DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Religious

 
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DNR News
Dec. 14, 2023

Contact: Joe Genzel (Ducks Unlimited), 309-453-0979 or Tammy Newcomb (DNR), 517-284-5832

DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

Wetland restoration effort with Ducks Unlimited aims to improve drinking water, wildlife habitat in Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds

Roughly a dozen white trumpeter swans fly in a line over calm blue waters set against low-lying brown reeds and marsh plantsWater quality in the western Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds is getting a major boost: a $4 million initiative aimed at advancing wetland restoration and reducing harmful algal blooms in the two regions.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited are partnering on the project, through the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay Wetland Conservation Program with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. DU will administer the ARPA and WCP funds and is already looking for local municipalities and private landowners interested in taking action to restore wetlands on their property.

DU will host an informational webinar via Zoom 10-11:30 a.m. EST Friday, Jan. 12, for anyone interested in this opportunity. Sign up for the webinar here. The webinar will also be recorded and shared.

“This grant could not have come at a better time, but the money has to be spent by December 2026 so we need to act fast,” said DU regional biologist Kali Rush. “Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay have lost more than 80% of historical wetlands, which has significantly compromised water quality for residents and wildlife in our state.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also are partnering on this project.

“We can’t do this alone. Partnerships and willing landowners will be key to developing these wetlands and improving water quality and wildlife habitat,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “We are excited to make this resource available to private landowners who want to do their part to improve and protect long-term water quality.”

Why are algal blooms bad?

Many factors affect water quality in Michigan’s inland lakes, ponds and the Great Lakes, but harmful algal blooms have become a frequent and expensive problem to manage. HABs are caused by increased levels of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) from fertilizer, wastewater and stormwater runoff that then infiltrate our waterways.

Such blooms occur in western Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay every year. HABs can contain toxins that are poisonous to wildlife, pets and people. They cause areas known as “dead zones” that have little or no oxygen, which can result in massive fish die-offs.

Blooms can also close water to swimming, fishing, boating and other water-based recreation, and make drinking water unsafe for human consumption. For instance, a toxic bloom once caused a water supply plant in Toledo, Ohio, to shut down because it was being overwhelmed by the amount of algae. Saginaw Bay runs the same risk with its water supply infrastructure.

How do wetlands help?

“People often think of wetlands only as homes for frogs, turtles, fish, muskrats and ducks, but they also serve a critical function for water quality,” Rush said. “Wetlands are the kidneys of our environment, filtering nutrients before they enter rivers, lakes and streams.”

Healthy wetlands will help reduce excess nutrient levels in the water, which is key. They absorb carbon and nutrients and function much like sponges, absorbing and storing water during heavy rainfall and releasing it during drier seasons.

a black-necked stilt, a leggy bird with black and white coloring and a long, narrow nose, walks in a marshy wetland area

Program background

The $4 million program is part of the DNR’s larger Michigan Legislature-allocated $10 million ARPA grant (in 2021) for wetlands to improve water quality.

The DNR and DU will use the additional $6 million of ARPA funds to support the advancement of several wetland projects that are already underway or in the planning stages, such as those at Crow Island State Game Area in the Saginaw Bay watershed and a water quality-focused wetland project in the Lake Erie watershed. The goal for these wetlands is to reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment entering the waters of Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay.

“This work is going to improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and support and enhance Great Lakes tourism and related economic sectors in Michigan,” Bowen said.

For more information about the community-based projects or to sign up for the webinar, email WCP@ducks.org. You can also email DNR-WetlandGrants@Michigan.gov for more information related to this program.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Photo credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

  • Spring migration: Trumpeter swans during a spring migration between Bay Port and Fish Point in the Saginaw Bay.
  • Black-necked stilt: A black-necked stilt explores the wetlands at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, along the western shore of Lake Erie.

 
More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan

More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan

by | Dec 12, 2023 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan
help prevent child abuse
Organizations based in Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Gratiot and Keweenaw receive funding

LANSING, Mich. – The Children Trust Michigan’s Board of Directors has approved $1,602,012 for six Michigan community-based organizations to support local child abuse prevention initiatives.

The Direct Services grants will be funded over a four-year period. Winning grant proposals were selected through a competitive bid process.

“We are strongly committed to keeping kids safe,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “Children Trust Michigan provides valuable funding to organizations in communities across Michigan so that they can put in place effective child abuse prevention programs. Children Trust Michigan prevention efforts are a key part of MDHHS’s Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda.”

Children Trust Michigan is housed within MDHHS.

“We congratulate the six successful grantees that emerged from an extremely competitive process with many more excellent proposals than we were able to fund,” said Suzanne Greenberg, Children Trust Michigan executive director. “We will work closely with our new grantees to build protective factors for children and families that will make safe, healthy and happy childhoods possible for Michigan’s children.”

The six organizations receiving funding are:

  • Arbor Circle in Grand Rapids, $320,000 for its Nurturing Fathers program with a trusted messenger approach.
  • Bethany Christian Services of Michigan in Grand Rapids, $124,932 for its Be Strong Families Parent Cafés to build fathers as leaders in their community.
  • Family Services & Children’s Aid in Jackson, $210,000 for Parent Cafés and 24/7 Dad programs to build strong families and strong communities.
  • Gratiot County Child Advocacy Association, $307,080 for Parent Cafés and 24/7 Dad programs to connect and engage fathers in the community.
  • InvolvedDad of Flint, $320,00 for InvolvedDad & Nurturing Fathers program, preparing fathers to be leaders in their community, workplace and family.
  • Keweenaw Family Resource Center, $320,000 for the 24/7 Dad, Parent Cafés and playgroups for fathers, which use multiple approaches to engage fathers.

The purpose of Direct Services grants is to fund community‐based child abuse prevention programs and services. The grants support families that experience challenges that could impact positive parenting and optimal child development. Strong emphasis is placed on assuring that funded initiatives are appropriately integrated into broader community plans for serving children and families. 

With the newly funded initiatives, combined with other multi‐year grant commitments and the statewide network of local councils, Children Trust Michigan distributed more than $2.6 million in 2023 in support of child abuse prevention programming across the 83 counties in Michigan.

 

Visit the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund website to learn more.
DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 11, 2023

DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 11, 2023

by | Dec 12, 2023 | Recreation

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News Digest – Week of Dec. 11, 2023

looking down on Mackinac Island State Harbor, dozens of boats in the clear blue water, with white buildings and condos around shoreline

Mackinac Island State Harbor: Keep reading to see which DNR job is based here!
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used in this email, and others, are available in this folder.

Did you know the DNR did that? Check out career videos!

a smiling woman, her brown hair pulled back, in a khaki short-sleeved work shirt with a DNR patch, sits outside in a forested areaAsk Michigan residents what careers there are at the DNR and most would respond with some of the more well-known jobs such as park ranger or conservation officer. Important positions, yes, but there are many other people who do a variety of work for the department in roles you might not ever have considered!

To highlight some of these career paths and opportunities, we’ve put together two new videos so you can hear from the employees themselves about the work they do, what it means and how they got started. Earlier this year, we shared the first batch (fisheries research biologist, park interpreter and deputy public information officer).

In the new installments:

  • Harbormaster Derrick Horn talks about his work at Mackinac Island State Harbor. Horn and his crew run the day-to-day operations, help dock boats, assign slips, ensure visitors have a safe, welcoming space, and maintain this Clean Marina-certified spot that is the destination harbor of northern Michigan.
  • Forest fire officers Jake Burton, Jen Hansen (pictured), Brendt Sheridan and Nick Wheeler discuss the diversity of their work – responding to wildland fires, assisting local fire departments and managing prescribed burns – and its direct influence on outdoor recreation, a thriving timber industry and healthy fish and wildlife.

Inspired? Check out the full Michigan DNR Careers YouTube playlist to see all five showcased positions. We’ll continue to add new videos as they’re completed. In the meantime, learn about DNR career pathways and job opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.

Enchanting owls: Your guide to Michigan’s winter birds

young female snowy oil, white with thin, tan markings and bright gold eyes, sits in a low field of rust-colored brushEach winter, Michigan’s landscapes transition from bustling migration activity and bursts of color to leafless trees and frozen ground. This quiet season allows us to hear and see large feathered visitors from the north, such as snowy owls (pictured), boreal owls, great gray owls and northern hawk owls. Surprisingly, these owls spend the winter in Michigan each year for its warmer, balmier weather, which is considerably warmer than the northern boreal forests and Arctic tundra they left behind!

January and February are the best time of year for an owling trip, and Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula is one of the best areas to view winter owls. The Shore to Shore Birding Trail can help guide you. Birding trails are driving routes with specific stops identified that offer bird viewing opportunities and can highlight natural and cultural features of local communities.

Learn how to identify these rare visitors, as well as our year-round resident owls including great horned, eastern screech and barred owls (pictured). These vocal flyers will start to hoot and holler at dusk and dawn in January and February to establish their nesting territories and find a mate.
a barred owl, with fluffy cream and tan feathers, pale yellow beak and dark, round eyes, perches on a branch in a lush green forestIf you manage to encounter one of Michigan’s wise birds, please follow these best practices:

  • Give owls space. View owls from a distance with binoculars or a scope.
  • Don’t lure owls with audio recordings. Hearing another owl’s call can be stressful.
  • Leave “live baiting” to the pros. Owls can learn to associate food with people and be drawn to dangerous areas like roads or airports.
  • Submit your eBird observation to scientists, but keep them hidden from the general public. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Happy owling!

MI Birds is a public outreach and education program presented by Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR that works to build and bring together wildlife enthusiasts across the state to engage with and conserve Michigan’s birds, wildlife and public lands.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford at 313-820-0809.

Let’s roll! Fat-tire biking returns to Silver Lake State Park

A lone tree stands on a large sand dune, as a spread-out, single-file line of bike riders off in the distance ride across the duneStarting Friday, Dec. 15, fat-tire biking at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County is back, with cyclists invited to climb snow-capped dunes and cruise the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline all winter long. It’s a heart-pumping adventure, thanks to the low-impact cardio and the awe-inspiring views.

The park is home to 450 acres of motorized dune riding. Each summer, thousands of motorcycles, quads, four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles descend on these sugar-sand dunes, the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River. Come winter, the recreation options switch to shoreline horseback riding (Nov. 1-30) and then to fat-tire biking (Dec. 15-March 15).

The shoreline and dune opportunities are part of the DNR’s ongoing efforts to expand off-season outdoor recreation in the Silver Lake ORV Area.

“Fat-tire biking at Silver Lake draws cyclists of varying ages and experience levels,” said Jody Johnston, Silver Lake State Park manager. “It’s a one-of-a-kind outdoor activity that capitalizes on the area’s natural features and beauty, and we’re excited to bring it back for a second season.”

During the fat-tire biking season, cyclists on the sand dunes enjoy rolling through elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. There is no cost or registration.

For season information, including rules, maps, tips and other details, visit Michigan.gov/SilverLake. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks. A Recreation Passport self-pay station is available at the lot entrance.

For general questions about the park and season, call the park’s main office at 231-873-3083. For media inquiries, email park manager Jody Johnston at JohnstonJ3@Michigan.gov.

Natural Resources Commission meets Thursday in Lansing

more than a dozen young sturgeon, long, olive-brown fish with slender noses and short, wide fins, swim in an aqua blue holding tankThe next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, Dec. 14, in Lansing – leads off with a Fisheries Committee agenda that includes a discussion of the DNR’s lake sturgeon management plan. The Wildlife Committee follows with a deer season update from DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart.

The meeting also will include presentations of a Lifesaving Award from the DNR Law Enforcement Division and the Shikar Safari Officer of the Year Award, along with several land use orders, land transactions and a legislative update.

The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. in West Campus Rooms M119-121 of Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing.

See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information, email NRC@Michigan.gov.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Pink Highland hues

indirect sunlight brightens a brilliant pink and purple sky dotted with filmy white clouds, over a dark green forest line and snowy foregroundSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Kari Carr, for the Michigan DNR, at Highland Recreation Area in Oakland County.)

THINGS TO DO

Did you know that just about any fish you can target in the summer can be caught through the ice? Learn more about ice fishing and get ready to bundle up for some fun.

BUY & APPLY

If you’ve got hard-to-shop-for hunters on your holiday list, pick up Pure Michigan Hunt applications for the hunt of a lifetime and thousands of dollars’ worth of great gear!

GET INVOLVED

Looking for more ways to give back in 2024 and help the places you love? There are plenty of options on the DNR’s volunteering webpage; check it out and find your fit.
Basketball Thoughts

Basketball Thoughts

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday December 10th at 12:00 PM

Here are my thoughts on each team during this stretch of the season.

Boys

North Farmington: The Raiders had no issue with Farmington winning 68-25. Tyler Spratt and Landon Williams had big games. North Farmington has a really tough schedule ahead of them but they are off to a strong start.

Ferndale: The Eagles had a bounce back win against a really good River Rouge program. Trenton Ruth has really shown out for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale has started to turn things around a little bit which is a good sign going forward.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a bounce back after losses to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and East Lansing they earned a 74-45 win over Southfield Arts and Tech. Coach Arnette Jordan despite the two losses has this program playing really well but they still have a long way to go and a tough December still looming. They are in a great spot right now.

Adams: The Highlanders have been rolling despite the concerns in the interior. Adams relies a ton of William Gee and Peter Kardasis. The danger is clearly there for Coach Isisah Novak’s team, what if both or one of the guards struggle, which could spell trouble for the Highlanders going forward.

Clarkston: The Wolves balance showed especially Peyton Fitzsimmons and John Kaul combining for 33 of 52 points in their 52-40 win over Lake Orion. Clarkston did have a tough 56-55 buzzer beating loss to Detroit Old Redford Academy. The Wolves are going to need that balance to be successful and Coach Tim Waslik knows it.

Oak Park: The Knights earned a big win over Macomb Dakota winning 61-54. Oak Park has been up and down. Coach Durrand Sheppard will have this program heading in the right direction, there have been signs which has shown.

Groves: The Falcons are going through a ton of injuries right now which is why they are struggling a little bit. They fell to Troy but bounced back against Oxford. The key for Coach Marc West and his team is to stay healthy and get ready for league play this week.

Troy: The Colts big three of Mason Parker, Chase Kupier, and Jon Whiteside have been very good as of late. They were instrumental in their 67-53 win over Groves. Troy bounced back after their shocking loss to Berkley. The Colts are in a good spot right now.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers have been up and down, it is unknown if they won over Detroit Edison. There are times that Harper Woods has been very inconsistent which is concerning for Coach TaJuan Porter. It will be very interesting to see what happens for the Pioneers going forward.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been playing really good basketball despite their 59-58 loss to Redford Thurston. Troy Athens has been playing really well as of late which is a great sign going forward for Coach Dave Scott.

Seaholm: The Maples are in a rough patch, they had it tough with East Lansing along with losses to Royal Oak and Walled Lake Western. Seaholm needs to find a way to get out of this funk and soon if they want to make some noise this season.

Lake Orion: It was a rough week for the Dragons falling to two really good teams in Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Clarkston. Lake Orion will be fine despite the two losses. They have to be better sound defensively and not turn the ball over, if they do that then success will happen for this group.

Farmington: The Falcons had a really tough matchup with North Farmington falling 68-25. Greg Greys will be relied upon for Coach Byron Johnson to turn things around. It will be very interesting to see how things go for Farmington. It’s been up and down for them.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks played better in their 52-42 loss to Royal Oak which is progress for Coach Brian Canfield. Bloomfield Hills needs to keep improving and the results will come despite the tough schedule that lies ahead.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors earned a hard fought 51-48 win over Detroit Fredrick Douglass but fell 74-45 to West Bloomfield. Southfield Arts and Tech is a young team. Coach Terrance Porter’s team will have a ton of ups and downs. They have a really tough schedule in December.

Stoney Creek: It’s time to panic on the Cougars, they are struggling. They did not look good against Windsor Holy Names and New Baltimore Anchor Bay. Stoney Creek needs to find a way to overcome this problem if not then it could be a similar story to last season.

Avondale: It was going to be tough for the Yellow Jackets going up against Birmingham Brother Rice falling 71-47 on Saturday afternoon but there is a reason why Coach Jaret Thomas is playing this tough non conference. Avondale will be fine, no panic with Thomas’s program.

Oxford: The Wildcats have been very competitive despite the 1-3 start. Oxford still needs someone besides Jake Champagne to step up which they are trying. I wouldn’t press the panic button on Coach Joe Fedorinchik’s team not at all, they are fine.

Rochester: The Falcons are off to a really rough start after falling 61-39 to Adams. Rochester needs to find that balance but it’s clear they are struggling. Having six days off should help Coach Nick Evola’s team regroup. The Falcons need their interior to step up and take the pressure off of Luke Lionas and Max Mohl in a huge way.

Berkley: The Bears have been rolling since their opening night loss to Novi which included a win over Troy. Berkley is rolling right now and have gotten contributions from everywhere. Can they keep it up is the question mark going forward.

Pontiac: The Phoenix suffered their first loss to Jackson 62-51 snapping a two game winning streak. Coach Andrew Myers team is still very young. Pontiac will be fine, no panic with them.

Royal Oak: The Ravens made a statement with two big wins over Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills. Coach Aaron Smith has this team believing. They could be a darkhorse in the Blue with how they have been playing lately.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have bounced back after two really tough losses with two wins over Southfield Christian and Madison Heights Bishop Foley. Ferndale University’s defense has been the difference in their two wins allowing 44.5 points per game. The Eagles have turned things around which is a good sign.

 

 

 

Girls

West Bloomfield: The Lakers haven’t played a game yet but that changes this week. It’s hard to judge Coach Daryelle McCallaster’s team as of yet. West Bloomfield is coming off a tough loss to Rockford last season and returns four proven players in Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Destiny Washington, and Kendall Hendrix. Sheridan Beal looks to be the fifth starter. The Lakers should be a force to watch this season.

Rochester: The Falcons had a good start to the season with a 35-17 win over Adams. Alice Max had 18 points in the game. Rochester needs their guards to step up and take some pressure off Max going forward and Coach Bill Thurston knows that. The Falcons have a really tough December still looming.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars showed some concerns despite winning 36-33 over Bloomfield Hills. Sarah LaPrarie had 13 points while Calista Ivezaj had nine points and Taylor Fulkerson had seven points. I’m not pressing the panic button yet on Coach Columbus Williams program but the concerns are there.

Lake Orion: The Dragons really struggled in summer league with numbers but they looked like a completely different team from the summer in their 68-23 win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Lake Orion had balanced scoring all night. Sure it’s one game but the Dragons look like they haven’t lost a beat despite having a young team which is a great sign for Coach Bob Brydges.

Clarkston: The Wolves have been up and down lately. They have played Saginaw Heritage, Haslett, and Chelsea but the Hawks are down this season and they won by six (39-33) but they hung tough with Chelsea only to allow 71 points in a 71-45 loss however they had a 45-43 win over Haslett. Elianna Robak had six points against Saginaw Heritage but had 21 points against Chelsea. Brooklyn Covert had nine points against Chelsea. I have a lot more concerns about Coach Aaron Goodnough’s team and they have a rough December coming up.

Oxford: The Wildcats had a bounce back after falling 40-30 to Macomb Dakota earlier in the week by winning over a future district opponent in Davison 42-34. Alison Hufstedler had 18 points and Peyton Richter had eight points. Oxford has relied on their experience early in the season. They have a really tough non conference in December. It will be very interesting to see where the Wildcats are when the schedule gets tougher.

Royal Oak: The Ravens got off to a good start with an impressive 45-34 win over Mount Clemens. Lucy Freytag had 20 points for Royal Oak. The Ravens have a really tough non conference in December. Coach Brian Sopota has this team riding with a ton of confidence right now.

Bloomfield Hills: It is clear that the Blackhawks miss Ruby Smith. Smith was hurt in a practice and Coach Kristen Massey’s team is clearly different in their 36-33 loss to Stoney Creek. Brianna Young and Ashley Forner are very talented players but they need Smith if they want to make any noise in the White this season.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers are off to a strong start after an impressive 49-39 win over St. Clair Shores Lakeview. The Huskies are a solid team and Harper Woods has shown the balance even with a new coach, they still have proven experience.

Seaholm: The Maples had a bounce back after falling to Saline in their first game with a 59-8 blowout win over Farmington. Jada Josifovski and Addy Flynn had 14 points each, Mary Gumbas had 12 points, and Emma Weber had 11. Flynn has been playing really well for Seaholm and Coach Chris Manchester. The Maples have a really tough non conference in December. It will be very interesting to see how Seaholm does this season.

Groves: The Falcons are off to a 1-1 week with a 70-34 loss to Birmingham Detroit Country Day but a win over Avondale 54-50 was huge for their confidence. Groves will be fine as they head into the new week for Coach Alison Hidey.

North Farmington: The Raiders have won two straight under new coach Michael Allin with dominating performances. Asiyah Jihad has really been dominant in their two games, she had 27 points against Warren Woods Tower along with 14 points including 11 in the second half against Troy Athens. Anayah Billups had 13 points and 11 points against Troy Athens. North Farmington might be better than people think. The Raiders have a soft December schedule with Adams being their toughest test. We’ll know a lot about them in January.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors looked solid in their 76-35 win over Warren Michigan Colligate. Christian Banks had 28 points in the game for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Southfield Arts and Tech had a good win to start the year but they have a tough non conference coming up. It will be very interesting to see what happens with the Warriors.

Troy: The Colts are a team that is taking a ton of life lessons. They took a tough loss to Romeo falling 53-31 but bounced back in a big way behind Diamond Prince’s 31 points to beat Sterling Heights Stevenson 58-22 however fell 47-23 to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. It will be trial by fire for Coach Laura Guzman’s team.

Berkley: The Bears had a split to the early season winning 45-34 over Utica Eisenhower but fell 51-30 to Plymouth. Coach Clay Shaver has the program heading in the right direction but they still have a long way to go to be where they want to be come March. They have a huge test awaiting them come three days before Christmas but they have an opportunity to build on the momentum they gained despite the loss to the Wildcats.

Adams: The Highlanders knew it was going to be tough against Rochester falling 35-17. They had a 33-20 win over Waterford Kettering earlier in the week. Adams is much better this season then last season despite having a really tough non conference, the Highlanders could surprise some people which would please Coach Joe Malburg.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks could be in for a long season after falling 57-29 to North Farmington. Troy Athens has a ton of questions with the guards and also scoring is a big concern for Coach Stacie Klump. It will be very interesting to see how Klump handles the guard situation but this is not a good start to the year for the Red Hawks.

Farmington: I’m shocked that the Falcons have scored 16 points in the last two games and has allowed 69 points per game in their two losses to Livonia Stevenson and Seaholm. That’s not a good way to start the season. Coach Natalie Nowak needs to fix a ton of things and the rest of December is brutal. It could be a long December for Farmington.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a really tough loss to Groves 54-50. No one should press the panic button on Coach Roy Christmon’s team yet. Avondale has proven they can play with teams from the White. This will only help them come March, they are fine.

Ferndale: The Eagles are off to a surprising start with blowout wins over Ann Arbor Skyline and River Rouge. Ferndale has put 50 points in the last two weeks which is a great sign. Coach Keith Paris has this team rolling right now.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have not played a game yet so it’s unknown to judge and analyze Coach Brianna Rowe’s team yet.

Oak Park: It is unknown if the Knights played River Rouge. It will be very interesting to see how Oak Park does going forward.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a really interesting week. They got Coach Corray Lett’s first win as coach by knocking off Hazel Park 41-22 but lost a tough one to Southfield Parkway Christian 44-31. It is clear Pontiac is much better than they were last season. The Phoenix will be fine.

Basketball Thoughts

Basketball Top 23

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday December 9th at 11:30 AM

Updated Saturday December 9th at 8:40 PM

Hello these are the top 23 rankings for the week, I will post these every Saturday. Now the records I have are the current records from the MHSAA website and from X as well. The + sign means that the team is playing this weekend and the record will be updated.

Here are the rankings as of right now.

Boys

  1. North Farmington (2-0): Tyler Spratt and Landon Williams made their names known against Farmington.
  2. Ferndale (2-1): Trenton Ruth has shown some strides for the Eagles.
  3. West Bloomfield (1-2): Lakers might have figured out their defensive issues.
  4. Adams (4-0): Highlanders can’t rely just on Peter Kardasis and William Gee to win games or can they???
  5. Clarkston (2-1): Wolves have a nice group of balance.
  6. Berkley (3-1): Bears are rolling since their loss to Novi.
  7. Troy (2-1): Colts have rebounded nicely since their overtime loss to Berkley.
  8. Troy Athens (3-1): Despite loss to Redford Thurston, the Red Hawks are fine.
  9. Groves (3-1): Falcons have found ways to win games without Josh Simpson.
  10. Oak Park (1-1): Knights bounced back in a big way against Macomb Dakota.
  11. Royal Oak (4-0): This start has a much better resume than last season’s start.
  12. Pontiac (2-1): Despite loss to Jackson, I like where the Phoenix are heading.
  13. Lake Orion (2-2): Dragons will be fine after two really tough games.
  14. Seaholm (2-2): It’s been really hard to figure the Maples out.
  15. Oxford (1-3): Wildcats are better than their record indicates.
  16. Avondale (1-2): Yellow Jackets playing tough schedule right now.
  17. Harper Woods (1-1): Pioneers needed long break to figure some things out.
  18. Ferndale University (2-2): Eagles defense has changed and has resulted in two wins.
  19. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-1): Warriors had a really tough time with West Bloomfield.
  20. Farmington (0-2): Falcons are struggling right now.
  21. Stoney Creek (0-3): Cougars have had a ton of bad luck lately.
  22. Bloomfield Hills (0-2): Blackhawks had a much better game against Royal Oak but still isn’t there yet.
  23. Rochester (0-3): Falcons are getting there but haven’t put it all together yet.

 

 

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (0-0): Lakers haven’t played a game yet but past history tells otherwise.
  2. Lake Orion (1-0): Dragons are a much different team than they were in the summer.
  3. Royal Oak (1-0): Lucy Freytag is the real deal.
  4. Rochester (1-0): Falcons need to find that guard to help Alice Max.
  5. Clarkston (2-1): Wolves got a hard earned win over Haslett but loss to Chelsea even though they are good bothers me.
  6. Stoney Creek (1-0): Cougars have some serious concerns despite winning over Bloomfield Hills.
  7. Oxford (1-1): Wildcats resolve showed itself against Davison.
  8. Berkley (1-1): Bears made a statement with win over Utica Eisenhower.
  9. Seaholm (1-1): Maples believe the White is theirs for the taking.
  10. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-0): Christian Banks consistently putting up numbers is a good sign.
  11. Harper Woods (1-0): Statement win over St. Clair Shores Lakeview is a start to something.
  12. Adams (1-1): Highlanders are much better than they were last season.
  13. North Farmington (2-0): Aniyah Bowes has been a pleasant surprise to the season.
  14. Groves (1-1): Falcons got a bounce back win after their loss to Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
  15. Ferndale (2-0): Eagles out to prove something is different.
  16. Avondale (1-1): Madison Manyweathers off to a good start.
  17. Bloomfield Hills (0-1): Blackhawks need Ruby Smith back.
  18. Troy (1-2): Colts have been a really hard team to figure out.
  19. Pontiac (1-1): Phoenix are much better than last season.
  20. Troy Athens (0-1): Red Hawks had a rough second half against North Farmington.
  21. Ferndale University (0-0): Can’t judge the Eagles yet.
  22. Oak Park (0-0): Can’t judge the Knights yet.
  23. Farmington (0-2): Falcons have scored 16 points in eight quarters is very concerning.