Softball Regional Preview

Softball Regional Preview

Softball Regional Preview

Written Saturday June 4th at 9:30 PM

By Sammy Taormina

This my preview on the Softball Regionals that take place this weekend.

Region 6 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

BERKLEY vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Farmington Hills Mercy vs Grosse Pointe North

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping to be a very interesting regional at Farmington Hills Mercy. Three teams haven’t allowed a run in their respected districts which that is expected to change. Berkley was the only team in this regional that allowed some runs. They won their district over Royal Oak and Ferndale by a combined 24-5. St. Clair Shores Lakeview won their district over Warren Cousino and Warren Mott by a combined 31-0. Farmington Hills Mercy won their district over Farmington and Seaholm by a combined 25-0. Grosse Pointe North won their district over Detroit Western and Detroit Cass Tech by a combined 34-0.

PICK: Farmington Hills Mercy has home field in this regional and it should pay dividends. I like Berkley to get to the regional final over St. Clair Shores Lakeview. I see the Marlins winning this regional over the Bears because of pitching.

Region 7 @ Oxford

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Walled Lake Northern

ADAMS vs LAKE ORION

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is a very interesting regional at Oxford where the Red, White, and the second best teams in the White and Lakes Valley Conference. Lake Orion has been rolling. They won their district with their high octane offense. The Dragons outscored Waterford Kettering and Clarkston by a combined 30-10 including a stunning 11-5 win over a very good Wolves program in the district finals. Adams has been playing very good softball. The Highlanders beat Avondale and Stoney Creek by a combined 15-3 in their district. North Farmington has also been playing very well coming into the regional. The Raiders have been rolling in their district outscoring both West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills by a combined 21-6. Walled Lake Northern has been battle tested. The Knights beat Milford 5-2 in the district semifinals and earned a 2-0 district final victory over Lakeland.

PICK: This is an interesting district. I think Lake Orion gets by Adams with their high octane offense. I  see Walled Lake Northern and North Farmington being a tight game with the Knights moving on to the regional finals. I think the Dragons have just too much hitting and should move onto the State Quarterfinals.

 

Region 14 @ Hazel Park

HARPER WOODS vs Center Line

Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy vs Detroit Mumford

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is an interesting regional at Hazel Park. Three of the four teams that are in this regional just had to play a district final including Harper Woods. The Pioneers won 18-3 over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy on the road. Center Line is the only team in this regional to play two different district opponents. The Panthers won their district by outscoring Eastpointe and Hazel Park by a combined 30-4. Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy won 21-3 over Detroit Martin Luther King in their district finals. Detroit Mumford had to survive Detroit Lincoln in a high scoring game 15-11. This regional has a ton of storylines to watch.

PICK: Center Line has been very dominant. I see no reason why the Panthers shouldn’t win this regional with ease over Detroit Cesar Chavez Academy.

Softball Regional Preview

Baseball Regional Preview

Baseball Regional Preview

Written Saturday June 4th at 9:15 PM

By Sammy Taormina

Here is my insight on the Baseball Regional matchups.

Harper Woods vs Grosse Isle @ Trenton: The Pioneers have been rolling. They really didn’t have much competition in their district outscoring both Detroit East English Village Prep and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy by a combined 37-0. Grosse Isle will prove to be a much bigger challenge for Harper Woods. It’s going to be a tough one for the Pioneers. The winner will head to Livonia Franklin to play either Jackson Northwest or Milan in the next round.

Groves vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Troy Athens: The Falcons pulled off the stunning district victory at Troy Athens. They outscored Warren Mott and Royal Oak by a combined 23-2 in their district semifinals and finals. Groves should be tested against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Cubs won their district with ease shutting out Ferndale 12-0 in the district finals. It’s going to be a very tough matchup for the Falcons. The winner heads to Detroit at Wayne State to take on Warren De LaSalle or Grosse Pointe North in the next round.

Adams vs Lake Orion @ Rochester: This is a rematch of the Red title series with the Highlanders taking the Red and two of three from the Dragons. Lake Orion has been on a roll. They outscored Waterford Mott and Oxford by a combined 27-4 in their postseason run. Adams has outscored Romeo and Utica Eisenhower by a combined 11-3 in their district. This is a rematch a lot of people are looking forward but the winner will likely see Orchard Lake St. Marys at Novi in the

MDARD: prevent spread of invasive pests

MDARD: prevent spread of invasive pests

bob new header
Release Date: June 6, 2022
Program contact: Robin Rosenbaum, 517-490-1301
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD asks public to help prevent spread of invasive pests, protect plant health during national gardening week

LANSING – Summer weather has finally made its appearance, and many Michiganders are stocking up on new plants for their garden or landscape. With people headed to their local greenhouse or nursery, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking the public to help be on the lookout for invasive plants, pests, and diseases.

When selecting plants and flowers, homeowners and gardeners should keep in mind the impact those plants may have on other plants cultivated around their landscape or garden.  Invasive, non-native plants have few or no natural predators in their non-native environments and can quickly spread—disrupting ecosystems by pushing out native species and reducing biological diversity.

Invasive plants are not the only problem. Many plants and flowers, including those native to Michigan, can be hosts to invasive plant pests and diseases. These invasives can hitch a ride on plants and be transported to homeowners’ yards and then quickly spread to the surrounding area. Warmer weather can magnify their impact, increasing the level of plant pest infestations and disease infections, allowing pests to produce more generations each year, and extending the suitable habitat for plant pests.

“People can unintentionally move pests around the state,” said Robin Rosenbaum, Plant Health Section Manager of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “Many of the pests we are most concerned about can hide in or on untreated firewood, soil, seeds, and plants. Some pests such as spotted lanternfly can lay eggs on conveyances in an infested region and then be transported into Michigan.”

To help combat the spread of invasives pests and diseases, MDARD has implemented several plant pest quarantines. These legal documents issued by the department limit the movement of specific plant material within, into or out of the state of Michigan. The United States Department of Agriculture and other state’s quarantines help combat the movement of invasives such as spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth), Asian longhorned beetle and others. MDARD’s plant heath inspectors work throughout the summer months inspecting plant material and ensuring compliance with state and federal quarantines.

“Quarantines are a useful tool to control the spread of invasives, but we need help from the public to stop the spread of pests we’re most concerned about,” added Rosenbaum.

Michiganders interested in buying plant material online should also be aware that many websites and social media groups lack adequate information about state and federal quarantines and concerns about pest movement.is. Buying locally from an MDARD-licensed nursery is a great way to minimize risk as these firms are inspected annually and are aware of Michigan-specific laws, regulations, and pests.

Here are some simple steps you should take to help limit the spread of invasive species:

  • Visit the Michigan Invasive Species website to learn how to spot invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in your area.
  • Don’t move untreated firewood. Buy certified, heat-treated firewood or buy wood where you burn it and burn it all before you go home to avoid unintentionally spreading species that hide inside untreated firewood.
  • When returning from international travel, declare food, plants and other agricultural items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure these items are pest-free.
  • Make sure seeds and plants you buy online are not invasive to your region.
  • Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases to MDARD through the Michigan Invasive Species website or at 800-292-3939.

For additional information about MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest.

Softball Regional Preview

OAA Top Ten Sports Traditions

OAA Top Ten Sports Traditions

Written Saturday June 4th at 2:30 AM
By Sammy Taormina

Every school has their tradition in every sport. This is what makes high school sports one of the greatest traditions in our lifetimes. Here are some noticeable traditions around the OAA.

The Deer-Head (Troy): When going to a Colts sporting event, the deer head always finds a way to make an appearance. The deer head is named Canela. Now there are some detractors to say why the deer head is at Troy games. Here is an article describing the traditional deer head.

https://troychariot.org/5406/features/deer-pressure/

The Soldiers of Fortune (Rochester): The Falcons student section for games is called “The Soldiers of Fortune.” Rochester students bring out a pirate flag which is their main logo. The students go all in and cheer on their Falcons during games. The flag and the students is what makes the tradition continue now and into the future.

https://twitter.com/SOFisgood/photo

The Jungle (Clarkston): Pretty much during a boys basketball game, “the Jungle” is out in full force making things miserable for opponents whether at Clarkston High School or on the road. The students usually dress in camouflage which has been the tradition however they have changed things up in the past. The Jungle is one of the best student sections in the State.

“Enter Sandman” (Lake Orion): When Bob Brydges took over the Lake Orion Girls Basketball program in 2018. His teams always came out to “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa when he was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser. Brydges thought of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica as the Dragons entrance. Whenever that music hits the Dragons are not that far behind.

The Highlander Bang Pipes (Adams): When going to an Adams sporting event there is someone that is in Highlanders attire. He would play his Scottish bang pipes whether it is on the football field or on the basketball court before the team comes out. It has been a tradition at Adams. It is an awesome tradition to see at Highlanders home games.

Dragon Banner (Lake Orion): The Dragons have one of the best traditions is the Dragon banner where the football players run down the tunnel to touch the banner while cheerleaders and dance team lead the charge while the Marching Band plays “Push On” (Dragons school song.) The Dragon faithful is on their feet cheering the team with some of them painted up while the Dragon Moms make the tunnel with two others hold the banner for the players to touch when they come on the field. It’s a great tradition for the players to do for every home game.

American Flag (Clarkston): The Wolves have one of the best traditions in football. They come out of their tunnel with one of the players holding the American Flag while another has the Clarkston flag and everyone else touches the Clarkston football banner. One of the best traditions in football as mentioned.

Wildcat head (Oxford): This is a new tradition started at Oxford in the last two years. The Wildcats usually announce the offensive starters during the pre-game. Oxford players walk the long path down the hill to the south end of the field but now there is a Wildcat head with smoke leading them to the field. The Wildcats have one of their players running with an American Flag while another player has the Oxford O they run with to the field. It’s a great tradition and a strong symbol of Oxford football.

Warriors Marching Band (Southfield Arts and Tech): The Warriors band is one of the best bands in the OAA. They are on the south side of the field. Some folks want to see the band play along with the varsity team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCuAIyNXMNc

Cougars Football Entrance (Stoney Creek): The Cougars football entrance is one of the most interesting in sports. Their football stadium is like a dome so the players have to walk the home bleachers to come to the football field. It’s a unique entrance but the Stoney Creek faithful, coaches, and players know how to make things work.

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW logo

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association

THIS WEEK

We roll into the busiest championship weekend of the 2021-22 school year with previews for our Girls & Boys Track & Field Finals and Lower Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals, along with coverage of eight championships awarded over the last two days in Upper Peninsula girls and boys golf and boys tennis. We also say good-bye to a Hall of Fame coach closing his career on the track Saturday, look back at one of the most incredible sprint performances in MHSAA history, and catch up with one of the state’s most highly-regarded baseball prospects in years.

Do you know a high school sports fan who would enjoy this weekly newsletter? Share this link to register on MHSAA.com and be added to the MHSAA NOW mailing list.

AROUND THE STATE

Preview: Reunited Co-Champs, Title Streak Possibilities Headline Tennis Finals

Many of the strongest contenders are familiar heading into this weekend’s Lower Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals. But intriguing storylines could make all four tournaments especially memorable for the teams playing to finish on top.

Preview: 4 Team Championships, Many More Contenders at LP Boys Finals

There are a number of knowns entering Saturday’s MHSAA Lower Peninsula Boys Track & Field Finals, as a number of stars are returning and looking to add to their past achievements. What’s more difficult to forecast than usual is how the team competitions will finish. All four divisions appear to have multiple serious contenders, and many more possible outcomes.

Preview: Opportunities Await for Standouts to Join All-Time Greats

Winners of 26 individual titles from the 2021 Girls Track & Field Finals will be back at Saturday’s Lower Peninsula championship meets hosted by Rockford, Ada Forest Hills Eastern, Kent City and Hudsonville Baldwin Middle School. Here is a glance at team contenders and individuals to watch in all four divisions.

Preview: Past Champions Filling Upper Peninsula Girls Track & Field Finals

An extraordinary 16 individual champions from last season’s Upper Peninsula Girls Track & Field Finals will return to Kingsford this weekend seeking the same success and more. And only six of them are seniors. The star-studded meet will feature the final high school races for standouts like three-time champion Landry Koski from Rock Mid Peninsula and Houghton distance star Ingrid Seagren.

Preview: UP Boys Finals Feature Fierce Team Races, Statewide Headliners

There’s an excellent chance many statewide eyes turn to Saturday’s Upper Peninsula Boys Track & Field Finals at Kingsford High School. Start in high jump, where Menominee’s Brady Schultz is one of four athletes sharing the top performance in that event in Michigan this season.

Escanaba Edges Negaunee to Claim Anticipated Battle for Best in UPD1

All season long, the Escanaba Eskymos and the Negaunee Miners were the top two boys tennis teams in the Upper Peninsula, seemingly on a collision course to fight for the Division 1 championship for the second-straight year.

More from the Finals: Division 2

Repeat Medalist Autore Leads as Islanders Start Next Championship Tradition

The Cedarville girls golf team won the Upper Peninsula Division 3 championship last season, and DeTour took the top honor in 2017. So it was only logical that the first-year cooperative program comprised of two schools would be a formidable favorite Thursday at Highland Golf Club. True to expectation, Cedarville/DeTour fired a 420 to win by 43 strokes.

More from the Finals: Division 1 | Division 2

It’s Championship Time for Badker, While Houghton Holds On for Team Title

From the Division 3 boys basketball championship game at the Breslin Center to the Great Northern Conference golf final at Escanaba Country Club, the story of much of Brady Badker’s senior year has been second place. That changed Wednesday afternoon, as Menominee’s Badker won the individual championship at the Upper Peninsula Division 1 Final at Sage Run Golf Course in Bark River.

More from the Finals: Division 2 | Division 3

Performance of the Week: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Brock Porter

One of Michigan’s most highly-regarded baseball talents in years, Porter continued his dominating senior season May 20 with his fourth no-hitter of the spring – this time in a 4-0 win over Detroit Catholic Central in the Catholic High School League Bishop semifinals at Comerica Park. He struck out 16 hitters, upping his season total to 87 with only 17 walks over 42 innings. He’s 6-0 and has allowed only one earned run – and three total – this season.

Title IX at 50: Mumford Sprinter’s Magnificent 2006 Final Remains Unmatched

Michigan’s illustrious track & field history is filled with legends who have achieved glory at every race distance and in every field event. But the sprints arguably remain the featured attraction at any meet – and Shayla Mahan’s Lower Peninsula Division 1 Finals performance on June 3, 2006, at East Kentwood remains among the most glorious and awe-inspiring over nearly a century of MHSAA history.

Self-Taught Lutzke Leaving Williamston with Decades of Memorable Lessons

If it were possible to string together all of the moments that made Mitch Lutzke into a Hall of Fame high school track & field coach, the first half of the video would look like a one-man pentathlon. At most, the now-longtime Williamston leader brought into coaching a season of mostly-junior varsity cross country experience as a student at Albion High, and some additional knowledge gleaned from marrying a college All-American runner.

GAME TIME

Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule

Boys Golf (UP) · June 1-4
Girls Golfs (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Boys Tennis (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Girls Tennis (LP) · Finals: June 2-4
Boys Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Girls Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Boys Golf (LP) · Finals: June 10-11
Boys Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Soccer · Finals: June 17-18
Baseball · Finals: June 18
Softball · Finals: June 18

MHSAA TV

For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.

Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.

 

Michigan High School Athletic Association Newsletter

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