carter for Coach Jason Wilkins. The Lakers lost a ton of experience but have Sheridan Beal, Ava Lord, London Hall, and the Gamble-Jones twins coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. This should be a very interesting matchup.

 

TROY ATHENS vs Novi

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that are going to be very young. The Wildcats have more experience than the Red Hawks. Troy Athens does not have a new coach yet. Novi has six returning players for Coach Chris Housey. The Red Hawks are a scrappy group with Nathan Piggott coming back. This will be very competitive that is for sure.

GIRLS: This is going to be a very tall order for the Red Hawks heading to Novi to play a Wildcats team that had their moments last season. Novi lost some key players to graduation but they had a strong junior class and a good junior varsity program coming up for Coach Kelsey Partyka. Troy Athens has Alex Link and Yasmenn Dabish coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. It should be very competitive.

 

TROY vs Howell

BOYS: The Colts should have their hands full with a very lengthy Highlanders team that returns nine players for Coach Nick Simon. Troy has Mason Parker and Andrew Lake for Coach Gary Fralick. The interior will be the challenge for the Colts and also if they can get Parker his shots. Troy will have their hands full.

GIRLS: If I’m WHMI 93.1 in Howell and Dan Leach, this would be the game to go to. There is some MAJOR star power in this matchup and the matchups could be endless. Imagine Gabby Piepko vs Diamond Prince or Allison Farr against Reigan Zeiter, these could very well happen. The coaching matchup between Jason Piepko and Laura Guzman is very interesting. Both teams have proven depth and emerging freshmen to watch for. We could be in line for a great matchup of two very proven teams.

 

ADAMS vs Hartland

BOYS: This should be a fun matchup between the Highlanders and the Eagles in Rochester. Hartland has seven return players including the 6.8 Layne Broker coming back for Coach Kevin Blowin. Adams lost a ton of proven experience but has the Langdon brothers (Collin and Clark), along with Trenton LaGarge, and Cannon Flynn for Coach Isiah Novak. Both teams are reloading which makes this a very interesting game.

GIRLS: This is going to be a major test for Coach Joe Malburg and the Highlanders. They will head to Hartland to play a proven and proud Eagles squad which has been to a State Final recently. Hartland has 12 of their 18 players were underclassmen for Coach Michael McKay. Adams has Faith Zolhus and Lily Tomahauk coming back for Malburg. This could be a tall task or a statement win for Malburg and company in Livingston County.

 

AVONDALE vs Plymouth Salem

BOYS: The Yellow Jackets were a very young team that won the Blue and took Clarkston to the brink in the district semifinals last season. They’ll see a Rocks team that has six underclassmen for Coach Ryan Nimmerguth coming back this season. Avondale is loaded with Jordan Bush, DJ Moody, Jordan Clayton, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. This looks like a mismatch on paper but that’s why they play the game.

GIRLS: The Yellow Jackets were not a healthy team last season for Coach Roy Christmon but they have the majority of their team in Madison Manyweathers, Morgan McPherson, and Sasha McClellen coming back among others. Avondale will have a tall order ahead of them when they play Plymouth Salem. The Rocks lost Madison Morson to graduation and they struggled in their district semifinal loss to Plymouth Canton last season. Plymouth Salem has some questions they need to address for Coach Rod Wells. It should be a very interesting matchup in Plymouth between the Yellow Jackets and the Rocks.

 

ROCHESTER vs Plymouth

BOYS: This is a very interesting matchup between two teams that struggled last season. The Wildcats have a new coach in Darien Bynam. Bynam was the Junior Varsity coach at Plymouth Canton. He will have seven returning players with proven experience. Plymouth will have to deal with Max Muhl who is a matchup nightmare for teams. Muhl is part of a loaded Rochester lineup which also has Jack Lower, Noah Kim, Jake Tandy, and Anthony Chirco coming back for Coach Nick Evola. It should be a very interesting matchup between two teams looking to have much better seasons.

GIRLS: This should be a very interesting matchup for new Falcons coach Andy Topie, going to Plymouth to play a very experienced Wildcats team. Plymouth is well coached under Coach Ryan Ballard and features very proven players in Annie Flavin, Mackenzie Diken, and Evelyn Stiglish. The Wildcats gave Lake Orion everything they could handle last season. Rochester has Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, Angela Cichowski, Lucy Cook, and Emma Max coming back. Guard play will be the key for the Falcons. This will be a major test for Topie and Rochester, that’s for sure.

 

LAKE ORION vs Plymouth Canton

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup between the Dragons and the Cobras in Lake Orion. Plymouth Canton has Teddy Winstel, Kessler Blakita, Lemeul Pettaway, Jake Newman, and Nick Hurley coming back for Coach Jimmy Reddy. The Cobras will have to deal with Zach Parks, Ryan Rocheleau, Gabe Scott, and Nick Galben among others coming back for Coach Jose Andraedas. The coaching matchup between Reddy and Andraedas will be something to watch. These are two very good programs going at in what should be a very interesting game as mentioned.

GIRLS: This is going to be a really interesting matchup between two teams that have two different styles. The Dragons were very young last season and feature a ton of proven returners in Charlotte Peplowski, Neveah Wood, and Izzy Wotlinski for Coach Bob Brydges. The Cobras won 21 games last season and feature a really talented sophomore in forward McKinsley Berlin along with Ava Murphy, Payton Kitchen, and Elizabeth Persinger. They will have a new coach after surprising letting Coach Kayla Bridges go this offseason. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned in Plymouth.

 

CLARKSTON vs Northville

BOYS: These are two teams that have had a ton of success as of late. The Mustangs have the majority of their team coming back including Bennett Wilson and Brody Grezak who are both 6.6. The Wolves have Jon Kaul, Hayden Flavin, Cole Charter, and Quinn Rosenburg among others coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. The battle inside between Wilson and Grezak against Flavin will be very interesting to watch. Also playing at Dan Fife Fieldhouse is not easy, it will be very tough for Northville.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup of two programs that experienced success and have a ton of proven experience. The matchup to watch is Brooklyn Covert and Elliana Robak for the Wolves against Sophia Fraas and Peyton Sivier for the Mustangs. The coaching matchup between Aaron Goodnough and Shaun Dicken is very interesting as well. Clarkston is very experienced while Northville is still very young despite the experience. This should be a very interesting matchup in northern Wayne County.

 

PONTIAC vs Livonia Churchill

BOYS: Livonia Churchill will have a new coach in Cameron Scott taking over the program. Scott was an assistant at Dearborn last season. He will have a very experienced team which returns nine players after going 0-23 last season. The Phoenix are well coached under Andrew Myers and features of the best players in the league in Jeremiah Claudio. This should be a very interesting matchup at Sy Green Gym.

GIRLS: This will be a very tough matchup for the Phoenix playing a very experienced Chargers team. Livonia Churchill has the majority of their team coming back for Coach K’len Morris. Coach Chris Wright and Pontiac will have their hands full going up against a very experienced Chargers team on the road.

 

STONEY CREEK vs Dearborn Fordson

BOYS: This is going to be a really tall task for the Cougars and Coach Jeff Olind. The Tractors won 15 games last season and has 10 of their 13 players coming back for Coach Moe Biaz. Stoney Creek has Giedon Beers, Tyree Smith, and Spencer Beekman, among others coming back. The Cougars are 9-35 under Olind which is not a good stat. It will a very interesting and tall task for Stoney Creek.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup between the Cougars and the Tractors. Both teams are experienced. Dearborn Fordson has two twin towers in Elina Basna and Reem Abbas for Coach Saleh Abazeed which could give Stoney Creek some trouble in the interior. They also have proven guards as well. The Cougars have Merrick Schwalbach and the Ivezaj sisters which gives them some size for Coach Columbus Williams. Depth could be the battle to watch in this matchup. This will be a very tough matchup for Stoney Creek.

 

OXFORD vs Livonia Stevenson

BOYS: This is shaping to be a very interesting matchup between the Wildcats and the Spartans with Livonia Stevenson having to take the long bus ride up to Oxford. Livonia Stevenson won 11 games last season and features a veteran heavy team for Coach Jack Mackson. Oxford has Jake Champagne, Luke Stoffan, and Braden Elling coming back for Coach Joe Fedorichik. The Wildcats are also going to be much improved as well. This should be a very intense game.

GIRLS: This should be a matchup of new coaches taking over up and rising or very successful programs. The Spartans have a new coach in former Groves coach Alison Hidey. The Wildcats will also have a new coach in William Jones taking over their program. Oxford has Alison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Mia Champagne, and Tegan O’Connor coming back. Livonia Stevenson has Gabby Yancura, Carly Piergenti, Samantha McCloud, and Bella Claramunt coming back. Hidey is very familiar going up against the Wildcats, this should be a very interesting game with both teams having proven experience.

 

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Westland John Glenn

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that really struggled last season. The Rockets are a very young team with five returners for Coach Jerrett Smith. The Warriors have Cameron Dickerson and Trent Green coming back for Coach Terrance Porter. This should be a very interesting game between two teams looking to get back on track.

GIRLS: This could be a very interesting matchup. The Rockets were very young winning three games last season for Coach Ollie Mitchell. They should be very experienced and should have a lot of size in As’ya Golden, Madison Perit, and Zoe Clay. They will have a very tough task going up against a Warriors team that has proven scorers in Christian Banks, Samiya Ashford, and Jordyn Ushery for Coach Shaquita Coltrane and they like go up and down. Westland John Glenn has something to prove and going up against a team that is very athletic like Southfield Arts and Tech could do them some wonders.

 

GROVES vs Wayne Memorial

BOYS: This should be a very interesting matchup in Beverly Hills. The Zebras won 18 games with a really young team last season. Wayne Memorial has Austin Tory, Jahlin McClellan, Carlos Medlock, Jayloan Allen, Abraham Rooks, Moussa Sidime, Josh Dennis, Talan Clark, and Cayden Shock coming back for Coach Steve Brooks. Groves counters with Jon Simpson, Josh Gibson, and Paul Hubbard for Coach Marc West. The Falcons are loaded this season and will look to make some noise this season.

GIRLS: This is a really dangerous matchup for the Falcons. The Zebras are a proven powerhouse with a ton of speed. They won 14 games last season and have nine players coming back for Coach Jarvis Mitchell. Groves doesn’t have a coach yet but they have two very talented players in Jacey Roy and Harlem Simpson. This is a very tall order for the Falcons against a proven and experienced Wayne Memorial program.

Baseball/Softball Regional and Girls State Semifinal Preview

Tribute to a Clarkston Icon

Tribute to a Clarkston Icon.

Written Thursday May 30th at 10:45 PM

Dan Fife is a legend to the State of Michigan and to Clarkston.

Fife entered eternal life on Thursday at the age of 74.

Fife coached the Wolves from 1982 until 2018 according to MIPrepZone’s Matt Mowery. He had 703 wins, 29 league titles, 30 district championships, two State championships (2017 and 2018), and 13 regional crowns. He was elected to the Michigan Sports and Michigan Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Fife was 703-170 at Clarkston. The 703 wins is third all time in State history.

“So sadden by the passing of Coach Dan Fife today but honored to celebrate his life and legacy. Coach the lives that you impacted on and off the court are truly remarkable, your commitment to Clarkston Athletics in particular Clarkston Basketball is second to none. It is amazing how much you got out of your players consistency year after year. After coaching 36 seasons, you amazed 703 wins, won 29 league titles, 30 district trophies, 13 regional crowns, and two State Championships. Your election to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan Basketball Coaches Association Hall Fame spoke volumes of you as coach. You are and still are the best basketball coach in the State of Michigan. From coaching your own kids to remembering every kids name in our McGrath Basketball leagues for years, coaching your former player’s kids, your impact will be felt for generations. More importantly your love for Dan, Dugan, Jeremy, and Dane are something to be admired. Family was always #1 for you and you poured your heart and soul into them. We will always continue to play hard to Play Hard, Play Smart, and Play Together. We love you and miss you Coach Fife” Clarkston Basketball’s Twitter said in a statement.

Fife was the athletic director at Clarkston prior to also coaching basketball. He was in charge of the OAA in baseball. Fife was an all standout athlete as well (played football, basketball, and baseball.) He played college at Michigan. He was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Tigers in the 1971 Major League Baseball Draft.

Fife is a legend, an icon, tremendous athletic director, loved Clarkston, and loved his family. He was also close with former Lake Orion Athletic Director Bill Reiss. Fife has been on my sports talk show Between Taorminas.

“Miss you Coach, I was fortunate to be able to grow up the street from Coach Fife. I played sports at his house with his kids every week. He coached me at our McGrath Basketball League, Gus Macker tournaments, and youth baseball for years while growing up. I golfed at his Spring Lake Golf CourseĀ  countless times. I played Varsity Basketball for him and was fortunate to be his assistant coach and continue to learn from the greatest. He taught me how to compete at a high level, work harder than your opponent, and win and lose the right way. More importantly he modeled how to be a great husband, father, and friend. He loved Clarkston Athletics more than anyone I ever knew. Coach was like a second father to me and he is still the little voice in my head helping me make the right decisions in life. I wouldn’t be coaching today if it wasn’t for Coach Fife, love you Coach” said former Clarkston Girls Basketball and current Boys Basketball Coach Tim Waslik on the Clarkston Basketball Twitter page.

Fife will be missed in the entire sports world. I’ll have my thoughts and remembering the legacy of Dan Fife on my podcast on Monday.

Stay tuned to OAA Now on Monday.

Between Taorminas with Dan Fife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKDiYwCiz_s&list=PL25854C892B69A2AF&index=112

Here is the tweet from Clarkston Basketball

https://x.com/ClarkstonBball/status/1796333930758480343/photo/1

MIPrepZone Matt Mowery

https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/05/30/clarkston-mourns-passing-of-legendary-hoops-coach-dan-fife/

Here is Coach Tim Waslik’s statement

https://x.com/ClarkstonBball/status/1796364549085630503/photo/1