Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023

by Becky Andrus | Jul 8, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023.

Written Tuesday June 21st at 11:15 PM

Hello to everyone, these are the Boys Basketball Districts. The Girls Basketball Districts will be out tomorrow.

If Basketball coaches want their thoughts on the districts posted on the blog, just DM me on Twitter and I’ll get them on there.

This article will be updated very often.

District 6 @ Clarkston

CLARKSTON

PONTIAC

AVONDALE

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Waterford Mott

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: John Kaul-Clarkston

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. I’m still at a loss for words with how Clarkston didn’t get the top seed in the district last season and Waterford Mott ended up getting that spot. They should be the favorite in this district with home court and proven experience. The Wolves have Brayden Wiley, Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, John Kaul, Zach Scherler, Cole Church, Zach Pflidger, and Cavanaugh Diton coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Waterford Mott won the Lakes Valley, had the top seed in the district, and home court but fell to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Corsairs have Dequantre Warren, Jacoby Menyweathers, Octave Lawerence, Davon Warren, Kalieb Osborn, Devin Lewis, Davis Ellis, and Jake Martin coming back for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering struggled last season with a late coaching change two weeks before the season started last season. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Isac Moore, Will Campbell, Kevin Meredith, and Christopher Bowman coming back for former Farmington Hills Harrison and Hazel Park coach Stefan Wilson. Pontiac really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back season. The Phoenix have Daveon Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglas coming back for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved and have played really well in the summer. The Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Justin Sykes, Terry Daniel, DJ White, Issac Gordon, Jeremiah Phillips, and Darren Pagel coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. This should be a rematch of the district finals from last season between the Wolves and the Corsairs but anything is possible.

District 5 @ Utica Eisenhower

LAKE ORION

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Utica Eisenhower

FAVORITE: Adams

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

DARKHORSE: Lake Orion

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Mychajulk-Utica Eisenhower

EARLY THOUGHTS:  This is the same district as last season. Could this district be Macomb County revenge??? It looks like it but Oakland County could spoil things like what happened last season when Lake Orion played Rochester Adams. Utica Eisenhower really improved during the second half of last year but fell to the Dragons in the district semifinals last season. They have proven experience and home court in the district. The Eagles have Ethan Mychajulk, Braden Buza, Preston Crumm, Jackson McHale, Hayden Bills, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, and Kyle O’Reilly coming back for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo won the Macomb Area White last season but was blown out by Utica Eisenhower in the first round on their home floor. They have gotten past the first game once in the last four years (2021-Oxford.) The Bulldogs have Tim Kewey and Aiden Tague coming back for Coach Marv Cushingberry but someone has to step up for Romeo to take the next step. Stoney Creek really struggled last season. They have a new coach. The Cougars have Peyton Rummler, Tre Walker, Leo Kent, Tommasso Sincola, and Jonah McCay coming back for new coach Jeff Olind. Adams should be the favorite despite losing a lot of proven experience from winning the district crown last season. The Highlanders have Brady Prieskorn and Peter Karakasis coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Rochester should be very interesting. They lost a ton of proven experience after falling to Adams in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons have Alex Bueno, Jaiden Bolden, Elijah Kalaj, Joe Lulgjaraj, Grant Calcagno, Rex Matoud, and Kharmani Potts coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Lake Orion is the sleeper in this district despite making the district finals and getting the top seed last season. When they are motivated and have that chip on the shoulder they are very dangerous. The Dragons have Nate Havrilla, DJ Morrow, J’Mari Wiggins, Jordan Morse, Kevin Tobe, Brady Harwood, and Blake Leidell coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. This is a very interesting district as mentioned, anything is possible.

District 4 @ Grand Blanc

OXFORD

Grand Blanc

Davison

Lapeer

Flint Kearsley

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Davison

DARKHORSE: Oxford

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Lawson-Davison

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Grand Blanc has a ton of storylines. They have a new coach in Tory Jackson. Jackson has a ton of coaching experience at Bay City John Glenn. He takes over for Mike Thomas whom left to take the East Kentwood coaching job. Thomas led the Bobcats to two State Final appearances, winning the title in 2021 but they fell to Warren De LaSalle in the Division One State Finals last season. It will be very interesting to see how the transition goes at Grand Blanc but they will have home court. The Bobcats have Robert Williams, Tae Boyd, Amonte Allen-Johnson, Micah Welch, Anthony Perdue, RJ Taylor, Bryce O’Mara,Trevon Johnson, Jake Lindquist, Joe Nemeck, and Donnine Huddleston coming back for Jackson. Lapeer should be very interesting. They had a hot start but a cold finish last season. The Lightning have Owen Boyle, Matt Sierakowski, Alex Wells, and Matthew Smith coming back for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison has a very young core that had a ton of ups and downs last season. They have made a ton of strides this offseason. The Cardinals have Greg Lawson, Teon Armstrong, Buddy Williams, Zach Papadakis, Henry Carstaphen, and Braylen Himmelin coming back for Coach Mike Williams. Flint Kearsley should be very interesting. They relied heavily on the three point shot. The Hornets have Neely Dakari, Donovan Harrington, and Julienne Brandt coming back for Coach Joe Corkan. Oxford is a sleeper in this district. I wonder what Chicago Brothers Pizza Owner Dan Brown has to say about this district??? The Wildcats have Dominic Cassisse, Logan Rozanski, Lucas Botette, Jake Champagne, Kyle DiMalanta, Keaton Lynn, and Dylan Stone coming back for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Grand Blanc right now is the favorite but watch for Oxford and Davison as both teams could give the Bobcats some fits.

District 25 @ Berkley

BERKLEY

ROYAL OAK

OAK PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Detroit Renaissance

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Oak Park

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sonny Wilson-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the early favorite in this district because of their recent history and playing in the tough Catholic League will get you better for sure. They won the district and made the regional finals last season falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Cubs have Sonny Wilson, Tarrance Reed, Juilan Robinson, David Herron, Xavier Johnson, Zavier Banks, Sebestian Randolph, and Branden Walker coming back for Coach Tim Connely. They have Leroy Blyden waiting in the wings as well. Detroit Mumford had a really rough season last year. The Mustangs should be better for Coach Anthony Woods. Detroit Renaissance should be Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit’s toughest challenger in this district. They won 15 games but fell to the Cubs in the district semifinals last season. The Phoenix have Lance Stone, Dion Stinson, Jayson Gamblin, Jacob White, and Jayden Savoury coming back for Coach John White. Berkley can’t seem to get a break with the district despite having home court for the district. They are a possible sleeper in this district. The Bears have David Rolands, Tamir Runekvich, Riley Shafritz, Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, and Ian Smith coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is a sleeper in this district. They will be looking to get that elusive district crown after falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the past two years (district semifinals in double overtime and in the district finals last season.) The Knights have Jason Harns, Robert Smith, Geon Hutchins, Kevin Tolliver, Soloman White, and LuJuan Holliday coming back for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak is another sleeper. They won the Gold last season and are looking for more. The Ravens have Camden Clark, Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Brady Schrem, Rashad Wilson, and Nick Hoffman coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. This district has the makings of very similar to last season.

District 26 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Henry Ford

Livonia Stevenson

PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Detroit Henry Ford

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford

DARKHORSE: Livonia Stevenson

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Landon Williams-North Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Detroit Henry Ford comes into this district while Redford Thurston got moved to a different district. North Farmington should be the favorite in the district. They could be a possible State title contender with the proven experience they have coming back and they have home court for the second straight year. The Raiders have Landon Willams, Prince Jackson, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Ryan Hurst, Tyler Spratt, Donovan Williams, Dwayne Ray, Daemon Eubanks, Connor Childress, and Lamar Walls coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Farmington should be improved. The Falcons have DeAndre Green, Tony Tobert, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, Logan Robinson, Jaden Turner, and Luke Donehue coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot of proven experience in Greg Davis, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Bryce Hewins, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey coming back. They don’t have a coach yet. Detroit Henry Ford won 11 games last season under Coach Ken Flowers. The Trojans should be North Farmington’s toughest challenger in the district. Livonia Stevenson won 12 games last season should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Bailey Way, Dominick Jentzer, Nate Curtis, Maek Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Lucas Young, John Toth, and Chuck Davidek coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. The Raiders won this district last season but Detroit Henry Ford could give them fits, something to watch.

District 27 @ Bloomfield Hills

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

GROVES

SEAHOLM

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Birmingham Brother Rice

Orchard Lake St. Marys

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. Birmingham Brother Rice

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice

DARKHORSE: West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district with all six very proven teams. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded after winning the district and making the State Quarterfinals where they were upset on a buzzer beater against Warren De LaSalle last season. They should be the favorite in this district for the second straight season. The Eaglets have Trey McKenny, Chase Tonnies, and Aidan Hanks coming back for Coach Todd Cobert. They have several players to watch in Brandon Thomas, Devon Lewis, Sharad Barnes, Geno Seets and Jack Janda as well. Birmingham Brother Rice has a ton of proven experience. They should be motivated after falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals last season. The Warriors have Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, John Blackwell, Luke Salkowski, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Tom Labruzzy, Curtis Williams, Keithan Gilmore, and Chasr Van Ameyde coming back for Coach Ricky Palmer. They also have Logan Hamana as well. Bloomfield Hills is the wildcard in this district. They have the district’s best shooter. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, DJ Lee, CJ Jackson, Brandon Newland, Ahmad Taylor, and Henry Jackson coming back for new Coach Brian Canfield. Groves is very interesting. They have had a ton of ups and downs and they have a new coach whom is very familiar with the program. The Falcons have Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Elijah Yelder, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Josh Gibson coming back for returning Coach Marc West. They also have Josh Simpson as well. Seaholm is always scrappy and mentally tough. The Maples have Ben Diskin, Findlay Sparby, Rishi Thota, Abe Miller, and Jeff Sheldon coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. West Bloomfield should be much improved after a rough year last season. They have a ton of proven experience. The Lakers have Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Isiaiah Bryant, Tory James, Louis Johnson, and Mitchell Seay coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. They have Cory Pittman as well in the program. This will be a very interesting district as mentioned but the Catholic League stands out but watch for West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.

District 28 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

Utica

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Sterling Heights Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Penoza-Troy

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Troy is the early favorite in this district. The Colts have Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Nate Liberty, Carter Cusmano, Kyle Parker, Bryce Parker, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens should be very interesting. The Red Hawks has Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proefkee, Kyree Harper, Emmanuel Robinson, and Brogan Withun coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Sterling Heights Stevenson has a ton of proven experience and home court. The Titans have Austin Akrawi, Joesph Sotto, Justin James, Sam Kashat, Graham James, Caden Bollinger, Amuwha Mazino, Ronaldo Yaldo, Kryan Ross, Alex Moratalla, Daron Bobbitt, Joseph Malak, and Luke Sesi coming back for Coach Jeff Becker. Utica really struggled last season. The Cheiftans have Logan Davis, Mason Brodi, Trent McFarland, Sebastian Soriano, Jack Malone, Nick Bosilkovski, Nathan Silver and Austin Lemerise coming back for Coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II should be much improved. The Falcons have Dakari Rogers, Aaron Johnson, Diego Harden, Carson Strumn, Eli Miller, Gavin Gugliemetti, and Maid Kurjakovic coming back for former West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna. Troy should be the favorite but Sterling Heights Stevenson and Troy Athens should have strong says.

District 59 @ TBA

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Old Redford

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Lincoln King Academy

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE Detroit Old Redford

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Chris Williams-Ferndale

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very difficult district to say the least when looking at the teams that are here. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years. They have a pretty strong team and program despite losing their two top players. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Caleb Renfroe, Maurice Booth, and Trenton Ruth coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Detroit Old Redford won 11 games last season. The Ravens have really toughened up their schedule for Coach Rashad Reeves. Ferndale University is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved winning seven games and will look to take the next step as a program. The Eagles have Chris Kendrix, Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Semaj Clark, Cordae McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Jonathan King, Zakaria Smith, Antione Owens, and Damir Orr coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park is the weakest team in this district. They won three games last season. The Vikings should be better under Coach DeAndre Thomas. Detroit Lincoln King Academy won 14 games last season. The Wolves have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Chris Covington. This is a really tough district. Whoever wins this district and gets home court will be in line for a very competitive district.

District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North

HARPER WOODS

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Roseville

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Roseville, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview

FAVORITE: Roseville

NEXT: St. Clair Shores Lakeview

DARKHORSE: Harper Woods

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which saw four teams that are in the district that won more than 10 games last season. Roseville is the early favorite coming into this district. They won 13 games but fell to Warren De LaSalle in the district finals last season. The Panthers have Brian Hunter, Amonti Greene, AJ Scott, Todario Payne and Isiah Mays coming back for Coach Greg Boler. Grosse Pointe North started off very well early but they went 1-10 in their last 11 games including falling to Hamtramck in the first round last season. The Norseman has Adam Ayrault coming back for Coach Andrew Ayrault. Grosse Pointe South won 11 games last season. The Blue Devils have Donovan Moody, Noah Stiyer, Karter Richards, Tommy Maccagnone, Griffin Adams, Brady Kennedy, and Alex English coming back for Coach Stephen Benard. St. Clair Shores Lakeview won 11 games last season. They should be in the mix in this district after falling in a heartbreaker to St. Clair Shores LakeShore in the first round last season. The Huskies has Matthew Ritter, Austin Stockett, Keonte Woolf, Tyler Griffin, Charrone Gordon, Bryce Ong, Easton Demeulenarere, and Zavier Hassan coming back for Coach John Carr. Harper Woods comes up from Division Two this offseason. They won a district crown in their first season in the OAA last season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams coming back for Coach TuJuan Porter. This should be a very interesting district as mentioned but three teams really stand out for now.

Here is the Boys Basketball Districts from the MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2023-Districts

Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023

by Becky Andrus | Jul 8, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023.

Written Wednesday June 22nd at 10:40 AM

Hello everyone, these are the Girls Basketball districts.

If Basketball coaches want their thoughts on their districts posted on the blog please DM me on Twitter and I’ll get them on there.

This article will be updated very often.

District 4 @ Lapeer

OXFORD

Grand Blanc

Lapeer

Davison

Holly

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Oxford

DARKHORSE: Davison

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada McCree-Grand Blanc

EARLY THOUGHTS: There were plenty of surprises and this district brought me a huge surprise. Flint Kearsley got moved to a different district. Oxford is in a northern district for a third straight year??? I don’t know what my good friend Dan Brown at Chicago Brothers Pizza has to say about this but knowing him he won’t be happy. They have proven experience. The Wildcats have Peyton Richter, Nevaeh Wood, Allison Hufstedlar, Sophia Rabb, Brady Elling, Isabella Rushlow, Paige Rushlow, Avery Feeny, Lexi Yankee, Emma Morris, and Miranda Wyniemko coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Lapeer had a really rough year last season but they have a new coach. The Lightning have Mallory Butterfield, Rosemary Kollar, Mya McKenna, MaKynna Saltzman, Laura Brown, Alexis Norman, Alida Wing, and Abigail Francis coming back for new Coach Evan Bell. Davison should be very interesting this season. The Cardinals have Gracie Little, Lillian Kish, Gabi Stevens, Marionna Dixon, Skyler Miller, Katie O’ Connor, and Lily Morey coming back for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Grand Blanc should be the favorite in this district despite losing some key players to graduation last season. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Jada McCree, Rayven McQueen, Ali Anderson, Kendyle Hall, and Malaya Brown coming back for Coach Mike McCay. Holly is new to this district after being in a district that had Fenton, Linden, Howell, and Hartland. They could have it rough going north in this district. The Bronchos have Alana Simmons, Annabelle Basham, Audrey Combs, McKenna McGhee, Morgan Fluckey, Annalease Thiese, and Mollina Adams coming back for Coach Ben Varner. When looking at this district, the Bobcats are favored for the third straight district but I have a funny feeling that Oxford is not that far off despite the two blowout losses in the last two years, the third time is always the charm and it could be for the Wildcats.

District 5 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Stoney Creek

FAVORITE: Rochester

NEXT: Stoney Creek

DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Williams-Rochester

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a district that has the same teams from last season but Lake Orion was moved to a different district. Rochester is the early favorite in the district however they have not gotten past the district finals in each of the last four years. They have home court however one of those four losses was to Utica in 2021 in the district finals when having home court. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kiley Robinson, Natalie Rayce, Ava Williams, Alania Webb, Stevie Norgrove, Abby Pleasant, Melina Troy, Trinia Mollicone, and Lindsey Gleason coming back for Coach Bill Thurston. Rochester’s toughest challenger should be Stoney Creek. They should be motivated after having a disappointing postseason falling to Lake Orion in the district semifinals last season. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Emily Flynn, Mia Carson, Liberty Allen, Merrick Schwalbach, and Lily Solek coming back for Coach Kellen James. Adams should be very interesting despite struggling with the transition last season. The Highlanders have Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, Taylor Green, AuJayna Howard, Jin Ah Jasper, Morgan McPherson, Nicole Kedzierski, and Skyler Slezak coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Utica Eisenhower is a sleeper in this district. The Eagles have Deyvn Raymond, Autumn Reed, Maggie McGuire, Layna Sturza, Jennifer McWerthy, Ava Stack, Marianna Stojcevski, Abby Klaft, Abby Nezich, and Lexi Horattas coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo had a really rough year last season but there is some optimism. They will have a new coach with Katy Bosheers stepping down which was very surprising. The Bulldogs have Eva Hill, Ava McMillan, Clare Carmody, Elise Rilley, Amanda Kitchen, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Gabriella Matina, and Rachel Miller coming back but they do not have a new coach yet as mentioned. This district looks to be very interesting. Three teams standout but anything is possible.

District 6 @ Clarkston

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

PONTIAC

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Lake Orion, 2. Clarkston

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Clarkston

DARKHORSE: Waterford Kettering

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Hernandez-Clarkston

EARLY THOUGHTS: There are two teams that really stand out and both of them won district titles last season. Clarkston won their third straight district title but missed a really great look at the end of the game and fell to Hartland in the regional finals. They have some talent coming back despite losing their two top players from graduation and 18 games last season. The Wolves have Ava Hernandez, Mia Zorski, Emily Valencia, Kierra Tolmie, Ellery Hernandez, Marley Mazur, Ella Morgner, Anna Thomas, Claire Walker, Olivia Gray and Brooklyn Covert coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Clarkston also has home court for the district. Lake Orion enters this district after winning a different district. They won 18 games and was in it for three and a half quarters in their regional semifinal against Clarkston last season. The Dragons have Chloe Wiegers, Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Taylor Dinda, Audrey Wischmeyer, Ryann Pawalcyzk, Grace Sullivan, Ali May, Fontana Blackney, Bella Gonzales coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. Pontiac should be much improved this season for former Oakland University men’s basketball standout and Coach Rawle Marshall. Waterford Kettering lost some experience from last season. The Captains have Amelia Vamvakitis, Malyanna Schoof, Ellie Drops, Payton Amshay, Natalia Perez, Bella Labo, Gracela Lovelett, Abby Hayword, and Nora Hernandez coming back for Coach George Yarberry. Waterford Mott was very young last season. They should be much improved. The Corsairs have Makayla Henderson, Jillian Massey, Gillian Johnson, Karli Koskien, Rachel Rockford, Juliana Lemis, Izzy Esquivel, Emily Nasianceno, Madison Winters, Kelsey Palmer, and Emma Paschke coming back for Coach Michelle Sklar. There are a lot of PR1DE ladies in this district. This should be very interesting to watch.

District 7 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Lakeland

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Walled Lake Northern

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Walled Lake Northern

DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Central

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Destiny Washington-West Bloomfield

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is where the defending Division One State Champs will begin their State title defense in this district. Lakeland also won a district crown last season as well but they were put in different regionals but they are in the same district. West Bloomfield is loaded with proven experience. The Lakers have Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Kendall Hendrix, Sydney Hendrix, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Gabby Williams, Jaylee Head, Jada Vaughn, and Gabrielle Hale coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Lakeland should be very young after getting to the regional semifinals where they fell to a very good Hartland program last season. The Eagles have Kira Brower, Molly Marino, Lizette Tanguaka, Mia McDonald, Parker Ostach, Emma Benton, and Raegan Lukes coming back for Coach Mike Leithelm. Walled Lake Western was very young last season after being very good a few years ago under former Oxford coach Steve Emmert. The Warriors have Emma Hoffmeyer, Emma Cassatta, Bella Yaldoo, Kelsey Beck, Makenna Krzisnik, Evana Gjelaj, Ryan Geisler, and Ryah Dewey coming back for Coach Kelly Costello. Walled Lake Northern could be West Bloomfield’s toughest challenger in the district. The Knights have Amal Younes, Addison Porter, Ava Horen, Mia Lanni, Reese Nemeth, Natalie Wilbert, Macie Hunter, Cate Ross, and Aleena McCullough coming back for Coach John Sharpe. Walled Lake Central was very young last season. They are a sleeper in the district. The Vikings have Jaden Henderson, Amelia Maktari, Carys Lucas, Kyeli Anderson, Savannah Breitwesier, Angelina Virga, Lillian Miracle, Maddie Schopf, Jordyn Harris, and Grace Mathson coming back for Coach Robert Schopf. This looks to be West Bloomfield’s district to lose but it’s much tougher than people think because all three Walled Lake schools have a lot of experience coming back.

District 25 @ Berkley

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Berkley

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Berkley

DARKHORSE: Royal Oak

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nevaeh Otis-Detroit Renaissance

EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines heading into this district. Detroit Renaissance was heavily favored in this district and had home court. There was mentions that they could make another trip to the Division One State finals however they were upset by Berkley in the district finals on their home floor last season. The Bears middle of the pack in the White but that game against the Phoenix gave them confidence heading into this season. They have home court for the district. Berkley lost a few standouts from last season but they have Jillian Gomes, Mya Jones, Ava Beard, Dakaya Cunningham, Addison Hambright, Maddi Bonsall, Avery Wintergarden, Maleve Nolan, and Sammi Withrow coming back for Coach Cody Feltner. Royal Oak should be much improved after having a really rough year last season. They are known for their defense first mentality. The Ravens have Elly Finch, Anna Waterstredt, Lucy Freytag, Emily Walden, Izzy Fairless, Alana Morello, Emiliee Austin, Maddie Lawrence, and Hannah Sanders coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. Detroit Mumford has had a ton of success as of late. The Mustangs should be in the mix for Coach Kareem Hogan. Detroit Renaissance hasn’t forgotten what happened last season in the district finals. The Phoenix have Imani Johnson, Christian Sanders, Nevaeh Otis, Makayla Coleman, Aubrey Johnson, Sterling Gooden, Makayla Johnson, Azaria Huggins, Kiyla Brooks, Haramonie Bolton, Kayln Southern, and Nyana Pharr coming back for Coach Shane Lawal. Oak Park really struggled to score last season. The Knights should be better for Coach Chantelle Corson. This district should be very interesting to watch as mentioned at Berkley.

District 26 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Farmington Hills Mercy

Detroit Henry Ford

Livonia Stevenson

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. North Farmington

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: North Farmington

DARKHORSE: Farmington

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sela Lefler-North Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district on paper. It looks to be a two team district final but maybe a third team could emerge as a possible sleeper. Farmington Hills Mercy is the early favorite. They won 18 games last season and have a lot of proven experience. The Marlins have Maya White, Fran DeNardo, Carley Goebel, Alison Smiley, Lillian DeJong, Ava Lorraine, Caroline Butcher, Aizlyn Albanese, Lauren Smiley, and Emily Walker coming back for Coach Gary Morris. Farmington could be a sleeper. They lost a ton of talent from last season but they always seem to be in the mix. The Falcons have Yasmine Thorpe, Jayla Silver, Brooke Farrington, Annalin Nardelli, and Clarissa Hankins coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Southfield Arts and Tech should be improved this season. They were a real Jekyll and Hyde last season. The Warriors have proven experience in Christian Banks, Jayla Austin, Kamira Page, and Jordan Ushery coming back for Coach Shiquita Coltrane. North Farmington enters this district and has home court. They had a really rough district which had Groves, Seaholm, Birmingham Marian, Bloomfield Hills, and West Bloomfield last season. The Raiders have Sela Lefler, Penelope Creary, Asiyah Jihad, Eliza Muller, Amarriah Merriweather, Hannah Hart, Sam Hoffer, and Halee Rogers coming back for Coach Jeff Simpson. Detroit Henry Ford won 10 games last season. The Trojans could be a sleeper in this district for Coach Chevelle O’Brien. Livonia Stevenson made the district finals falling to Farmington Hills Mercy last season. The Spartans have Gracie Shahu and Scarlett Webster coming back for Coach Kareem Smart. This is shaping to be a very interesting district as mentioned but this district stands like it’s the Marlins to lose for now.

District 27 @ Birmingham Marian

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY

Birmingham Marian

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Seaholm

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Seaholm

DARKHORSE: Groves

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district on the newly named “Mary Cicerone court.” Birmingham Marian looks to be the favorite on paper but there are some suitable challengers in this district. Groves should be very interesting. The Falcons have Kaitlyn Sanders, Cira Racco, Lilly Gallagher, Cameron Little, Ella Blank, Nevaeh McCay, Jean Smith, Dana Wesley, Payge Charnas, and Kirsten Jasinski coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Troy comes to this district after overcoming their postseason problems past by making it to the State Quarterfinals last season. They were in a district that had Warren Cousino, Warren Mott, Warren Woods Tower, and Troy Athens on their home floor last season. The Colts have Lizzie Butzyzk, Charlotte Gillion, Avery Allen, Shaivani Angadi, Victoria Siegan, Raegan Zeiter, and Zoe Silver coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Seaholm had a very strong year winning the Blue but fell to arch rival Groves in the first round last season. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Taylor Hartwig, Lola Weber, Olivia Davis, Kate Anderson, Clara Guffy, Emma Weber, Mary Gumbas, and Anne Boogerian coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Bloomfield Hills should be much improved. They fell to North Farmington in the first round in a very competitive game last season. The Blackhawks have Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, Grace Main, and Ruby Smith coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. Birmingham Marian will have a new era as former assistant Michelle Lindsay takes over for longtime coach Mary Cicerone. The Mustangs have Mackenzie Swanson, Ella Ervin, Abby Landa, Molly McLeod, and Charlie Bingham coming back for Lindsay. The district looks for now like its Birmingham Marian’s to lose but there are some challengers waiting in the wings as mentioned.

District 28 @ Avondale

AVONDALE

TROY ATHENS

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Ford II

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 2. Utica Ford II

FAVORITE: Sterling Heights Stevenson

NEXT: Utica Ford II

DARKHORSE: Utica

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ellie Musto-Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with a combination of Oakland and Macomb County schools in this district. Avondale was moved east away from Clarkston, Pontiac, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott. They have home court in the district. The Yellow Jackets have Lily Titus, Madison Manyweathers, Khila Bradley, Amaria Daniels, Takera Williams, and Kaliyah Carroll coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens is a program that not a lot of people are mentioning about. They have a great shot to win this district. The Red Hawks have Ellie Musto, Rebekah Delia, Lily Batzold, Fiona Wingblad, Kaci Mersier, Abby Malone, Alex Link, and Skyler Emerson coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a really great year under former Rochester boys basketball coach Vance Kirkwood. The Titans won 11 games last season and is the early favorite in the district. Utica has done very well recently. They are well coached. Chieftains have Cameron McConachie, Sarah Fromm, Natalie Shtogrin, and Katelyn Shtogrin coming back for legendary coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II had a really great year by winning 16 games last season. The Falcons have Sydney Garon, Lilah Earl, Madison Bettys, Kailee Gillich, Anayya Davis, and Rachel Riepma coming back for Coach Matt Joseph. I see four teams that standout in this district, it’s anyone’s district to take.

District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North

HARPER WOODS

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Roseville

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grosse Pointe North, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview

FAVORITE: Grosse Pointe North

NEXT: St. Clair Shores Lakeview

DARKHORSE: Roseville

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Annabel Ayrault-Grosse Pointe North

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very tough district with every team winning double digit games last season. There are two teams that made the regionals that are in this district. Grosse Pointe North is the favorite in this district. They have home court and proven experience. The Norsemen have Jenna Winowiecki, Annabel Ayrault, Mia Stephanoff, Charlotte Juilen, Natalie Babcock, and Sophie Boroski coming back for Coach Gary Bennett. St. Clair Shores Lakeview made the regional semifinals last season. The Huskies have Zion Harris, Camara Knighton, Jillian Ostrowski, Mackenzie Stein, Isabella Tiseo, Maria Decker, Ava Prasnjak, Samantha Guciardo, Autumn Wirick, Alexis Pottu, Me’Ahna Owoiya, and Madison Geib coming back for Coach Joe Charrette. Roseville should be in the mix with a ton of proven experience this season. The Panthers have Aaniya Jordan, Saniah Love, Dionni John, Cheyenne Hrelja-Hill, Haleigh Olivas, Michelle Huffman, Reyvan Frank, Rihanna Reeves, Keyonna Scorpio, Presley Rubio, and Sydney Masterson coming back for Coach Andy Houghton. Grosse Pointe South has been a traditional power however they unusually struggled winning four games last season. The Blue Devils have Maddy Benard, Bella Deveroux, Madison Duff, Olivia Dimuzio, Ava Sjorgen, Chloe Power, and Karter Richards coming back for Coach Kevin Richards. Harper Woods comes from Division Two into this district after having a really good season last season. They have a lot of experience which helps. The Pioneers have Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Lauren Peterson, and Clearia Peterson coming back for Coach Paul Allen. This should be a very tough district as mentioned. There is a lot of proven programs in this district.

District 58 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Warren Lincoln

Warren Fitzgerald

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale University, 2. Hazel Park

FAVORITE: Ferndale University

NEXT: Hazel Park

DARKHORSE: Ferndale

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada Buchanan-Ferndale

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district. Ferndale University is getting better each day for Coach Destain Hester. The Eagles made the district finals falling to Birmingham Detroit Country Day last season. Ferndale had things very rough last season but they improved each day. The Eagles have Jada Buchanan, Angel Ajonouma, Briunna Young, Tarriyah Early, Jaila Pouncey, and Jayla Martin coming back for Coach Al Katolla. Hazel Park has home court in the district and could be a team to watch in this district. The Vikings won 11 games last season for Coach Dakota Ogles. Warren Lincoln has not been the same program that really dominated the late 2010’s. They struggled winning four games last season. The Abes should be much better for Coach Jalen Ford. Warren Fitzgerald really struggled winning one game last season. They should be improved this season. The Spartans have Janiya Williams and Mariah Anderson coming back for Coach JuWan Shakespear. I see this being a two team district between the Eagles and the Vikings. Could this be the time Ferndale University makes the next step???

Here is the Girls Basketball Districts from the MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2023-Districts