by orionontv | Jun 20, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday June 18th at 7:15 PM
Updated Sunday June 19th at 12:05 PM
Hello all, hope all is well. The MHSAA hasn’t released the boys and girls basketball districts as of yet. Now I did like a projection list of teams that could be the districts.
THESE ARE NOT THE OFFICIAL DISTRICTS, these are my projections. If you have any questions please comment on the comments, DM, or tweet me. I will gladly explain.
I used my early district projections along with the volleyball and MHSAA divisions lists for the 2022-2023 seasons which included the Co-Op’s and the teams that moved up.
Hopefully these are the districts. Here are my projections for Divisions one and two. It took me a few hours so here goes.
Division One
Alpena
Marquette
Petoskey
Sault Ste Marie
Gaylord
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
Muskegon
Muskegon Mona Shores
Muskegon Reeths Puffer
Cedar Springs
Greenville
Rockford
Mt. Pleasant
St. Johns
DeWitt
Bay City Central
Bay City Western
Midland
Midland Dow
Saginaw Heritage
Saginaw Arthur Hill (Boys Only)
Grand Haven
Holland
Holland West Ottawa
Zeeland East
Zeeland West
Coopersville
Grand Rapids Northview
Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills
Grand Rapids Union
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
East Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
Grandville
Hudsonville
Jenison
Wyoming
Byron Center
Caledonia
East Kentwood
Lowell
Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg
Kalamazoo Central
Mattawan
Richland Gull Lake
St. Joseph
Stevensville Lakeshore
Battle Creek Harper Creek
Battle Creek Central
Jackson
Jackson Northwest
Battle Creek Lakeview
Coldwater
Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Portage Central
Portage Northern
Sturgis
Mason
Grand Ledge
East Lansing
Lansing Holt
Lansing Everett
Lansing Waverly
Brighton
Hartland
Howell
Okemos
South Lyon
South Lyon East
Ann Arbor Pioneer
Ann Arbor Skyline
Ann Arbor Huron
Dexter
Saline
Belleville
Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti Lincoln
Romulus (Boys Only)
Taylor
Brownstown Woodhaven
Monroe
Riverview (Girls Only)
Gibraltar Carlson
Temperance Bedford
Trenton
Wyandotte Roosevelt
Canton
Plymouth
Salem
Northville
Novi
Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Detroit Henry Ford
Livonia Stevenson
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Redford Thurston
FARMINGTON
Dearborn
Dearborn Heights Crestwood
Dearborn Fordson
Allen Park
Wayne Memorial
Westland John Glenn
Detroit Cass Tech
Lincoln Park
Detroit Martin Luther King
Detroit Western
Melvindale
River Rouge
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Fraser
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Hamtramck
HARPER WOODS
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Roseville
Sterling Heights
Warren Cousino
Warren Woods Tower
Warren Mott
Warren De LaSalle
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
NORTH FARMINGTON
Birmingham Brother Rice/Birmingham Marian
Orchard Lake St. Marys/Farmington Hills Mercy
TROY
TROY ATHENS
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROYAL OAK
Chippewa Valley
Macomb Dakota
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
St. Clair Shores LakeShore
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
Utica
Utica Ford II
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
Lapeer
Davison
Flint (Boys Only)
Flint Kearsley
Flint Carman Ainsworth
Flushing
Fenton
Linden
Holly
Grand Blanc
Swartz Creek
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
AVONDALE
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
Milford
Lakeland
Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Division Two
Escanaba
Gladstone
Kingsford
Negaunee
Houghton
Boyne City
Cheboygan
Kalkaska
Grayling
Kingsley
Big Rapids
Reed City
Cadillac
Ludington
Remus Chippewa Hills
Clare
Gladwin
Ogemaw Heights
Standish Sterling
Midland Bullock Creek
Shepherd
Fruitport
Montague
Muskegon Oakridge
Muskegon Orchard View
Whitehall
Spring Lake
Fremont
Grant
Howard Tri County
Newaygo
Sparta
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern
Comstock Park
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Grand Rapids West Catholic
Wyoming Lee
Alma
Belding
Central Montcalm
Ionia
Portland
Grand Rapids Christian
Grand Rapids South Christian
Grand Rapids West Aviation Academy
Kentwood Grand River Prep
Wyoming Godwin Heights
Wyoming Kelloggsville
Allendale
Hamilton
Holland Christian
Hopkins
Hudsonville Unity Christian
Comstock (Boys Only)
Allegan
Ostego
Paw Paw
Plainwell
South Haven
Coloma (Boys Only)
Benton Harbor
Berrien Springs
Buchanan
Dowagiac
Edwardsburg
Niles
Battle Creek Pennfield
Constiantine
Marshall
Parchment
Three Rivers
Vicksburg
Charlotte
Eaton Rapids
Hastings
Lake Odessa Lakewood
Olivet
Wayland
Fowlerville
Haslett
Lansing Catholic
Lansing Eastern
Lansing Sexton
Williamston
Adrian
Chelsea
Hillsdale
Jonesville (Boys Only)
Parma Western
Onsted
Pinckney
Carleton Airport
Milan
Tecumseh
Dundee
Ida
Monroe Jefferson
Flat Rock
Grosse Isle
New Boston Huron
Riverview (Boys Only)
Romulus Summit Academy North
Taylor Prep
Romulus (Girls only)
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard
Canton Prep
Dearborn Divine Child
Dearborn Star International
Garden City
Dearborn Advanced Tech
Dearborn Heights Annapolis
Dearborn Henry Ford Academy
Dearborn Heights Robichaud (Boys Only)
Detroit Cesar Chavez
Detroit Cody
Detroit Lincoln King
Detroit Voyaguer
Livonia Clarenceville
Redford Union
Redford Westfield Prep
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Clawson
Warren Fitzgerald
Warren Lincoln
Detroit Collegiate Prep
Detroit Edison
Detroit Southeastern
Detroit University Prep
Detroit University Prep Arts and Design
Detroit University Prep Science and Math
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English
Detroit Osborn
Eastpointe
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Detroit Country Day
Orchard Lake St. Marys (Girls Only)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy
Center Line
Macomb Lutheran North
Madison Heights Lamphere
Warren Michigan Collegate
Warren Regina
Algonac
Armada
Marine City
Marysville
Richmond
St. Clair
Almont
Croswell-Lexington
Imlay City
North Branch
Yale
Durand
Flint Powers
Goodrich
Lake Fenton
Brandon
Clio
Corunna
Flint Hamady
Flint (Girls Only)
Mt. Morris
Owosso
Birch Run
Bridgeport
Saginaw
Caro
Frankenmuth
Bay City John Glenn
Carrolton
Essexsville Garber
Freeland
Saginaw Swan Valley
Saginaw Arthur Hill (Girls Only)
by Becky Andrus | Jun 7, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday June 4th at 8:00 PM
By Sammy Taormina
Bloomfield Hills performed very well on Friday afternoon at the Division One State Tennis Finals at Western Michigan University. The Blackhawks had 10 State Finalists and eight State Champions but it wasn’t enough as they scored 32 points which was good for second place. Ann Arbor Pioneer took home the State title with 33 points.
The OAA was well represented in Kalamazoo besides the Blackhawks. Troy was third with 22 points, Clarkston was seventh with 12 points, Stoney Creek was tied for eighth with 10 points, Adams was tied for 15th with four points, Troy Athens and Lake Orion were tied for 19th with three points, and Farmington was tied for 22nd with one point.
Groves, Berkley, and Seaholm were in the Division Two State finals which took place on Saturday afternoon at Hope College. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern took the crown with 34 points. The Maples finished second with 30 points. Groves tied for fourth with 17 points. Berkley was tied for 12th with six points.
The OAA should be strong again next season in girls tennis.
by Becky Andrus | Jun 7, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday June 4th at 9:15 PM
By Sammy Taormina
Here is my insight previewing the Girls Soccer regionals this week.
Region 2 @ Novi
LAKE ORION vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Farmington Hills Mercy vs Hartland
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is a rematch of a 4-0 Blackhawks victory over the Dragons a few weeks ago. Bloomfield Hills is fresh off their first district title since 2019 after winning over Walled Lake Northern 3-0 at West Bloomfield. The Blackhawks played with 10 players with one getting a red card in the district finals. Lake Orion won their second straight district title with a 1-0 victory over a red hot Oxford program that had been rolling. It’s a clash of different styles at Novi and whose style wins out heads to the regional final. On the other side of the bracket, it’s an interesting matchup between defending State Champs Hartland and proven Catholic League power Farmington Hills Mercy.
PICK: It’s going to be a tough chore for whoever wins the Dragons/Blackhawks matchup. Hartland is the defending State Champs. The Dragons played the Eagles really tough in the regional final last season but Hartland’s size was too much for them. Bloomfield Hills will give Lake Orion a ton of problems. I don’t really see anyone beating the Eagles. Hartland should head to the State Semifinals riding with a lot of confidence.
Region 4 @ Adams
ROCHESTER vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay
TROY ATHENS vs Fraser
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is a very interesting regional. Rochester remains unbeaten after winning a hard earned district by beating three State ranked teams in Adams, Romeo, and Stoney Creek. Their reward is another test against a very good New Baltimore Anchor Bay squad in the regional semifinals. Both the Falcons and Tars have wins over Troy Athens whom won their district with a pair of 1-0 games over Troy and Seaholm. Fraser really wasn’t tested until the district finals where they won 3-1 over St. Clair Shores Lakeview but the Ramblers have a huge test awaiting them against the Red Hawks.
PICK: I see a rematch of sorts but it will be Troy Athens vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay. Rochester and the Tars will be a heck of a regional semifinals but they have the deep postseason experience which should be the difference. I think the Red Hawks get revenge and move onto the State Semifinals.
by Becky Andrus | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
by Becky Andrus | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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
by Becky Andrus | Jun 6, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
