by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday January 29th at 10:35 AM
Here are my top five storylines to watch this week.
Royal Oak is in deep trouble.
The Ravens had high expectations after winning the Gold last season. They had almost everyone back from that team and went up to the Blue which was going to be a tough enough challenge for them. Royal Oak started the season at 5-0 with their best win being over Ferndale University at the time but their not as strong non conference schedule in November and December has caught up to them. They are 2-6 since the New Year came. This was the same story as the 2017-2018 Berkley Bears in which something very similar happened to them. What hasn’t helped Coach Aaron Smith’s team has been their inability to defensive rebound which was pretty evident in their loss to Berkley earlier in the season. They are not a big team so fundamentals like boxing out are very important. Another problem has been their mental toughness. There has been times that Royal Oak has had mental lapses that has cost them games. The other problem that has plagued them is that opposing star players have torched them ranging from DJ Morrow (Lake Orion), to Jake Champagne (Oxford), to Tamir Runkenvich (Berkley), to Tre Walker (Stoney Creek), and to Anthony Simmons and Bowen Moore (Holly.) The Ravens rely on their outside shooting and have the proven shooters in Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Nick Hoffman, Rashad Wilson, and Camden Clark. I will talk more about the Ravens problems on the podcast but this team is in deep trouble with the schedule ahead and not to mention their district is brutal with proven teams in Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Detroit Renaissance, Oak Park, and Berkley in there along with Detroit Mumford, yikes.
Is Ferndale for real???
The Eagles have played a really tough schedule against proven teams in the State but they haven’t been able to get above 500 however the MPR looks strong. Caleb DeFoe is back and he will be a big help to go along with Cameron Reed and Chris Williams for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale could be North Farmington’s biggest challenger in the Red. The non conference schedule despite all that they have went through is still very daunting with Portage Northern, West Bloomfield, and Detroit Edison looming. Rickman really doesn’t care about how tough the schedule is which I severely disagree with but he feels that playing that schedule will get them prepared to get back to the Breslin Center which at times hasn’t been the case. If Ferndale can win over North Farmington on Tuesday then that non conference schedule they played proves that they could be a player even without Jason Drake and Trevon Lewis whom have since graduated.
The White is a gauntlet.
A lot of people look at the Red and that division is a gauntlet but the White has proven to be a gauntlet this season. All six teams have very impressive non conference wins to go with as well. Troy has the early edge on the division with their road win over Bloomfield Hills. Speaking of the Blackhawks, they, West Bloomfield, and Groves already have league wins and are very good teams as well. Lake Orion is also a very good team despite the 0-2 record. There are no easy games in this division that is for sure.
Harper Woods is the front runner in the Gold.
The Woods control their own destiny in the Gold despite being two games over 500. They also have played a really tough non conference as well and has games against Oak Park, Mattawan, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Harper Woods is also in a tough district which has both Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South. The Pioneers have gotten proven experience from Julian Young and company for Coach TaJuan Porter. Avondale might be their toughest challenger in the division but right now things are looking upward for the Pioneers.
The Blue is wide open again.
The Blue was thought to be Berkley’s for the taking all of sudden changed. The Bears had a very tough home overtime loss to Stoney Creek but they still control their own destiny in the division. Berkley has not won a league crown in a long while and this could be their best chance to get it done. Oxford has been up and down as has Troy Athens whom have had their moments. Seaholm is coming back with a vengeance. The Wildcats, Maples, and Red Hawks are one game behind the Bears while Stoney Creek is two games back and Rochester is two and a half games back. Royal Oak is in a very tough spot in the division being three games back but they can beat anyone with their three point shooting. These next few weeks will tell a lot about the Blue that is for sure.
by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday January 28th at 10:30 PM
Here are my top five storylines to watch for heading into the week.
How will Oxford adjust without Nevaeh Wood???
The Wildcats took a blow on Saturday when power forward Nevaeh Wood announced on Twitter that she was out for the season with a torn ACL. The Wood injury could impact Oxford’s chances in the White where they are trying to catch North Farmington but also in the district in which they will have to deal with Grand Blanc. Brady Elling or Lexi Yankee looks to be that possible fifth starter for Coach Rachel Bryer in Wood’s absence. Oxford also has proven players in Miranda Wyniemko, Peyton Richter, Sophia Rabb, and Allison Hufstedler as well. Wyniemko, Hufstedler, and Richter combined for 47 of the Wildcats 61 points in their blowout win over Seaholm. Oxford’s depth will be tested for sure.
Bloomfield Hills controls their own destiny in the Blue.
The Blackhawks are in control of the Blue at the moment with their 60-45 win over Farmington. Bloomfield Hills still has to go to Farmington late in the season which could decide the division. They could win it outright or share of the division but that’s all if the Blackhawks keeps winning. The non conference schedule was beefed up a little bit with Stoney Creek and even though they lost that game but it should help them with the MPR and also the long term. Bloomfield Hills has to go to Birmingham Marian in a few weeks in which could be a district preview. Coach Kristen Massey’s team has taken a ton of lumps in the White last season but with a revamped team led by Ruby Smith and Ashley Forner, they could lead the Blackhawks to their first ever division crown and they have a shot at winning their first ever district crown in school history if things go right.
Will North Farmington ever lose???
The Raiders are running rough shot on the White with their 14-0 record. North Farmington’s big wins were over Oxford and Stoney Creek. Sela Lefler and Penelope Creary have been playing very well for Coach Jeff Simpson and they have gotten third and fourth scoring whether it’s Asiyah Jihad, Eliza Muller, or Hannah Hart. If North Farmington were to go 22-0 then it would set up a likely district finals clash with Farmington Hills Mercy pending if both teams get there but for the Raiders they are rolling and have a ton of confidence.
Can Lake Orion overcome Ian Smith Gym???
The Dragons have managed to overcome a lot of adversity this season and also last season with the district crown but one problem that Coach Bob Brydges’s team faces has been Ian Smith Gym which they visit on Tuesday. It has been a long while since Lake Orion has went into Ian Smith Gym and won over arch rival Oxford and last season the Dragons had their worst shooting performance in that gym. Lake Orion did beat the Wildcats earlier in the season by double digits. Could it change this time around???
Berkley might be back.
The Bears have become a classic “We’re Back a Dinosaur Story” type of team. They really struggled to meet expectations early but they have rebounded in a big way by winning six of their last seven games with their only loss coming to a very good Rochester program. You have to credit players like Sammi Withrow, Ava Beard, Hailey Kirkwood, Mya Jones, Jillian Gomes, and Malve Nolan and also Coach Cody Feltner and his staff for getting this program back on track. Berkley has Oxford and North Farmington in the next two games. If the Bears can win one or both of them then the district talk could be very real again.
by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday January 28th 12:50 AM
Here is the Top 23 for Girls Basketball.
- West Bloomfield (13-2): Lakers are clearly the best team in the State.
- Rochester (11-3): Feel like the Falcons are playing with house money right now.
- Lake Orion (12-3): Charlotte Peplowski has really stood out.
- North Farmington (14-0): Raiders rolling with confidence right now.
- Oxford (12-2): Myranda Wynemkio has stepped up since the season ending ACL injury to Nevaeh Wood.
- Clarkston (9-7): Wolves have been up and down lately.
- Stoney Creek (10-4): Cougars really miss Mia Carson.
- Berkley (7-6): Bears have their two toughest games of the season coming up.
- Bloomfield Hills (12-2): Glad the Blackhawks were tested.
- Harper Woods (7-5): When the Pioneers score 50 they are good, they are 0-3 when they do not.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (4-10): Warriors have been playing much better.
- Royal Oak (8-6): Ravens are 2-5 in January, not good.
- Farmington (7-7): Falcons are in some trouble in the Blue.
- Oak Park (6-5): Knights are 5-1 in their last six games.
- Ferndale (4-3): Eagles allowed 11 total points this week.
- Groves (4-10): Falcons have really fallen on hard times.
- Seaholm (4-10): Maples have really fallen on hard times.
- Troy Athens (7-7): Red Hawks playing around 500 lately.
- Troy (3-12): Colts have really fallen on hard times.
- Adams (2-13): Highlanders have really fallen on hard times.
- Avondale (4-10): Yellow Jackets are a weird team right now.
- Ferndale University (1-9): Eagles are struggling right now.
- Pontiac (0-14): Phoenix back to scoring single digits, not good.
by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday January 28th at 12:40 AM
Here is the Top 23 for Boys Basketball.
- North Farmington (11-1): Tyler Spratt saved the Raiders against Clarkston.
- Ferndale (5-6): It won’t be too much longer that the Eagles will be above 500.
- Oak Park (8-2): Geon Hutchins was big against Adams and also Westfield Prep.
- Clarkston (10-4): Welcome back Jon Kaul.
- Troy (11-2): Mason Parker has really been playing well for the Colts.
- Adams (8-4): Big one for the Highlanders loom when they head to Clarkston this week.
- Bloomfield Hills (9-3): Tough loss to Troy really puts the Blackhawks behind the eight ball.
- Groves (9-4): Elijah Yelder has been that third scorer the Falcons were looking for.
- Harper Woods (7-5): Pioneers are playing good basketball despite record.
- West Bloomfield (9-3): Lakers have been a hard team to figure out.
- Lake Orion (6-5): Dragons need secondary scoring in the worst way.
- Berkley (9-4): Bears still the team to beat in the Blue.
- Seaholm (6-7): Maples might be the hottest team right now.
- Troy Athens (6-6): Red Hawks have won three straight which is a good sign.
- Oxford (7-5): Wildcats are 1-2 in their last three games.
- Farmington (4-7): Falcons have been a hard team to figure out.
- Stoney Creek (2-10): Big win over Berkley might have saved the Cougars season.
- Avondale (6-8): Yellow Jackets could be Harper Woods biggest challenger in the Gold.
- Royal Oak (7-6): Ravens are 2-6 since their 5-0 start.
- Ferndale University (8-6): Eagles have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.
- Rochester (4-8): Falcons are 1-5 in their last six games.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (4-9): Warriors are a classic Jekyll and Hyde.
- Pontiac (3-10): Phoenix are 1-5 in their last six games.
by orionontv | Jan 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday January 23rd at 7:10 PM
The Yellow Jackets will have a new football coach this fall.
Avondale Coach Corey Bell has stepped down after four years coaching the Yellow Jackets. It was a move that shocked many after Avondale was expected to be one of the favorites this season in the Gold.
It is unknown why Bell stepped down from coaching.
“Over the last four years it has been an absolute blessing to lead you on the field on Friday nights. There have been very few things that have made me prideful, passionate, and enthusiastic as being your head coach. The experience that we have had and some of the greatest memories I’ll ever hold, Midnight Madness, Manly Mondays, team field trips, practice, and game days. After a significant amount of time and reflection I have decided to step away from the program and resign as your head coach. Avondale will always hold a special place in my heart and I will have a tremendous amount of love for the Yellow Jackets” Bell said on Twitter.
He thanked the players, parents, and coaches whom had helped build the program.
“I first want to thank all of the administrators that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to lead this program as a young head coach. Thank you to all of the AHS staff, parents, and community members that bought into our mission and helped grow this program. Secondly, I want to thank my staff, I could not think of a greater group of individuals who gave everything they had to grow our culture and coach our players. You have all made a tremendous impact on our players lives and played a critical role in every success that we had. Lastly but most importantly, I want to thank my players, I love you all more than you know, your dedication and commitment to this program will always be appreciated. The memories on the field with you will be something that I cherish forever. Leaving is never easy but I hope that you can continue to push yourselves to be the best that you can be. Thank you for everything. Thank you #OneAvondale and forever Go Jackets” Bell concluded on Twitter.
Bell was 17-19 with the Yellow Jackets in his four years but had three postseason appearances.
Bell is the nephew of Lake Orion Athletic Director and Football Coach Chris Bell.
Whomever the new coach will be will have big shoes to fill. Avondale is expected to be one of the favorites in the Gold this season will have Tyler Herzog coming back at quarterback along with wide receivers Cooper Voeffary and Justin Sykes. They also have proven linemen in Dhruv Thakur, Charlie Killian, and Cameron Washington. The defense is solid as well with the three mentioned linemen along with linebackers Myles Moore and Matthew Lloyd along with Alfenso Merritt in the defensive secondary.
Avondale is a very good job for a new coach. It will be very interesting to see where the Yellow Jackets go but they will have big shoes to fill. Bell did a great job in building this program for the now and into the future.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the Tweet confirming this.
https://twitter.com/CoachCoreyBell/status/1617666488936321025
by orionontv | Jan 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday January 21st at 10:35 AM
Here are my thoughts on each team in boys basketball thus far.
Pontiac: The Phoenix have not been playing well and that is a concern going forward for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Pontiac has been scoring more since the West Bloomfield game and that could be a start. They are 1-4 in January which is not good. The Phoenix need to address some things especially defensively if they want to turn things around.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have seven wins but they have not been consistent which should be a concern for Coach Josh Nicks. They are 2-3 in January but have played some really good teams to their defense. Ferndale University is fine but they need to be more consistent especially in the Gold.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have really picked things back up after a rough early January. They have put together two good wins to start the late half of January. Avondale has not been consistent which it’s a concern for Coach Pat Clancy. They have a very tough week looming with Adams and Rochester. If the Yellow Jackets play like what they did against Troy against the two Rochester schools then anything is possible.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers look like they are the best team in the Gold despite being two games over 500. Harper Woods has been playing consistent basketball despite the loss to River Rouge and the very tough non conference schedule. They have wins over West Bloomfield and Pontiac which says a lot. Coach TaJuan Porter has this program heading in the right direction.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had started to figure some things out. They really struggled against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit giving up 91 points. Southfield Arts and Tech has played a tough schedule to their defense but they do have some concerns going forward. Coach Terrance Porter still has Lincoln Park, Clarkston, and River Rouge for their non conference. It’s going to be very tough for the Warriors going forward.
Royal Oak: January has been a really tough month for the Ravens. They are 2-4 on the month and they still have a tough schedule ahead of them. Dylan Hoffman scored his 1,000 career point and was honored in their loss to Berkley. Coach Aaron Smith needs to find that magic from November and December if they want to turn things around.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been a hot and cold team. Troy Athens has had nine days to prepare for their next game against Rochester. Coach Dave Scott needs to find some sort of consistency with his program. They are struggling record wise right now.
Seaholm: The Maples have really started to turn things around. Seaholm has some big wins over Stoney Creek and Oxford which is a good sign for Coach Mike DeGeeter. They are starting to get healthy and on the same page which is a good sign for the Maples.
Oxford: The Wildcats have not been the same team since the Lake Orion game. Oxford had a very tough loss to Seaholm as well. Jake Champane has had some bright moments but when teams focus on him they seem to struggle. They need Lucas Bottete, Joe Cady, Jay Cady, or Dominic Cassise to step up if Coach Steve Laidlaw wants to turn this around.
Berkley: The Bears are the best team in the Blue and their play has showed why but there is a danger and they have experienced this before. Berkley has relied on Tamir Runkenvich and Jacob Sheriff and they have proven they can win on the road well. Coach Joe Sermo has also gotten some third and fourth scoring as well. The Bears are in a good place right now and there is room for improvement as well.
Rochester: The Falcons have really missed Khammani Potts which is a reason why they are 1-3 in their last four games. Eli Kalaj and Grant Calcagno have been performing at high levels each night for Coach Nick Evola. The Falcons need to find that third scorer with Potts out if they want to turn things around.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars are much better than their record indicates but they have really struggled lately. Stoney Creek really misses Peyton Rummler as he is still out with a shoulder injury but he could be back in February. Jake Fulkerson, Leo Kent, and Tre Walker are doing everything they can right now. Coach Jeff Olind has his work cut out in trying to turn the Cougars around.
Groves: The Falcons have clearly been battle tested. Groves lost two tough games to Adams and West Bloomfield. Josh Simpson and Josh Gibson have been playing really good basketball but so has Elijah Yelder, Max Cramer, and Paige Williams. Coach Marc West has done a solid job with this program. The record is deceiving but the Falcons are clearly a player for sure.
Farmington: The Falcons hung tough with Troy in a tough loss. Farmington is 1-3 in their last four games now all be it the three losses were to very good teams in Berkley, Oak Park, and Troy. They have a makeup with North Farmington looming along with West Bloomfield. That could be very tough for Coach Derrick McDowell and his team this week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons are clearly a different team with DJ Morrow in the lineup. Lake Orion had a tough one point loss to Bloomfield Hills. Missed layups and free throws doomed them in that game. Blake Liddell will be key going down the stretch along with Nate Havrilla, Kevin Tobe, and Kayden DeGriffenreid. Coach Jose Andreadas’s team has a tough week with Warren DeLaSalle and Groves looming. The Dragons will be fine.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers have been playing some consistent basketball. Cameron Britton is a name to watch for Coach Arnette Jordan. Britton was very instrumental in their win over Groves. Mitchell Seay has had some moments as well. West Bloomfield will be fine going forward. They have a tough matchup with Detroit University Prep looming this week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks are a different team without Noah Adamcyzk. Adamcyzk missed half of the Lake Orion game with a groin injury but gutted it out late in that game. Drew Wilson has played well and Brandon Newland has had moments as well. Coach Brian Canfield has a strong team but there are some warning signs particularly in the postseason that Bloomfield Hills needs to be aware of.
Troy: The Colts have been rolling as of late especially the play of Mason Parker. Troy has not lost in January but that will be tested when they play Bloomfield Hills this week. Darius Whiteside, Carter Cusmano, Chase Kupier, Jon Whiteside, and Zach Penoza have been playing really good basketball for Coach Gary Fralick. It should be very interesting to see what happens with the Colts.
Adams: The Highlanders got Brady Prieskorn back from injury which is a huge deal for Coach Jaret Thomas. William Gee and Peter Karakasis are going to be special players for Adams. They are pure three point shooters and can create their own offense. The Highlanders have tough non conference games with Stoney Creek, Oxford, Seaholm, Avondale, and New Haven looming and that’s still not the Red schedule. Thomas has his team in a good spot right now despite their loss to Ferndale.
Clarkston: The Wolves have not been playing consistent basketball but have found ways to win games. Other than the blowout loss to Ferndale, Clarkston hasn’t been the same Clarkston of the past. They still don’t have Jon Kaul as he has been dealing with a hand injury. He could be back in February. Desman Stephens, Brayden Wiley, Cavanugh Diton, and Brody Kosin have been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Coach Tim Waslik. Once Kaul comes back, the Wolves should be ready to roll.
Oak Park: The Knights had been rolling with confidence but they had a very tough road loss to North Farmington which snapped their three game winning streak. Oak Park is still a very young team with a ton of sophomores. Coach Durrand Sheppard’s team will be fine. They have Adams looming this week.
Ferndale: The Eagles might be coming back to life a little bit. They got Caleb Defoe back which is a big deal for Coach Juan Rickman and they are already 2-0 in the Red with wins over Adams and Clarkston. Ferndale’s schedule is very tough as mentioned and Rickman said that they want to get back to Breslin which they have a shot to do that. The Eagles might be back and that’s bad news for the Red.
North Farmington: The Raiders have been rolling as of late. They have turned things around since their loss to Warren Lincoln with wins over Grand Blanc and Benton Harbor. Ryan Hurst, Landon Williams, Tyler Spratt, and Prince Jackson have been playing well for Coach Todd Negoshian. North Farmington is a well-oiled machine right now.
