Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024.

Written Saturday March 16th at 3:30 PM

Here are the shortcomings for each OAA school heading into next season. This will be updated often.

North Farmington: The Raiders made a return to the Division One State finals this season winning 24 games but lost a tough one to Orchard Lake St. Marys 63-52 in the Division One State Finals. North Farmington loses Tyler Spratt, Landon Williams, Vinnie Lee, and Dylan Smith to graduation. The Raiders have Avi Melster, Will MacShara, Robert Smith, and DJ Morgan coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Program strength is also strong for North Farmington. The Raiders will be back in the conversation next season.

Ferndale: The Eagles had an up and down season. They won 14 games but fell 66-44 to Warren Lincoln in the district finals. They lose Mishawn Hereford, Kaden Hudson, Markiese Young, and Trenton Ruth to graduation. Ferndale has Eden Vinyard, Toriano Adams, Cameron Fraser, Drakkar Washington, Tyler Ruth, Juilan Cardenas, and Dexter Wilson coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Program strength is a concern for Rickman. Ferndale will look to be back with a vengeance.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers won a share of the Red and won 17 games this season. They beat Walled Lake Central 55-46 in the district semifinals but had a really rough outing with Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals falling 68-46. West Bloomfield loses Chris Agbugui, Donnie Watts, Caleb Caudle, and Keith Gilmore to graduation. They have De’Avion Thomas, Corey Pittman, Brendin Jones, Artis Hicks, Terrance Lowe, Ryan Hood, David Lewis, Jamad Williams, Drew Wilson, and Chris Britton coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. Program strength looks solid for Jordan heading into next season. West Bloomfield will be back and a team to watch this offseason.

Adams: The Highlanders had a strong season winning 15 games in the always tough Red but they had a very disappointing 66-61 loss to Utica in the district finals on their home floor. Coach Isiah Novak loses William Gee and Peter Kardasis to graduation. Adams has Colin Langdon, Trenton LaGarge, Luke Marcial, and Cannon Flynn coming back along with program strength. The Highlanders should be in the mix next season and a program to watch this offseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves had an up and down year which they won 14 games. Clarkston added another district crown with their 65-56 win over Waterford Mott in the district finals. They fell 47-32 to Grand Blanc in the regional semifinals which was their lowest scoring output of the season. The Wolves lose four seniors including Peyton Fitzsimmons and Matthew Pflieger to graduation. They have Hayden Flavin, Cole Charter, Jon Kaul, and Quinn Rosenburg coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Program strength looks to be solid for the Wolves next season. Clarkston will be a very interesting team to watch in the offseason.

Oak Park: The Knights have had an injury riddled season which saw them win five games this season. They had a 70-58 loss to Groves in the district semifinals. Oak Park has the majority of their team including Jason Harris and Geon Hutchins coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Program strength is a bit concerning and something to watch. The Knights should be much improved but they need to be healthy heading into next season.

Groves: The Falcons had a much better year after a stunning loss to Seaholm in the first round last season. Groves won 13 games, a district crown, and made it to the regional semifinals where they fell 72-60 to North Farmington in a game that was closer than the score indicated. The Falcons have their three headed monster of Jon Simpson, Josh Gibson, and Paul Hubbard coming back for Coach Marc West. Program strength looks solid. Groves will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason and also next season in the Red.

Troy: The Colts had an opening season double overtime loss to Berkley but they won 22 straight games this season before falling 59-44 to Birmingham Brother Rice in district finals. Troy loses Vikrant Vedupudi, Jon Whiteside, Bryce Bauman, and Chase Kupier to graduation. They have Cameron Adams, Patrick Johnson, Andrew Lake, Leo Penoza, Cung Lian, Colin Bastein, Jack Sobotka, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength is not strong for Fralick heading into next season. It will be very interesting to see how the Colts do this offseason.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a really disappointing season winning eight games. They had a shocking 71-65 loss to Eastpointe in the district semifinals. Harper Woods program strength is a big concern for Coach TaJuan Porter heading into the offseason. They lose several proven players including Julian Young and Isiah Lewis to graduation. There are warning signs for Harper Woods to watch this offseason.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks really overachieved winning 14 games. They fell three times to arch rival Troy including a 63-58 home loss in the district semifinals. Troy Athens loses a ton of proven experience including Griffin LaBay, Emmanuel Robinson, Joel Botardo, Dylan Coussi, Hayden Crum, Brayden Downey, and Luke DiGiovanni to graduation. They have Nathan Piggott, Liam Dempsey, Nate Appledorn, Brendan Tucker, and Alex Beaubien coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Program strength is a question mark to watch for Scott. It will be very interesting to see where the Red Hawks do this offseason.

Seaholm: The Maples are in a crossroads this offseason. They won six games and are coming off a tough 43-39 loss to Bloomfield Hills in the first round. Seaholm lost their head coach along with a ton of veteran players which included Findlay Sparby, Abe Miller, and Jacob Droulland to graduation. Program strength looks to be solid for next season especially their freshmen class who went 17-3 this season. The Maples coaching situation will be key to watch this offseason which direction they go.

Lake Orion: The Dragons really overachieved winning 16 games with a very young team this season. Lake Orion fell 53-32 to Waterford Mott in the district semifinals after putting 77 points on Waterford Kettering in a 77-33 blowout in the first round. Coach Jose Andrades loses four seniors in Quay Fly, Ethan Sharkey, Sam Blakeley, and Hayden Armstrong to graduation. They have Zach Parks, Ryan Rocheleau, Gabe Scott, Nick Galben, Jakobe Louris, and MJ Long coming back. The Dragons have a ton of proven experience and program strength, this will be a program to watch this offseason and also next season.

Farmington: The Falcons had a turmoil beginning to the season when Coach Byron Johnson took over the program. Farmington bounced back to win 12 games but a season ending injury to Greg Grays really derailed their season which included a 79-67 loss to Redford Thurston in the first round. The Falcons have a ton of proven proven players including Darnell Cochrane and Grays coming back for Johnson. Program strength looks to be solid especially the junior varsity whom was solid this season. There is a ton to like with Farmington this offseason.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a very young team but really played their best basketball down the stretch which included three wins over Seaholm including a 43-39 win in the first round. Bloomfield Hills fell 66-38 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. Coach Brian Canfield has a really bright future with D’Ron Mason, Philip Muhammad, and Carter Canfield coming back. Program strength looks a bit iffy for the Blackhawks. The interior will be a question mark for Canfield heading into the offseason. Bloomfield Hills looks prime for a bounce back year next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: It has been a very tough season for Coach Terrance Porter and the Warriors. They went 3-20 which included a 53-35 loss to Livonia Franklin in the first round this season. Southfield Arts and Tech went to the White which they really struggled this season. The Warriors should be better but there are questions regarding program strength. It’s possible they could be in the Blue next season. Southfield Arts and Tech should be a team to watch this offseason.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot heading into the offseason. Stoney Creek struggled winning six games and falling 65-56 to Utica Eisenhower in the first round. They lose Tre Walker, Evan Woodward, Dominic Faycurry, and Tommaso Sinacola to graduation. The Cougars have Gideon Beers, Chritos Marselis, Koby Rauner, Joseph Zoorob, Spencer Beckman, and Tyree Smith coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Program strength is a mystery for Olind and his program. Stoney Creek has struggled in the two years under Olind. The offseason will be very interesting to watch for the Cougars.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a resurgence under returning Coach Jaret Thomas. They won 16 games, the Blue, and took Clarkston to the brink falling 37-35 in the district semifinals. Avondale loses two seniors in Alfonzo Merritt and Elijah Corbin to graduation but they have several talented players including Jordan Bush, Jordan Clayton, DJ Moody, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back next season. The Yellow Jackets should be in the White next season and program strength looks to be strong for Thomas. Avondale is clearly a program on the rise.

Oxford: The Wildcats were very young this season under Coach Joe Fedorichik who was in his first season coaching varsity. They won 14 games and had a very tough loss to Avondale for the Blue crown and a 64-46 loss to Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Oxford loses two seniors in Gavin Nicks and Jay Cady to graduation. They have a ton of proven experience in Jake Champagne, Drew Cady, Robert George, Nolan Mauser, Colatrane Hudson, Brennan Elling, Parker Bennion, Cayden Smith, Jonah Lundeberg, and Luke Stoffan coming back for Fedorichik. Program strength looks to be solid. The division will be something to watch for the Wildcats, there is a chance they could go to the White. It will be very interesting to see how the offseason goes for Oxford.

Rochester: The Falcons had a rough season but played much better in February winning four straight to close the season. Rochester got a monster win over Romeo in the first round winning 51-49 on two Max Muhl free throws. The Falcons fell 45-30 to Adams in the district semifinals. Coach Nick Evola loses two seniors in Evan Crowe and Luke Lionas to graduation. They have Muhl, Noah Kim, Luke Lower, Anthony Chirco, Kellen Muhl, and Jake Tandy coming back for Evola. Program strength looks solid for Rochester. The Falcons will be a team to watch this offseason.

Berkley: The Bears had a very good season despite falling 52-39 to Groves in the district finals. Berkley loses a ton of talent after winning 14 games. They lose Donovan Powell, Owen Stone, Micah Green, Andrew Cook, Matt Bell, Ari Geller, Alex Beard, Joe Voss, and Michael Onuhoa to graduation. The Bears have Avery Johnson, Evan Young, Jacob Friedman, Evan Haenick, Sam Niyo, and Kenny Swain coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Berkley had some big wins which included Seaholm and Troy. Program strength looks to be solid for Sermo. The Bears should be a team to watch for sure next season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a successful turnaround under first year Coach Andrew Myers winning three games to winning 13 games. Pontiac fell 58-48 to Clarkston in the first round. Myers has a young nucleus which includes Jeremiah Claudio coming back next season. Program strength looks to be solid for Pontiac as well. The Phoenix could be a very interesting team to watch next season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens had a very strong start to the season but had a very disappointing finish which included a 1-8 record since January 29. They fell 51-26 to Oak Park in the first round. Royal Oak loses Camden Clark and Eddie Skaleski to graduation. They have CJ Hariston, Nick Hoffman, Yurem Patino, and Ethan Cousins coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is a huge concern for Smith. The Ravens will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason.

Ferndale University: The Eagles had a transition year for Coach Josh Nicks but they had several positives which included a 58-53 win over Detroit Osborn but fell 76-44 to Ferndale in the district semifinals. They lose Lavarr Croxton, Derrick Murray, Pierce Sanders, and DeMarco Walker to graduation. Ferndale University has Kevin Williams-Jackson, Amere Harris, Tyler Stokes, DeQuan Small, Taiwan Johnson, Antonio Jones, Dontrelle Milton, Devin Moore, and Kody Pippen coming back for Nicks. The Eagles should be much improved next season with experience. Program strength will be something to watch for Nicks this offseason.

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024.

Written Friday March 15th at 9:00 PM

These are the girls tennis regionals, there are early projections but these are subject to change as the season moves along and this post will be updated as well.

Underlined are projected champions.

Regional 4 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Wayne Memorial

Westland John Glenn

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Edsel Ford, West Bloomfield.

 

Regional 5 at Troy

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Fraser

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Troy, Troy Athens, Royal Oak.

 

Regional 6 at TBD

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Macomb Dakota

Chippewa Valley

Utica

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Port Huron Northern

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Port Huron Northern, Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek.

 

Regional 7 at Clarkston

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Lapeer

Davison

Waterford

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Clarkston, Adams, Lake Orion.

 

Regional 12 at North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

GROVES

SEAHOLM

AVONDALE

Fenton

Holly

Milford

Lakeland

Walled Lake Central

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Seaholm, North Farmington, Groves.

 

Regional 13 at Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe North

BERKLEY

FERNDALE

Grosse Pointe South

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Port Huron

Sterling Heights

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren Woods Tower

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, Berkley.

 

Regional 20 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

HARPER WOODS

Birmingham Marian

Center Line

Detroit Country Day

Eastpointe

Lamphere

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Redford Union

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Regina

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

OAA Swim and Dive Results

OAA Swim and Dive Results. Groves Repeats as Division Two State Champs.

Written Sunday March 10th at 9:35 AM

The Falcons had to earn this one.

Groves won the Division Two State title by seven points last season. They had to endure a disqualification in the 200 medley only to come back score 245 points holding off arch rival Seaholm and Farmington by a point at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

Groves, Seaholm, and Farmington were ranked in that order in the standings.

In Division One at Oakland University, Stoney Creek finished seventh with 107 points, Rochester was eighth with 95.5 points, Oxford was 12th with 64 points, Troy was 16th with 49 points, and West Bloomfield was 26th with 15 points, and Lake Orion was 30th with five points in team scoring. Ann Arbor Pioneer won the meet with 275 points.

The OAA proved again its domination in boys swim and diving with the Falcons repeating as State Champs in Division Two while Seaholm and Farmington both had dominating performances as well each scoring 244 points.

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Girls Basketball Regional and Boys State Quarterfinal Preview

Girls Basketball Regional and Boys State Quarterfinal Preview.

Written Saturday March 9th at 10:00 AM

Here is the early thoughts about the Girls Regional and Boys State Quarterfinals.

Girls Regionals Preview

Region Eight at Milford

 

CLARKSTON vs Lakeland

Howell vs Grand Blanc

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Milford. Clarkston had to survive an emotional 41-40 district final win over Lake Orion where they trailed all game until the final second. The Wolves will take on a Lakeland team that can play any style. The Eagles are coming off a 24-22 win over Milford in the district finals. It should be a very interesting first game. In the second game, Howell is coming off an emotional 43-42 overtime win over Hartland in the district finals, it’s the second time in two years that the Highlanders have knocked out their bitter rivals from Hartland in the district finals. Grand Blanc has had a solid year, they won 60-38 over Oxford in the district finals but this should be a test for the Bobcats. When looking at this district, Clarkston does have a win over Howell in the regular season and is very familiar with Lakeland but they are not to well familiar with Grand Blanc.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I think the winner of Howell and Grand Blanc wins over Clarkston in this regional. The Wolves should have no issue with Lakeland in the regional semifinals because of Elliana Robak and Brooklyn Covert. The lack of size could hurt especially if Clarkston has to play the Bobcats. The Highlanders should be motivated after what happened in Clarkston against them if they were to play them in the regional final. Grand Blanc is well coached and too experienced but Howell is a very tricky game.

 

Region Seven at Macomb Dakota

 

STONEY CREEK vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Macomb Dakota vs Chippewa Valley

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This should be a very interesting regional at Macomb Dakota. Macomb Dakota has to be the favorite on paper but they had to survive New Baltimore Anchor Bay 47-45 in the district finals. Chippewa Valley is riding a ton of confidence after winning 63-53 over Utica in their district final. Stoney Creek has lived on the edge lately which included a 37-32 win over Rochester in their district final. Bloomfield Hills is in their first regional after winning 49-46 over Seaholm in overtime in their district final. Looking at this regional, Macomb Dakota is favored as mentioned because of home court. Stoney Creek beat Bloomfield Hills earlier in the season but both teams are different now. Chippewa Valley is very dangerous in this regional and is playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I see Stoney Creek vs Macomb Dakota in the regional final but Bloomfield Hills could beat Stoney Creek in the regional semifinals especially with their size in the interior but Stoney Creek has played a much tougher schedule. Macomb Dakota should get by Chippewa Valley. Home court looks to be the difference in this regional.

 

Region Six at Birmingham Marian

 

ROYAL OAK vs Grosse Pointe North

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Renaissance

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional in Birmingham. Both regional semifinal games are very interesting. Royal Oak is coming off their first district title with a 43-41 win at Warren Cousino in the district finals behind a winning layup from Emmy Walden. They will see Grosse Pointe North who is a regional juggernaut. The Norsemen won 56-35 over Roseville in their district final and they feature a proven player in Natalie Babcock. In the second regional semifinal, you have two teams that are very similar in West Bloomfield and Detroit Renaissance. Both teams have proven experience, love to go up and down, and beat you in different ways. The Phoenix is coming off a 60-29 win over Berkley in their district final, they put 91 on Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinal while the Lakers won 68-39 over Farmington Hills Mercy in their district final and put 97 on the same Warriors team in the regular season.

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: I think both games are tight and close. Royal Oak is playing with house money in this regional, with apologies to Coach Brian Sopota and the Ravens, I think Grosse Pointe North’s experience gets them to the regional final. In the second game, it will be high scoring and tight, the Lakers move on because of the Davis sisters. West Bloomfield wins this regional and moves onto the State Quarterfinals.

 

Region Fifteen at Hazel Park

 

HARPER WOODS vs Warren Fitzgerald

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Detroit Edison

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Hazel Park. Harper Woods had no issue winning 64-14 over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the district finals but they have a really difficult regional ahead of them. The Pioneers play Warren Fitzgerald who is also coming off two blowout wins including a 48-15 blowout win over Center Line in the district finals. The other side is not easy either with Detroit Edison and Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets beat Ferndale 67-43 in the district finals. Detroit Edison had a 2-0 forfeit win over Detroit University Prep in their district finals.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: This should be a Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Warren Fitzgerald regional final, going with the Yellow Jackets to move on, too much experience.

 

Boys State Quarterfinal Preview

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs River Rouge at Callahan Hall on the campus of Detroit Mercy

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: The Raiders have been riding an emotional high behind the play of Landon Williams, Tyler Spratt, and Robert Smith. North Farmington needed two free throws from Avi Meltser free throws to beat Warren DeLaSalle 54-53 in the regional finals. Coach Todd Negoshian’s team has been tested in the postseason by Groves and the Pilots. They get to face the Panthers of River Rouge. River Rouge is coming off a dramatic 59-58 win over Dearborn in the district finals where senior Keshawn Fisher hit three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt to spring the upset of the Pioneers. He had 27 points in their 66-60 upset win over defending Division One State Champion Detroit Cass Tech in the regional semifinals and was a huge catalyst in their regional final win over Brownstown Woodhaven. It should be very interesting to see how Negoshian plays Fisher and the Panthers in this matchup at Detroit Mercy. Whoever wins will see Muskegon or Zeeland West at the Breslin Center on Friday.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I don’t think River Rouge has seen the pressure that North Farmington will put on them in this tournament. I think Negoshian gets the Raiders to the Breslin Center.

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Girls Basketball Final Top 23

Girls Basketball Final Top 23.

Written Friday March 1st at 5:30 PM

Here is the final top 23 rankings heading into the postseason.

  1. West Bloomfield (20-1): Lakers are ready for the postseason.
  2. Stoney Creek (16-5): Cougars are still vulnerable despite having home court this postseason.
  3. Clarkston (16-6): Wolves have won seven of nine with half of those without Elliana Robak.
  4. Lake Orion (14-8): Dragons have won six of seven is a great sign heading into the postseason.
  5. Berkley (17-5): Bears having their best season in years.
  6. Ferndale (16-3): Eagles are a team that could give anyone in their district problems.
  7. Oxford (10-11): Wildcats could get Sophia Raab back which could be huge.
  8. Bloomfield Hills (11-9): Blackhawks are playing their best basketball, winning four straight.
  9. Troy (14-8): Colts have top seed but they are still vulnerable in the postseason.
  10. Seaholm (14-8): Maples have been an odd team to figure out as of late.
  11. Royal Oak (16-6): Ravens have had a strong week, big test awaits in the postseason.
  12. Rochester (8-14): Falcons have a great chance to do some damage in the postseason.
  13. Groves (8-13): Falcons are 4-2 in their last six games heading into the postseason.
  14. Southfield Arts and Tech (12-9): Warriors defense is a serious concern in the postseason.
  15. Troy Athens (9-13): Red Hawks have been trending downward heading into the postseason.
  16. Adams (6-16): Highlanders are better than their record indicates.
  17. Harper Woods (8-11): Could the Pioneers be prone to an upset???
  18. Avondale (8-14): Yellow Jackets despite injuries are more than capable of pulling an upset.
  19. North Farmington (11-11): Raiders went 4-11 since a 7-0 start.
  20. Oak Park (5-12): Knights offensive issues are a big concern in the postseason.
  21. Pontiac (5-15): Phoenix close out the season with more wins than last season.
  22. Farmington (1-20): Falcons looked better against Garden City.
  23. Ferndale University (0-17): It has been a challenging year for the Eagles.
Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Stoney Creek wins Division One State Crown in Cheerleading.

Written Saturday March 2nd at 9:10 AM

The city of Rochester has enjoyed years of success holding the Division One or Class A State Crown in cheerleading.

Stoney Creek who hasn’t won the Division One State crown since 2019 took home this season’s title scoring 792.98. Adams who had a three year run as the Division One State Champion was second with 791.56, and powerhouse Rochester was third with 791.36.

The Cougars won the first two rounds while the Highlanders won the third round. Stoney Creek’s first two round scores was just enough to hold off the Highlanders and Falcons earning their first State crown in five years.

The Division One State crown still lives in Rochester, and it might be there for a long while.