Basketball Storylines heading into 2025

Basketball Storylines heading into 2025

Basketball Storylines heading into 2025.

Written Monday December 23rd at 5:18 PM

As we head into 2025 here are some storylines to keep an eye on in the divisions.

Girls

Gold

Farmington: 40 Points is the Magic Number: The Falcons are right there with most of the teams but it’s when they struggle defensively is where they struggle. Farmington needs to score over 40 points to be successful in which they have done only once. This is the magic number for the Falcons to win games is to get over that 40 point plateau.

Ferndale University: Turnaround has Started: The turnaround has clearly started for the Eagles. Ferndale University had not won a game last season, they have won four games and two losses by a combined six points this month. Credit the players and new coach Bennie Szczepkowski for the turnaround. Could the Eagles be a player for the Gold??? that would be a big storyline heading into 2025.

Pontiac: Winning over other Public Schools: The Phoenix have been very successful against teams with the Prep and Academy names going 2-0 but have went 0-3 against others and haven’t been competitive. Pontiac needs to fix this against public schools if they want to keep growing as a program.

Oak Park: Scoring: The Knights have been struggling scoring. They have scored 37 total points including nine points total in two games. Oak Park needs to fix this if they are going to want to be competitive going forward.

 

Blue

Avondale: Health: The Yellow Jackets are healthier which has helped Coach Roy Christmon and the reason for their start. It’s keeping his roster healthy that is the key to Avondale’s season. If Christmon can keep his team healthy then no doubt this is a team that can win the Blue, so far they are off to a really good start.

Adams: Health: The Highlanders have gotten off to a strong start winning three straight to close out 2024. The injury to Faith Zoldus has been hard but Coach Joe Malburg’s team has somehow managed to play well without Zoldus. When she comes back, Adams will have another all around player that can make some noise. The Highlanders could be the most dangerous team heading into 2025 with their play.

Berkley: Different Styles: The Bears have been off to a solid start winning five straight until they ran into Seaholm. The issues are still there for Coach Clay Shaver handling different styles and speeds, that’s what happened to them against Detroit Renaissance. That will still be the challenge for Shaver and Berkley heading into 2025.

Troy Athens: Consistency: The Red Hawks have been up and down as of late. Troy Athens has gotten some good play from their veterans and newcomers which has to please Coach Stacie Klumpp. The win against Troy is huge for their confidence but the loss to Utica Eisenhower and almost loss to North Farmington looks really concerning. Consistency will be something to watch for Troy Athens in 2025.

Southfield Arts and Tech: Defense: The Warriors have been an offensive machine but for Coach Shaquita Coltrane the defense has been the problem area and against proven teams. Southfield Arts and Tech did allow 46 in a 46-42 loss to Berkley but the 74 against West Bloomfield is a troubling area. The offense has been a strong point for the Warriors it’s the defense that Coltrane needs to address heading into 2025.

North Farmington: Growing Pains: The Raiders have a really young lineup however they have shown some real competitiveness in the last two games which gives me some optimism. They had a tough loss to Troy Athens but beat Walled Lake Central. North Farmington needs this young lineup to grow which could help Coach Michael Allin into the future. They have taken some lumps but they have been working hard heading into 2025.

Harper Woods: Off the Court Issues: The Pioneers are in a terrible spot with the off the court issues. It is unknown if Harper Woods will play in 2024 and head into 2025 with a clean slate. They will be in a hole in the Blue with two losses via forfeits. It will be very interesting to see what the Pioneers do heading into the new year.

 

White

Seaholm: Resolve: The Maples had a strong 2024 with a come from behind 48-44 win over Ferndale. Seaholm has a ton of proven experience and now add the never say attitude from this group which says wonders for Coach Chris Manchester. I would not want to see the Maples in the postseason with what they have. If they keep this up the White is theirs.

Rochester: Guards: The Falcons have been up and down but the last two games the offense has picked up for Coach Andy Toppie. Alice Max has been really consistent for Rochester and she has gotten some help. The guards are still a concern for Toppie heading into 2025. If they can get the guard situation figured out then the Falcons could be a player in the White.

Royal Oak: 40 points is Magic Number: The Ravens have been a really hard team to figure out. Royal Oak’s magic number has been to score over 40 points in which they are 2-0 in doing that, 0-3 in the rest of their games. The defense has not been Coach Brian Sopota like which is not good. The Ravens are in a crossroads heading into 2025.

Groves: Progress: The Falcons record looks very deceiving at the moment but they are starting to get more of new Coach Jessica Duleba’s system. The 48-44 loss to Avondale is a start and if they can get their two guards Harlem Simpson and Jacey Roy going along with a post presence then that could be the start of something for Groves. They aren’t there yet but there are some signs and they are getting there.

Troy: Health and Defense: The Colts have had a very disappointing start to the season which included an injury to Diamond Prince. Troy has had a rough start to Coach Laura Guzman’s first season and made a run in the middle to the end of the season. The goals are still there for the Colts and Prince could come back which would help big time heading into 2025.

Bloomfield Hills: Defense: The Blackhawks got a big win to close out 2024 putting up 73 points against Flint Kearsley. Defense has been an issue for Bloomfield Hills which they still need to address. Brianna Young needs to be great if Bloomfield Hills wants to win games for Coach Renardo Brown. If Young can get some help heading into 2025, it will go a long way to help the Blackhawks fortunes.

 

Red

West Bloomfield: Defense: The Lakers are off to a rough start to the season which is very unusual for Coach Darrin McAllister. It’s players have been adjusting to new roles along with a very tough non conference schedule. They have been allowing a ton of points which is very concerning. West Bloomfield will look to 2025 as an opportunity to reset and to turn things around.

Clarkston: Dependence on Starters: The Wolves have played a tough non conference schedule but have gotten their bench some time as well which helps into the future. Clarkston still has a tough non conference ahead of them. Complacency and overworking his starters is a concern for Coach Aaron Goodnough going into 2025. If Goodnough can keep developing his bench it will help the Wolves into the future.

Ferndale: Depth/Program Strength: The Eagles have lost a ton of close games and have gotten a ton of experience against good teams but too much could be very dangerous especially for morale. Coach Keith Paris arraigned his not conference schedule to be very challenging with showcase games. Program strength has been another issue for Ferndale. With Red play coming, it could get tough for Paris and the Eagles especially with everyone in this division having program strength heading into 2025.

Stoney Creek: Offense: The Cougars were coming off a really tough loss to Walled Lake Northern to start the season but have since won four straight and started to become the team that was expected heading into the season. Stoney Creek has benefited from a not as strong a non conference slate. Depth is a concern for Coach Columbus Williams heading into 2025 which will be some to watch.

Lake Orion: Turnovers: The Dragons are slowly starting to put things together but this is far from a finished product. Izzy Wotlinski has really carried the load for Lake Orion in their seven games but she didn’t play the fourth quarter in their 56-29 win over Bay City Western which helps when it comes to rest. Charlotte Peplowski has been key for Coach Bob Brydges when it comes to having her on the floor. Also the younger players have started to show signs of breaking out. It’s a work in progress for Brydges and his program heading into 2025.

Oxford: Health: It has been a turbulent season for the Wildcats which saw four coaches in six months take over the program. Oxford has had a ton of close losses but have seem to be heading in the right direction. Coach Trevor Marshall has done a good job keeping the girls together. It will be very interesting to see what the Wildcats do in 2025.

 

Boys

 

Blue

Bloomfield Hills: Size: The Blackhawks have been off to a great start but they took a very tough 44-42 loss to Royal Oak on their home floor. Bloomfield Hills has been very good most of the season for Coach Brian Canfield but there is still more to be done. The Blackhawks will look to have a strong 2025.

Pontiac: Size: The Phoenix have up and down but they have been scoring points which is a good thing for new coach DeQuan Washington. JJ Claudio has been a big part for Pontiac which has shown and they have gotten off to a great start despite the loss to Bloomfield Hills. The Phoenix are in a very interesting spot in the league race but they do control their own destiny heading into 2025.

Royal Oak: Doubts: The Ravens earned a huge 44-42 win over Bloomfield Hills keeping them in the discussion for the league crown. The stigma has bothered Coach Aaron Smith and his program. Royal Oak has always started strong but have struggled late. It will be very interesting to see if the Ravens can sustain success as we head into 2025.

Stoney Creek: Droughts: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot. It is clear that Coach Jeff Olind’s team is in a much better place than in the last two years but they still have some issues when it comes to droughts. That is the biggest concern for Stoney Creek heading into 2025 is the droughts. If the Cougars can address this then they could make some noise not only in the Blue but also the district as well in 2025.

Rochester: Injury to Jake Tandy: The Falcons took a huge hit as their star forward Jake Tandy is out with an injury. He should be back by the end of January or early February. It will a ton of pressure on Max Muhl and company and it will be a big test for Coach Nick Evola and Rochester to see how they respond to this adversity heading into 2025.

Ferndale University: Step Backwards: The Eagles have seen a big improvement going 4-0 in the non conference but they had two tough home losses to Stoney Creek and Rochester before heading into break. Coach Josh Nicks has done a good job rebuilding this program also they have a win over Southfield Arts and Tech as well. Ferndale University will be a team to watch heading into 2025.

Southfield Arts and Tech: Sustainability: The Warriors have been up and down which included their first league win over Berkley. Southfield Arts and Tech battles hard and has two tough games to close out 2024. Coach Terrance Porter has an improved team but can it produce results, that’s the key heading into 2025.

Berkley: Chemistry: The Bears are going through a tough transition period. Coach Joe Sermo has a nice blend of youth and experience despite the record. Berkley will be a really interesting team to watch especially chemistry wise heading into 2025.

 

White

Lake Orion: Health: The Dragons have been hard hit with injuries but they have somehow managed to go 4-4 with a very tough schedule which included the likes of Clarkston, Adams, Macomb Dakota, Plymouth Canton, and Novi. Coach Jose Andrades has done a excellent job with what he has. It will be very interesting to see what Lake Orion does when they get healthy heading into 2025.

Oxford: Size: The Wildcats are rolling to their first 8-0 start in school history but the schedule hasn’t been the toughest but they are 8-0 bottom line. Oxford has a ton of proven experience for Coach Joe Fedorinchik which has been huge. The schedule should toughen up heading into 2025. The Wildcats are in a very good place to make some noise in the White but also in the postseason with Grand Blanc’s recent struggles despite they are playing a tough schedule.

Troy: Robin to Mason Parker: The Colts have had things rough as of late. Troy relies a ton on Mason Parker to win games for Coach Gary Fralick. It is clear that the Colts need a Robin to Parker’s Batman. Troy has a tough stretch of games coming up but they still are one of the favorites in the postseason because of Parker. It will be very interesting to see who becomes the Robin for Fralick heading into 2025.

Farmington: Consistency: The Falcons are in a much better place in Coach Byron Johnson’s second year but the inconsistencies remain. Farmington is a Jekyll and Hyde team, they have shown greatness but they have shown some kinks in the armor. It will be very interesting to see what team the Falcons will look like heading into 2025.

Troy Athens: Finding Success: The Red Hawks have really improved in the last two games which included beating Harper Woods and taking Lake Orion to the brink. Coach Mitchell Vercellino has done a nice job in his first season as varsity coach being patient and finding something that can work heading into 2025. Troy Athens will be a team to watch going forward.

Seaholm: Finding Success: The Maples are in a much better place despite their record. The last two games have been battles for Coach Spenser Adams and his program. The sub varsities have been very good for Adams and they’ve been in tight games. Seaholm will be fine heading into 2025 with the direction Adams has them at.

Oak Park: Familiarity:  The Knights have played three games and they look like a different team. Oak Park has struggled which is very unusual for a Coach Durrand Sheppard team. The lack of games has hurt Sheppard’s program. Got to wonder if the Knights will play more games heading into 2025.

Harper Woods: Competitiveness: The Pioneers had an opening night win over Detroit East English Village Prep but have lost four straight since which they were competitive in one of those four losses. Harper Woods is a young team but they have had things very challenging. It could be a very tough road for Coach TaJuan Porter and the Pioneers in 2025.

 

Red

Groves: Complacency: The Falcons are coming off a very tough loss to Detroit Martin Luther King but they are fine despite the loss. Groves will look to make a ton of noise heading into the postseason. Coach Marc West has done a nice job with a veteran heavy team. If the Falcons keep improving then they could be in line for a deep postseason run heading into 2025.

Clarkston: Complacency: The Wolves are in a really good spot despite falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Clarkston has done a nice job with their starting five along with developing a bench for Coach Tim Waslik. There is a ton of upside to look at with the Wolves heading into 2025.

Avondale: Size: The Yellow Jackets are rolling in the Red and they have fit right in. There are some concerns with Coach Jaret Thomas’s program if they can stay long term. Avondale has a tough schedule looming but they have been very competitive despite the size issues. The Yellow Jackets will be a team to watch in 2025.

Ferndale: Morale: The Eagles have played a tough schedule which resulted in their rough start. Ethan Vinyard has been the key for Ferndale’s season and will be heading into 2025. Coach Juan Rickman needs to find someone to help out Vinyard especially with a very tough district looming which has Warren Lincoln in it. Morale will be key for Rickman heading into 2025 with the tough schedule night in and night out.

West Bloomfield: Defense: The Lakers have had a rough start to the season but it should help them later in the year especially when they are in a district that has Orchard Lake St. Marys in it. West Bloomfield has had a ton of issues stopping people allowing over 50 points in each game this season. If your Coach Arnette Jordan, you have to fix your defensive woes, if they can’t then they just can’t outscore opponents. It will be very interesting to see what Jordan does with the Lakers in 2025.

North Farmington: Experience: It was going to be a very interesting season for Coach Todd Negoshian. The inexperience has cost them two games and they have a tough schedule looming. The Raiders are in a very interesting spot. They need to get experienced really fast heading into 2025.

Adams: Droughts: The Highlanders have been up and down as of late. Adams has been very inconsistent when it comes to results. They have two games in 2024 before heading into 2025. Coach Isiah Novak has done a good job thus far. It will be very interesting to see how the Highlanders handle consistency heading into 2025.

Basketball Storylines heading into 2025

Girls Holiday Classics Preview

Girls Holiday Classics Preview.

Written Sunday December 22nd at 10:25 PM

This is the girls preview of the classics.

Motor City Roundball @ Ferndale

Thursday

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Grosse Pointe South

These are two teams that are struggling but trying to find their way heading into this game. The Lakers have struggled which has shown with their record. Grosse Pointe South has played 500 ball as of late. The Blue Devils have had moments where they looked really good while others not so much. This should be a very interesting game to see.

 

FERNDALE vs Ypsilanti Arbor Prep

The Eagles have really toughen up their non conference and that’s not even the Red yet. Ferndale has to play Ypsilanti Arbor Prep which is going to be a really tough matchup. Coach Keith Paris wants to toughen his team up before the postseason starts which has shown with their record. It should be a really interesting matchup to see where they are at.

 

@ Wayne Memorial

 

Saturday

FERNDALE vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day

This should be a really interesting matchup which could be a postseason preview even though they are in different districts this postseason. The Eagles have had numerous tough losses including last season’s district final loss to Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets will have a tough matchup with Clarkston on Friday which should be another classic battle. It will be another tough matchup for Coach Keith Paris and Ferndale.

 

@ Romulus

 

Sunday

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Rockford

This is a rematch of a Division One State Semifinal which the Lakers have won three of the last four meetings over the Rams but West Bloomfield lost a lot of proven experience. Rockford has the majority of their proven talent coming back. It’s a tough matchup for Coach Darrin McAllister and the Lakers.

@ Detroit Cass Tech

 

Saturday January 4th

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Mumford

The Lakers are in their final holiday classic game taking on a very good Detroit Mumford program. The Mustangs beat Ferndale in a hard fought game. This should be a really interesting matchup for Coach Darrin McAllister and the Lakers to see how things go.

Basketball Storylines heading into 2025

Boys Holiday Classics Preview

Boys Holiday Classics Preview.

Written Sunday December 22nd at 10:51 AM

Here are the Boys classics.

Coaches against Violence Showcase @ Redford Union

Monday

Detroit University Prep 52, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 46 O/T

The Warriors have been playing better but the record doesn’t show it at times. Southfield Arts and Tech fell to 3-5 with a tough 52-46 loss to Detroit University Prep on Monday night. Coach Terrance Porter’s team will have a chance to bounce back when they head west to play Lincoln Park at Kalamazoo Central.

@ Kalamazoo Central

Saturday

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Lincoln Park

The Warriors will head west to Kalamazoo to play Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park has been solid all season and will provide a test for Southfield Arts and Tech. Coach Terrance Porter will have his hands full in this matchup to say the least.

 

North Farmington Holiday Extravaganza

 

Friday

HARPER WOODS vs River Rouge

The Pioneers have been really bad losing four straight games. It won’t get any easier for Coach TaJuan Porter’s team when they play River Rouge who is unbeaten and has had two tests with the others being blowouts. The Panthers are hot right now while Harper Woods has been limping. This is going to be a really tough matchup for the Pioneers.

 

ADAMS vs Warren DeLaSalle

This is a really interesting matchup of two teams that are struggling to find their way in the basketball landscape. Adams had a monster win at Lake Orion to start the season but it snowballed with losses to Saginaw Heritage, Chippewa Valley, and Stoney Creek. The Highlanders managed to win over North Farmington and Hartland but took losses to West Bloomfield and Avondale in the Red. Coach Isiah Novak has this team believing and working. Warren DeLaSalle has played a tough schedule and has a new coach in former North Farmington assistant Denarryl Rice taking over the program. The Pilots have tough losses to Macomb Dakota and Groves to name a few. This should be a really interesting matchup as mentioned on Friday.

 

Saturday

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Chicago Thornton

This is a really interesting coaching matchup between Raiders Coach Todd Negoshian and Chicago Thornton Coach Reggie Hamilton. North Farmington has been up and down lately after two tough losses. Chicago Thornton has been solid. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams.

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs South Lyon East

There is no doubt that the Blackhawks have took leaps and bounds and are better than last season. Bloomfield Hills has been winning games via blowout or tight. Coach Brian Canfield’s team took a really tough 44-42 loss to Royal Oak in their last game. Bloomfield Hills should get tested against a good South Lyon East squad who had to survive Pontiac 66-63 in their last game. This should be a really good game between these two proven teams.

AVONDALE vs Warren Fitzgerald

I know Coach Jaret Thomas loves to play tough matchups but this could be really interesting when they play Warren Fitzgerald. The Spartans have been dominating people ask Harper Woods but their only loss was a two point defeat to Grosse Pointe South. Warren Fitzgerald is athletic and well coached under Coach Venias Jordan. The interior matchup could be key and if the Yellow Jackets can slow down the Spartans like Grosse Pointe South did then they could have a chance to pull this off.

 

Sunday

TROY vs Belleville

The Colts have been up and down all season despite the heroic efforts of their star player Mason Parker. Coach Gary Fralick will be tested when they play Belleville in a really tough matchup. Originally Troy was suppose to play Walled Lake Northern but according to a source it was changed to Belleville which makes it a much tougher matchup. The Tigers have a win over North Farmington in the regular season. It’s going to be a tough matchup for the Colts.

 

FARMINGTON vs South Lyon

The Falcons have been a really weird team to figure out. Farmington has looked very good most of the season but the loss to Seaholm was really questioned. The Falcons beat Harper Woods by almost 50 points in their last game. South Lyon is a really good program, well coached, well disciplined. This should be a really good game.

 

St. Clair Community College Showcase

 

Saturday

TROY ATHENS vs Waterford Kettering

This should be a fun coaching matchup between Coach Mitchell Vercellino and former Oxford girls basketball Coach Steve Emmert. Both teams have been improving despite their records. The Captains has shown progress despite falling to Detroit Central in Waterford. The Red Hawks have shown a ton of improvement in their last two games beating Harper Woods and taking Lake Orion to the wire with their 1-3-1 zone defense. This should be a really interesting matchup of two different styles going at it.

Aquinas College Alumni Showcase @ Aquinas College

 

Saturday

CLARKSTON vs Wyoming Godwin Heights

This is a really interesting matchup taking place at Aquinas College with the Wolves playing during the holidays. Clarkston is coming off their first loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit on their home floor, they will play a good Godwin Heights team that has won two straight since an 0-2 start. This should be a really interesting matchup for Clarkston heading west to Grand Rapids.

Mitten Recruit Classic @ Pontiac

 

Saturday

PONTIAC vs FARMINGTON

The Falcons have been up and down when it comes to consistency and which Farmington team will show up. The Phoenix have been a solid team all season. This should be a fun matchup of two OAA teams that are looking to make some noise in their respective divisions. This should be a good matchup.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Center Line

The Lakers have played a tough schedule which the record indicates. West Bloomfield has had games where they looked good and at times they looked really bad. Coach Arnette Jordan’s team will head to Sy Green gym to take on a very good Center Line squad who’s only loss came to Warren Fitzgerald. The Panthers are a really dangerous team and will give West Bloomfield everything they can handle. This is going to be a tough matchup for Jordan and the Lakers.

 

Motor City Roundball Classic @ Ferndale

 

Friday

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Grosse Pointe South-1:50 PM

This should be a really interesting matchup. The Blackhawks are coming off a tough 44-42 loss to Royal Oak and are looking to bounce back. Bloomfield Hills will be taking on a solid Grosse Pointe South squad that has two losses to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and their arch rivals Grosse Pointe North. The Blue Devils are a hard working team in the Macomb Area Conference. It should be a really interesting matchup especially at the guard spots. It should be a fun matchup.

FERNDALE vs Grand Rapids Northview-7:55 PM

This is shaping up to be a really interesting matchup of two teams that have a ton of expectations coming into the season but the records indicate that they haven’t met them. The Eagles are a hot and cold team that has played a brutal schedule but they need to be considering they have Warren Lincoln in their district. Grand Rapids Northview has lost two of their last three games. This should be a good matchup of two teams looking to have a strong 2024.

 

Sunday

BERKLEY vs American International Academy (Inkster)-10:45 AM

The Bears have been struggling as of late when it comes to close losses. This is a good opportunity for Coach Joe Sermo to turn things around playing American International Academy. The Vikings are going to be playing their third game in four days heading into this matchup. Berkley has been struggling to find consistency but this game presents an opportunity to turn things around.

 

HARPER WOODS vs Fraser-12:15 PM

The Pioneers have just been really bad in the last four games. It is unknown how they would do against River Rouge which is going to be a really tough matchup for them on that Friday. Harper Woods will take on a Fraser squad that is improving under former Stoney Creek coach Steve Norgrove. The Ramblers have been up and down but Norgrove has his players believing in his system. This will be a really tough matchup for Coach TaJuan Porter and Harper Woods.

 

ROCHESTER vs Redford Thurston-1:50 PM

The Falcons are coming off a really tough loss to Pontiac and will have a really tough matchup awaiting them when they play Redford Thurston. The Eagles started 0-3 which included a loss to Farmington but have won four straight since that game. This will be a tough matchup for Coach Nick Evola and the Falcons playing a team that has really improved lately. To make it worse for Rochester is that Jake Tandy is out for a month with an injury.

FERNDALE vs Romulus Summit Academy-7:55 PM

The Eagles will be coming off a tough matchup with Grand Rapids Northview will have another tough matchup with Romulus Summit Academy who is one of the best teams in the State. Ferndale will be at home which helps but this will be a really tough one for the Eagles and Coach Juan Rickman. This game should help as they prepare to see Warren Lincoln in the postseason come March.

Monday

GROVES vs River Rouge- 3:20 PM

The Falcons are coming off a really tough 75-70 overtime loss to Detroit Martin Luther King. Groves will look to go into this matchup with River Rouge hoping to snap the Panthers unbeaten start. River Rouge will see Harper Woods in North Farmington. The Falcons and Coach Marc West are looking at this opportunity as a bounce back game after what happened on their home floor. It should be a really interesting matchup.

AVONDALE vs Detroit Martin Luther King- 4:55 PM

The Yellow Jackets are going through a gauntlet with the non conference schedule along with the Red but you add another tough game with Detroit Martin Luther King, a team that beat Groves in overtime in their building. That makes it tough for Coach Jaret Thomas. It should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams.

ADAMS vs Detroit Cass Tech-6:25 PM

The Highlanders after having a very tough matchup with Warren DeLaSalle will have another tough matchup with Detroit Cass Tech. The Technicians have a win over Macomb Dakota but lost to Detroit Renaissance. Detroit Cass Tech is very athletic and well coached under Coach Steven Hall. Adams will need everyone to step up if Coach Isiah Novak wants to pull this one out. It’s a very difficult matchup that is for sure.

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Renaissance-7:55 PM

The Lakers will have another tough matchup after playing Center Line in Pontiac with playing a really tough Detroit Renaissance squad. The Phoenix lost by one to Romulus Summit Academy, and two out of state teams but did beat Detroit Cass Tech and Detroit Mumford. West Bloomfield will need to defend if they have any chance to upset the Phoenix and their defense has had some issues this season for Coach Arnette Jordan. Defense is the key in this game.

Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 26, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Reminds Consumers to Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

As consumers look to return holiday gifts and other merchandise, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on Avoiding Unhappy Returns to help consumers avoid surprises by taking a little extra time to understand the store’s return policies.

“Return policies vary greatly from store to store, but almost all impose a time limit on returns,” Nessel said. “If you know you will return an item you received this holiday season, don’t wait, and review the store’s return policy before making the trip.”

The best way to avoid an unhappy return is to know the store’s return policy before making a purchase. Look for a posted return policy at the cash register or in the customer service area. You can also ask a store clerk.

Online shoppers should examine a store’s website to determine whether returns are allowed. If the online store allows returns, you should search the store’s website for information on how to return items. If the information is not posted on the store’s website, you should be cautious about purchases. If you decide to proceed, you should first contact the store. Ask for the return policy in writing. Be sure to print and retain the return information (along with all receipts, packing slips, and other documentation).

If your return has been refused by a store clerk, ask to speak with the store manager. If the store refuses the return of items that are defective or not as represented, you have a legitimate complaint. You can also complain if you discover that the store is not honoring its return policy. If you paid by credit card, you may wish to contact your credit card company and dispute the charges.

To view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form 

Protecting the Great Lakes from a potential oil spill

Protecting the Great Lakes from a potential oil spill

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Friend ­­––

 

As Michiganders, the Great Lakes are in our DNA. They are central to our way of life, and one of my top priorities is keeping them clean and healthy for future generations.

We’ve all seen how devastating oil spills can be to aquatic ecosystems. So, when I learned that we weren’t equipped to handle a potential spill in the Great Lakes, I knew I had to act.

That’s why I created the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise in 2018, after hearing from the then-Commandant of the Coast Guard that we simply lack the scientific research and technologies to quickly address an oil spill in freshwater.

An oil spill in the Great Lakes would be catastrophic. Particularly a spill in the Straits of Mackinac where strong winds and fluctuating tides would cause a substance like oil to spread far and wide — very quickly.

Not only would a spill harm the wildlife and ecosystems the Great Lakes nurture, but it would cause serious health risks for the millions of Michiganders and Americans who rely on the Great Lakes for fresh drinking water. It would also jeopardize thousands of jobs and businesses they support around our state.

Recently, Detroit PBS and Great Lakes Now teamed up to produce a TV segment highlighting the work of the Great Lakes Center of Expertise and those who support its critical mission:

 

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Click HERE or on the image above to watch more.

The Great Lakes Center of Expertise brings together national and international experts to devise techniques and solutions that will help ensure we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a spill.

And I’m proud that the Center of Expertise is dual headquartered right here in Michigan at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and capabilities.

The Great Lakes are a precious gift that we all have a responsibility to protect. I won’t stop fighting to keep them strong.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan