by orionontv | Oct 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 28th at 9:30 AM
HARPER WOODS 20, Croswell-Lexington 13: The Pioneers showed their resolve on Friday night in a tough and physical game winning 20-13 at Harper Woods. The Pioneers scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter which ended up being the difference. Stephone Buford had three touchdowns, two from the air and one from the ground winning 20 yard passing score to Ramondy House. Harper Woods did lose Dakota Gurrant to an injury in the game, it is unknown if he will play next week. Croswell-Lexington gave everything Harper Woods can handle but playing the tough schedule the Pioneers have in the OAA came through for them. The Pioneers defense clamped down in the second half against a very stout Croswell-Lexington offense shutting them out in the second half. Harper Woods will host Marysville next week.
AVONDALE 34, Holly 24: It was a tight game at Dick Bye Field on Friday night between two teams that know each other quite well. The Yellow Jackets won 34-24 in a physical game of two teams that love to run the football. It was Avondale’s first postseason win since 2012 when they were coached by Steve Deutch. Tyler Herzog had a huge game for Avondale against a very good Bronchos defense. The Yellow Jackets have a big one looming when they head to Walled Lake to play Walled Lake Western next week.
SEAHOLM 56, GROVES 49: This was a rivalry game that turned into a classic Big Twelve shootout when usually that is a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. The Maples beat the Falcons for the second straight week 56-49 in Beverly Hills. Seaholm had a 35-7 lead at one point but Groves fought back and made it a game. Colton Kinnie played well for the Maples. He had 22 carries for 121 yards and four touchdowns along with 52 yards passing and two scores both were to Louie Sullivan. Cayden Hardy was solid in his final game for Groves but the Falcons defense really struggled in both matchups against the veer and the proven experience of Seaholm. Groves has a ton of talent coming back next season. The Maples will either host Livonia Franklin or Waterford Mott next week.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 38, Dearborn Fordson 14: The Warriors had no issue with Dearborn Fordson winning 38-14 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall had a solid game for Southfield Arts and Tech and the defense kept the Tractors in check all night. The Warriors have a big one looming with Detroit Cass Tech coming to Southfield next week.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, ADAMS 14: The Lakers had a great night especially defensively in a 42-14 win over Adams on Friday night in the Swamp. West Bloomfield had four turnovers including a pick six for a touchdown. Brandon Davis-Swain added two touchdowns, Rick Nance was solid, and Kam Flowers had a long rushing touchdown. What didn’t help things for the Highlanders is that they lost quarterback Rino Watters to an AC joint injury and Brady Prieskorn to a knee injury. Adams has a ton of proven talent coming back next season led by Watters. The Lakers will head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.
CLARKSTON 33, Romeo 10: The Wolves probably played their best game of the season on Friday night by beating Romeo 33-10 at the Wolves Den. Desman Stephens had a monster night for Clarkston including a 55 yard reverse touchdown. Brady Collins played his best game of the season for the Wolves running and passing the football. He had a 14 yard rushing score and the Bowman twins Lukas (eight and one) and Griffin (10) combined for three rushing scores. The Clarkston defense was stout all night shutting down Romeo and their offense. The Wolves will play Lake Orion on the road next week. Clarkston fell 42-21 to Lake Orion in week seven. It should be a very interesting and fun atmosphere.
LAKE ORION 58, OXFORD 26: The Dragons offense exploded on Friday night against arch rival Oxford winning 58-26. Tristian Hill was a beast in the air and especially on the ground scoring three long rushing scores and a passing score to Raymond Payne. Billy Roberson had a solid game scoring twice. Luke Johnson added a touchdown run and Jack Hendrix connected on a play action score to Jay Cady on the night. Oxford has a ton of talent coming back next season. Lake Orion will host Clarkston next week in a rematch where the Dragons won 42-21 in week seven.
by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday October 22nd at 8:40 PM
The postseason matchups are set so here are my postseason thoughts on each of the postseason teams. We’ll talk more on these teams on the podcast.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers have a very interesting district with three proven teams in this district. They will face a very good Croswell-Lexington program on Friday night. The Pioneers will make the trip from Sanilac County down M-25 to I-94 for this matchup. If Harper Woods wins this game then either Marine City or Madison Heights Lamphere awaits but they too would head to Harper Woods. The Pioneers have a lot of their opponents heading to Wayne County for the postseason.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have a really interesting district set up. They play Holly which will be a really interesting matchup and if they win that then they should get Walled Lake Western in the district final. I like the draw for Coach Bob Meyer and Avondale. They have a legit shot to do some damage in Division Three.
Groves: I didn’t think that the Falcons would get a four seed for the postseason which happened and to get a rematch with Seaholm no less who they fell 21-14 last week. It should be a very interesting matchup to say the least in the Battle of Birmingham Part Two.
Seaholm: The Maples knew they would see Groves somewhere deep in the postseason. Just didn’t think it would be the first round. Seaholm and Groves are no strangers to deep postseason runs. It’s a tough first round draw for sure in the Battle of Birmingham Part Two.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors earned a top seed despite losing to West Bloomfield in week eight. Southfield Arts and Tech has Dearborn Fordson first and if they win that matchup then they would meet most likely Detroit Cass Tech in a district final rematch and possibly the fourth in five meetings. The Warriors are at home for the postseason which always helps.
West Bloomfield: I talked to Tyler Kieft of Civic Center Television and he was curious to see how both the Lakers and Adams have improved heading into their postseason rematch in the Swamp. West Bloomfield won 36-32 in week five. It’s a brutal matchup for the Lakers defensive coordinator taking on the veer. If they win then they will likely head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.
Adams: I can only imagine how Coach Tony Patritto feels right now. The Highlanders don’t get a home game and they have to head back to “The Swamp” to play West Bloomfield in a 36-32 week five rematch. If they win that then they would likely have to go to Sweinhart in the district finals, that’s a really tough draw for Adams.
Clarkston: The Wolves have really struggled in the last three weeks especially defensively but they did just enough to get a home game in the postseason however it’s against Romeo which is a tough matchup despite their record. The Bulldogs have played a really tough schedule in the MAC Red and they beat Utica Eisenhower. It’s going to be a tough matchup for Clarkston that is for sure.
Oxford: Memories of 2021 still shades Oxford when they upset Clarkston. The Wildcats had to win three games to make the postseason. A lot of credit goes to Luke Johnson and a stout Oxford team up front. They head south to Lake Orion to play the Dragons. It should be a very interesting game between these two arch rivals.
Lake Orion: The Dragons are 9-0 for the fifth time in school history and they have the top spot based on playoff points. They have their three opponents coming to Lake Orion. This is a trap game for Lake Orion taking on Oxford. The Dragons won 38-13 in week three this season. It should be a very interesting game to watch in the Battle of M-24.
at October 22, 2023 No comments:
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Saturday, October 21, 2023
Written Saturday October 21st at 7:20 PM
Updated Saturday October 21st at 8:15 PM
The OAA was in full force on Saturday afternoon in Midland for Boys Tennis and Girls Golf.
Tennis
Bloomfield Hills won the Division One State crown with 36 points and it’s back to back after they won it last season. Troy was second with 27 points. Rochester was fourth with 15 points. Troy Athens and Adams were tied for eighth with 10 points. Stoney Creek was 14th with six points.
The Blackhawks had six champions on the day while the Colts and Falcons are also in the hunt as well.
Bloomfield Hills brings the OAA their first State crown of the 2023-2024 season.
Girls Golf
Adams repeated as Division One State Champions in Girls Golf scoring a 669 holding off Brighton by one stroke on Saturday afternoon at Forest Akers West Golf Course.
Rochester was fifth with 695, Oxford was seventh with 730, and Lake Orion was 10th with 735.
The Highlanders are back to back State Champs as mentioned. Congrats to Adams on bringing the league’s second crown of the season.
at October 21, 2023 No comments:
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Written Saturday October 21st at 6:00 PM
Here is my insight heading to the regionals. This article will be updated if History Now host Anthony Taormina does his preview on these two regions.
Region Two @ Grand Blanc
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Brighton
OXFORD vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting regional. Oxford and Novi Detroit Catholic Central should be a very interesting game. Bloomfield Hills and Brighton is also quite interesting. I’m seeing a Bloomfield Hills vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central regional final with the Shamrocks moving on. PICK: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL.
Region Four @ Troy
ADAMS vs TROY ATHENS
Warren Cousino vs Utica Ford II
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This should be a very interesting regional. Troy Athens won their very tough district as did Adams as well and they are the defending Division One State Champs. Warren Cousino is the upstart after winning their first district crown in school history. Utica Ford II has a ton of experience and has been in the mix for years. I see this district painted in red and gold. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 21st at 10:30 AM
These are my postseason football projections. These aren’t the official State playoffs, they come out tomorrow. Here are my projections. These will be updated after the Saturday games. OAA schools are in CAPS.
Shout out to Goose Poop and Snooze for the postseason maps.
Division One
District 1, Region 1
Holland West Ottawa (54.6) at Rockford (85.6)
Hudsonville (58.1) at Greenville (74.1)
District 2, Region 1
Grand Ledge (57.4) at Davison (82.4)
Grand Blanc (58.2) at CLARKSTON (62.1)
District 1, Region 2
Brighton (58.6) at Northville (78.6)
Novi Detroit Catholic Central (60.3) at Novi (70.6)
District 2, Region 2
Ann Arbor Huron (54.2) at Belleville (84)
Ann Arbor Pioneer (58) at Saline (78.3)
District 3, Region 1
OXFORD (55.5) at LAKE ORION (85.7)
Lapeer (57.4) at ADAMS (62.7)
District 3, Region 2
Utica (53.5) at Utica Eisenhower (78)
Romeo (59.3) at Macomb Dakota (70.7)
District 4, Region 1
Dearborn Fordson (58.3) at WEST BLOOMFIELD (77.5)
Westland John Glenn (70.5) at SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH (75.1)
District 4, Region 2
Sterling Heights Stevenson (58) at Chippewa Valley (77)
Detroit Cass Tech (58.6) at St. Clair Shores Lakeview (62.8)
Division Two
District 1, Region 1
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (54.8) at Muskegon (69)
Muskegon Reefs Puffer (60.8) at Muskegon Mona Shores (61.4)
District 2, Region 1
Traverse City Central (49.7) at Saginaw Heritage (66.6)
Midland (50.6) at Midland Dow (51.4)
District 1, Region 2
Byron Center (67.1) at Portage Central (73.8)
Portage Northern (68.9) at Caledonia (70.1)
District 2, Region 2
Lansing Everett (48) at East Lansing (67.5)
Milford (59.1) at Dexter (64.7)
District 3, Region 1
Lakeland (60.8) at SEAHOLM (72.8)
GROVES (62.6) at Waterford Mott (65.5)
District 3, Region 2
Livonia Churchill (48.5) at Carlson (73.3)
Livonia Franklin (63 at Allen Park (71.5)
District 4, Region 1
L’Anse Creuse (52.8) at Grosse Pointe South (77.2)
Roseville (60.4) at Port Huron Northern (61)
District 4, Region 2
Warren Cousino (50) at Warren De LaSalle (69.2)
Warren Mott (58.1) at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit (58.2)
Division Three
District 1, Region 1
Petoskey (47.3) at Mount Pleasant (73.3)
Marquette (49.6) at Gaylord (66.5)
District 2, Region 1
Grand Rapids Northview (46.4) at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (71.8)
Lowell (56.2) at DeWitt (62.1)
District 1, Region 2
Coopersville (55.7) at East Grand Rapids (63.6)
Zeeland East (57.1) at Zeeland West (57.3)
District 2, Region 2
Stevensville Lakeshore (54.8) at Parma Western (63.6)
Battle Creek Harper Creek (52.8) at St. Joseph (58.7)
District 3, Region 1
Bay City Western (47.2) at Fenton (60.8)
Linden (49) at Holly (52.4)
District 3, Region 2
Warren Fitzgerald (46.2) at AVONDALE (68.6)
Grosse Pointe North (51) at Port Huron (61.6)
District 4, Region 1
Detroit Martin Luther King (46.5) at Walled Lake Western (74.3)
Redford Thurston (46.5) at Mason (72.7)
District 4, Region 2
River Rouge (50.3) at Southgate Anderson (65.4)
Trenton (56.8) at Riverview (57.5)
Division Four
District 1, Region 1
Allendale (48.3) at Whitehall (62.1)
Grand Rapids South Christian (50.8) at Spring Lake (55.5)
District 2, Region 1
Edwardsburg (47.4) at Niles (60.5)
Wayland (48.4) at Paw Paw (60.2)
District 1, Region 2
Vicksburg (42.4) at Hastings (60.5)
Big Rapids (49.4) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern (55.7)
District 2, Region 2
Ionia (42.8) at Portland (59.5)
Charlotte (44.2) at Lansing Sexton (56.4)
District 3, Region 1
Lake Fenton (49.7) at Goodrich (64.2)
Haslett (55.2) at Freeland (55.3)
District 3, Region 2
Brandon (47.4) at Marysville (54.7)
Croswell-Lexington (51) at Madison Heights Lamphere (51.8)
District 4, Region 1
Tecumseh (46.6) at Chelsea (64.4)
Adrian (51.6) at Carleton Airport (62.1)
District 4, Region 2
Detroit East English Village Prep (44.2) at HARPER WOODS (64.8)
Dearborn Divine Child (48.1) at Redford Union (59.6)
by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday October 21st at 1:50 AM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Nine
- Lake Orion
- Seaholm
- West Bloomfield
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- Harper Woods
- Adams
- Avondale
- Oxford
- Groves
- Clarkston
SCORES.
Garden City 40, PONTIAC 6.
AVONDALE 50, Warren Fitzgerald 20.
Madison Heights Lamphere 20, ROYAL OAK 0.
FERNDALE 32, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 6.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview 42, BERKLEY 10.
Utica Ford II 21, TROY ATHENS 13.
Fraser 20, TROY 19.
Utica 34, FARMINGTON 30.
ROCHESTER 31, Walled Lake Northern 10.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 41, Detroit Renaissance 14.
HARPER WOODS 24, Roseville 7.
SEAHOLM 21, GROVES 14.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS 50, NORTH FARMINGTON 49 3 OT.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 50, OAK PARK 6.
OXFORD 24, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit 21.
STONEY CREEK 24, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 23.
ADAMS 37, Sterling Heights Stevenson 13.
Utica Eisenhower 36, CLARKSTON 19.
LAKE ORION 35, Saline 28.
BEST WIN: Lake Orion: The Dragons earned a big 35-28 win at Saline on Friday night. The defense was the story pressuring star quarterback CJ Carr to throw two interceptions and 37 yards on four for 12 passing in the second half. Lake Orion has a ton of confidence right now.
TOUGH LOSS: Groves: The Falcons lost a tough one to arch rival Seaholm 21-14 on Friday night. Groves will be fine, no need to panic with them right now.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Pontiac: The Phoenix had a tough 40-6 loss to Garden City on Friday night but they did win three games which is the first time since 2011. Pontiac is heading in the right direction heading into next season.
VALENTI RANT: Troy: The Colts saw their season end on the final play in a 20-19 loss to Fraser costing them a trip to the postseason. The schedule did not help things for them. Troy has a ton of questions to look at this offseason.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: North Farmington: The Raiders were comfortably in the postseason but they fell 50-49 in three overtimes to Bloomfield Hills on Friday night costing themselves a trip to the postseason. This hurts North Farmington for sure. They have a ton of questions this offseason.
by orionontv | Oct 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Volleyball Districts are Out-2023.
Written Tuesday June 20th at 6:40 PM
Updated Monday October 23rd at 8:10 AM
This are the volleyball districts. Here are my thoughts and insight surrounding each district. This article will be updated.
District 17 @ Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston vs Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston/Livonia Stevenson vs Novi
FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Livonia Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Novi
PLAYER ON SPOT: Kaitlyn Pallozzi-Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very tough district. Three teams have a great chance to win this district. Novi made a ton of head waves last season despite losing a ton of proven experience from last season’s final four run. The Wildcats have Cece Regoli, Mallory Stoy, Grace Hoener, Izzy Earley, Kate Harpenau, Paige O’Connor, and Zoe Adams coming back for Coach Kacey Moran. Livonia Stevenson should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Ava Schoen, Dea Alushi, Natalie West, Brynlee Hass, Erin Cahill, Megan Ervans, Cate Sosnowski, Jessica Muller, Kennedy Hinkle, Lauren Micallef, Kelsey Bahr, and Grace Trantham coming back for Coach Amy Osborn. Farmington Hills Mercy has been a perennial power in volleyball and they should be again. The Marlins have Kaitlyn Pallozzi, Maya Zarow, Angie Butler, Lana LaFontaine, Jillian Collins, Cree Hollier, Campbell Flynn, Keira McNutt, and Ava Fitzgerald coming back for Coach Loretta Vogel. Southfield Arts and Tech has a really good season last year winning the Blue for Coach Michael Armstrong. Redford Thurston was up and down last season. They should be better this season for Coach Scott Gray. Farmington really struggled last season. The Falcons should be much improved for Coach Kate Drews. This should be a very interesting district to watch this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: There is no changes to this district. Farmington Hills Mercy got a great draw and should get to the district finals while Novi and Livonia Stevenson should see each other in the district semifinals. If your Coach Loretta Vogel, your living right, right now.
District 21 @ Birmingham Marian
Birmingham Marian vs SEAHOLM
Birmingham Marian/SEAHOLM vs GROVES
ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Berkley
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: In the words of the great Paul Heyman, the word defending and undisputed champion is in this district and that is Birmingham Marian. They are the two time defending Division One State Champs and they host the district. The Mustangs area young team but they are loaded again with Allie Davison, Danielle Mertz, Mackenzie Swanson, Maggie Scott, Jayla Zayti, Maria Odeesh, Izzy Busignani, and Ella Swanson coming back. They also added Clarkston transfer Chloe Gehtbrock for Coach Mayssa Cook. Seaholm really struggled last season. The Maples should be better for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Groves should be very interesting this season. The Falcons have Jordan Allen, Anna Apsey, Chloe Cast, Autumn DeGroat, Emily Eshelby, Adison Gerken, Alexis Heller, Molly Heller, Sydney Lezovich, Sofia Scott, Ayden Weber, and Ariell White coming back for Coach Madison Close. Berkley had an incredible run getting to the Division One State Quarterfinals last season. The Bears have Sophie Owens, Lili Herron, Karsen Savage, Mariah Jones, Erika Mayry, Emily High, Alana White, and Julia Watson coming back for Coach Dakota Stanichuk. Royal Oak has a ton of ups and downs last season. The Ravens have Ava Emery, Brie Emery, Charlotte Graves, Riley Maizy, Jaelynn Prebelich, Hannah Saunders, and Emmy Walden coming back for Coach Ciara Schultz. This district is the Mustangs to lose but the Bears, Falcons, Ravens, and maybe Maples might have a strong say how this district goes.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district doesn’t have a ton of changes except Oak Park dropped out. This district looks like it will be Birmingham Marian despite all the young talent they have likely up against Berkley in the district final. The Mustangs should be favored but the Bears could surprise some folks and pull off a stunner. They are more than capable of doing that.
District 25 @ Waterford Mott
Walled Lake Western vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Walled Lake Western/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Walled Lake Central
Waterford Mott vs NORTH FARMINGTON
Waterford Mott/NORTH FARMINGTON vs WEST BLOOMFIELD
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Walled Lake Central
FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills
NEXT: Walled Lake Central
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Western
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Natalie Petrucci- Bloomfield Hills
EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines coming into this district. Walled Lake Central is veteran heavy. The Vikings have Madeline Elkow, Lauren Browser, Angelina Virga, Angelina Saco, Samantha Klenczar, Makalynn Czamecki, Brielle Thomas, and Reagan Adams coming back for Coach Elizabeth Kaplin. Walled Lake Western is another team that is veteran heavy. The Warriors have Blaire Waling, Evynne Santana, Natalie Kosaian, Ryah Dewey, Brie Woodman, and Megan Hill coming back for Coach Angie Dewey. Bloomfield Hills has a ton of proven experience. The Blackhawks have Jessica Pal, Kacy Rankin, Emily Daitch, Kora Nicolanti, Jamie Zousmer, Natalie Peturcci, Annalise Parker, Gabrielle Gippert, Mia Feinglold, Celeste Arabo, and Kayla Nwabuezee coming back for Coach Jacob Paige. Waterford Mott has struggled in the past but they should be better for Coach Beth MacVicar. North Farmington was very young last season. They have experience which should help. The Raiders have Skyler Wayne, Sydney Ostrofsky, Liz Grajewski, Sofi Licari, Sam Hoffer, Amara Gatson, Isaiah Bartlett, Mehar Khanna, Sullivan Totin, Whalen Kennedy, Collin Zimmerman, Kayli Piper, and Kanoto Noguchi coming back for Coach Michael Love. West Bloomfield should be very interesting with a new coach and system coming into the program. The Lakers have Arielle Newsome, Jordanne Shannon, Gabrielle Hale, and Felcia Fulton coming back for new coach Elizabeth Ferguson. This should be a very interesting district to watch. It’s anyone’s district but give a slight edge to the Blackhawks.
DISTRICT UPDATE: It really stinks to me that the two top teams in this district will likely meet in the district semifinals but it is what is. West Bloomfield and North Farmington should be a very interesting district semifinal matchup. I see whoever wins that game seeing Bloomfield Hills when looking at the bracket. My district projection has no changes.
District 26 @ Adams
Utica Eisenhower vs PONTIAC
Utica Eisenhower/PONTIAC vs ROCHESTER
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Utica Eisenhower
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Adams
DARKHORSE: Rochester
PLAYER ON SPOT: Lola Hurst-Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. There are four teams that have a shot to win this district. Utica Eisenhower should be a very interesting team. The Eagles have Jada Pantaleo, Shpresa Nikolai, Gina Fredrigo, Kayla Ostrander, Claire Bemis, Danielle Becker, and Jenna Fraser coming back for Coach Caitlyn Mahoney. Rochester has made a ton of strides from last season. They should be very good this season. The Falcons have Aleeza Carballo, Lola Hurst, Abby He, Kaitlin Allen, Kylah Vigant, Vivian Campbell, Carol Campbell, Isabella Ferrara, Joran Suhajda, Bruce Suhajda, and Makena Torri coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Adams should be back in the mix. The Highlanders have Emily Edwards, Maddie Wilson, Julia Fidler, Tori Lang, Tina Barnekova, Emerson Straub, Bella Guthrie, Sayrha Nahra, and Olivia Carroll coming back for Coach Terry Baughman. Stoney Creek was very young last season which was very unusual. The Cougars have Lexi Mazzola, Grace Bonner, Joslyn Becker, Julia Gojcaj, Lili Sipila, Caroline Khury, Zoe Champine, Ana Cano, Jillian Van Stee, and Cassandra Younggren coming back for Coach Ross Talbot. Pontiac should be very young this season for Coach Kyrie Holloman. This district should be very competitive with the Cougars, Highlanders, Falcons, and Eagles have great chances to win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This should be a very fun district when looking at the matchup. Rochester got a great draw but could see Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Adams and Stoney Creek should go five games which would be very interesting. I’m seeing right now a Rochester/Adams district final but Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower could easily replace both teams.
District 27 @ Avondale
AVONDALE vs Sterling Heights
AVONDALE/Sterling Heights vs Utica Ford II
TROY vs TROY ATHENS
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Avondale
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Avondale
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Caroline Cubitt-Troy Athens
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Auburn Hills. Utica Ford II should be solid this season. The Falcons have Natalia Malewicz, Bella Allen, Ruby Sandison, Kaitlyn Marsh, Stephanie Saunders, and Samantha Yantus coming back for Coach Randy Schantz. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a solid year last season. The Titans have Diana Marku, Kaitlyn Davis, Samantha Fenwick, and Katie Coles coming back for Coach Karolina Dziedzic. Troy has been very good in the past. The Colts have Anna Rich, Bella Colon, Gabby Bouzide, Emma Runke, Riley Smith and, Anika Abelgas coming back for Coach Vince Muscat. Troy Athens has been improving. The Red Hawks have Ashlyn Andrzejewski, Caroline Cubitt, Macy Van Tiem, Maya Sabra, Madigan Tennies, and Julia Heywood coming back for Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Avondale has been improving each season. The Yellow Jackets have Ava Williams, Cate Pastori, Marissa Jewell, Paige Inez and Kennedy Wolfe coming back for Coach Andrew Stepp. I think this is a wide open district to say the least.
DISTRICT UPDATE: No real changes to this district. Troy has really emerged as the favorite and should be the favorite in this district going forward. Utica Ford II has been really interesting while Avondale is the wildcard. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Falcons or Yellow Jackets and Colts are the district final matchup.
District 29 @ Lake Orion
Lakeland vs CLARKSTON
Lakeland/CLARKSTON vs LAKE ORION
Walled Lake Northern vs Waterford Kettering
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Northern
PLAYER ON SPOT: Cayla Cogan-Clarkston
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very competitive and very tough district. Four teams have a shot to win this district. Walled Lake Northern is veteran heavy this season. The Knights have Kaitlyn Freitag, Amelia Foster, Ava Epley, Kayla Budziak, Hadley Krygier, Avery Alfano, Lexi Peters, and Lucy McCarthy coming back for Coach Suzanne Krygier. Lakeland has been very good and they should be again this season. The Eagles have Kenzie McCombs, Kylie Kennedy, Ivana Fillipovic, Rylie Finzel, and Finley Ostach coming back for Coach Meghan Polce. Waterford Kettering has struggled in recent years. The Captains have Isabel Nuttall, Sarai Villegas-Rosa, Isabella Labo, Delaney Hall, Andrea Brown, Kyra Nickerson, and Riley Buczek coming back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Lake Orion is a very interesting team. They kind of remind you of the 2015 Michigan State Spartans College Football team. The Dragons have Charlotte Peplowski, Teresa Gaberdiel, Allison O’Rourke, Sydney Bell, Carly Zibell, Ella Johnson, Sydbey Small, Addison Dukus, Kennedi Miller, and Devin Brunk coming back for Coach Tony Scarvada. Clarkston made a ton of noise and took Birmingham Marian to the brink last season in the State Quarterfinals. The Wolves have Morgan Lozzi, Addison Newblatt, Kiley Gallagher, Cayla Cogan, Jessica Petker, Emery Kuebler, and Isabelle Henry coming back for Coach Alison Smith. This district should be the one of the most competitive in the State this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks like Walled Lake Northern will head to the district final with ease. Lakeland and Clarkston looks very interesting but the Wolves should pull through setting up a rematch with Lake Orion. The Wolves beat the Dragons in three games. This district looks like it’s a Clarkston/Walled Lake Northern district final.
District 32 @ Romeo
Port Huron vs OXFORD
Port Huron/OXFORD vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Romeo vs Lapeer
Romeo/Lapeer vs Port Huron Northern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: New Baltimore Anchor Bay
NEXT: Oxford
DARKHORSE: Port Huron
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jordyn Fiedler-Port Huron
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, three teams have a great shot to win this district. New Baltimore Anchor Bay was solid last season. The Tars have Ashlyn Cunha, Grace Lancaster, Lea Wasielewski, Brooklyn Haack, Rachel Youngblood, Korin Hitton, and Amelia Klos coming back for Coach Kristy Morrow. Port Huron should be a very interesting team. The Big Reds have Brylynn Balon, Jordan Fiedler, Alana Haller, Erica Hudy, Gwen Kamendat, Bryn Mullens, Isabelle Trombly, Illiana Williams coming back for Coach Derek Arena. Port Huron Northern really struggled last season. The Huskies have Elizabeth Block, McKenna Kiteley, Paisley Peyerk, Alexis Umbreit, Emma Vandergraff, Sydney Betts, and Anna Kerhoulas coming back for Coach Jacqueline Jamison. Lapeer was solid last season. The Lightning have Josie Jacob, Rosa Freeland, Berkley Dixon, Zoe Lomerson, Addison Seifferly, Vanessa Carr, Ginger Grzyb, Eva LeClaire, Oaklee Callans, Shannon Nolan, Baylee Osentoski, and Lexi Norman coming back for Coach Barry Jones. Oxford should be very interesting. The Wildcats have Alexandra Lantzy, Abby Jones, Jenna Miller, Kaitlyn Weiss, Tara Swanson, and Ella Sharrow coming back for Coach Noelle Zebb. Romeo has home court and should have a bounce back season. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Alyson Culkin, Kara Plutschuck, Emma Pagliarella, and Hannah Tymitz coming back for Coach Stacey Williams. Overall this should be a very interesting district as mentioned between the Tars, Big Reds, and Wildcats are the early favorites but never count the Bulldogs out by any means.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks wide open. Romeo has been much better than advertised and should make a run to the district final. The top of the bracket should be fun with Port Huron and Oxford playing each other with the winner getting a proven powerhouse in New Baltimore Anchor Bay. Port Huron is a scary team right now but can’t count the Tars out. This is a perfect opportunity for Romeo to make some noise.
District 54 @ Hazel Park
Detroit Henry Ford vs FERNDALE
Detroit Henry Ford/FERNDALE vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Hazel Park vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Hazel Park/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Hazel Park, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Hazel Park
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Isabella Mendoza-Ferndale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be a three team district. Detroit Henry Ford really struggled last season for Coach Tiffany Jackson. Detroit Lincoln King struggled last season for Coach Briana Moss. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy for Coach Rhea Cooper. Hazel Park has been very good since leaving the OAA for the Macomb Area Conference. The Vikings have Alayna Brown, Lacy Chambers, Gabrielle, Figueroa, Emily Hudnall, and Savannah Lopez coming back for Coach Sherry Rietz. Ferndale should be a contender this season. The Eagles have Tatiyana Butts, Isabel Dutra, Charlotte Keller, Isabella Mendoza, Scarlet Reid, Katie Stokes, and Djene Sy coming back for Coach Natalie Satkowiak. Ferndale University should be very interesting this season. The Eagles have Ja-Kai George Tate, JonNae Kitchen, Briah Wadley, and Chanel Watson coming back for Coach Kenton Maki. As mentioned earlier, this district could come down to the Vikings, the Eagles, and the Eagles whom could win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks very interesting. Ferndale got a great draw and should make the district finals. Hazel Park and Ferndale University could be a very interesting matchup in the district semifinals. I see a Eagles/Vikings district finals so no changes right now.
District 56 @ Harper Woods
Detroit Denby vs Detroit East English Village Prep
Detroit Denby/Detroit East English Village Prep vs HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park vs Detroit Southeastern
Harper Woods Chandler Park/Detroit Southeastern vs Detroit Osborn
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Detroit Southeastern
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park
NEXT: Detroit Southeastern
DARKHORSE: Harper Woods
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Detroit Southeastern was very good last season for Coach Ricardo Brown. Detroit Osborn has a new coach. Detroit East English for Coach Pamela Green. Detroit Denby for Coach Leif Seed. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down last season but they will have home court which helps. The Eagles have Micha White, Asia Newsom, Destiny Hardy, Jaiden Brooks, Shardae Littlejohn, Autumn Howard and Jailah Carter coming back for Coach Michelle Smith. Harper Woods really struggled last season for Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. This district on paper looks like this is the Eagles to lose but the Jungaleers could give a battle for sure.
DISTRICT UPDATE: The matchups are very interesting. Harper Woods got the best draw and should be in the district final. Harper Woods Chandler Park and Detroit Southeastern has to go through each other. Should be a very interesting district.
by orionontv | Oct 16, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Postseason Watch-Week Nine.
Written Saturday September 30th at 7:00 PM
Updated Saturday October 14th at 1:30 AM
The postseason is a week away so here are some scenarios surrounding some teams in the OAA that have a chance to make the postseason, some are locks, others are on the bubble and others need to win out.
Thanks to GoosePoop on Twitter/X for giving me some analytics on each team’s chances to make the postseason so here they are.
LOCKS:
Lake Orion (8-0): The Dragons are looking really good when it comes to the postseason. Lake Orion has had strong wins over Harper Woods, West Bloomfield, Oxford, Adams, and Clarkston. They still have state power undefeated Saline coming up on the road which should be a good barometer to see where both teams are at going into the postseason. The Dragons are safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Clarkston (4-4): The Wolves are looking really good when it comes to the postseason and they keep getting better every week. They have played a really tough schedule and have beaten some really good teams as well. Despite losing to Northville, Southfield Arts and Tech, Lake Orion, and Harper Woods (all of whom are strong teams). They hold quality wins over Adams and West Bloomfield. Clarkston finishes the regular season playing Co Macomb Area Conference Red champion Utica Eisenhower. If you’re a Wolves fan, you won’t have to worry about not making the postseason but finishing strong is another concern. Clarkston is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
West Bloomfield (6-2): The Lakers had a big win over Southfield Arts and Tech to add to strong wins over Chippewa Valley, Adams, and Oxford. The Lakers only setbacks were to Clarkston and Lake Orion, both of whom field very strong programs. The Lakers finish the regular season against Oak Park. West Bloomfield is safely in the postseason field in Division One.
Southfield Arts and Tech (7-1): The Warriors early season wins have already got them into the postseason. Southfield Arts and Tech after dealing with their remaining White opponents took a setback against Red power West Bloomfield. Despite that, the Warriors hold strong wins over Detroit Cass Tech and Clarkston. The Warriors are safely in the postseason field for Division One.
Seaholm (7-1): The Maples have been rolling with confidence heading into the postseason. Seaholm has had some big wins under their belt as well with their only setback against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Maples will play arch rival Groves who have given them a lot of problems in the past, mostly because Groves has played in the much tougher White. Despite having to figure out their problems with Groves, the Maples are safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Groves (6-2): The Falcons have played some very strong opponents (West Bloomfield and Southfield Arts and Tech) and picked up some big wins including a big league win over Harper Woods and a big non league win over North Farmington. Groves has arch rival Seaholm, whom they could possibly meet twice in the postseason in which the Falcons have gotten the better of the Maples primarily because of playing in the tougher White. Groves is safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Harper Woods (5-3): For a team who is in Division Four, the Pioneers have played a really tough schedule playing against a ton of Division One (Stoney Creek, Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech, Clarkston) and Division Two teams (Groves). Harper Woods finishes the year at Roseville. The Pioneers are safely in the postseason field for Division Four because of their strength of schedule and could be a state championship contender come postseason time.
Avondale (7-1): The Yellow Jackets have been rolling as of late, winning the Gold Championship in the process. Avondale has also been tested with quality wins over Division Three Brandon and Division Two Oak Park but had a setback against Division Two power Seaholm. Avondale has rival Warren Fitzgerald looming on their schedule. They are safely in the postseason field for Division Three and they could make a ton of noise.
Adams (5-3): The Highlanders are a very interesting team to watch because they are a wildcard. Their chances of getting in the postseason are still very strong, probably the strongest of the bubble teams. Adams has Sterling Heights Stevenson looming, two Division One teams, both teams they are capable of beating. The Highlanders based off their strength of schedule is safely in the postseason field for Division One.
North Farmington (4-4): The Raiders, despite the setback to Oxford and playing a very daunting schedule especially early with Division Two powers Groves, Caledonia, and Seaholm have held their own and was able to get strong wins over Division One’s Troy and Troy Athens along with Division Two, Oak Park, and Division Three Pontiac. The Raiders are safely in the postseason field for Division Two.
Troy (5-3): The Colts, despite setbacks with division two powers Seaholm, Oak Park, and North Farmington has been much more successful against Division One opponents, particularly Detroit Mumford, Macomb L’Anse Creuse and arch rival Troy Athens. The Colts also have wins over Royal Oak and Berkley as well. They have another big game looming with Fraser but win or lose, the Colts for another year is safely in the postseason in Division One. Will they win a playoff game, that is another question we will find out.
NEED TO WIN OUT:
Oxford (3-5): The Wildcats are in a win now mode if they want to make the postseason. They have University-Detroit Jesuit at Wildcat Stadium. Despite playing a very tough schedule with the likes of Utica Eisenhower, Clarkston, Adams, arch rival Lake Orion, and West Bloomfield, Oxford has three wins (Division Two, Oak Park and North Farmington along with Division One, Stoney Creek.) If Oxford wins, given their strength of schedule, they will be in the postseason for Division One.
Oak Park (3-5): The Knights have faced a very difficult postseason, despite getting strong quality wins over Division One Troy and Troy Athens, the Knights have had tough losses to Division One Oxford along with Division Two University of Detroit-Jesuit, Seaholm, and North Farmington. The Knights will have a tough test looming with Division One power West Bloomfield visiting Knight Valley. Should Oak Park win, they will be in the postseason but if they don’t, then they will have to wait and see to be in the postseason.
