Written Sunday November 23rd at 8:04 PM
Here is the Girls Basketball Preview Outlook. I have the teams in this projected order along with the top ten now I may be wrong when it comes to the projected order. I’ll post the podcast for the preview show and the outlook for the season. I also have the district outlook as well that will be on here as well. Here they are.
Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ9BmLTbnHs&t=975s
Districts
https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2025/06/girls-basketball-districts-2026.html
Early teams to watch
https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2025/09/basketball-way-too-early-oaa-teams-to.html
TOP TEN TO START
1. West Bloomfield
2. Clarkston
3. Stoney Creek
4. Groves
5. Berkley
6. Rochester
7. Avondale
8. Troy
9. Oxford
10. Lake Orion
Red
NON CONFERENCE STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE-MOST DIFFICULT TO LEAST DIFFICULT
1. West Bloomfield
2. Clarkston
3. Rochester
4. Lake Orion
5. Oxford
6. Stoney Creek
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
19-9, 8-2 Red. Lost 60-55 to Belleville in Division One State Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Sheridan Beal- G
MOST CRITICAL: Malia Taylor- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Iyanna Davis- F
STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.
CONCERN: Point Guard.
STORYLINE: Can Lakers transfers catch up to the Lakers way???
The Lakers have been dominant in the last 10 years putting together a proven program year in and year out. West Bloomfield made the Division One Final Four five of the last six years and won two Division One State crowns but this could be a different Lakers team than in years past however it could be the same as well. “It was a great season not so much from the start, we were putting some things together at the beginning of the season, we were playing some of the toughest teams in the state and at one point we were 1-4 but we got it together, got back in the gym and put the work in and eventually went to the Final Four” said Coach Darrin McAllister. West Bloomfield has Sheridan Beal, Londyn Hall, Tiara Hopkins-Butler, Rio Kuronita, Lanie Williams, Samiya McPherson, Kaela Hall, Ese Uwedjojevwe, Sydni Shinaul, and Kumi Takatsu coming back McAllister. They have Iyanna Davis (Beal’s cousin) and Malia Taylor coming into the program from Ferndale as transfers along with several other impact freshmen that can make some noise this season. McAllister has been really excited to see how Hall, Hopkins-Butler, Hall, and Beal handle their senior seasons. “Sheridan Beal is more than ready, she’s put in the work, other seniors Londyn Hall, Tierra Hopkins (Butler) oh man Kaela Hall, they’re fun to be around, I’m real excited to see what they can do” McAllister added. Program strength is a concern for McAllister where they struggled last season in both levels. The non conference is always tough and it will be again with Flint Carman Ainsworth, Wayne Memorial, Detroit Mumford, Detroit Cass Tech, Chicago Wendall Phillips, Detroit Country Day, Grand Blanc, Avondale, Birmingham Marian, Northville, Groves, and Detroit Edison. The Lakers should be in the conversation to make some noise again his season. “Every new season is an opportunity so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to build on what we started last year and have some fun” McAllister said. West Bloomfield has a long road awaiting them and the Breslin Center is always the goal and the expectations haven’t changed in regards to the Lakers.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
18-8, 9-1 Red. Lost 47-42 to West Bloomfield in Regional Finals
TOP PLAYER: Brooklyn Covert- G
MOST CRITICAL: Kayla Butki- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Ava Waslik- G
STRENGTH: Guards, Experience.
CONCERN: Staleness, Unproven Bench.
STORYLINE: Can the Wolves break through their regional drought???
The Wolves have been a very strong program building program which can be seen at the lower levels (youth, middle school, freshman, Junior Varsity but they are not fielding a freshman team this season.) Clarkston has been very consistent under Coach Aaron Goodnough who has done a fantastic job since taking over for Coach John Weyer at Clarkston. “We had a great season, I can’t even remember how long it was, got to the regional final had a close game as well” (lost 47-42 to West Bloomfield.) said Goodnough. The Wolves don’t really have a lot of holes to address when it comes to weaknesses, maybe keeping their fouls in check. Clarkston should be in the conversation again with a ton of proven experience. The Wolves have Lexie Fry, Elianna Robak, Brooklyn Covert, Kayla Butki, Bella Flavin, Makayla Bond, Brooke Bond, Claire Alexander, and Ava Waslik coming back along with Kylin Cumberworth and Sydney Miles who could be players to watch and add depth for Clarkston. “We got Elli, Brooklyn and Bella Flavin and we’ve had the opportunity to see some of our younger players play in the summer and got to see some things as well, I think our first five is well set for us and then it will be a matter of what we look like coming off the bench” Goodnough said. The non conference is brutal with the likes of Rochester Lutheran Northwest, Brighton, Northville, Orchard Lake St. Marys, Grand Blanc, Midland, Perrysburg Ohio, Holland Christian, Berkley, Flint Powers, and Detroit Edison this season. “I love scheduling hard up front, I love playing those tough games in December, it prepares you for January, we’re playing a team in Ohio (Perrysburg) that’s a good team then we turn around and play Powers, I like playing those games so your ready and tested so it will never change when I’m here” Goodnough said. Clarkston is built for the now and in the future which always helps.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
16-8, 5-5 Red. Lost 49-46 to Utica Eisenhower in District Finals
TOP PLAYER: Calista Ivezaj- F
MOST CRITICAL: Abigail Ivezaj- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Samantha Fulkerson- G
STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.
CONCERN: Depth.
STORYLINE: Can the Cougars get by Utica Eisenhower???
The Cougars have been very consistent when it comes to getting double digit win totals. Stoney Creek had a very controversial 49-46 loss to Utica Eisenhower in the district finals last season. The Cougars know they could see the Eagles again in the postseason down the road. Depth is a serious concern along with program strength but according to sources within the program they are expected to field three teams which would be huge from a program strength perspective. The Cougars have a new Athletic Director in former North Farmington Boys Basketball Coach Todd Negoshian taking over the athletic department. Stoney Creek has a lot of proven experience in Abigail Ivezaj, Izzy Ivezaj, Calista Ivezaj, Kendall Collier, Jessica Kennedy, Zara Nigl, Samantha Fulkerson, and Jadelynn Freeman coming back for Coach Columbus Williams. Williams will need to develop his depth which would take pressure off of his starters. If he can’t then that could spell trouble for the Cougars. The non conference might be the easiest out of anyone in the Red but it include teams like Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Adams, Rochester Lutheran Northwest, and Macomb Dakota. The Cougars should be solid but there are so many warning signs to consider. Program strength and depth will be something to watch with Stoney Creek.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
19-4, 10-0 White. Lost 35-32 to Stoney Creek in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Stella Marlow- G
MOST CRITICAL: Angela Cichowski- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Emma Max- F
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Interior.
STORYLINE: How will life be without Alice Max and Kylie Robinson???
The Falcons changed coaches and went through a transition period. They won the White going 10-0 earning their way back to the Red. Rochester had a tough 35-32 loss to arch rival Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. They lost four year stalwarts in Alice Max and Kylie Robinson to graduation. The Falcons have Stella Marlow, Taylor Parsons, Emma Max, Madelyn Hillmer, Angela Cichowski, and Arisara MacDonald coming back for Coach Andrew Toppie. Program strength looks solid but there are concerns heading into the future for Rochester which is something to watch. The non conference looks brutal with Davison, Avondale, Romeo, Troy, Fraser, Utica Ford II, Groves, Seaholm, Berkley, Midland Dow, Adams, and New Baltimore Anchor Bay. The Falcons should be solid this season despite losing their two bigs to graduation.
OXFORD WILDCATS
8-15, 2-8 Red. Lost 36-33 to Davison in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Kaitlyn Brockway- G
MOST CRITICAL: Mia Champagne- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Clare Bruski- F
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Size.
STORYLINE: Can the Wildcats find that next great post player???
The Wildcats had a really interesting tale of two seasons. Oxford had three different coaches in six months and went with Coach Trevor Marshall before the start of last season. Marshall is coming off a special year as an assistant with the volleyball program in their journey to the State Quarterfinals. The Wildcats struggled winning eight games along with a very tough 36-33 loss to Davison in the district semifinal last season. Marshall has been a proven winner in developing talent in what should be a much better season for Oxford. The Wildcats have Tegan O’Connor, Mia Champagne, Kaitlyn Brockway, Cameron Quidort, Jayden Jacobsen, and Clare Bruski coming back. Program strength is a big concern for Marshall and something to watch despite a couple of eighth graders that could make some noise in the future. Brockway and Champagne have had strong summers and will be players to watch. The non conference looks very challenging with Orchard Lake St. Marys, Macomb Dakota, Avondale, Lakeland, Birmingham Marian, New Baltimore Anchor Bay, Lapeer, Groves, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, North Branch, and Warren Regina. Oxford should be very interesting to watch and see what happens.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
13-11, 4-6 Red. Lost 59-56 in Overtime to Clarkston in District Finals
TOP PLAYER: Kara Veeder- F
MOST CRITICAL: Abby Neering- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Kelsey King- F
STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.
CONCERN: Chemistry, Experience.
STORYLINE: What will the Dragons look like by middle February???
The Dragons have been very consistent and very competitive but they could take some early season lumps after losing their two top scorers in Izzy Wotlinski and Charlotte Peplowski along with Mel Guccione last season. Lake Orion is also coming off two heartbreaking district final losses to Clarkston. This is something that Coach Bob Brydges wants to address this season. The Dragons will be very young this season which is why describing that it could get very rocky early and in the Red but Brydges is one of the best coaches when it comes to developing multi sport athletes however it will take some time to adjust so patience will be required. “It’s going to be a big team effort this year, a lot more team basketball, you lose Izzy Wotlinski and Charlotte Peplowski big time scorers, big time minute eaters from last year, we’ll fill out nicely we got five seniors that are coming back, we’ll look to them to steady the ship until the younger kids get up and running fully but overall we’ll work hard, we’ll be good, don’t know how good but we’ll be ready for competition come league season” said Brydges. The Dragons have a very young team with Riley House, Dani Heck, Kara Veeder, Jasmine Randolph, Liz Crawford, Brooke Armstrong, and Audrey Heist coming back along with newcomers in Trinity Hays (out until February ACL/MCL surgery) Abby Neering, Mary Graves, Maddie Cloos, Val Vasquez, Addi Wotlinski, and Mary Graves. Kelsey King has really been a player that has made a name for herself this summer and could fill a big need for Lake Orion. House is coming off an ACL injury she injured against Ferndale last season. Program strength is solid for Brydges and the future looks very bright especially the eighth graders in the program, like Clarkston the long term success is there with the Dragons. The non conference is brutal with Orchard Lake St. Marys, Davison, Rochester Lutheran Northwest, Kingston, Lakeland, Groves, Troy, Troy Athens, Berkley, Romeo, and Lapeer. Traditionally the Dragons have played their best basketball into February before districts. “Everyday is a process, it’s an individual skill development, it’s a team skill development, they’re going to have to learn to continue to play together, to get better together but we got a good group, they’ve had a good summer, a good fall, we’ve put in the hard work and we’ll continue to put in the hard work for the next 12 months” Brydges said. It will take some time for the Dragons to gel but they could experience some growing pains this season.
White
NON CONFERENCE STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE-MOST DIFFICULT TO LEAST DIFFICULT
1. Groves
2. Avondale
3. Berkley
4. Seaholm
5. Bloomfield Hills
6. Royal Oak
GROVES FALCONS
6-16, 4-6 White. Lost 55-33 to Bloomfield Hills in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Harlem Simpson- G
MOST CRITICAL: Jacey Roy- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Sophie Schwanik- F
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Interior, Program Strength.
STORYLINE: Can Sophie Schwanik be the answer in the post???
The Falcons have been growing as a program looking to build momentum under Coach Jessica Duebla who is in her second year which is where a program is usually put in place. Duebla has made significant strides this summer when it comes to player development. Groves will look to have a bounce back year after winning six games which included a disappointing 55-33 loss to Bloomfield Hills in the first round last season. The Falcons have a ton of proven experience in Jacey Roy, Harlem Simpson, Sophie Schwanik, Kinley Roy, Cece Cardenas, Genevieve Meihn, Sofia Acuna, Charlie Gress, Sam Kacin, and Julie Audebeau coming back. Program strength is a concern for Duebla and something she will need to address. The non conference is brutal with Livonia Stevenson which is coached by former Groves Coach Alison Hidey, Farmington Hills Mercy, Lake Orion, Oxford, Fenton, Birmingham Marian, Fraser, Rochester, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Orchard Lake St. Marys, West Bloomfield, and Milford. Groves has a ton of proven star guards but the interior is a question mark coming into the season. If Duebla can address the interior than the Falcons could be a serious player in the White and in the postseason this season.
BERKLEY BEARS
16-8, 9-3 Blue. Lost 52-45 to Royal Oak in District Finals
TOP PLAYER: Nadia Watt- F
MOST CRITICAL: Caliegh Tracy- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Nicqo Shoulders- F
STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.
CONCERN: Guards, Different Styles.
STORYLINE: Can Berkley compete with Detroit Renaissance???
The Bears have been a program on the rise and is looking for more this season. Berkley had a strong year winning 16 games but fell 52-45 to arch rival Royal Oak in the district finals last season. The Bears lost a lot of proven talent to graduation last season but they have developed a ton of proven talent in the lower levels. Berkley has Olivia Church, Amastou Diop, Caliegh Tracy, Nadia Watt, Molly McAskin, Blessing Nweke, and Katelyn Stills coming back along with a 6.2 new comer in Nicqo Shoulders for Coach Clay Shaver. Shoulders has been getting a ton of attention with her size and strength. They also have Addison Skipton, Masie Cameron, Norah Stahl, Maggie McAskin, and Lexie Rosenbalm that could make some noise as well. It will be very interesting to see how Berkley handles different styles especially Detroit Renaissance who they will possibly see in their district. The non conference will prove if the Bears are ready for the challenge which includes Brighton, Lake Orion, Warren Cousino, Plymouth, Livonia Stevenson, Clarkston, Adams, Rochester, Farmington Hills Mercy, Macomb Lutheran North, and Lakeland. Program strength has been solid for the Bears and should continue to be for years to come. Berkley should be in the conversation but can they handle the pace of Detroit Renaissance will be their biggest question this season.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
18-5, 12-0 Blue. Lost 59-50 to Lake Orion in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Sasha McClellan- G
MOST CRITICAL: Raven Caldwell- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Germani Hall- G
STRENGTH: Guards.
CONCERN: Experience, Depth.
STORYLINE: Can the Yellow Jackets find some help for Sasha McClellan???
The Yellow Jackets had a really interesting year which saw a ton of ups and downs. They upset Lake Orion (57-39) in December and won the Blue with an unbeaten record in the division thus earning the move to the White but Avondale fell 59-50 to Lake Orion in the postseason last season. Avondale had a really experienced team but they lost a lot of proven talent to graduation but they’re in the White this season. “I think it’s going to be good for us, we’re going to compete, we’re looking to win it as always, I think it’s going to be a good change for us” said Coach Roy Christmon. The Yellow Jackets have Sasha McClellan, Mariah Wood, Janaye Richardson, Anai Collier, Omaryah Hardie, and Raven Caldwell coming back for Christmon. Germani Hall is a player to watch for Christmon along with her sister DeMaya Hall. Germani Hall transferred to Auburn Hills from Pontiac this offseason and could take some pressure off of McClellan with what she has to do this season but there are other candidates that could make some noise as well. “I think DeMaya Owens, freshman starter, I think she’s going to be the Robin to my Batman, also Janaye Richardson she could be one as well” McClellan said. Program strength is a concern for Christmon especially losing a lot of proven experience. The non conference is very challenging with the likes of Chicago Butler Prep, Brandon, Rochester, Oxford, Stoney Creek, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake St. Marys, Harper Woods, and Walled Lake Western. “We got a super tough schedule, we got West Bloomfield, Stoney Creek, we got a tough schedule but we’ll always compete and win those type of games, win is the goal” Christmon said. The Yellow Jackets could be in the White conversation but it will take some time for them to adjust and grow.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
13-12, 5-5 White. Lost 55-21 to Warren Cousino in Regional Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Lydia Dickens- G
MOST CRITICAL: Dimyah Jackson- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Alice Knoll- G
STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.
CONCERN: Depth.
STORYLINE: Can the Ravens develop depth to go along with their experience???
The Ravens have been very consistent as a program even though it was a down year despite winning 13 games but it’s still Royal Oak. The Ravens won back to back district crowns for the first time in the history of Royal Oak basketball even when they were Royal Oak Kimball and Royal Oak Dondero. They beat arch rival Berkley 42-35 in the district finals but was blown out by Warren Cousino 55-21 in the regional semifinals last season. The Ravens have to replace four starters from last season but they have Dimyah Jackson, Alyssa Rozycki, Lydia Dickens, Mia Maccini, Allie Hills, Mia Waterstredt, and Vivian Lawrence coming back. They have Kolbie Roelofs, Ainsley Weeks, Jane Meinecke, and Alice Knoll who can make some noise for Coach Brian Sopota. Program strength is very concerning for Sopota which is very unusual considering Royal Oak has always had program strength in the lower levels. The non conference is a little less challenging than the rest of the White with Ann Arbor Huron, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, Adams, Walled Lake Northern, Farmington, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, and North Farmington. Program strength will be something to watch with the Ravens as Royal Oak will look to have a bounce back season.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
12-11, 4-6 White. Lost 53-43 to Birmingham Marian in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Addy Kitzman- G
MOST CRITICAL: Jada Josifovski- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Erin Sheckell- G
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Experience
STORYLINE: Can the Maples overcome lost of experience and bounce back???
The Maples had a very disappointing season with a lot of proven experience on their roster only to win 12 games and have a tough 53-43 loss to Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals last season. Seaholm lost a lot of proven talent as mentioned which will be a challenge. The Maples have Addy Kitzman, Hazel Guffey, Jada Josifovski, Leah Stanford, Shea Simpson, and Erin Sheckell coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Program strength is a concern for Seaholm and is something to watch. The non conference looks very challenging with Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy, Troy, Troy Athens, Rochester, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Adams, Lakeland, Stoney Creek, and Macomb Lutheran North. The Maples will be a very interesting team to watch that is for sure.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACK HAWKS
10-12, 4-6 White. Lost 54-45 to Birmingham Marian in District Finals
TOP PLAYER: Brielle Brooks- G
MOST CRITICAL: Evia Barbu- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Summer Alhimiri- F
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Experience, Depth
STORYLINE: Can the Black Hawks take the next step???
The Black Hawks have been really consistent as a program and will look to take the next step even though they lost a ton of proven talent to graduation (nine seniors.) “It’s starting over a lot we lost nine seniors so we got a pretty young team, we’re hoping to have three or four freshmen on the team this year but we’re working hard, I’m telling them to play hard, play defensively and see where we go from there” said Coach Renardo Brown. Bloomfield Hills was around 500 in the White and had some good wins and some very tough losses last season but it could be a challenge this season. The Black Hawks have Sophie Laramie, Summer Alhimiri, Brielle Brooks, Isabella Papa, Liana Le, Iris Jenney, and Evia Barbu coming back for Brown. Program strength looks solid for Brown and this is where Bloomfield Hills has seen a lot of success. The non conference is brutal with Orchard Lake St. Marys, Adams twice, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The development of players is key for the Black Hawks in what could be a down year but no one ever truly knows. “It is a day by day step, we got a lot of babies and so each day like we work out in the summer, we can make improvement, I think the freshmen are very talented but you never know how they are going to play out and on the varsity level, I’ve coached a lot of them in the middle school level” said Brown of his freshmen. Bloomfield Hills should be a really interesting team this season.
Blue
NON CONFERENCE STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE-MOST DIFFICULT TO LEAST DIFFICULT
1. Troy
2. Adams
3. Troy Athens
4. Southfield Arts and Tech
5. Harper Woods
6. Ferndale
TROY COLTS
8-15, 3-7 White. Lost 45-33 to Berkley in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Maci Zeiter- G
MOST CRITICAL: Olivia Spangler- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Carly Higginbottom- F
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Interior, Living Up to Expectations.
STORYLINE: Can the Colts overcome the loss of Diamond Prince???
The Colts have had a lot of expectations heading into last season with a ton of proven experience. Troy played a really tough schedule along with critical injuries really derailed their season which included a 45-33 district semifinal loss to Berkley but they did beat Utica Ford II, a program that made the State Quarterfinals last season (45-43.) The expectations are still very high with proven experience coming back along with the lower levels that have gotten a lot of attention. The Colts have Maci Zeiter, Carly Higginbottom, Srujana Uppalapati, and Olivia Spangler coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Program strength looks solid for Guzman especially the sophomore class. Troy has the talent to have a deep postseason run however they’re going to have to overcome graduation loss along with Diamond Prince transferring to the west side of the state this offseason. The interior besides Higginbottom is another concern to watch. The non conference is a great way to prove themselves with Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Seaholm, Rochester, Romeo, Macomb Dakota, Oxford, Lake Orion, and Utica Ford II. There are some concerns with the Colts that they need to overcome. It’s now or never for Troy if they want to make some noise.
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
10-11, 6-6 Blue. Lost 37-33 to Romeo in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Faith Zoldus- G
MOST CRITICAL: Layla Tomezak- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Nadia Heppner- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Transition Period.
STORYLINE: Mental sickie will be the key to the Highlanders season.
The Highlanders had a really interesting year winning ten games along with having some key injuries that if healthy things would have been different. Adams was upset by Romeo in the first round falling 37-33 which prompted a program change this offseason. The Highlanders went in house with their coaching hire and named former junior varsity coach Justin Howard this summer. Howard is well respected within the basketball community and has been at Adams under coaches Shay Lewis and Joe Malburg. “I think structure, practice plans, and the key thing is I want make sure the girls are learning is having fun, a lot of things that I learned from those coaches and if you do that your going to get good results” said Howard. The Highlanders have Faith Zoldus, Jordan Jarrell, Layla Tomezak, Regan Moore, Alyssa Stephens, Nora Camaj, and Nadia Heppner coming back for Howard. Mental mindset will be something to watch. “It’s funny the theme from a lot of teams was cohesiveness, chemistry, I just spoke with the team that chemistry is going to be key, those four have chemistry the whole umbrella needs to have chemistry so I think that mental piece will slowly disappear if the chemistry work, I think basketball is basketball, you’re going to learn different things but once you get that cohesiveness down it’s going to make it that more exciting” Howard said. Program strength will be something to watch with Adams as Howard looks to build the program in his own image. “They need to have fun and learn, I’ve got three assistant coaches, former alumni, I have a veteran freshman assistant, a former alumni son, I just got my JV staff, I have a chance to get multiple coaches on all levels, I think the growth of the program will depend on how much teaching we can do over the months” Howard said. The non conference looks challenging with Rochester, Stoney Creek, Bloomfield Hills twice, Utica, Royal Oak, Macomb Dakota, Chippewa Valley, Lake Orion, Berkley, Seaholm, and Utica Ford II. It will be very interesting to see what Howard does with the Highlanders.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
8-15, 3-9 Blue. Lost 41-32 to Troy in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Katrina Tasich- G
MOST CRITICAL: Annabelle Beaubien- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Taryn Frizsching- F
STRENGTH: Experience, Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Inconsistency.
STORYLINE: Can Katrina Tasich get her game to another level???
The Red Hawks have been a very interesting program going around 500 the last five years. Troy Athens has won big games but they have a history of having letdowns or really questionable or tough losses. The Red Hawks won eight games which included winning over arch rival Troy 49-45 in the regular season but fell 41-32 in the district semifinals last season. The inconsistency been a huge factor for Troy Athens to where they are 54-57 since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Hawks has the talent to be very competitive. Troy Athens has Katrina Tasich, Katie Malone, Vsyanavi Narayan, Lily Cavatito, Erica Obra, Jaya Jackson, Annabelle Beaubien, Taryn Fritzsching, Madi Stencel, Asahari Daram, and Annalise Lorenz coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Program strength has been solid for Klumpp and should be again this season. The non conference looks manageable but has it’s share of tough games with Berkley, Lake Orion, Seaholm, and Lakeland. It’s the inconsistencies that could decide the Red Hawks this season.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
15-7, 8-4 Blue. Lost 52-47 to Bloomfield Hills in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Samiyah Ashford- G
MOST CRITICAL: Daryn Thompson- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Desiree Battle- F
STRENGTH: Athleticism, Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Program Strength.
STORYLINE: Can the Warriors overcome the losses to graduation and have another strong season???
The Warriors had a really good year last season winning 15 games but had a really disappointing 52-47 loss to Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. Southfield Arts and Tech lost a lot of proven talent but they still have some proven experience and is well coached. The Warriors have Samiyah Ashford, Desiree Battle, Quimara Salter, Daryn Thompson, Kianna Harrison, and Erica Sheridan coming back for Coach and Athletic Director Shaquita Coltrane. Program strength is a question mark for Coltrane. The non conference looks tough but still needs to fill out games but has Plymouth Canton and River Rouge which are tough games. This is a program that has been very consistent and they could make some noise again this season if they stay healthy.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
10-10, 4-8 Blue. Lost 57-49 to St. Clair Shores South Lake in District Semifinals
TOP PLAYER: Laniyah West- G
MOST CRITICAL: Jayda Davis- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Adorie Stewart- F
STRENGTH: Wings.
CONCERN: Program Strength, Depth.
STORYLINE: Can the Pioneers develop quickly and build program strength???
The Pioneers should be a very interesting team this season. Harper Woods won ten games but had a tough 57-49 loss to St. Clair Shores South Lake in the district semifinals last season. The Pioneers have Jayda Davis, Laniyah West, Adorie Stewart, and Amari Hutchinson coming back for Coach LaTonya Tate. Program strength is a concern for Tate especially with the numbers. The non conference looks very light with Chicago Clark and Avondale. They need games especially to help with their MPR. If Harper Woods can address program strength then they could make some noise this season.
FERNDALE EAGLES
10-16, 2-8 Red. Lost 77-27 to Detroit Edison in Regional Finals
TOP PLAYER: Zahra Richardson-G
MOST CRITICAL: J’Niyah Larry-F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: ???
STRENGTH: Guards
CONCERN: Might not have team.
STORYLINE: Will Eagles field a program???
The Eagles were in the Red, won ten games, and won a district crown however they fell to Detroit Edison 77-27 in the regional finals last season. Ferndale has had a very challenging offseason which seen a ton of changeover from players and coaches this offseason. Program strength is an issue while several players transferred elsewhere. Ferndale has Zahra Richardson and JaNiya Larry coming back but it’s unknown if they are truly back or if they left Ferndale. The Eagles have a new coach in April Johnson taking over the program but there are big questions for Ferndale is can they field a program and get enough girls to come and play??? If they can find the success their volleyball program is having then maybe there could be some opportunities.
Gold
NON CONFERENCE STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE-MOST DIFFICULT TO LEAST DIFFICULT
1. Pontiac
2. Farmington
3. North Farmington
4. Waterford
4. Ferndale University
5. Oak Park
WATERFORD
10-13, 4-10 Lakes Valley Conference. Lost 57-22 to Clarkston in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Savannah Sartorius- G
MOST CRITICAL: Sophie Munro- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Paytin Eakin- G
STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.
CONCERN: Adjusting to new league, Experience.
STORYLINE: Can Waterford adjust to life in a new league???
Waterford is a combination of Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott merged together because of numbers in the program. Waterford United during media day talked about having soccer players that should help them this season. They won ten games but struggled in the Lakes Valley Conference along with a 57-22 first round loss to Clarkston. Waterford will have Morgan Koskinen, Sophie Munro, Ahmya Gulley, Paytin Eakin, and Savannah Sartorius coming back for Coach Andrew Wellman. Program strength is much better with both schools merged which helps but too much could split Waterford back to Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott which Waterford will play half of their home games at either Waterford Kettering or Waterford Mott. The non conference has its fair share of manageable and tough games with Troy, Fenton, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Warren Cousino being tough games while Holly, Ann Arbor Skyline, Ann Arbor Huron, and Otisville Lakeville looks very manageable. It will be very interesting to see what Waterford does in their first season in the OAA.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
5-18, 0-12 Blue. Lost 62-31 to Birmingham Marian in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Lucy Nemeth- G
MOST CRITICAL: Hailey Webley- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Julia Nothstein- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Program Strength.
STORYLINE: Can the Raiders keep improving in their final season in the OAA???
The Raiders had a rough transition period under Coach Michael Allin. Allin had to change the culture around North Farmington and it has taken him some time to do just that despite winning five games and falling 62-31 to Birmingham Marian in the first round last season. The Raiders should be much improved in Allin’s second season coaching the program. He had a young nucleus but they showed a ton of promise in what is North Farmington’s final season in the OAA before they head to the Lakes Valley Conference next season. The Raiders have Shylah Tarin, Hailey Webley, Lucy Nemeth, and Julia Nothstein coming back for Allin. The non conference looks manageable with Walled Lake Western, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Westland John Glenn, Southfield Christian, Southgate Anderson, Madison Heights Lamphere, Detroit Southeastern, and Sterling Heights while Avondale and Royal Oak should be their toughest games. Program strength is a concern and will be something to watch. North Farmington should be a contender to watch in the Gold.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
10-13, 6-0 Gold. Lost 46-39 to Livonia Franklin in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Sydney Nogas- G
MOST CRITCIAL: Kate Martin- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Emma Mohr- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Schedule.
STORYLINE: Can the Falcons overcome a tough non conference and district to make some noise???
The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in their final season in the OAA before heading to the Lakes Valley Conference. Farmington has a lot of experience coming back from a team that won 10 games but had a very disappointing 46-39 first round loss to Livonia Franklin last season. The Falcons have a lot of proven experience in Sydney Nogas, Kate Martin, Jaden Kuderka, Anaya Carter, Gaia DeMeester, Sophia Potterfield, Grace Lamott, Brittany Perry, Breanna Drake, and Emma Mohr coming back for Coach Natalie Nowak. Program strength should be much improved for Nowak but there are always questions. The non conference looks tough with Livonia Churchill, Walled Lake Northern, Plymouth Salem, and Royal Oak. Farmington should be improved with the proven experience but sometimes it doesn’t always translate into success. The Falcons should be in the hunt in the Gold this season.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
9-8, 3-3 Gold. Lost 60-26 to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Jordyn Cooley- G
MOST CRITICAL: Aniyah Shaw- F
BREAKOUT PLAYER: K’Nila Lawerence- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Improvement.
STORYLINE: Can the Phoenix keep improving and getting better???
The Phoenix have been making a lot of progress as a program. They didn’t make the postseason due to program strength in 2023 but they made it into the postseason (fell 60-26 to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood) which gave them some confidence and optimism heading into this season. “It was exciting, very refreshing taking a program that didn’t win a game, you fight the whole season to get to the point, got over 500, very refreshing trying to build on that, we’ve been through adversity last season that we have to overcome, we’re building, we’re ready to go at it” said Coach Corray Lett. Pontiac should be much better this season and they have a lot of experience coming back. “With time comes good things, upperclassmen leave, you got new talent coming in, you got to build them up so it’s very refreshing to build somebody that has never played basketball to something, we’ve got some challenges that are ahead of us, we’re looking forward to taking these younger girls along with the upperclassmen having some much bigger roles this year” Lett said. The Phoenix have a lot of proven experience in Jordyn Cooley, Essence Thomas, Maliyah Lee, Dariah Jones, Telaina Lyles, K’Nila Lawrence, Aniyah Shaw, and Chrisah Ratcliff coming back for Lett but their best player Germani Hall transfered to Avondale this offseason. The non conference has been toughen with Marine City Cardinal Mooney, Troy Athens, Royal Oak, Oakside Prep Academy, Detroit Southeastern, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Madison Heights Madison, and Westland John Glenn. Program strength is a concern and something to watch with Pontiac this season. If the Phoenix can stay healthy and keep developing than they could make some noise in the Gold. “We want to be competitive, the teams we beat they want to come back for us, the teams we should have beaten we’re going to be coming for them, we should be ready to compete every time we touch the floor” Lett said. Pontiac should be a very interesting team to watch this season.
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES
10-8, 4-3 Gold. Lost 48-20 to Madison Heights Lamphere in District Semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Taniyah Cranford- G
MOST CRITICAL: JiNayah Reynolds- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Kendall Spencer- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Transition Period.
STORYLINE: How will the Eagles adjust to a new coach and new system???
The Eagles made strides after having a winless season in 2023. Ferndale University won ten games along with having a winning league record (4-3) in the Gold but they fell 48-20 to Madison Heights Lamphere in the district semifinals last season. The next step is building chemistry and continuing what they’ve started in 2023. The Eagles have Taniyah Cranford, Kadejah Miller, JiNayah Reynolds, Jayda Wilson, TaMayah Hill, TaMary Powell, Kendall Spencer, SuHunye Green, Nuraya Pryor, and Aria Matthews coming back. Ferndale University will have a new coach in Brian Pinkett this season. They will have a tough transition period which has to happen during the season. The non conference looks very manageable for the Eagles with Melvindale, Detroit Old Redford Academy, Star International Academy which Pinkett came from, Novi Christian Academy, and Detroit East English Village Prep. Program strength is a concern for Ferndale University and something to watch for as well. It will be interesting to see what the Eagles do this season.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
3-12, 0-6 Gold. Lost 46-11 to Hamtramck in District First Round
TOP PLAYER: Cherish Faulkner- G
MOST CRITICAL: Katelyn Downer- G
BREAKOUT PLAYER: Minyah Andrews- F
STRENGTH: Experience.
CONCERN: Program Strength, Morale.
STORYLINE: Can the Knights gain some confidence heading into the season???
The Knights have really been struggling as of late but they have been developing talent which is always a good thing. Oak Park should be much improved this season with the experience they have coming back. The Knights have Cherish Faulkner, Katelyn Downer, Israel Logan, Zahira Shaw, Zaria Cook, Aliyah Hunter, JaKayla Howard, Honesty Hathorn, Kamara Davis, Dajora Burke, De’Nyah Lloyd, Zatoria Martin, Lanuya Hendon, Aundreya Watkins, and Miniyah Andrews coming back for Coach Tyler Washington. The non conference will be key for Washington to get some games, the more games the better for the program which includes Walled Lake Central and Flint Beecher. Program strength is a concern and will be something to watch. Oak Park should be contender in this division but there are a lot of questions as well with the Knights.
