by orionontv | Dec 5, 2022 | Feature Writers
Written by Anthony Taormina on Wednesday November 30th at 6:30 PM
One year later,
It doesn’t feel like one year, it’s feels like it’s been yesterday.
I don’t choose to remember what happened that awful day a year ago, I choose to remember a young football player whose team at the time was 0-3, one JV football game in September, it didn’t matter what the record was, here they were, Varsity Football Players, playing pickup football playing together, I remember watching them, now yeah the starting QB was talking to Sam but at the same time, I thought, yeah this is what it should be about.
One of those players playing in that group was Tate Myre
I remember watching Tate play youth football, just like his brother Trent and Ty, I remember seeing all three Myre brothers go through youth football then middle school football then Oxford Football. When you think of Oxford Football, you often think Rowleys, Carpenters, Vivianos, Rebtoys, Lines, Keenists (okay that’s just me, Coach Keenist is an Oxford 06 alum), and Myres.
Tate was more than that,
He wasn’t just football and wrestling, when you think of Tate, just like Trent and Ty, you think of them as leaders, as mentors, just overall amazing people, even if our interactions were few and far between. Tate just like his brothers always put the team first, he always celebrated the team’s success rather than his own, just like his brothers. The way it should be.
Can’t give Coach Myre (Coach Buck) and his wife enough credit, they raised three wonderful young men and have mentored so many and continue to mentor even in times of challenge. It was nice to see Coach Myre on the Oxford sideline this year as a Coach, he makes not just a great coach but an even better mentor. I saw my brother briefly talk to Coach Myre after the game, it made sense for him to be the one to do it, when it comes to the patriarchs of the Taorminas, it is always been my brother.
Got to watch all three Myre’s grow (and at times get there last name confused while announcing lol), as my late best friend Steven Crowder told me, “Watch from a distance,” just like I would watch my Lake Orion kids grow, I watched Oxford’s kids grow as well, that included all of the Myres.
Tate loved to mentor kids, I saw it a few times, especially when he would go over to Oxford Middle School. He loved working with younger kids. One time, I had a track meet over at Oxford, he was mentoring a young man who wanted to get better in football, we nodded at the other, watching him being able to make a young man’s day. It was special. It really was. One of my Lake Orion kids who is friends with Tate told me that he loved to bond with Special Ed kids, obviously with having autism, I wanted to bring Tate and his family into my world, just I like I did with several other Oxford Families but I took the Steven Crowder approach of, “Let them come to you.”
Two days before that awful day, Tate followed me on Twitter, I was shocked, I thought he was following my brother, he has the football blog, he just wrote a wonderful article about Oxford Football, how they were playing with nothing to lose, everything to gain. I direct messaged Tate thanking him for following me on twitter, he responded the next day saying “Appreciate it.” I’ve kept that post and I always will.
I had a lot of plans for Tate, obviously we were going to talk about the upcoming football and wrestling seasons, not to mention pick on him over why in football pictures, he didn’t smile, even the picture where he had with the Double O Trophy, it was a happy picture but not a smile lol but I also was going to try and bring him and his family into Sam and my world. Keith Dunlap wrote a wonderful article about my brother and I back in 2020 that just like I did with a few of his Oxford brothers and their families, I had brought them into our world and they came out better because of it. I had planned to share with Tate with the hopes that he would share it with his family. In many ways, just like I did with other Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford Families, bring the Myres into Sam and my world with the hopes that they come out better because of it. It is an autism term, “Bring someone in your world, they will come out better because of it.”
I hope and pray that Tate has met Steven in heaven, they both have a lot in common, both mentors, both well respected, both wiser than their years. You just don’t see that very often with people, you really don’t. I am thankful that Tate’s legacy will never be forgotten, the 42 Strong Program, so many people will benefit from the program, a lot of times when you think of Tate, it is his athletic success but more so success as a leader, mentor, and person who will never ever be forgotten.
by orionontv | Dec 5, 2022 | Feature Writers
Written Wednesday November 30th at 6:40 PM
One year later, the scars are still there, they always will be.
On a November 30th day I was doing my podcast preparing for the first games of the Girls Basketball season. The podcast went very well but after the podcast driving home something wasn’t right on that day.
As I went toward Lake Orion High School to prepare for Girls Basketball, I saw numerous police cars heading north on M-24. I saw Lake Orion on lockdown. I wondered why the school went on lockdown so I talked to Safe-Ed, the Lake Orion security crew. I knew everyone there and also some officers from the Oakland County Police Department, I didn’t understand the police cars and why the school was on lockdown.
After that my heart sank that day when I talked to my friend and coach Carl Barnes.
He said that there was a shooting at Oxford High School.
As I was trying to gather information, I talked to Lake Orion Athletic Director and varsity football coach Chris Bell and Girls Basketball Coach Bob Brydges and they were trying to gather the same information as I was. We’re we going to play that night???
As I listened to the radio before heading to Grand Blanc for a girls freshman game there was an uneasiness hearing that four people lost their lives. I called my father and my OAA Now co-host Ian Locke to see if they were all right and ask if they had heard anything.
As the game went on, all I can think about was what happened, who could had done this, and why in our community. Then the game was over and was on my way to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest.
It got worse.
As I arrived to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest for the junior varsity and varsity games, my good friend Ted Rydquist told me one of the fallen was Tate Myre. That’s when my heart really sank. Myre the same player whom was Oxford’s best player, someone I’ve seen since his days in youth football, I didn’t think that he would be one of the victims.
As the games ended, I sat at home numb going through all the emotions of that day. I then found out about the three others who passed away were including Hana St. Juliana another one that I knew very well. I remember seeing her playing in the girls basketball summer leagues and while she was on the bench and I was at the scorer’s table we talked about my sausage pasta dish. I suggested to her to make it and try it along with her friends, sister, and parents. She told me she would do it.
As the next few days came, I went to Chicago Brothers Pizza to be with my friend Dan Brown. His son Alec I know very well as I know a few within the Oxford community. I did a special podcast tribute to the four who lost their lives on that dark day.
A year has passed and I can sense the presence of the four whom aren’t with us. Their physical selves aren’t with us but their spirits will always be there whether it is Tate’s love for football and wrestling to Hana’s sweetness and kindness whether on the volleyball and especially girls basketball court. I didn’t know Justin Shilling that well but I heard he was a great bowler. Madisyn Baldwin whom I also did not know well either but heard she wanted to be an artist and also wanted help those especially in need whom has autism. I didn’t know also that Baldwin transferred to Oxford from Clarkston.
The four lives will never be forgotten. Things will heal in time but the scars will be there, they will always be there.
My Oxford tribute podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-special-oxford-tribute
by orionontv | Dec 5, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday November 30th at 6:45 PM
Here is the Boys Basketball projections heading into the 2022-2023 season.
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN
- North Farmington
- Ferndale
- Oak Park
- Clarkston
- Adams
- Troy
- Bloomfield Hills
- Stoney Creek
- West Bloomfield
- Lake Orion
Red
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Red is one of the toughest divisions in the State. Ferndale should be in the conversation and possibly State title conversation as well. The Eagles lost their two top players to graduation after making the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years. North Farmington could be a Division One State title contender. The Raiders have the talent to make a deep run. Oak Park has the talent to make a run but they need to overcome their Detroit-University-Detroit Jesuit problem. Clarkston will always be Clarkston but there are some questions at the guards. Adams lost a ton of proven talent but they had a solid sub varsity program to make up for the loss in proven talent and experience. This is a wide open division, anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
Last Season: 18-4, 9-2 Red. Lost 46-44 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Ryan Hurst-G
Key Player: Prince Jackson-G
Wildcard: Tyler Spratt-G
Biggest Question: Can the Raiders win the Division One State Crown???
INSIGHT: The Raiders have somewhat under performed in the last few years since getting to the Division One State title game in 2016. There were hints of North Farmington returning to greatness after suffering a really tough 46-44 regional semifinal loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Raiders could have their best team since getting to the Division One State championship game in 2016. They have a ton of proven experience in Ryan Hurst, Prince Jackson, Tyler Spratt, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Connor Childress, Daemon Eubanks, Dwayne Ray, Lamar Walls, and Donovan Williams coming back for Coach Tom Negoshian. Program strength looks very solid. North Farmington has really toughen their non-conference schedule with a ton of showcase games. The postseason path for the Raiders will be a challenge especially in the regionals but they are more than capable to get to the Breslin Center but they have to overcome the regional to do that this season.
FERNDALE EAGLES
Last Season: 21-4, 11-0 Red. Lost 82-71 to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Division Two State Semifinals.
Top Player: Cameron Reed-G
Key Player: Chris Williams-F
Wildcard: Jayden Hardiman-F
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles get back to Breslin Again???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have made the Division Two State Semifinals in the last two years falling to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in both years. Ferndale lost their two top players from last season to graduation and their path back to the Breslin Center is going to be very challenging. They are in a very tough district with a ton of proven teams at an unknown site. Coach Juan Rickman has done a very good job especially in the last two years when it comes to program strength however in future years it will be a concern. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Jacoby Jackson, Trenton Ruth, Maurice Booth, and Caleb Renfroe. They added a transfer in Jayden Hardiman. Hardiman transferred from Warren Mott this offseason where he was all Macomb County last season. The non-conference looks very interesting with Rickman playing a ton of showcase games to get his team ready for the postseason. Expect big things from the Eagles this season in the Red but the postseason path is a very difficult one but it’s something that Rickman and his program are use too.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
Last Season: 15-6, 8-4 Red. Lost 67-66 to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in District Finals.
Top Player: Geon Hutchins-G
Key Player: LuJuan Holliday-G
Wildcard: Soloman White-G
Biggest Question: Can the Knights overcome Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit???
INSIGHT: The Knights have had a very successful two years under Coach Durand Sheppard. They have been near or the top of the Red and have had some big wins as well during this stretch. The problem has not been the league it has been the postseason. Oak Park has not been able to beat Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the postseason. The Cubs have been the kryptonite to the Knights and have prevented them from having a deep postseason run. They are in the same district again come this postseason. Oak Park has Geon Hutchins, LuJuan Holliday, Soloman White, Kevin Tolliver, Robert Smith, and Jason Harns coming back for Sheppard. Program strength is a concern this season. They should be in the Red conversation but until they can overcome their Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit problem then deep postseason runs could be out of the question for now.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
Last Season: 14-10, 5-7 Red. Lost 52-46 to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in Regional Finals.
Top Player: John Kaul-G
Key Player: Brayden Wiley-G
Wildcard: Brody Kosin-F
Biggest Question: Can the Wolves find a bench???
INSIGHT: The Wolves have always been a traditional power and this season it’s no different. Clarkston has been very consistent as a program. It was very unusual to see this proud program with 10 losses despite making it to the regional finals last season. The Wolves don’t really have that true star player which means it will be like a workman approach. Clarkston has John Kaul, Brayden Wiley, Cavanaugh Diton, Desman Stephens, Zach Scherler, Brody Kosin, Matthew Pflieger, and Cole Church coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Brady Beck could be a player to watch. Program strength looks very solid. The bench will be an area of concern despite having a ton of proven depth. They tend to usually go between six or seven deep which is very unusual. The Wolves should be in the mix for a deep postseason run this season.
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
Last Season: 14-9, 6-6 Red. Lost 64-46 to Clarkston in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Brady Prieskorn-F
Key Player: Peter Karkasis-G
Wildcard: Drew Blackmeir-G
Biggest Question: Can the Highlanders find last season’s success???
INSIGHT: The Highlanders are in a very interesting spot this season. They lost a ton of talent from last season but in talking to Adams Athletic Director Brian Hossler he said that he expects the Highlanders to play more like a team. Adams has Brady Prieskorn, Peter Karkasis, Drew Blackmeir, Jack Donohoe, and Nathan Kim coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Program strength is very strong with the Highlanders this season. Adams has looked very good in the summer leagues. They should be in the mix in the Red this season.
White
EARLY THOUGHTS: The White looks to be a very interesting division when it comes to the teams. West Bloomfield comes from the Red and they bring a ton of proven experience. Farmington also comes from the Red where they should be better after having a very tough year last season. Troy has a ton of proven experience coming back. Groves has a new coach but a solid program to work with. Bloomfield Hills has a new coach but has the best player in the division. Lake Orion should be very interesting. The Dragons have three starters coming back but is the great unknown. This division should be very interesting as mentioned.
TROY COLTS
Last Season: 13-10, 4-4 White. Lost 59-28 to Warren De LaSalle in District Finals.
Top Player: Darius Whiteside-F
Key Player: Zach Penoza-G
Wildcard: Mason Parker-G
Biggest Question: Can the Colts put it all together???
INSIGHT: The Colts were very young last season. They should be very good this season. Troy has several proven players in Darius Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chaise Kupier, Jon Whiteside, Carter Cusmano, Mason Parker, Bryce Parker, Kyle Parker, and Nate Liberty coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength looks solid for the Colts. They have everything lined up for a special run. The district is very manageable. They have enough proven experience to have a special season.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
Last Season: 16-5, 6-2 White. Lost 78-53 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Noah Adamcyzk-G
Key Player: Brandon Newland-F
Wildcard: CJ Jackson-G
Biggest Question: Can the Blackhawks find a bench???
INSIGHT: The Blackhawks have shared the White the last two years so you would assume they would go to the Red however that wasn’t the case as they stayed in the White this season. They have a new coach in Brian Canfield taking over the program. Canfield knows the program really well. Bloomfield Hills has their top scorer in Noah Adamcyzk coming back. Adamcyzk has averaged over 20 points per game last season. The Blackhawks also have Ahmad Taylor, Henry Jackson, CJ Jackson, and Brandon Newland coming back for Canfield. Program strength looks to be solid for Bloomfield Hills. They should be in the mix but there are some danger signs to watch though which could be concerns as well.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
Last Season: 4-16, 2-10 Red. Lost 60-46 to Bloomfield Hills in First Round.
Top Player: Mitchell Seay-G
Key Player: Jayden Jones-G
Wildcard: Isisiah Bryant-G
Biggest Question: How will the Lakers do in the White???
INSIGHT: It was a very rough year for the Lakers winning four games last season. They come from the Red which they were a part of for a long while. West Bloomfield should be in line for a much better season. They have Mitchell Seay, Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Isisiah Bryant, Terrance Curry, Adam Shewcraft, and Louis Johnson coming back for Coach Arnette Jordon. Program strength looks to be solid for the Lakers. They are in a very tough district this season. It should be very interesting to see how West Bloomfield does in the White this season.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
Last Season: 15-7, 6-2 White. Lost 52-46 to Adams in District Finals
Top Player: Blake Liddell-F
Key Player: DJ Morrow-G
Wildcard: Kaydon DeGraffenreid-F
Biggest Question: Can the Dragons be on the same page???
INSIGHT: It was a very weird year for the Dragons which saw a coaching change mid-season along with sharing the White and getting to the district finals is a heck of an accomplishment last season. Lake Orion should be very interesting under Coach Jose Andrades in his first full season leading the Dragons. Lake Orion has Nate Havrilla, Blake Liddell, DJ Morrow, and Kevin Tobe coming back for Andrades. Kaydon DeGraffenreid and Ryan Rocheleau could be a players to watch. Program strength is a concern for Andrades. If the Dragons have that chip on the shoulder then they could be a force this season.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
Last Season: 2-19, 0-12 Red. Lost 73-61 to Southfield Arts and Tech in First Round.
Top Player: Jaden Turner-G
Key Player: Luke Donehue-F
Wildcard: Tony Tobert-G
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons bounce back after a rough year last season???
INSIGHT: It was a very tough year for the Falcons which saw two wins last season. Farmington has some optimism coming into this season. They are in the White and have a bunch of proven experience. The Falcons have Jaden Turner, Tony Tobert, Luke Donehue, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, and Logan Robinson coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Program strength is a concern for McDowell coming into the season. Farmington should be better as mentioned, now it’s time to prove it.
GROVES FALCONS
Last Season: 13-8, 4-4 White. Lost 59-41 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Elijah Yelder-G
Key Player: Jack Abbott-G
Wildcard: Josh Gibson-G
Biggest Question: How will the Falcons adjust to new coach Marc West???
INSIGHT: The Falcons had a good year winning 13 games last season. The postseason bugaboos have really bothered them falling to Birmingham Brother Rice in the last two years. Groves made some changes this offseason. They have a new coach but its a familiar one in Marc West. West has coached at Groves and brings a ton of college experience being an assistant. He knows the program inside and out. The Falcons have Elijah Yelder, Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Josh Gibson, Max Young, Myles McClary, and Brody Tushman coming back. Program strength is a big concern for West. Groves is a very young team but under West they should turn things around real quickly. They should be a very interesting team to watch this season.
Blue
EARLY THOUGHTS: It is very odd that the Blue has seven teams this season. Stoney Creek has a ton of proven experience coming back but they also have a new coach. Seaholm should be better and they are always scrappy. Royal Oak comes from the Gold and are looking to prove themselves. Rochester looks to be solid after having a really strong summer. Troy Athens has several returners coming back after an odd season. Oxford is a sleeper in this division. They have a star player in the wings. Berkley has a star player but role players are a question mark. This should be a very interesting division with each team bringing different styles to the division.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
Last Season: 6-15, 0-8 White. Lost 57-39 to Rochester in First Round.
Top Player: Peyton Rummler-F
Key Player: Tre Walker-G
Wildcard: Jonah McCay-F
Biggest Question: How will the Cougars adjust to a new system???
INSIGHT: It was very tough for the Cougars last season but there are some changes that happened this offseason. They are in a new division and have a new coach. Stoney Creek named Jeff Olind their new head coach. He comes from Warren Mott and led the Mauraders to greatness during his time with the program. Olind takes over a program that has proven experience in Peyton Rummler and Tre Walker. Stoney Creek also has Jonah McCay, Tommasso Sincola, Emilio Villafuerte, and Jacob Watson coming back. Program strength looks to be solid for Olind. The transition period will be a challenge early but once they get all in sync with one another then look out. Stoney Creek is the early favorite in the Blue for good reason, experience everywhere with this program.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
Last Season: 15-7, 7-3 Blue. Lost 56-33 to Adams in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Elijah Kalaj-G
Key Player: Kharmani Potts-F
Wildcard: Alex Bueno-G
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons keep the momentum going???
INSIGHT: The Falcons made a ton of strides in winning 15 games last season. Can Rochester keep the momentum will be the question heading into this season??? The Falcons lost some proven experience to graduation last season. They have Elijah Kalaj, Kharmani Potts, Joe Lulgjuraj, Jayden Bolden, Grant Calcagno, and Alex Bueno coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Kalaj has made a name for himself this summer while Bueno, Potts, Bolden, and Calcagno led the Rochester football program to their first postseason win in school history over Stoney Creek this past season for Coach Eric Vernon. Program strength is a bit of a concern for Evola. Rochester should be a player in the Blue with the proven experience they have this season.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
Last Season: 8-12, 6-4 Blue. Lost 41-35 to Groves in First Round.
Top Player: Ben Diskin-G
Key Player: Jeff Sheldon-G
Wildcard: Ricky Sparby-G
Biggest Question: Can the Maples keep improving???
INSIGHT: The Maples are traditionally a scrappy bunch and they should be a scrappy bunch again this season. Seaholm really struggled overall winning eight games but six were in the Blue which was an odyssey. They still have to overcome their arch rival which will be very interesting if they meet in the postseason. The Maples have a lot of proven experience Ben Diskin, Jeff Sheldon, Findlay Sparby, Ricky Sparby, Rishi Thota, and Abe Miller coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. Program strength looks to be very solid for DeGeeter this season. This group a few years ago had a very successful season when they were freshman and could be in line to repeat that same magic. Seaholm is a dark horse in the Blue. The Maples could surprise some people this season.
BERKLEY BEARS
Last Season: 13-9, 5-5 Blue. Lost 67-35 to Oak Park in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Tamir Runkenvich-G
Key Player: Jacob Sheriff-G
Wildcard: Hunter Robinson-F
Biggest Question: Can the Bears a secondary scorer to Runkenvich???
INSIGHT: The Bears have been playing very good basketball in the last three years. They haven’t had good luck when it comes to the postseason. Berkley should be very interesting with where they are as a program. The Bears have their top player in Tamir Runkenvich coming back. He had a break out year and is expected to continue that path this season. Secondary scoring a concern for Coach Joe Sermo but there are some options with Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, David Rolands, Riley Shafritz, Ian Smith, and Hunter Robinson coming back for Sermo. Program strength has really improved in the last two years for Sermo. They just need better luck come postseason time though but this should be a very good basketball team.
OXFORD WILDCATS
Last Season: 10-13, 5-5 Blue. Lost 66-32 to Grand Blanc in District Finals.
Top Player: Jake Champaigne-G
Key Player: Dominic Cassisse-G
Wildcard: Jay Cady-F
Biggest Question: Can the Wildcats find some size???
INSIGHT: The Wildcats have always been a tough team and they should be this season. Oxford is in a very tough district for the second straight year after making the district finals last season. The Wildcats have had a strong summer especially Jake Champaigne. Champaigne has averaged over 40 points per game during the summer. His backcourt mate and starting quarterback Dominic Cassisse whom played on their junior varsity last season is also expected to make some noise as well for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Laidlaw also has Lucas Botette, Drew Kady, Jay Kady, Dylan Stone, Kyle DiMalanta, and Keaton Lynn coming back. Size is a big concern for Laidlaw this season. Program strength should be solid. Expect Oxford to go more up and down this season.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
Last Season: 11-10, 5-5 Blue. Lost 34-31 to Troy in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Emmanuel Robinson-G
Key Player: Brogan Withun-F
Wildcard: Kyrie Harper-G
Biggest Question: Can the Red Hawks find more height beside Withun???
INSIGHT: The Red Hawks could be a very interesting team if they keep making strides this season. Troy Athens was above 500 despite having some struggles last season. There is a nice blend of youth and experience for Coach Dave Scott. They have Emmanuel Robinson, Brogan Withun, Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proekee, and Kyrie Harper coming back for Scott. Program strength is a concern for Troy Athens. The Red Hawks are a great mystery this season.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
Last Season: 13-8, 5-3 Gold. Lost 59-35 to Detroit Renaissance in First Round.
Top Player: Camden Clark-G
Key Player: Davis Arbeiter-F
Wildcard: Dylan Hoffman-G
Biggest Question: How will the Ravens do in the Blue???
INSIGHT: The Ravens have really been struggling as a program in the last five years. There was some promise with winning a league crown and gaining some much needed confidence. They made a huge step by winning the Gold last season. Royal Oak has some questions coming into this season especially with how they will do in a different division with much better teams. The Ravens have some proven experience in Camden Clark, Davis Arbeiter, and Dylan Hoffman coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is a big concern for Smith. Royal Oak will have to rely on Hoffman, Clark, and Arbeiter to win games. They should be a very interesting team to watch this season with the changes.
Gold
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Gold should be very interesting this season. Southfield Arts and Tech has a new coach and a ton of proven experience. Avondale has really improved this summer and should be a player this season. Harper Woods should be solid in year two in the OAA. The Pioneers are coming off a district title from last season. Ferndale University looks much improved and are primed to make the next step in the division. Pontiac should be in line for a bounce back year after really struggling last season. The Gold should be very interesting as mentioned. Anyone can win this division.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
Last Season: 7-15, 2-8 Blue. Lost 50-47 to Livonia Stevenson in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Bryce Hewins-G
Key Player: Davier Burt-G
Wildcard: Juwan Ramsey-G
Biggest Question: How will the Warriors adjust under a new coach???
INSIGHT: The Warriors made some big changes this offseason after going down from the Red to the Gold in a span of four years. They have a new coach in former Farmington Coach Terrance Porter. Porter was an assistant with his younger brother TaJuan at Harper Woods last season. He will see his brother in the division twice this season. Southfield Arts and Tech really struggled last season. They should be better with Bryce Hewins, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey coming back. Program strength is a concern for Porter this season. They are one of the favorites in the Gold but can they adjust to the new system and there is a transition period that has to happen and for the Warriors it has to happen during the season.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
Last Season: 13-10, 5-3 Gold. Lost 64-46 to Detroit Pershing in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Julian Young-G
Key Player: Stephone Buford-G
Wildcard: DeAndre Williams-G
Biggest Question: Can the Pioneers compete against Division One Teams come in the postseason???
INSIGHT: The Pioneers had a tale of two seasons in their first year in the OAA. Harper Woods really struggled early but improved late which earned them a district crown. They were in Division Two last season but now they are in Division One thanks to an enrollment hike and in a very tough district this postseason. The Pioneers have some experience which should help in Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Program strength looks to be solid for Harper Woods. The key should be the start and if they can adjust and keep improving each game then they will be ready once the postseason comes.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
Last Season: 10-12, 4-4 Gold. Lost 69-32 to Clarkston in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Justin Sykes-F
Key Player: Malik Adams-G
Wildcard: Dequarius Moody-G
Biggest Question: Can the Yellow Jackets make some noise in the postseason???
INSIGHT: If there is a program with a ton of optimism this season this is it. The Yellow Jackets were very young last season but what they have done this summer has been very impressive. Avondale has Justin Sykes, Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Terry Daniel, Issac Gordon, DJ White, Darren Pagel, and Jeremiah Phillips coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. A few players to watch that could make some noise are Anthony Burton and Dequarius Moody. Program strength is a bit of a concern for Clancy and should be something to watch. The Yellow Jackets have a very interesting district come postseason time where they could give someone problems. They are a sleeper in the Gold this season.
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES
Last Season: 7-13, 4-4 Gold. Lost 65-61 in overtime to Detroit Jalen Rose Academy in First Round.
Top Player: Semaj McGhee-G
Key Player: Rasheed Jones-F
Wildcard: Chris Kendrix-G
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles keep building as a program???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have been making big strides as a program. They won seven games and battled tough with Detroit Jalen Rose Academy which went overtime in the postseason last season. Ferndale University should be a sleeper in the Gold this season because of proven experience. They have Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Chris Kendrix, Semaj Clark, Cordea McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Zakaria Sillah, Jonathan King, and Damir Orr coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Nicks has done a very nice job with the program and has toughen up the non-conference. Program strength is a concern and if they can get three teams then it will improve the program even further going forward.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
Last Season: 2-10, 2-6 Gold. Lost 71-34 to Waterford Mott in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Davion Hall-G
Key Player: Tyree Long-G
Wildcard: Carter Douglass-F
Biggest Question: Can the Phoenix find some depth to go with their three top players???
INSIGHT: It was a very unusual for the Phoenix to struggle this much winning two games last season. Pontiac only played 12 games which was also unusual. The Phoenix should be better with the proven experience they have. Pontiac has Davion Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglass coming back for Coach Damion O’Neil. Program strength is a question mark for the Phoenix this season. Pontiac really needs a bounce back season in the worst way possible.
by orionontv | Dec 5, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday December 3rd at 10:30 PM
Hello all after the first week of the season which included the OAA/Lakes Valley Challenge which the OAA won seven to two. Here is the top 23 rankings as of now.
- West Bloomfield (1-0): Lakers have the complete package except depth.
- Lake Orion (1-0): Win over Oxford is a statement sender.
- Oxford (2-1): Any win over Birmingham Marian especially on the road is a really big deal.
- Clarkston (2-0): Elli Roback has scored 16 points each in the last two games. We’ll know a lot about the Wolves when they head to Macomb Dakota.
- Rochester (1-1): Giving the Falcons a pass for what happened against Farmington Hills Mercy.
- Stoney Creek (2-0): Been really impressed with Lily Solek in the first two games.
- North Farmington (2-0): Sela Lefler has been the difference for the Raiders.
- Troy Athens (3-0): Skyler Emerson has really excelled and it has showed.
- Royal Oak (1-1): Lydia Dickens is a future star in the making.
- Adams (1-1): Morgan McPherson could be a problem for the White this season.
- Troy (2-1): Diamond Prince is a future star in the making.
- Farmington (1-1): Yasmine Thorpe has been playing really good basketball lately.
- Seaholm (1-1): Maples lucky not to be 0-2 right now.
- Bloomfield Hills (0-1): The Blackhawks 19 point fourth quarter shows a lot of promise.
- Groves (0-1): Can’t allow a 15-1 fourth quarter run against Novi and expect to win Falcons.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (0-2): Warriors have lost their last two games by 11 points each.
- Berkley (0-2): The Bears have been really hard to figure out.
- Avondale (0-2): Yellow Jackets are having a hard time right now.
- Ferndale University (0-1): 14 points is not a good showing for the Eagles.
- Pontiac (0-1): Nine points just isn’t going to cut it in games.
- Oak Park (0-1): Knights have concerns going forward.
- Harper Woods (0-0): Can’t judge the Pioneers yet.
- Ferndale (0-0): Can’t judge the Eagles yet.
by orionontv | Dec 5, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Around the OAA.
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Written Sunday December 4th at 10:20 AM
Here are my thoughts of each team coming into the week. I will do this weekly with both girls and boys basketball so without further a do here they are.
Oak Park: The Knights are coming off a blowout loss to Detroit University Prep on Tuesday. Oak Park still has some concerns regarding scoring and defense. They really struggled last season and it looks like they have not addressed those issues. There are some concerns with this team.
Ferndale: I can’t really judge the Eagles since they haven’t played a game yet.
Pontiac: The Phoenix scoring nine points against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is a cause of serious concern and with a really tough non conference schedule looming which includes Lake Orion and Troy Athens that could be pretty challenging for Coach Rawelle Marshall. Pontiac has going through a really tough stretch right now.
Ferndale University: The Eagles did not look very good on Tuesday against Hazel Park only scoring 14 points. That is a serious concern for Coach Brianna Rowe. They have two games looming this week that they need to bounce back. If Ferndale University plays like they did against Hazel Park then they could be in some trouble. The Eagles need to get back on track and quick.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are in a ton of trouble right now. I watched the film and they had six girls in their opening game loss to Warren Mott then they ran into Riley Abney and Ortonville Brandon and fell by 18 points. Avondale really needs to address some issues defensively if they want to get things back on track.
Farmington: The Falcons have been very competitive lately and that’s a good sign. They held Waterford Mott to five points in the second half on Friday which is a great sign. Yasmine Thorpe is off to a very strong start for Farmington. Thorpe has averaged 17.5 points per game in their two games thus far. The Falcons need more from Carissa Hankins, she has averaged eight points per game in the last two games. There are a ton of positives for Farmington and Coach Laura Guzman and that’s a good sign going forward.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks didn’t look great for three quarters in their game on Friday but the 19 point fourth quarter and fight Bloomfield Hills showed in their one point loss to Seaholm proves that this is a much different Blackhawks squad. Ashley Forner and Ruby Smith are much better than last season. There is a reason why Bloomfield Hills is favored in the Blue and the Blackhawks showed it. Coach Kristen Massey’s team is fine, no reason to panic.
Adams: The Highlanders might be better than I thought. They had a really good win over Lapeer and was a steal away from winning over Lakeland. Morgan McPherson has really taking on a leadership role. She has been playing really well for Coach Joe Malburg. Samantha Blaine has also played very well as well. Adams will rely on their defense which has been really good. The schedule will get tough for the Highlanders with two city rivals looming this week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are a much improved team from last season where they won six games. Skylar Emerson is a completely different player and is more comfortable at point guard. She was very impressive in their win over Walled Lake Western and was huge against Farmington and Royal Oak Shrine. Emerson had 21 points in their win over Farmington. Rebech Delia and Abby Malone have also shown significant improvement as well. Ellie Musko has had moments of greatness, she had 14 points against Royal Oak Shrine. Alex Link has also been solid for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Troy Athens has played very well in their three games. The schedule will get tough for the Red Hawks when they have arch rival Troy looming this week. Troy Athens is in a very good spot right now.
Harper Woods: I can’t really judge the Pioneers since they haven’t played a game yet.
Seaholm: The Maples are really lucky they are not 0-2 right now. Seaholm almost blew a 15 point lead against Bloomfield Hills and was blown out by Stoney Creek. The last two games are not a good sign with Groves, Clarkston, and Saline still on the non conference schedule. On the bright side Addy Flynn is off to a nice start for Coach Chris Manchester averaging 15 points per game. Seaholm can fix this but the danger signs are clearly there.
Royal Oak: The Ravens are better than what I expected. I really like how Royal Oak plays basketball. Lucy Freytag is a solid player along with Anna Waterstedt and Emily Walden. Lydia Dickens is a star in the making, she can shoot the three well and is a very good rebounder. Also the Ravens are back to playing their traditional defensive principals. The Walled Lake Northern loss ended up being a good loss for Coach Brian Sopota and his team. I think Royal Oak could make some serious noise in the White.
Berkley: The Bears have me very concerned. The Utica Eisenhower loss was okay but the Royal Oak Shrine loss has me worried going forward. Mya Jones didn’t play against Royal Oak Shrine but they have other players whom can pick it up. Berkley if they can’t get things together then they could be in trouble but a long break should help them going forward and to get some confidence back in the team.
North Farmington: The Raiders are off to a good start with two wins over Southfield Arts and Tech and Walled Lake Central. Sela Lefler and Penelope Creary are the big reason for the 2-0 start. Lefler had 19 points against Southfield Arts and Tech and 25 against Walled Lake Central. She has averaged 22 points per game. Creary had 14 points against Southfield Arts and Tech and 12 points against Walled Lake Central and has averaged 13 points per game. North Farmington needs third and fourth scoring which really concerns me with Coach Jeff Simpson’s team. It is really hard to rely on Lefler and Creary night in and night out, Simpson needs that third and fourth scorer to stand out if the Raiders want to make some noise this season.
Oxford: The Wildcats had a very emotional week. They lost a tough one to Lake Orion then earned a big win over Lapeer but the statement they sent to the State when they went into Birmingham Marian and Mary Cicerone Court to stun the Mustangs by 11 points that says a lot. Myranda Wyniemko has been playing outstanding. Nevaeh Wood and Sophia Raab have had their moments as has Peyton Ritcher but the play of Allison Hufstedler has been the key for Coach Rachel Bryer. She has played very consistent and has been the glue of the team. Oxford has North Branch looming this week. The Wildcats are a serious player in the White and also in their district which has Grand Blanc, Lapeer, and Davison.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been struggling defensively which is a big concern. In their two losses to North Farmington and Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy they have allowed 54 points per game. This is an area that Coach Shaquita Coltrane needs to address. Jaylin Austin has been playing well for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors have Romulus looming this week, it should be winnable for them. It will be interesting to see where Southfield Arts and Tech goes but the defense needs to be fixed.
Troy: The Colts are a very young team where they rely a ton of freshman and sophomores but they have two good wins over Waterford Kettering and Holly. Troy has a very good freshman in Diamond Prince. Prince is a solid dribble driver and good three point shooter. She has averaged 16 points per game in her three games this season. Reagan Zeiter is a very good proven shooter along with Charlotte Guillion one of their three seniors. It is going to be a long year Troy but the future is bright especially with the classes coming into the program in the middle school levels.
Groves: The Falcons had everything in place to get their first win of the season in Novi on Friday night then a 15-1 run hit in the fourth quarter and Groves fell 41-35 to the Wildcats. There are some concerns to watch for Coach Allison Hidey and her program. This week is a big week for the program if they want to turn things around.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been quietly going along with their business. Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, and Erin Flynn have been as good as advertised but I’ve been really impressed with Lily Solek. Her size makes up for a lot of the lack of height for Coach Kellen James. Solek played well in their win over South Lyon. Merrick Schwalbach has been playing very good off the bench and Kelsi Butcher has been solid as well. There is a lot to like about “Team Finebaum.” They have some really tricky but manageable games looming this week. If Stoney Creek can keep building on their depth then look out.
Clarkston: Elli Roback looks to be the real deal for the Wolves. She can dribble drive and shoot the three on a consistent basis. Roback has averaged 16 points per game in their two wins over Novi and Saginaw Heritage. Ava Hernandez has played very well in her first full season fully healthy. Kierra Tolmie, Emily Velicina, and Claire Walker have had moments. We will know more about Clarkston when they play Macomb Dakota and Chelsea is a very tricky game as well. The Wolves are rolling on all cylinders.
Rochester: Well besides the turnover and mistake prone disaster against Farmington Hills Mercy the Falcons got themselves back on track against Milford winning 33-18. Rochester relies on Alice Max and Kiley Robinson in games a bit too much which is a concern. They haven’t scored over 35 which is a concern but the defense looks very good where they are allowing 22.5 points per game. Guard play will be the key going forward for Rochester whom has a tough week which includes a tough one with a very good Utica Ford II program that looms.
Lake Orion: The Dragons haven’t missed a beat from last season’s district title run. Lake Orion is the deepest team in Oakland County for good reason. The win over Oxford is huge for this program. Would like to see more of that depth develop and there is a good chance that could happen in the future. The Dragons are certainly a player right now.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers look like they are the real deal. The Hendrix and Davis sisters looked dominant on all phases against South Lyon East. They can shoot, rebound, play fast, and play a physical brand of basketball. Depth is their biggest weakness. If teams can get both the Hendrix and Davis sisters in foul trouble or if they run into a very tight officiating crew then it could get very interesting. West Bloomfield has things clicking on all cylinders.
by orionontv | Nov 28, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Around the OAA.
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Written Sunday November 27th at 9:45 AM
Here is the preview heading into the 2022-2023 season.
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN
- West Bloomfield
- Lake Orion
- Oxford
- Rochester
- Clarkston
- Stoney Creek
- Berkley
- Groves
- Seaholm
- Bloomfield Hills
Red
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Red should be very interesting this season. Two teams moved from the White this offseason and could be ready to make a ton of noise. West Bloomfield won the Division One State Championship last season and the majority of their team is back. The bench is the question mark for the Lakers coming into the season. Lake Orion is loaded with proven experience. They have the majority of their team coming back after making the regional semifinals last season. The Dragons might be the deepest team when it comes to interchangeable talent. Rochester could have a say when it comes to depth this season. The Falcons have the majority of their team coming back and features two twin towers in the interior. Groves has a ton of proven experience coming back although they are not as deep as Rochester or Lake Orion. Troy lost almost everyone from a team that went to the State Quarterfinals last season. Clarkston lost their two top scorers from last season however it could make them more dangerous because they would have multiple scorers. Stoney Creek has always been a proven program and they are expected to be once again. Southfield Arts and Tech is the great unknown. The Warriors need to make that next step but for that to happen they need to beat really good teams not just the bad teams. Overall there is a reason why the Red is one of the best divisions in the State.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
Last Season: 25-1, 12-0 Red. Won Division One State Championship.
Top Player: Summer Davis-G
Key Player: Kendall Hendrix-G
Wildcard: Sydney Hendrix-G
Biggest Question: Can the Lakers depth come to par with their starting five???
INSIGHT: The Lakers are coming off a Division One State championship last season. They are one of the favorites to repeat this season. West Bloomfield has Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Kendall Hendrix, and Sydney Hendrix coming back. Destiny Washington could be that possible fifth starter for Coach Daryl McAllister. The bench is a major concern coming into the season. They have Ava Lord, Gabby Williams, Jaylee Head, Jada Vaughn, and Gabrielle Hale coming back. McAllister needs some talented players to step up from the bench and not rely on the starting five. If they have to rely on their starting five which they can but it’s not preferred then it could spell trouble. Program strength is a concern for the Lakers. West Bloomfield has the playmakers for a deep postseason run but program strength and bench play are major concerns as mentioned coming into the season.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
Last Season: 18-6, 10-4 White. Lost 61-47 to Clarkston in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Maddie Ebbert-G
Key Player: Kylie Heck-G
Wildcard: Izzy Wotlinski-G/F
Biggest Question: Can the Dragons repeat the postseason magic from last season???
INSIGHT: The Dragons overcame so much adversity before and during the season. They won 18 games and earned their first district championship since 2009. This is a program that not a lot of people around the State are talking about and really need to start to pay attention too. Lake Orion might be the deepest team in Oakland County with their proven depth. The Dragons have Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Taylor Dinda, Audrey Wischmeyer, Chloe Wiegers, Grace Sullivan, Ryan Pawalczyk, and Jodie McCaffery coming back. Watch for Izzy Wotilinski and Charlotte Peplowski for Coach Bob Brydges. Wotlinski could be on the verge of a break out year. Lake Orion has a very deep bench as mentioned. Program strength looks solid for Brydges. The Dragons should be a force this season.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
Last Season: 18-4, 13-1 White. Lost 40-34 to Lake Orion in District Finals.
Top Player: Alice Max-F
Key Player: Natalie Rayce-G
Wildcard: Stevie Norgrove-G
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons overcome their District Final Woes???
INSIGHT: The Falcons are coming off their fourth straight district final loss last season. This could be a great opportunity for them to avenge that come this postseason despite being in a very tough district. Rochester has most of their starting five with Alice Max and Kylie Robinson leading the charge coming back in the interior. The biggest question for Coach Bill Thurston will be point guard. It is expected that Alana Webb or Kaitlyn Guolla could share time at point guard. The Falcons have proven inside-out shooters in Natalie Rayce, Stevie Norgrove, Abby Pleasant, Ava Williams, and Ava Kucera coming back. They added an Iowa soccer commit in Samantha Glover. Glover fills a big need at small forward for Thurston given her height and quickness. “Very competitive group of girls. They play together and share the ball. We have a senior driven team that compliments our two sophomores” said Thurston. Program strength looks solid. Thurston has the interior along with proven shooters but the stabilizer (point guard) will be key for the Falcons success.”The girls have their goals set high and will compete to be one of the top teams in Oakland County this year. Matching last season’s defensive performance will be key as they move up to the Red” Thurston concluded. Rochester is more than capable but if they can turn their district final bad habits around then they could be in line for a deep postseason run.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
Last Season: 17-7, 10-2 Red. Lost 48-46 to Hartland in Regional Finals.
Top Player: Kierra Tolmie-F
Key Player: Ava Hernandez-G
Wildcard: Claire Walker-F
Biggest Question: How will the Wolves replace their top two scorers from last season???
INSIGHT: The Wolves are going to be a different team this season. They had a very good season where they won 17 games. Clarkston had a heartbreaking loss to Hartland in the regional final last season. They lost their two top players from last season (Maddie Skroupski and Izzy Hadley) but they might be more dangerous now that they don’t have that dominant player. The Wolves have a ton of proven players in Kierra Tolmie, Ava Hernandez, Emily Valencia, Mia Zorski, Claire Walker, Anna Thomas, Ella Morgner, Marley Maxur, Wiley Gibbs, and Olivia Gray coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Clarkston has toughen up their non-conference. Program strength looks to be solid. The Wolves should be in the mix this season.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
Last Season: 14-7, 8-4 Red. Lost 32-30 to Lake Orion in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Sarah LaPrarie-G
Key Player: Erin Flynn-G
Wildcard: Merrick Schwalbach-F
Biggest Question: Can the Cougars sustain and rise in the Red???
INSIGHT: The Cougars are a very interesting team winning 14 games but had a very disappointing postseason last season. Stoney Creek should be in the mix in the Red and also in the postseason this season. Program strength is solid for Coach Kellen James. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, Erin Flynn, Lily Solek, Kaeli Butcher, and Merrick Schwalbach coming back. The interior is a bit of a concern for James. It’s possible that Schwalbach, Butcher, and Solek could fill those roles in the paint. Stoney Creek has proven experience especially at the guards. They are a sleeper in the Red.
GROVES FALCONS
Last Season: 10-11, 4-8 Red. Lost 66-22 to West Bloomfield in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Kaitlyn Sanders-F
Key Player: Cira Racco-G
Wildcard: Lily Gallagher-F
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons take the next step???
INSIGHT: The Falcons have been through a lot as a program in the last two years. They went through a very difficult transition when Coach Allison Hidey took over the program. Groves has a veteran proven team coming back after taking a ton of lumps last season. They lost one senior to graduation. Hidey has proven players in Kaitlyn Sanders, Cira Racco, Dana Wesley, Lily Gallagher, Neveah McCay, Payge Charnas, Kirsten Jasinski, Jean Smith, and Cameron Little coming back. The Falcons relied a ton on Sanders and Racco and they are expected to do so again but watch for Gallagher, she is a darkhorse on this team. Program strength is a major concern. Groves has a great shot to get over 500 this season but the postseason looks daunting. They should be very interesting to watch this season.
TROY COLTS
Last Season: 13-12, 5-7 Red. Lost 67-32 to West Bloomfield in State Quarterfinals.
Top Player: Lizzie Butzyzk-G
Key Player: Avery Allen-G
Wildcard: Reigan Zeiter-G
Biggest Question: How will the Colts replace last season’s senior class???
INSIGHT: It’s going to be a very tough transition for the Colts this season. Troy struggled early but when they got healthy they made had a special run to get to the State Quarterfinals. They lost a lot of proven experience from last season. It could be a very tough adjustment period for the Colts. Troy has Lizzie Butzyzk, Avery Allen, Zoe Silver, Shiavani Angadi, Victoria Siegan, Charlotte Guillion, and Reagan Zeiter coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Porter could have two impactful freshmen that could make varsity to watch in Carly Higginbottom and Maci Zeiter coming into the program. Butzyzk and Allen look to be their two top players this season. Program strength is a major concern. The non conference is very interesting and they are in a brutal district to close the season. Expect some growing pains this season.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
Last Season: 5-16, 1-11 Red. Lost 56-18 to Farmington Hills Mercy in District First Round.
Top Player: Christian Banks-G
Key Player: Jaylin Austin-F
Wildcard: Kamaria Paige-G
Biggest Question: Can the Warriors make the next step???
INSIGHT: The Warriors are a very interesting team where it depends which team shows up every night. They have played very well against struggling teams but when they play very good or proven teams they tend to struggle. The inconsistent play is something that Coach Shaquita Coltrane has to address in a big way. Southfield Arts and Tech has some proven experience in Jaylin Austin, Christian Banks, Kamaria Paige, and Jordan Ushery coming back. Program strength is a major concern. The Red is different which could give the Warriors some issues. This is a program that needs to improve each day if they want to make some noise this season.
White
EARLY THOUGHTS: The White should be very interesting this season. Oxford should be the favorite and for good reason. The Wildcats return their entire starting lineup but the bench will be very critical if they want to make that next step especially in the postseason where they are in a very difficult district. North Farmington has their top two top scorers coming back but they have some questions elsewhere coming into the season. Berkley shocked the State with their district title run last season but they lost their best player to graduation. It will be very interesting to see what they do if they want a repeat of their district title run. Royal Oak comes from the Red after having a really tough year last season. The Ravens could be a dark horse with proven experience coming back. Harper Woods and Seaholm come from the Blue. The Maples should be very good with their proven experience along with playing very tough non-conference schedule. The Pioneers have several questions to address despite being experienced. Troy Athens could be a wildcard. The Red Hawks are well coached, have a solid nucleus, and could surprise some people. Adams will be very young this season but there is optimism surrounding this freshman class. Overall there is a lot of balance in this division but the Wildcats stand out to be the favorite right now.
OXFORD WILDCATS
Last Season: 12-6, 9-4 White. Lost 59-27 to Grand Blanc in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Myranda Wynemkio-G
Key Player: Allison Hufstedler-G
Wildcard: Peyton Ritcher-F
Biggest Question: How will the Wildcats handle their bench situation???
INSIGHT: The Wildcats have overcame a lot of adversity since last season. Oxford comes into the season with a ton of proven confidence after having a really strong summer. They should be motivated to do well especially in the postseason where it is possible that they could see Grand Blanc for a third straight year. The Wildcats should have one of the best starting lineups in Oakland County with their proven experience in Myranda Wynemkio, Peyton Ritcher, Nevadeh Wood, Sophia Rabb, and Allison Hufstedler coming back. Ritcher comes back after suffering a torn ACL injury last season. The bench is a question mark despite having Brady Elling, Avery Feeney, and Lexi Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. If the Wildcats can develop their bench then Oxford with that starting five could have a very strong season and very possibly a deep postseason run.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
Last Season: 12-9, 8-5 White. Lost 56-31 to Birmingham Marian in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Sela Lefler-G
Key Player: Penelope Creary-G
Wildcard: Asiyah Jihad-F
Biggest Question: Can the Raiders with all the experience win a district and the White???
INSIGHT: The Raiders should be a very interesting team after experiencing some struggles early but really improved late in the year last season. North Farmington is going to be veteran heavy this season. They have their two top players in Sela Lefler and Penelope Creary coming back. Lefler was easily the Raiders top player last season and when she was out injured they really struggled. Coach Jeff Simpson will need others to step up besides Lefler and Creary if they want make some noise in the White. The Raiders have Asiyah Jihad, Eliza Muller, Amarriah Merriweather, Hannah Hart, Sam Hoffer, and Halee Rogers coming back. Simpson is veteran heavy as mentioned. They have a favorable non-conference and district ahead of them. If they can get a consistent third and fourth scorer then North Farmington could be in line for a very good season.
BERKLEY BEARS
Last Season: 13-9, 8-6 White. Lost 61-32 to Grosse Pointe North in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Maleve Nolan-G
Key Player: Avery Wintergarden-G
Wildcard: Sammi Withrow-G/F
Biggest Question: How will the Bears replace Ashley Loon???
INSIGHT: It was a tale of two seasons for the Bears. They were very mediocre throughout the season then the postseason came where Berkley got hot at the right time. They pulled off a shocking upset which sent shock waves through the State when they beat Detroit Renaissance last season. Berkley will be a different team this season. They don’t have Ashley Loon whom has graduated but they have several proven talented players in Jillian Gomes, Maleve Nolan, Avery Wintergarden, Ava Beard, Sammi Withrow, Addison Hambright, and Maddi Bonsall coming back for Coach Cody Feltner. Program strength is a concern however they have a future player to watch in Nadia Watts. Watts could be in a very similar spot as Wintergarden was last season splitting time between junior varsity and varsity. If Feltner can have three programs then it would be a huge deal. It will be a test for the Bears to see how they handle life is without Loon. It will be tough early for Berkley as their volleyball program were in the State Quarterfinals so it may take them a bit to get adjusted to basketball life. The Bears if things go right are a sleeper in the White.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
Last Season: 15-5, 13-0 Blue. Lost 45-41 to Groves in District First Round.
Top Player: Shay Manchester-G
Key Player: Anne Boogerian-F
Wildcard: Taylor Hartwig-G
Biggest Question: How will the Maples do in the White???
INSIGHT: The Maples made a ton of strides as a program where they have improved. Seaholm won 15 games which was the most since 2017 but they had an early postseason exit falling to Groves in the first round. There have been some changes for Coach Chris Manchester and his program. They will be in the White after winning the Blue last season. The Maples have a ton of proven experience which always helps going into a tougher division but they have several young players whom haven’t seen varsity experience as well. Seaholm has proven players in Shay Manchester, Anne Boogerian, Taylor Hartwig, Lola Weber, Olivia Davis, Mary Gumbis, Clara Guffey, and Kate Anderson coming back. They have a very tough non-conference schedule which should help when they get into league and postseason play. Program strength is a concern for Manchester. The Maples are more than capable to make the next step even if they have a really tough postseason district awaiting them, it’s the next step as a program.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
Last Season: 3-18, 2-10 Red. Lost 34-20 to Detroit Renaissance in District First Round.
Top Player: Elly Finch-F
Key Player: Lucy Freytag-G
Wildcard: Anna Waterstredt-F
Biggest Question: Can the Ravens bounce back after a rough year last season???
INSIGHT: It was a very unusual year for the Ravens where they won three games last season. This is something that Coach Brian Sopota wants to correct this season. Royal Oak changed divisions from the Red to the White for the first time since 2015. They followed their traditional defensive principals late in the year. It didn’t give them immediate success record wise but it kept them in games. The Ravens have several proven players in Elly Finch, Lucy Freytag, Anna Waterstredt, Izzy Fairless, Aliana Morello, Emilie Austin, Emmy Walden, and Maddie Lawrence coming back. Sopota could have a sleeper in newcomer Lydia Dickens. Dickens has made a ton of noise this summer and could be varsity ready soon. Program strength looks to be coming back for Sopota. The Ravens are a sleeper in the White, they could be back.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
Last Season: 19-3, 12-2 Blue. Lost 53-47 to St. Clair Shores South Lake in District Finals.
Top Player: Mya Duncan-G
Key Player: Kendall Kelsey-G
Wildcard: Cleiara Peterson-G
Biggest Question: How will the Pioneers do in the White???
INSIGHT: It’s now or never for the Pioneers for several reasons. Harper Woods went up in both the division (White) and to Division One (were in Division Two) where they are in a very tough district with three proven powerhouse programs. The Pioneers have a ton of proven experience from a team that won 19 games last season. The schedule will be much tougher than it was for Harper Woods last season. They have Mya Duncan, Kendall Kelsey, Cleiara Peterson, and Lauren Peterson coming back for Coach Paul Allen. Program strength is a big concern for Allen. It’s a very tough division and will feature more travel for the Pioneers but the White also has to come to Harper Woods which could be tough on them.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
Last Season: 6-16, 2-12 White. Lost 63-44 to Troy in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Ellie Musko-G
Key Player: Skyler Emerson-G
Wildcard: Alex Link-G/F
Biggest Question: Is Link ready for a much bigger role this season???
INSIGHT: The Red Hawks really struggled winning six games which was very unusual for a Coach Stacie Klumpp program last season. Klumpp has done a very good job with program strength and she will need to rely on that this season. Troy Athens should be much better especially with Ellie Musko and Skyler Emerson coming back. Musko and Emerson have been very important players for the program in the last two years and will be counted on to lead this team this season. They also have proven experience besides Musko and Emerson in Rebekah Delia, Lily Batzoid, Abby Malone, Fiona Wingblad, and Kayci Mersier coming back for Klumpp. Alex Link is the wildcard. She played some on varsity last season but will be needed to do more this season. If Link can step up and be that third scorer then the Red Hawks could do some damage this season. If there is a team that is need of a bounce back season its Troy Athens.
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
Last Season: 7-12, 5-9 White. Lost 50-26 to Lake Orion in District First Round.
Top Player: Samantha Blaine-F
Key Player: AuJayna Howard-G
Wildcard: Olivia Marcal-G
Biggest Question: Is Blaine and Howard ready for big time roles this season???
INSIGHT: It was a very interesting transition for the Highlanders which brings more questions than answers. It has been a very long summer where they struggled in the summer leagues. There are a ton of concerns coming into the season for Coach Joe Malburg. Adams lost their two top players in Abbey Drahnak and Maddie Kessman to graduation. Program strength is a big concern. I chatted with Athletic Director Brian Hossler about the girls program few weeks ago. He said that there was some optimism along with very high potential with this freshman class. The Highlanders also have Samantha Blaine, AuJayna Howard, Olivia Marcal, and Taylor Green coming back for Malburg. The non-conference looks very manageable but the transition will be the challenge especially for this freshman class.
Blue
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Blue should be very interesting with the teams and storylines that are in this division. Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks comes from the White after really struggling last season. Bloomfield Hills should be the favorite in the Blue with the proven experience coming back and the program strength is bouncing back as well. Farmington lost their best player from last season but they are a well-coached program. Ferndale University has built a program in the last few years that has seen some success recently. Pontiac should be improved after having a rough year last season. The Phoenix have really toughen their schedule. Avondale is a team to watch especially losing their two top players to graduation. Ferndale has a new coach but they haven’t been able to have program stability. Oak Park should be better this season after having a rough year scoring a year ago. The Blue should be very interesting as mentioned. We’ll see what happens.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
Last Season: 3-17, 0-14 White. Lost 55-46 to North Farmington in District First Round.
Top Player: Ruby Smith-F
Key Player: Ashley Forner-G
Wildcard: Brianna Young-F
Biggest Question: How will the Blackhawks do in the Blue???
INSIGHT: The Blackhawks have really struggled but there are some strides that have been made this offseason that there is some optimism for Coach Kristen Massey and her program. Bloomfield Hills has had to rebuild the program from scratch. The rebuild is still ongoing but they have made substantial progress which is a huge credit to the players, coaches, and Massey for turning this program around. The Blackhawks have Ashley Forner, Ruby Smith, Brianna Young, and Grace Main coming back. Smith has had a very strong summer. Program strength looks to be on the rise especially with what is coming in the future. This is a program that is in much better shape than in past years. Bloomfield Hills has a very tough non-conference. They should be in the mix for the Blue crown this season.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
Last Season: 13-8, 10-4 Blue. Lost 52-48 in overtime to Livonia Stevenson in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Yasmine Thorpe-G
Key Player: Clarissa Hankins-F
Wildcard: Brooke Farrington-F
Biggest Question: How will the Falcons replace Autumn Bartlett???
INSIGHT: The Falcons have been hot and cold in the last few years. They had a really strong year but a very disappointing outcom where they fell to Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals last season. Farmington lost their best player (Autumn Bartlett) and seven others to graduation but they should be in the mix in the Blue despite the heavy losses to graduation. The Falcons have Clarissa Hankins, Yasmine Thorpe, Jayla Silver, Annalin Nardelli and Brooke Farrington coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Program strength appears to be solid. Farmington could surprise some people with their talent and work ethic this season.
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES
Last Season: 10-9, 6-8 Blue. Lost 69-47 to Birmingham Detroit Country Day in District Finals.
Top Player: ???
Key Player: ???
Wildcard: ???
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles keep the momentum going???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have kept improving and making strides since entering the OAA under Coach Desdan Hester. Ferndale University made the district finals last season. Program strength is a concern coming into the season. Ferndale University keeps getting the players to believe in their system and it has worked out really well. Hester doesn’t have a star player which makes them that more dangerous. The schedule is a concern for several reasons. Their biggest issue is that they rely too heavily on their non conference schedule to win games. If the Eagles want to take the next step they have to win games in the Blue despite winning six games which was a start last season. The strength of schedule is another concern despite getting the second seed in their district last season. Ferndale University is the wildcard in the Blue but they need to win games in the league if they want to take the next step.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
Last Season: 10-11, 7-6 Blue. Lost 48-31 to Waterford Kettering in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Lily Titus-G
Key Player: Madison Manyweathers-G
Wildcard: Kailyah Carroll-F
Biggest Question: How will the Yellow Jackets replace their two top scorers from last season???
INSIGHT: Anytime a team loses their two top players from last season it would be a cause of concern and for the Yellow Jackets it might very well be. Coach Roy Christmon will need several players to step up if they want to make strides as a program and replace the production left by Reagan Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt whom both have graduated. Avondale has Lily Titus, Madison Manyweathers, Khila Bradley, Amaria Daniels, Kailyah Carroll, and Takera Williams coming back. Titus and Manyweathers should be their top playmakers but Carroll is a player that could make some noise. Program strength is a major concern for Christmon. The Yellow Jackets could be a team to watch but Christmon needs someone to step up and take the next step.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
Last Season: 5-13, 3-9 Blue. Lost 33-30 to Avondale in Districts First Round.
Top Player: ???
Key Player: ???
Wildcard: ???
Biggest Question: Can the Phoenix keep improving???
INSIGHT: The Phoenix have started to make strides under Coach Rawelle Marshall especially late in the year which saw them being more competitive especially in their postseason loss to Avondale last season. Marshall has really toughen up Pontiac’s non-conference schedule should help going forward into the season and prepare them heading into the postseason in which their district has two proven powerhouse Red programs. Program strength is a major concern for Marshall. The program however was in rough shape before Marshall took over and it looks like he has stabilized the program. If the Phoenix can get the numbers back up to where they can get a junior varsity program then it should help in the future. Keeping the momentum going will be the key for Marshall and his program going forward.
FERNDALE EAGLES
Last Season: 1-17, 1-13 Blue. Lost 53-16 to Ferndale University in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Jada Buchanan-G
Key Player: Jalia Martin-F
Wildcard: Jayla Pouncey-F
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles find coaching stability???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have really not have had a ton of stability to sustain success which can be very difficult without program stability. They won one game last season but they started improving late into the season. Ferndale has the talent but they have not had the coaching stability to build the program. The Eagles went back to their former coach in Keith Paris this offseason. Paris went 4-14 in 2019-2020 when Paris coached the program. Ferndale has Jalia Martin, Jada Buchanan, Angel Ajonuma, Jewell Marsh, Briunna Young, Tarriyua Early, and Jayla Pouncey coming back. If the Eagles can find some sort of consistency and build on the program then Ferndale could make some strides not only for this season but also the future as well.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
Last Season: 2-16, 1-12 Blue. Lost 52-22 to Detroit Mumford in Districts First Round.
Top Player: ???
Key Player: ???
Wildcard: ???
Biggest Question: Can the Knights score enough points this season???
INSIGHT: It was a very challenging season for the Knights last year. Oak Park could not score over 35 points all season. The question for Coach Chantelle Corson and her program will be is can they score enough points to be competitive. Points were a big reason why they won two games and scored 23 and 26 respectively in their wins last season. Program strength is a concern for Corson. If the Knights want to turn things around they need to score points and if they can do that they can turn things around and quick.
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