MDARD Launches Good Food for Michigan Project

MDARD Launches Good Food for Michigan Project

by | Dec 12, 2025 | Uncategorized

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For immediate release: Dec. 11, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

 

MDARD Launches Good Food for Michigan Project

New initiative cultivates opportunities for farmers to feed their communities, institutions to source Michigan-grown food

 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced the Good Food for Michigan project, which will focus on keeping locally grown food in Michigan communities.

“The Good Food for Michigan project will strengthen regional food systems by equipping community colleges, schools, hospitals and other institutions across the state with tools they need to access nutritious, locally grown and prepared foods,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By helping institutions purchase Michigan-grown foods, we can create new opportunities for farmers to sell locally, improve families’ access to nourishing foods and build healthier, more resilient economies and communities.”

Good Food for Michigan is a product of Director Boring’s conversations with growers and community groups around the state who have expressed concerns about the strain federal policies are putting on food access and affordability, as well as with those who voiced a desire for more opportunities to feed their communities with local foods.

The Center for Good Food Purchasing – a national leader in transforming how public institutions purchase food – is MDARD’s partner in the project.

“Michigan has shown what’s possible when communities, institutions, and producers move in the same direction,” said Alexa Delwiche, Executive Director at the Center for Good Food Purchasing. “This partnership lets us apply the Center’s proven model and approach—clear standards, hands-on technical assistance, cross-sector stakeholder engagement and rigorous measurement and verification—to deepen relationships across the state, strengthen local supply chains and help more schools, hospitals and public agencies buy nourishing Michigan-grown Good Food. Together, we’ll expand new market opportunities for growers, align public dollars with community values and build on Michigan’s role as a learning and innovation hub for Good Food Purchasing.”

Among other actions, MDARD’s Good Food for Michigan project will prioritize local food supplies by assisting partner community institutions with:

  • Assessing their food procurement practices
  • Meeting good food purchasing targets
  • Creating supplier/vendor diversification plans that include local and regional food sources
  • Developing and implementing comprehensive institutional policies that reflect community needs and values as they relate to food

Increased consumption of locally grown foods can improve individual and community health outcomes while supporting local farmers and reducing the environmental costs of food production and transportation.

Additionally, the project will utilize a proven model that equips schools and other institutions with the tools and technical support they need to source and procure locally grown foods. The Good Food Purchasing Program model emphasizes:

  • Strengthening local and community-based economies
  • Improving community health
  • Supporting a valued workforce
  • Promoting environmental sustainability
  • Ensuring accountability, equity and transparency in food systems.

The Good Food for Michigan project will complement other innovative MDARD programs focused on strengthening regional food systems across the state. In its first year, MDARD’s Farm to Family Program has awarded more than $730,000 to support food hubs and farm stops that give Michigan producers and consumers more opportunities to sell and buy locally grown foods. So far, work completed with support from grant funding has resulted in moving nearly 85,000 pounds of local produce and meat and serving nearly 1,400 Michigan families.

Visit MDARD’s website for more information about efforts to improve Michigan families’ access to nutritious, locally grown foods.
AG Urges Consumers to Protect Their Personal Information

AG Urges Consumers to Protect Their Personal Information

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Nessel Urges Consumers to Protect Their Personal Information Following 700Credit Data Breach

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on data breaches following a recent cybersecurity incident at 700Credit LLC that has impacted nearly 6 million individuals nationwide, including more than 160,000 Michiganders. 700Credit, a Michigan-based company, provides services to auto dealerships that support consumer financing during the purchase credit application process, including credit reports and credit checks. The company announced that on October 25 a breach was discovered that compromised personal data collected from dealers between May 2025 and October 2025. The compromised information includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. 700Credit will begin mailing notice letters to impacted individuals on behalf of its dealer clients during the week of December 15.

“If you get a letter from 700Credit, don’t ignore it,” Nessel said. “It is important that anyone affected by this data breach takes steps as soon as possible to protect their information. A credit freeze or monitoring services can go a long way in preventing fraud, and I encourage Michiganders to use the tools available to keep their identity safe.”

Consumers can protect themselves during a data breach by taking the following actions:

  • Watch out for phishing emails;
  • Strengthen or change passwords;
  • Do not retain unnecessary data or files;
  • Use multifactor authentication on devices and accounts; and
  • Review their credit report often. Take advantage of free weekly credit reports from each of the three main credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by utilizing the Annual Credit Report website.

To assist residents, Attorney General Nessel launched the Michigan Identity Theft Support System (MITS), which helps residents seeking to restore their stolen identities. When they believe their identity or personal information is in the hands of a fraudster, consumers should:

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Showcasing the DNR: A landmark investment in public land

Showcasing the DNR: A landmark investment in public land

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Recreation
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Showcasing the DNR

An aerial summery view of the acquired Black River Ranch property.

Showcasing the DNR: A landmark investment in public land

Over 8,800 acres added to the Pigeon River Country State Forest

By KERRY HECKMAN
Forest land administrator, Forest Resources Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

One of Michigan’s crown jewels – the Pigeon River Country State Forest, known as the “Big Wild” due to its wilderness-like character and home to Michigan’s elk herd – just got bigger, and Michigan’s residents are the proud new owners.

On behalf of the public, using grant funding and private donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has acquired 8,850 acres of land, including over 14 miles of trout streams, three lakes and suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bear and white-tailed deer.

The forest

While visiting the area following World War I, author Ernest Hemingway said, “that Barrens Country is the greatest I’ve ever been in,” describing the pine barrens and forests east of Vanderbilt in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula.

An aerial view shows one of the premier trout streams located on the Black River Ranch property.This same area that made such an impression on Hemingway would become the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Over a century ago, the Pigeon River Country State Forest, or PRC, as it is also known, was established by setting aside nearly 6,500 acres of land that the state acquired through tax reversion.

Championed by P.S. Lovejoy, Michigan’s first Game Division chief, intentional acquisitions and additions grew the PRC to approximately 111,000 acres. In 1918, elk were reintroduced in the area through the relocation of seven Rocky Mountain elk. This effort was very successful, as the elk herd has now grown to around 1,100 animals.

Today, the PRC is known for its three blue ribbon trout streams – the Pigeon River, Black River and Sturgeon River, numerous lakes and sinkhole lakes, remote recreation opportunities and variety of wildlife such as bobcat, pine marten and numerous birds including loons and bald eagles.

The property

The Black River Ranch was first acquired from the government in 1911 by Edwin George, who, after camping on the shores of Silver Lake in 1910, became determined to acquire all the property surrounding the lake and along the corridors of the Black River and the East Branch of the Black River.

Historically, the property was logged during the lumbering era in the late 1800s, contained farming and livestock operations beginning in 1914, hosted students researching the fish, wildlife and plants beginning in the 1930s, and most recently has served as a hunting and fishing retreat.
A green summertime view from the top of Bugle Hill is shown.At nearly 8,850 acres, Black River Ranch is one of the last remaining large, intact, forested tracts in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

This breathtaking property contains over 14 miles of rivers and streams, including the Black River, the East Branch of the Black River and Stewart Creek. The Black River, considered the premier brook trout stream east of the Mississippi River, is the only river managed exclusively for native brook trout in the Lake Huron basin.

The property also includes the entirety of three lakes, including the 150-acre Silver Lake.

Located in the heart of Michigan’s only elk herd range and adjacent to the Pigeon River Country State Forest on three sides, the property sees extensive elk use throughout the year.

During a period of extensive elk poaching on state forest land in the 1960s and 1970s, the property served as a refuge for much of the elk herd, assisting in ensuring its survival.

Bugle Hill, the high point on the property, is named after the call of bull elk used to establish dominance over other bull elk and attract cow elk. The sweeping vista from the hill offers a stunning view of the Black River Valley and miles of wilderness and forests.

The opportunity

In early 2019, following an inquiry from the landowners, Little Traverse Conservancy contacted the DNR to determine the state’s interest in acquiring Black River Ranch as an addition to the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Given the chance to protect such an exceptional piece of property rich with natural resources, the DNR quickly made it a priority to pursue this opportunity on behalf of the public.

“LTC has a long-standing partnership with the Michigan DNR and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Together, we have accomplished some landscape-level conservation while providing more opportunities for people to enjoy what makes northern Michigan so special,” said Kieran Fleming, Little Traverse Conservancy executive director. “We are proud to work with landowners who have cared for their land, sometimes for generations. In this case we’re happy to help the seller navigate their options knowing that conservation was a natural fit for them.”
Three elk are shown grazing in a field on the Black River Ranch property.

Partnerships

Between 2020 and 2023, a variety of grant funds and private donations were secured, which enabled the DNR to present a formal offer to the landowner in 2024 to purchase the property. All the money used for the purchase of the property came from grant funding and donations from nonprofit organizations and private individuals.

Forest Legacy Program

The purpose of the Forest Legacy Program is to provide federal grant funding to states to protect environmentally important forest land from being converted to nonforest uses.

Funding for the program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, is provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is revenue the federal government receives from offshore oil and gas leases.

The Forest Legacy Program provides 75% of the funding necessary for states to acquire forest land and ensure it is managed sustainably forever.

The Black River Ranch project ranked ninth in the country when competing for FLP funds. Over $10.6 million was awarded to the Michigan DNR for the project in 2022.

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

In 1976, to resolve concerns related to oil and gas development on state forest land in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund was established. The intent of the trust fund was to use mineral royalties earned from the development of state-owned minerals to acquire land for public recreation and natural resources protection.

Providing funding for the acquisition of Black River Ranch brought the trust fund full circle with an opportunity to invest in the protection of land in the Pigeon River Country, where the trust fund originated. The trust fund awarded over $5.3 million for the project between grants in 2020 and 2023.
A deep blue, forest-green and summery aerial photo of Silver Lake is shown.Private funds

As a partner on the project, Little Traverse Conservancy served a vital role in bringing the project to a successful conclusion. In addition to supporting both the landowner and DNR throughout development, negotiation and completion, the conservancy also worked to secure private funding for the project.

In addition to contributing its own funds, the conservancy also arranged funding contributions from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and the J.A. Woollam Foundation.

“All were willing partners and provided much-needed help in raising funds,” Fleming said. “The PRC is irreplaceable, and the opportunities to expand it are so incredibly rare, we are proud of the partnership that made this possible.”

Given that the Black River Ranch provides critical habitat in the heart of Michigan’s elk country, it was a natural priority for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to be involved. This contribution is the largest investment that the group has made in land protection efforts in Michigan.

“More than five years in the making, conservation of the Black River Ranch property is a great example of RMEF’s steadfast commitment to increasing public access while ensuring vital habitat remains for big game and other wildlife,” said Jennifer Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “We applaud the landowner, Little Traverse Conservancy and Michigan DNR for their partnership in conserving one of the last large intact parcels within Michigan’s designated elk zone, a move that both supports active forest management and helps reduce wildlife conflict – outcomes RMEF is proud to champion.”

The final piece of funding was provided through the generosity of the landowner, who agreed to sell the property at a price lower than the appraised value to ensure the protection of this incredible tract of land. This bargain sale was pivotal to ensuring the DNR was successful in purchasing the property.

The years of working together, building partnerships and negotiating the transaction came to a successful conclusion as the DNR, on behalf of the public, completed the purchase of Black River Ranch last week.
A sunset is shown on the Black River Ranch property.

The future

With the addition of Black River Ranch to the Pigeon River Country State Forest, DNR staff will now begin the work of assessing the buildings, roads and other infrastructure on the property.

The assessment of the buildings on the property will include consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Through this collaboration, DNR staff will determine whether any buildings on the property are potentially eligible to be added to the national register and the appropriateness of attaching a historic preservation covenant to the deed of the property.

The land is now open for all legal hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, berry picking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. All nonmotorized use is welcome. Motorized use is limited until the DNR completes an inventory of the existing roads on the property and develops an access plan. There will be an opportunity for public involvement in developing the access plan.

The Black River Ranch, as a natural addition to the Pigeon River Country, will be managed for the benefit of the public according to the PRC’s Concept of Management. This guide to the management of the PRC was developed in coordination with the Pigeon River Country Advisory Council. This advisory council, made up of citizen members, considers and advises the DNR on plans, programs and activities proposed, conducted within or affecting the PRC. One of the council’s primary roles is to develop public support and local cooperation for programs adopted for the state forest.

As with all lands the DNR purchases, the state will pay taxes on the property to the local taxing authorities. Those tax payments are estimated to increase by over $27,000 compared to the taxes the former landowner paid on the property.

“The purchase of the Black River Ranch is rare in that it exemplifies the broad array of values that we cherish in Michigan,” said Scott Bowen, DNR director. “The protection of precious natural and cultural resources, opportunities for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational pursuits, and the sustainable management of a healthy forest, all for the current and future generations of Michiganders to enjoy.”

Learn more about the Pigeon River Country State Forest at Michigan.gov/PigeonRiverCountry.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Grazing elk: Elk graze in an open field on the Black River Ranch property, located within the heart of Michigan’s elk country. (Photo courtesy of the former landowner).

River Aerial: The Black River winds through the forest on the Black River Ranch property. Over 14 miles of trout streams flow through the property. (Photo courtesy of Little Traverse Conservancy)

River views: The Black River Ranch includes the Black River, the East Branch of the Black River and Stewart Creek, all blue ribbon coldwater trout streams. (Photo courtesy of Little Traverse Conservancy)

Scenic overlook: Views of the Black River valley and Pigeon River Country State Forest from the top of Bugle Hill, the highest point on the Black River Ranch property.

Silver Lake: At 150 acres, Silver Lake is the largest of three lakes on the Black River Ranch property. It offers great fishing opportunities and provides habitat for wildlife, including common loons. (Photo courtesy of Little Traverse Conservancy)

Sunset: A summer sun sets over Silver Lake on the Black River Ranch property. (Photo courtesy of the former landowner)
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
Veteran MDOT leader reflects on a rich career in government

Veteran MDOT leader reflects on a rich career in government

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Transportation

MDOT header (SOM branding)Talking Michigan Transportation (TMT) banner with the Mackinac Bridge.

Veteran MDOT leader reflects on a rich career in state government

Dec. 10, 2025

Laura Mester, who has served as the chief administrative officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) since 2011, is retiring from state government in January. She joined the podcast to reflect on her career in state government, including the past 15 years at MDOT.

Laura Mester, chief administrative officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) .

Mester talks about her perceptions of the department before she joined, and what she learned about the need for a multimodal focus to serve all users. She also discusses the challenges facing the department with decades of inadequate funding to do all the things the public expects.

In her role, she oversaw the Bureau of Finance and the Office of Passenger Transportation, which (among other things) oversees and supports the state’s transit agencies, including the Office of Rail.

Listen and subscribe

Listen now at buzzsprout.com/1374205.
Subscribe for Talking Michigan Transportation podcast updates.
Boys Basketball Thoughts

Boys Basketball Thoughts

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday December 7th at 8:35 AM

Here are some thoughts on each team for the week. This will also be on the website https://aroundtheoaa.weebly.com/ as well

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are off to a strong start early in the season winning 43-34 over Pontiac and 73-47 over Flint Standard are great wins but the game against Pontiac despite winning 43-34 has me concerned a bit about Avondale. The Yellow Jackets are very athletic but there are some questions that Coach Aaron Fox and his team need to address. If they can address this then Avondale will be fine. They have Detroit University Prep and West Bloomfield looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves look like they are the most complete team to start this early season. Clarkston got two wins over Lake Orion (77-49) and Adams (68-44.) The Wolves have a deep team and a ton of proven shooters just like the days of legendary coach Dan Fife. Clarkston has been improving each year under Coach Tim Wasilk but can they sustain is the key going forward. They have Stoney Creek and Ferndale looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles have been used to playing very tough schedules and this week has been no different for Coach Juan Rickman’s team. Ferndale was blown out 89-57 by Birmingham Brother Rice and then blew out River Rouge 77-49. Eden Vinyard has been the star for the Eagles but they need others like Torrino Adams and others to step up. Ferndale has Clarkston, Ohio Reynoldsburg, and Warren Lincoln looming this week.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers defense could be a storyline to watch this season. It haunted them again allowing 84 points in a 84-72 loss to Detroit University Prep. Coach Arnette Jordan needs to shore the defense up and quickly. West Bloomfield will have three games with Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Avondale, and Detroit Cass Tech looming this week.

Groves: The Falcons had a very interesting week. Groves fell 54-53 to Oxford then bounced back and beat Warren DeLaSalle 59-54 and Imlay City 74-60. The Falcons young talent has managed to make a ton of strides despite this being a rebuilding year for Coach Marc West. I don’t know how this will sustain in the Red but it’s a start for Groves. They have two very tough matchups in Bloomfield Hills and North Farmington looming next week.

North Farmington: The Raiders are off to a strong start in their final season in the OAA winning 62-47 over Davison and 41-35 over Plymouth Canton. North Farmington has relied on their tough defense which has always been there for new coach Pete Mantyla. The Raiders have Detroit University Prep and Groves looming next week.

Farmington: It’s really hard to judge the Falcons when they haven’t reported their score with Ann Arbor Pioneer yet. Farmington has the athletes to be competitive in the Red but there are still some questions going forward for Coach Byron Johnson. They have Detroit University Prep and Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs look like they haven’t missed a beat since getting to the regional final last season. Waterford Mott won two games over Stoney Creek 63-53 and 63-49 over Northville. The Corsairs have used their balance to win games which is a winning formula for Coach Jeff Jayson and his team going forward. Waterford Mott has Hartland and Waterford Kettering looming next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons had an up and down week. They fell 77-49 to Clarkston behind turnovers and loss of identity. Lake Orion got back their identity with a stunning 72-53 win over Davison. When the Dragons play team ball that is where they are at their most dangerous which Coach Jose Andrades knows and makes him very happy. Lake Orion has two tough games with Novi and Plymouth Salem looming next week.

Adams: The Highlanders are off to a rough start but to their defense in their two losses they were to good teams (Clarkston 68-44, Macomb Dakota 60-53.) The problem for Coach Isiah Novak’s team has been when Cannon Flynn is not on the floor, they tend to struggle when he is not. Adams needs to address this issue, they have the shooters but they need to find that Robin to the Flynn Batman if they want to find success this season. The Highlanders have Seaholm and Royal Oak looming next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars have found themselves a sense of confidence and hope under new coach Marko Tomich. Stoney Creek used their balance in a 69-55 win over Utica Eisenhower despite falling 63-53 to Waterford Mott but they were tied at half and hung in there throughout that game. Quentin Rangi, Brodie Telegdas, and Anthony Arlinghaus have been the story to their early success. It’s clear the Cougars are much improved and happier under Tomich but there are still some dangers, warnings, and concerns. It’s almost like this team and Tomich reminds me of the book Star Wars Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover and the movie but for now Stoney Creek has a lot of confidence from Tomich’s first win but the road gets tougher. They have Clarkston and Utica looming next week.

Rochester: The Falcons are off to a strong start with three impressive wins (St. Clair Shores Lakeview (73-40), Utica (66-41), Chippewa Valley (66-46.) Rochester has gotten contributions from multiple players like Luke Lower, Logan Pleasent, Ben Bissett, and Anthony Chircho among others but the play of Nate Tandy fits this team very well, he’s an engine and a machine when on the court. What makes Coach Nick Evola very happy is the Falcons play team ball. This is a style that makes most teams very dangerous and Rochester is one of those teams that plays this style. Rochester and their fans know that there will be more tough teams ahead. They have Lapeer and Troy Athens looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats had to replace a ton of talent from last season but they are off to a 2-0 start after surviving Groves 54-53 and had a strong defensive effort winning 34-15 over Fraser. Cade Lindamood has been a big addition for Coach Joe Fedorichik and they’ve gotten timely play from Grayson Boyle and Brody Casper while Brennan Elling is well Brennan Elling. Oxford has some concerns going forward despite the start, can they sustain this form of defense is the biggest one that Wildcats fans have to address. They have Troy Athens, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Utica Eisenhower looming with two of those being tough games next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a tough week that saw a tough 43-34 loss to arch rival Avondale but an impressive 69-61 win over Fenton. Pontiac has been going through some growing pains with the freshmen they have on the roster but for Coach Dion Harris this is a start to building something special in Pontiac. It’s all about program strength for the Phoenix. They have Ferndale University and Lansing Eastern looming next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks are off to a strong start with a 60-49 win over Walled Lake Western along with a 61-32 blowout of Grosse Pointe North. DaRon Mason has been on fire this early season and all summer along with Carter Canfield and others for Coach Brian Canfield. They are clicking with Groves and Warren Woods Tower looming next week.

Troy: The Colts overcame a split this week winning 64-31 over Waterford Kettering but fell 63-55 to Utica. Troy lost Will DeArmit to an ankle injury but Harmon Orioum carried the slack with 27 points in the loss to Utica. The Colts were scrappy and they changed defenses with their press. Orioum and Jeffries played well along with Blake Kupier. Coach Gary Fralick’s team will be fine. They have Harper Woods and Madison Heights Lamphere looming next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a strong week which had two big wins and a heartbreaking loss. Troy Athens fell 61-60 to Macomb L’Anse Creuse North on a buzzer beater. They got wins over Ferndale University (64-26) and Berkley (61-44.) Coach Mitchell Vercellino’s team will be fine despite the tough loss. The Red Hawks are tall and very lengthy which should help going forward. They have Oxford and Rochester looming next week.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are off to a strong start but they have won both games by a combined nine points (Holly 67-59, Madison Heights Lamphere 53-52.) For Coach Aaron Smith they are taking care of business like the Detroit Pistons have done but they have done things the hard way. We’ll know a lot about Royal Oak when they have Walled Lake Western and Adams looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples had a great week winning two games over Berkley (53-42) and South Lyon (45-23) but both teams are very young teams that are going through tough rebuilds. It’s a great start for Coach Spenser Adams and company but they need a test down the line which they will get in the future. Seaholm will be tested with Adams and South Lyon East looming next week.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains had a bit of both wins and losses this week which should help their confidence heading into the season. Waterford Kettering won 63-53 over North Branch but fell 64-31 to Troy. The Captains are in a very interesting spot for Coach Will Campbell where they have Lapeer and Waterford Mott looming next week.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers haven’t played a game yet but they will have two games with Troy and Westfield Prep looming next week for Coach TaJuan Porter.

Oak Park: The Knights haven’t played a game yet but they will have two games with Melvindale and Center Line looming next week for Coach Durrand Sheppard.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have toughen their non conference schedule which has seen ups which was a 58-47 win over Detroit East English Village Prep and the lows a 77-56 loss to Plymouth Canton. It is know doubt under Coach Josh Lyle, Southfield Arts and Tech is heading in the right direction. They have Farmington and Detroit Pershing looming next week.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have been struggling to score scoring 56 points in two games in both losses to Detroit East English Village Prep and Troy Athens. Ferndale University is going through a tough transition period right now for Coach Antwan Bradford. They have two tough games with Pontiac and Center Line Prep looming next week.

Berkley: There is no doubt the Bears are a very young team which was shown in their 53-42 loss to Seaholm and 61-44 loss to Troy Athens. It’s going to take time for Coach James McCullough to get his style of play into Berkley. They have Detroit Jalen Rose Academy, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, and Inkster American International Academy looming next week.