Basketball Top 23

Basketball Top 23

by | Jan 22, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 20th at 9:40 AM

Updated Saturday January 20th at 10:50 PM

Here is the top 23.

Records are updated.

Boys

  1. North Farmington (11-0): Dylan Smith has really helped out the Raiders.
  2. Troy (10-1): Andrew Lake has been the most impactful besides the Big Three for the Colts.
  3. West Bloomfield (8-5): Lakers have been a different team since losing to North Farmington.
  4. Ferndale (6-5): Trenton Ruth had a monster game including a buzzer beater against Clarkston.
  5. Clarkston (6-6): Wolves have lost four in a row which is unheard of.
  6. Adams (8-4): Highlanders have lost three straight which is surprising.
  7. Berkley (9-3): Bears are starting to hit their stride.
  8. Troy Athens (10-3): Red Hawks are rolling right now.
  9. Lake Orion (9-4): Dragons will be fine after a really tough loss to Harper Woods.
  10. Groves (4-8): Life in the Red is never easy but they are 4-3 outside the division.
  11. Farmington (5-6): Greg Grays is the real deal for the Falcons.
  12. Avondale (9-4): Jordan Clayton has been a solid surprise for the Yellow Jackets.
  13. Oxford (7-4): Wildcats need some other than Jake Champagne to step up.
  14. Oak Park (3-6): Knights haven’t played in a week.
  15. Harper Woods (4-7): Pioneers have been solid at home but on the road will be the test.
  16. Royal Oak (8-5): Ravens have been up and down lately.
  17. Pontiac (4-7): Phoenix have been up and down lately.
  18. Seaholm (3-8): Maples were competitive in their loss to Troy.
  19. Stoney Creek (3-8): Evan Woodward could be a perfect complement to Tre Walker.
  20. Rochester (3-10): Max Mohl continues to perform at a high level for the Falcons.
  21. Bloomfield Hills (2-9): Blackhawks might have found something in their win over Southfield Arts and Tech.
  22. Ferndale University (2-9): Eagles played much better than in recent weeks.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-10): Warriors are really struggling right now.

 

 

 

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (9-0): Lakers rolling along.
  2. Stoney Creek (9-0): Cougars have been living on the edge lately.
  3. Royal Oak (7-1): Ravens haven’t played in a while.
  4. Clarkston (10-3): Wolves still have some concerns despite win over Lake Orion.
  5. Ferndale (7-2): Eagles have easiest part of schedule, might not get tested until the postseason.
  6. Lake Orion (7-2): Dragons defense is a serious concern right now.
  7. Southfield Arts and Tech (7-2): Warriors got back on track after a tough loss to West Bloomfield.
  8. Berkley (7-3): Bears balance is really showing right now.
  9. Oxford (6-4): Wildcats had been playing really good basketball lately.
  10. Rochester (3-5): Falcons played much better despite loss to Stoney Creek.
  11. Seaholm (5-4): Maples have been a much different team since loss to Stoney Creek.
  12. Troy Athens (5-6): Red Hawks have shown they will be a tough out for anyone.
  13. Bloomfield Hills (3-5): Blackhawks might be back.
  14. Groves (3-6): Falcons have been up and down lately.
  15. North Farmington (7-3): Raiders have been up and down lately.
  16. Troy (4-7): Olivia Sprangler has been the X factor for the Colts.
  17. Avondale (3-6): Yellow Jackets needed a win in the worst way and got it over Pontiac.
  18. Harper Woods (4-3): Pioneers haven’t played in a while.
  19. Adams (3-8): Highlanders are in a bit of a rut right now.
  20. Pontiac (3-7): Phoenix are struggling a little bit.
  21. Farmington (1-8): Falcons are really struggling right now.
  22. Oak Park (0-6): Knights haven’t played in a while.
  23. Ferndale University (0-8): Eagles are really struggling right now.
Basketball Top 23

Boys Basketball Thoughts

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday January 14th at 1:00 PM

North Farmington: The Raiders have been rolling along especially the play of Tyler Spratt and Landon Williams. Coach Todd Negoshian has a very good and proven squad along with their famous press and trap defense. North Farmington is rolling right now.

Ferndale: The Eagles have bounced back by winning two straight games. Ethan Vinyard has played really well for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale has been up and down which was almost similar to last season when they won the Division Two State crown. The Eagles should be fine going forward.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers have started to turn things around since their loss to North Farmington. Drew Wilson has fit in nicely for Coach Arnette Jordan and they had a huge third quarter where they pressed Clarkston in their ten point win over them. West Bloomfield has been rolling as of late but they still have some lulls at times which has to concern Jordan a little bit.

Adams: The Highlanders are going through a rough patch after two straight losses. Adams likes to shoot a ton of threes which has been their strength all season long. Coach Isiah Novak will be fine, they are going through a rough patch as mentioned.

Clarkston: The Wolves have lost two straight which is unusual for Coach Tim Waslik and his program. Peyton Fitzsimmons has been on and off. John Kaul, Cole Charter, and Quinn Rosenburg has been solid for Clarkston. The Wolves are going through a rough patch which all good teams go through during the season.

Oak Park: The Knights have been a Jekyll and Hyde as of late. They won 68-66 over Clarkston which sent shock waves around the league. Geon Hutchins has played very well for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Oak Park has been going through a lot but the win over the Wolves should help their confidence going forward.

Groves: The Falcons snapped their five game losing streak with a win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Groves is still a very young team but life in the Red has been very difficult for them. This win should help Coach Marc West’s team gain some much needed confidence before heading back into Red play.

Troy: The Colts have been rolling as of late. The big three of Mason Parker, Jon Whiteside, and Chase Kupier have been playing very well but Coach Gary Fralick has been impressed with Andrew Lake. Lake has been steady at point guard which helps because it makes Parker into a true shooting guard. There is a ton to like with Troy right now.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers have played a really tough schedule and they are coming off a tough loss to Troy Athens. Julian Young and Isiah Lewis have been the key players for Coach TaJuan Porter. It will be very interesting to see what Harper Woods does going forward.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been rolling as of late. They have won four straight and are playing the basketball that Coach Dave Scott likes. Emmanuel Robinson has been playing really well and they got a monster win in Harper Woods. The Red Hawks are playing really well right now.

Seaholm: The Maples have lost three straight which is not a good sign for Coach Mike DeGeeter and company. Seaholm has really struggled defensively although there were some signs against Lake Orion where they played well in spurts.

Lake Orion: The Dragons bounced back after a tough loss to Troy by winning a defensive slugfest against Seaholm. It’s been a team effort all around for Coach Jose Andrades. The Dragons are in a really good spot right now.

Farmington: The Falcons have really improved. They are 4-1 in their last five games. Greg Grays has been playing really well for Coach Byron Johnson. Farmington is gaining a ton of confidence, not a lot of team want to play them right now with how they have been doing.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have gone through a very tough transition period. DaRon Mason, Carter Canfield, Phil Muhammad are doing everything they can for Coach Brian Canfield. They are getting better despite the record. They’ll be fine.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been struggling as of late. They did score 62 points against Farmington. Coach Terrance Porter’s team has shown some greatness and struggle, which are all signs of a very young team. Southfield Arts and Tech has been a work in progress.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars have really struggled which is very odd especially for a second year. Coach Jeff Olind has had moments of greatness and rough stretches. Stoney Creek has a really tough schedule going forward with non league games against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Hamtramck, Troy Athens, and Adams. Stoney Creek is struggling right now.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have won three straight and four of their last five games. Coach Jaret Thomas is still building the program in his image and he’s doing that. Justin-Greer Sykes has had some moments of greatness as has others as well. Avondale is playing well right now.

Oxford: The Wildcats took a hit in the league standings after falling to Berkley but they still have a chance to turn things around. Jake Champagne has played really well but he needs some help and has gotten it for the most part of the season. Coach Joe Fedorinchik will be fine going forward.

Rochester: The Falcons have been playing much better despite what the record says about them. Rochester has been very competitive for Coach Nick Evola. Max Muhl, Jake Tandy, and company have stepped up their games as of late. They will be fine going forward.

Berkley: The Bears control their destiny in the Blue after their statement win over Oxford. Coach Joe Sermo’s team has won five straight. Berkley has gotten key contributors playing well at the right time. If the Bears can keep this up then that division crown could be well within their grasp.

Pontiac: The Phoenix have been up and down which are normal signs for a young team. JJ Claudio has done very well for Pontiac. Coach Andrew Myers already has five wins for a young and emerging Pontiac squad going forward.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have lost three straight heading into 2024. Royal Oak has given up over 50 points twice in this stretch. Coach Aaron Smith needs to shore up the defensive intensity going forward because it’s looking almost similar to last season when the year changed they struggled.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have not been the same team lately. They have not scored over 50 points in four games which is a big concern. Coach Josh Nicks needs to get this figured out and quick if they want to turn things around.

Basketball Top 23

Girls Basketball Thoughts

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday January 14th at 12:00 PM

West Bloomfield: The Lakers were finally tested for three quarters against Birmingham Detroit Country Day but they pulled away late. West Bloomfield is riding with a ton of confidence heading into league play. Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Sheridan Beal, Ava Lord, and Kendall Hendrix have had big games for Coach Darrin McAllister. The Lakers are clicking on all cylinders heading into league play.

Rochester: The Falcons could be in some trouble after falling by 20 to Berkley. Berkley did a very good job containing Alice Max. It is clear that Coach Bill Thurston’s team misses Kylie Robinson. They should have her back soon. The guard situation is very concerning for Thurston. Rochester could be in some trouble heading into league play as mentioned.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars have not looked very impressive especially in the last two games where they won by six over Seaholm and eight over Troy Athens. Merrick Schwalbach, Sarah LaPrarie, and Izzy Ivezaj have played very well for Coach Columbus Williams. It will be very interesting to see how league play goes for Stoney Creek.

Lake Orion: The Dragons have shown a ton of balance in their strong start to the season. Lake Orion has had six different ladies lead them in scoring every night. Coach Bob Brydges has a great thing going right now when it comes to balance scoring. Everything has started to click although the defense has been a bit concerning especially in the last two games where they have allowed 47 ppg in that stretch. Knowing Brydges, they will be fine heading into league play.

Clarkston: The Wolves have heeded Coach Aaron Goodnough’s tweet after losing to Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Clarkston has won two straight since that game and have been scoring and defending at will. It will be very interesting to see how the Wolves do heading into league play with their confidence back.

Oxford: The Wildcats have won three straight heading into 2024. Alison Huffsteddler, Sophia Rabb, and Peyton Richter have been playing really well. They have also gotten contributions from Mia Champagne and Emma Beggs for Coach Rachel Bryer. League play starts up which should tell a lot about Oxford going forward.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have proven they are not ready for the Red yet after their loss to Stoney Creek. They did get wins over Adams and Pontiac. Royal Oak is the early favorite because of their experience. They still have two more Red teams on the schedule (Rochester, Clarkston) to prove they are ready for the Red. Coach Brian Sopota’s team has been handling their business which is a great sign going forward.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have really struggled as of late. Bloomfield Hills has lost three straight and is giving up a ton of points defensively. Coach Kristen Massey has to get this figured out and quick in league play. The formula for success is there for Bloomfield Hills, it’s just executing it is the key going forward.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers are 1-3 in their last four games and have really struggled to score points in that span. They did put 68 points on Avondale which should help turn things around for Coach LaTonya Tate. Harper Woods needs to score to be successful. They have a shot to make some noise in league play.

Seaholm: The Maples have been up and down lately. Seaholm like Groves has been a really hard team to figure out. They’ve beaten the teams they were supposed to beat and lost to the teams they were supposed to lose. Coach Chris Manchester’s team needs to find that really big win against a team they were supposed to lose to in league play to make the next step.

Groves: The Falcons have been a really hard team to figure out. They have played a tough schedule and were blown out by West Bloomfield, Hartland, and Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Other than that Coach Allison Hidey’s team has been competitive. It will be very interesting to see how Groves does in the league, they could surprise some people, we’ll see what happens.

North Farmington: The Raiders had been on a roll but they have lost two of three games all be it to Lake Orion and Ferndale. Offense is the name of the game for North Farmington. Coach Michael Allin’s team has scored over 40 points in their wins but under 32 points in their two losses. Anaya Billups and Asisah Jihad has been their top players but they need more from Hannah Hart if the Raiders want to make any noise in league play.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been rolling people until they ran into West Bloomfield where they allowed 97 points. In their two losses to Livonia Stevenson and West Bloomfield, Coach Shaquita Coltrane’s team has allowed 81 ppg. They were better in this area in their wins. Southfield Arts and Tech has the offense but the defense remains the question. If they can address this area then they could make some noise in the league.

Troy: The Colts have been competitive despite the record. Troy has a new big three of Diamond Prince, Olivia Sprangler, and Reagan Zeiter. The injury to Carly Higginbottom does not help things. Coach Laura Guzman needs to find that post that stands out with Higginbottom’s injury. She has something building in Troy but with league play on the horizon, it’s now or never for the Colts.

Berkley: The Bears made a huge statement by winning by 20 over Rochester which features Alice Max. Berkley has balance and multiple players that can beat you at any night. A lot of good things have been going on for Coach Clay Shaver’s program, they host the districts which helps. If the Bears keep working and improving, they might be the most dangerous team not only in the division but sounds of 2021 in the postseason in Detroit could very well be possible.

Adams: The Highlanders have been very competitive for Coach Joe Malburg despite the record. Adams has been a weird team to figure out. Malburg has said that league play could be a turning point for his team and with how it’s set up they could do some damage. They were very competitive against Royal Oak and North Farmington but were blown out by the Red. Adams looks ready to make some noise.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks won four their last five games which is very pleasing for Coach Stacie Klump. If Troy Athens can keep playing this pace and being very competitive then the Red Hawks could win some games in league play and could be a possible dark horse in the Blue. There is a ton to like about Troy Athens.

Farmington: It has been a really rough 2023 for Coach Natalie Nowak and the Falcons. Farmington is really struggling, no sugar coating that. They have won one game this season over Ferndale University but they were blown out by Oxford. The Falcons need to find something or they could be in trouble in the division.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have lost five straight which is not a good sign for Coach Roy Christmon’s team at all. Injuries have hurt Avondale all season but the defense has been the biggest problem all season long. The Yellow Jackets need to improve defensively if they have any chance in the division.

Ferndale: The Eagles have been a surprise to some minds especially with their non conference slate going against Detroit Cass Tech, Dexter, and Macomb Dakota. Coach Keith Paris knows that he’s building for the postseason. They are the favorite to win the division but it’s all about the postseason for Ferndale.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have been really struggling. They have had five games where they have scored single digit points. Coach Brianna Rowe has been developing this team but the rebuild is taking longer than thought. Ferndale University needs to do something heading into league play.

Oak Park: The Knights have some issues scoring which has shown. They struggle to score at times which is common of a young team. If Coach Tyler Washington can get Oak Park to score more points, then they would be fine going forward especially in league play.

Pontiac: The Phoenix have lost three straight in 2024 which is very concerning for Coach Corray Lett and his team. With league play on the horizon it’s important for Pontiac to get their confidence back. If they don’t then they could be in some trouble.

Basketball Top 23

Basketball Top 23

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 13th at 8:40 PM

Girls

1. West Bloomfield (7-0): Lakers are rolling right now.

2. Lake Orion (7-0): Dragons have multiple ways to beat opponents.

3. Stoney Creek (7-0): Cougars haven’t been impressive lately.

4. Clarkston (9-2): Wolves starting to find their way.

5. Oxford (6-3): Wildcats have been playing well lately.

6. Royal Oak (7-1): Ravens started to turn things around since loss to Stoney Creek.

7. Ferndale (6-2): Eagles making a statement, postseason will be something to watch.

8. Berkley (6-3): Bears made a statement against Rochester.

9. Southfield Arts and Tech (6-2): Defense is still an issue with the Warriors.

10. Rochester (3-4): Loss to Berkley was more about the Bears than it was with the Falcons.

11. Troy Athens (4-5): Red Hawks are playing really good basketball right now.

12. Harper Woods (4-3): Pioneers have been up and down lately.

13. Groves (3-5): Falcons got a much needed win against Oak Park

14. Seaholm (4-4): Maples struggle against the Red not against everyone else.

15. North Farmington (6-2): Raiders are 1-2 in their last three games.

16. Bloomfield Hills (2-5): Guard play is an issue for the Blackhawks.

17. Adams (3-6): Highlanders have had things rough lately.

18. Troy (3-7): Diamond Prince, Reagan Zeiter, and Olivia Sprangler have carried the Colts.

19. Avondale (2-6): Yellow Jackets have been up and down lately.

20. Pontiac (3-6): Phoenix have been struggling lately.

21. Farmington (1-7): Falcons got a win over Ferndale University but got crushed by Oxford.

22. Oak Park (0-6): Knights have to score to be successful.

23. Ferndale University (0-7): Eagles have been really struggling.

Boys

1. North Farmington (9-0): Raiders rolling right now.

2. Troy (8-1): Colts big three has been rolling.

3. West Bloomfield (7-5): Lakers have been rolling right now.

4. Ferndale (5-5): Eagles have been hot and cold lately.

5. Clarkston (6-4): Wolves have lost two straight which is un Clarkston like.

6. Adams (8-3): Highlanders have been battle tested despite two straight losses.

7. Lake Orion (8-3): Dragons learning to win low scoring games.

8. Berkley (8-3): Bears win over Oxford is a statement.

9. Troy Athens (8-3): Red Hawks win over Harper Woods is a statement

10. Oxford (6-4): Wildcats are in the eight ball in the Blue right now.

11. Groves (4-7): Big win over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep should help Falcons confidence.

12. Farmington (5-5): Falcons are scary right now.

13. Oak Park (3-6): Knights win over Clarkston sent shock waves in the Red.

14. Royal Oak (7-5): Ravens have been up and down lately.

15. Avondale (7-4): Yellow Jackets control their destiny in the Blue.

16. Harper Woods (3-6): Pioneers have been up and down lately.

17. Pontiac (5-5): Phoenix starting to roll again.

18. Seaholm (3-7): Maples “Princeton” offense looks promising.

19. Rochester (3-7): Falcons have been playing better.

20. Bloomfield Hills (1-8): Blackhawks really struggling right now.

21. Stoney Creek (1-8) Cougars really struggling right now.

22. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-9): Warriors have been very competitive lately.

23. Ferndale University (2-9): Eagles really struggling right now.

Basketball Top 23

Basketball Top 23

by | Jan 10, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 6th at 10:00 AM

Updated Saturday January 6th at 9:40 PM

Boys

  1. North Farmington (8-0): Raiders showing why they are who they are right now.
  2. Troy (7-1): Colts big three showing why they are legit.
  3. West Bloomfield (5-5): Lakers will be fine after loss to North Farmington.
  4. Clarkston (6-2): Wolves fourth quarter comeback against Groves was huge for their confidence.
  5. Adams (8-1): Trenton LaGardge has emerged for the Highlanders.
  6. Ferndale (4-4): Eagles have really struggled despite playing tough schedule.
  7. Lake Orion (7-3): Dragons will be fine after loss to Troy.
  8. Oxford (6-3): Wildcats starting to find some balance.
  9. Berkley (6-3): Bears finding ways to win close games.
  10. Troy Athens (7-3): Red Hawks have been a much different team since their win over Lakeview.
  11. Groves (3-7): The Red has not been too kind to the Falcons.
  12. Farmington (4-5): Falcons are really starting to put things together.
  13. Oak Park (2-6): Knights have been a very odd team to figure out.
  14. Royal Oak (7-4): Ravens offense disappeared against Berkley.
  15. Harper Woods (3-5): Julian Young keeps improving each game for the Pioneers.
  16. Avondale (6-4): Yellow Jackets starting to figure some things out.
  17. Pontiac (4-5): Phoenix have been up and down lately.
  18. Seaholm (3-6): Maples are in a rut right now.
  19. Rochester (2-7): Falcons have been competitive lately.
  20. Bloomfield Hills (1-7): Blackhawks still trying to put everything together.
  21. Stoney Creek (1-7): Cougars starting to get into bad habits again.
  22. Ferndale University (2-7): Eagles really struggling right now.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-8): Warriors have been up and down as of late.

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (5-0): Lakers need to research the WWE 24/7 Championship history.
  2. Lake Orion (5-0): Five different players leading the Dragons in scoring per night is very good.
  3. Stoney Creek (5-0): Merrick Schwalbach and Sarah LaPrairie combined for 29 points is a great start to 2024.
  4. Clarkston (7-2): Wolves defense showed out after a rough outing against Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
  5. Oxford (4-3): 73 points was the most points the Wildcats scored in nine years.
  6. Rochester (3-3): Alice Max has become a one lady wrecking crew.
  7. Royal Oak (5-1): Ravens might not be ready for the Red after all.
  8. Ferndale (5-2): 60 points against a proud Troy program is pretty impressive.
  9. Southfield Arts and Tech (6-1): Warriors have been a scoring machine, big week coming up.
  10. Berkley (5-3): Bears getting some balance especially Madi Bonsall and Nadia Watt.
  11. Seaholm (3-3): Scoring 22 points against Clarkston and have Stoney Creek next, not good.
  12. Bloomfield Hills (2-4): Ruby Smith and Brie Young are double-double machines for the Blackhawks.
  13. Groves (2-5): Falcons are 1-4 in their last five games, that’s not good.
  14. Harper Woods (3-3): 53 points against in two games is not a good sign.
  15. North Farmington (5-1): Raiders got a wakeup call against Lake Orion, let’s see how they respond.
  16. Troy Athens (3-4): Red Hawks have won three straight.
  17. Adams (3-4): Highlanders needed that win over Ferndale University but they have a tough week ahead.
  18. Pontiac (3-4): Schedule toughens up a bit for the Phoenix but several games looks manageable.
  19. Avondale (2-5): Yellow Jackets played better against Berkley but need to get healthy and quick.
  20. Troy (2-6): Colts are really struggling right now.
  21. Oak Park (0-4): Knights despite the struggles are getting better.
  22. Ferndale University (0-5): Eagles have had a rough few weeks.
  23. Farmington (0-6): Falcons are really struggling.
Basketball Top 23

Basketball Holiday Tournaments and Games

by | Dec 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Holiday Tournaments and Games.

Written Monday December 25th at 7:00 PM

This column will recap the classic games heading into the holidays. If there are any other games that are added between December 27th and December 30th please let me know. Coaches if you want to have comments on these games feel free to ask on X (Twitter.)

This blog will be frequently updated and will also be recapped on OAA Now.

All times are Approx Times, most of them will start later than scheduled.

Girls

Michigan Hardwood Classic @ Romulus

 

December 28th

FERNDALE vs Ann Arbor Pioneer-9:20 AM

The Eagles continue their tough stretch but the Pioneers have not been battle tested only playing three games but they have a tough loss to Livonia Stevenson. Ferndale has had a strong start for Coach Keith Paris. This should be a very interesting matchup to watch.

 

CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day-4 PM

This is a rematch of a 58-47 Yellow Jackets win over the Wolves last season. Clarkston has been off to a strong start for Coach Aaron Goodnough with the play of Elliana Robak, Brooklyn Covert, and Emily Valencia and company. Birmingham Detroit Country has lost two straight games after a 4-0 start. This should be a very interesting game to watch that is for sure.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Chicago Wendell Phillips Academy, Illinois-7:20 PM

The Lakers haven’t played in a week after beating Chicago Butler Prep. Chicago Wendell Phillips Academy has been very tough and is one of the top schools in Illinois. West Bloomfield has a ton of proven experience with the Davis sisters, Destiny Washington, Sheridan Beal, and Kendall Hendrix and they are well coached under Coach Dareylle McAllister. This should be a very interesting game.

December 30th

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Utica Ford II-5:40 PM

The Lakers will have their second in state opponent in this matchup against the Falcons of Utica Ford II after playing Chicago Wendell Phillips Academy, Illlinos. They are well coached under Coach Matt Joseph but this is going to be a very difficult matchup for them with West Bloomfield playing at a high level heading into this matchup.

LBI Basketball Insider Winter Hoopfest at Wayne Memorial

FERNDALE vs Tecumseh-4 PM

The Eagles have played a game against Ann Arbor Pioneer but going up against Tecumseh could be very interesting. The Indians have been battle tested but not like Ferndale. The Eagles have played a very tough non conference. It should be a very interesting matchup to watch at Wayne Memorial.

 

Boys

Motor City Roundball at Ferndale

 

December 27th

ADAMS vs Grosse Pointe South-12:15 PM

The Highlanders will have their hands full with the Blue Devils. Grosse Pointe South already has wins over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Roseville. Their only two losses were to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and Warren Lincoln. Adams will need to be on if they want to win this game for Coach Isiah Novak.

 

OAK PARK vs Flint Hamady-3:20 PM

The Knights have been reeling losing two straight games. Flint Hamady is not an easy team with their two losses to Warren DeLaSalle and Flint Carman Ainsworth. The Hawks are solid despite their record, it’s going to be a tough matchup for Coach Durrand Sheppard and Oak Park.

FERNDALE vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit-7:55 PM

The Eagles have been reeling a little bit falling to West Bloomfield but they are still the defending Division Two State Champs. They have the Cubs who is coming off a win over Orchard Lake St. Marys. This will be a tough home contest for Coach Juan Rickman and Ferndale.

December 28th

AVONDALE vs FARMINGTON-12:15 PM

This is an OAA matchup in the Roundball between two teams that are similar. Both teams are very young and have star players with the Falcons in Greg Greys and the Yellow Jackets Justin Greer-Sykes. The coaching matchup between Jaret Thomas and Byron Johnson is very interesting as well. This should be a fun matchup between two young teams.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Dexter-1:50 PM

The Warriors have really been struggling this season under Coach Terrance Porter. They play a Dreadnoughts team that has been up and down with a win over Walled Lake Northern but have lost three straight games. This is a big game for Southfield Arts and Tech to see if they can get some momentum heading into next season.

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Grand Rapids South Christian-6:25 PM

The Lakers are going to have a major test with the Sailors of Grand Rapids South Christian. Grand Rapids South Christian has several returners who played in the Division Four State Finals against Harper Woods and they fell to Ferndale in the Division Two State Finals last season. The Sailors want to use this game as a chance to get back at the OAA for two losses in the State Finals in football and boys basketball. Coach Arnette Jordan is going to have his hands full.

December 30th

PONTIAC vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-10:45 AM

This is a rivalry that is separated by a mile but they will be playing this game in Ferndale. The Fighting Irish have wins over Lake Orion, Detroit Loyola, and Walled Lake Central. They had a tough loss to Grosse Pointe South. The Phoenix are 1-4 in their last five games. This is going to be a rough matchup for Coach Andrew Myers and Pontiac.

HARPER WOODS vs Adrian-12:15 PM

The Pioneers have started to turn things around a little bit for Coach TaJuan Porter but they have a really difficult matchup with Adrian looming. The Maples are 6-1 and has scored 60 points as their lowest score with their only loss coming against Parma Western. Harper Woods is going to have their hands full that is for sure.

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Renaissance-1:50 PM

The Lakers would be heading back to Ferndale after their game against Grand Rapids South Christian. Detroit Renaissance would also had played Roseville prior to this game. The Phoenix have scored over 80 four times this season. This should be a very interesting matchup for Coach Arnette Jordan going up against a team he knows quite well.

GROVES vs Detroit Cass Tech-7:55 PM

The Falcons have been reeling losing four of their last five games but they still have Josh Gibson and Jon Simpson for Coach Marc West. Detroit Cass Tech has been rolling to a 5-0 start. The Technicians had a seven point win over Lansing Holt but they have gone over 60 points since and 80 points twice. This will be a tough matchup for Groves.

 

North Farmington Holiday Extravaganza at North Farmington

 

December 28th

TROY vs Detroit Edison- 2 PM

The Colts have been rolling since their loss to Berkley by winning five straight. Detroit Edison has been hot and cold lately. This should be a very interesting matchup for the Big Three of Mason Parker, Jon Whiteside, and Chase Kuiper for Coach Gary Fralick. Detroit Edison beat Oak Park and Harper Woods but Troy is a much different animal.

 

December 30th

AVONDALE vs Walled Lake Northern-2 PM

Ryan Negoshian is North Farmington Coach Todd Negoshian’s brother and he coaches at Walled Lake Northern. The Knights have been a proven program in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Yellow Jackets are getting there and improving under Coach Jaret Thomas. It will be a tough matchup for Avondale against a good Walled Lake Northern squad at North Farmington but Thomas has coached at that gym when he was at Adams. This should be a very interesting matchup to say the least.

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Flat Rock-8:30 PM

This should be a very interesting matchup of two teams that are on the rise with a team that is unbeaten while the other has one loss. The Raiders have been rolling and is getting better. The Rams have been off to a good start and was battle tested by Carleton Airport and their only loss being to River Rouge by three points. It will be a tough matchup in the final game of the Holiday Extravaganza and North Farmington has experience playing at 8:30 PM. It will be tough as mentioned.

 

St. Clair Community Classic Showcase at Port Huron

 

December 29th

TROY ATHENS vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview-12 PM

This should be a very interesting game between two teams that have winning records. The Huskies are 5-1 with their only loss being to St. Clair Shores Lake Shore. The Red Hawks have been up and down with losses to Howell and Lake Orion but they played well against Southfield Arts and Tech. This should be a fun matchup in Port Huron.

 

New Baltimore Anchor Bay Tournament @ New Baltimore Anchor Bay

December 27th

ROCHESTER vs Grosse Pointe North-5 PM

New Baltimore Anchor Bay vs Lakeland-6:30 PM

 

December 28th

Consolation Game-5 PM

Championship Game-6:30 PM

This should be a very interesting tournament in New Baltimore. Lakeland is the favorite along with Grosse Pointe North. The Falcons and the Tars are teams that could make some noise. Rochester is coming off a win over Pontiac. New Baltimore Anchor Bay does have a win over Stoney Creek. This should be very interesting but the Eagles stand as the early favorite to win this tournament.

 

Detroit Public School League Holiday Classic at Detroit Cass Tech

 

December 27th

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Detroit Central-12:45 PM

The Blackhawks have really struggled this season. They have scored over 55 or more points twice this season. The Trailblazers are off to a 4-3 start but have lost three straight and have allowed over 60 points. It should be a really big game for Bloomfield Hills and Coach Brian Canfield going up against a Detroit Central team that is reeling.

Other Games (All games at OAA sites)

December 28th

STONEY CREEK vs Sterling Heights-7 PM

The Cougars need a win in the worst way possible. They need to keep Tre Walker on the court. Sterling Heights has struggled this season but are 2-4 in their last six games. This is a perfect opportunity for Stoney Creek to get a win in the win column.

December 29th

ROYAL OAK vs Novi-7 PM

This is the Wildcats third OAA opponent this season going 1-1 after beating Berkley and falling to Troy. The Ravens has had a strong season but so has Novi. The Wildcats are a solid team and should test Coach Aaron Smith’s team.

FARMINGTON vs Redford Union-3 PM

The Falcons will be fresh off playing Avondale. Farmington has a good Redford Union team coming in for an afternoon tip off. The Panthers would have played Detroit Western the day before. Redford Union has won four of their last five games which should test the Falcons and Greg Greys.