by Becky Andrus | Oct 4, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Addressing The Division One Teams in the Blue and the Concerns I have once they make the Playoffs.
By Sammy Taormina
Written Saturday October 2nd at 12:10 PM
The Blue has had a ton of surprises in the past.
This one is also a surprise but it also triggers a question.
This season there are two teams that are unbeaten right now in Troy and Bloomfield Hills while Troy Athens sits at 4-2. All three teams are off to good starts.
So where does the problem lie???
All three schools are in the Blue.
They are also Division One schools with big enrollments.
Troy has 2,285 students, Troy Athens has 1,775 students, and Bloomfield Hills has 1,851 students.
The problem for the three Division One schools is that they don’t play other Division One schools or get tested once the playoffs come.
Bloomfield Hills is a perfect example. Once they get to the postseason they usually play West Bloomfield or a Clarkston and get blown out.
The same is also for Troy and Troy Athens.
It happened to the Colts in 2017 despite being in the White. They played Waterford Mott and got blown out. Troy ran into a very good West Bloomfield team in the district semifinals last season while the Red Hawks played a very good Southfield Arts and Tech team despite their record and got blown out.
All three of these schools will likely be in the postseason this season. The question I have is can they hold their own against teams that are from the Red, the White, or other non league powerhouse conferences???
Farmington and Ferndale both play Division One or strong quality Division Two schools for their non league. They get a pass with this column. Avondale, Pontiac, and Royal Oak also get passes.
Bloomfield Hills played Waterford Kettering in Week Two. The Captains are a bottom feeder in the Lakes Valley Conference and have a new coach in Bob Chiesa. They trailed 21-0 only to comeback and win that game 42-21.
Now it is possible that the Blackhawks struggled to find a strong opponent and that Waterford Kettering was available. Now in 2020 they were scheduled to play a powerhouse program in Ohio but because of the COVID-19 pandemic that did not happen.
Bloomfield Hills is not a bad football team. The problem is that they are a Division One school competing in the third division. I know it’s not their fault with the league they are in but could they have considered playing teams to prepare them for the playoffs???
This brings up the question, should everyone make the playoffs??? If this happens this would make realignment so much easier.
It’s very challenging to trust these three teams in the postseason. I don’t think they are tested enough and the strength of schedule worries me with them.
In 2017, Troy, Rochester, and Bloomfield Hills were all in the Blue. Hazel Park was not thrilled about it and left the league because of it.
The team I worry the most out of this is Bloomfield Hills.
There is a real possibility that they could see West Bloomfield, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, or Clarkston in the first round. The Blackhawks have not played the schedule as these three teams have.
So one question that I get is why do I rank Berkley higher than Bloomfield Hills despite the Blackhawks beating the Bears 13-10 in week one.
The answer is the David vs goliath.
Berkley is Division Two and with Bloomfield Hills being in Division One isn’t Bloomfield Hills expected to beat the Division Two or Division Three schools???
Berkley played Warren Mott in the postseason (made district semifinals) last season despite getting blown out.
I can’t blame the Blackhawks for the predicament they are in but how would they do against other Division One foes in the Red and White while not counting Troy Athens and Troy, would we even have this conversation right now???
The thing is Bloomfield Hills is really good this season but are they in the wrong division???
That we will find out.
by Becky Andrus | Sep 20, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
By Sammy Taormina
Friday night was a reflection point that I thought I would never go back too.
As watching the Oxford student section, players, and administration celebrate with the Double O Trophy I watched in pure disgust, the embarrassed, and humiliated.
A lot of Dragons are basically feeling the same way as I am.
The Lake Orion Dragons football program has clearly hit rock bottom.
What has happened, what’s changed with this program??? This program has only beaten Clarkston once since 2010 and hasn’t beaten West Bloomfield since 2014 and has three losses to Oxford since the rivalry came back in 2010.
This didn’t happen overnight.
From 2000-2013 this program was 113-35 with each team from that era making the playoffs along with a State Championship, two State Final appearances, and three State semifinal appearances.
Since the 2014 season they are 34-34 with four playoff appearances but haven’t made it past the district final.
What changed???
There was a culture change which featured compliancy and entitlement.
The Dragon teams I was on (2004-2005) and a part of especially from 2000-2013 was clearly “Orion Tough.” They had the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. They took names and blew people out. They knew losing was not tolerable or even acceptable.
The 2003 team was very talented and had to overcome adversity and they did that.
My senior year in 2005 when we had our fair share of adversity but we got through it. We can say that we were the first and sadly the only class to beat Clarkston twice in one season.
There was the five weeks from hell in 2008 where basically those five weeks where tense dramas from Rochester Adams, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, Romeo, and Sterling Heights Stevenson. That team had a freshman quarterback and a young offense that grew along with a pretty stout defense.
The 2010 team overcame a postseason injury and had tense dramas with Utica Eisenhower and Detroit Cass Tech before earning the Division One State title.
The 2012 team featured a very good game manager at quarterback, a few great running backs, a tall wide receiver, a stout offensive line, and a defense. They overcame adversity after losing to Clarkston. They went through Macomb County to get to the State semifinals.
All of those teams from 2000-2013 had team chemistry. Everyone was on the same page. No one was truly a star. It was clearly “The Team, The Team, The Team.”
There were a few years from 2017-2019 that it felt like the “Orion Tough” mantra was coming back with John Blackstock taking over the program for Chris Bell whom focused on being the Athletic Director. The 2017 team truly deserved better than their 3-6 record including winning two of the last three games and was a play away from knocking off the state champs. The 2018 team to overcome a lot with tough early season losses to Lapeer and Oxford but they had some monster road wins at Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Monroe to turn their season around get back to the postseason. The 2019 team truly felt “Orion Tough.” They had big wins over Lapeer, Adams, Oxford, Southfield Arts and Tech, and beating Clarkston for the first time since 2010. That team had a stout quarterback, running back, strong offensive line, good wide receivers, and a defense.
The 2020 team took a bit of a step back given it was a COVID year. The offense had a ton of struggles and issues which put the defense in really bad situations. Again, the Dragons struggled against the Wolves and Lakers but made the playoffs and fell to a surging Grand Blanc Bobcats team who would also eliminate Clarkston that year as well.
The 2021 team had a lot of questions especially in the secondary. When I mentioned in the OAA Now football preview show I saw some signs of concern. I noticed not every player was attending the team camps, there were struggles to get everyone into the weight room. Players were going to college camps to get looks and exposure, I started to question what was going on with this group, why this group was not meshing the way past teams had done. It did not feel like the same fire and motivation was there. With some players, it was there but it has to be everyone, not just groups of players.
This summer was when I knew there could be trouble on the horizon.
The last three weeks have been very sickening and disturbing to watch. The defense has allowed 135 points in three weeks. As someone who takes great pride in being a defensive guy both as a player and an alum, this has been extremely hard to watch. It felt like every quarterback, we went against had a field day, throwing it at will, not seeing any pressure from our defense, it has been truly sickening and disturbing to watch. I know that they changed offenses, the offense can only do so much but even at times, that has been challenged.
As I watched helplessly on the sideline during the Oxford game. I looked in the stands to my future throwers who are going to be future football players, hoping this would never happen to them. Then I looked at the student section, drumline, dance team, cheerleaders, and band, please don’t get me started on them that’s for another day.
The freshman and JV teams have that “Orion Tough” mantra. They have the talent and mental toughness. Something special is brewing between the freshman and sophomore classes for the next few years.
As an alum, to see the players and coaches dejected after the Oxford game. I can only go back and think about what happened in the summer but it’s not just what happened in the summer. I always wondered what happened to the program, there was a gradual drop off in talent after 2012 but it was not as noticeable until 2014 when other schools especially West Bloomfield and Clarkston improved while Lake Orion stayed for the most part stagnant, just happy to be in the Red, simply happy to be there. What happened to having that chip on the shoulder??? “Orion Tough” has always been about playing with that chip, playing tough, physical, relentless, smart football. It’s been a while that “Orion Tough” has been consistent, that is very concerning. When should “Orion Tough” be taught??? Shouldn’t it be taught at the Youth levels and continue to expand into the Middle and High School levels??? Just seems like there are some years where “Orion Tough” is simply not there,
Isn’t Lake Orion’s rival supposed to be Clarkston??? Sure doesn’t seem like it, Orion has only beaten Clarkston once since 2010. It seems like that rival has been Oxford and that’s nothing against them, isn’t Lake Orion supposed to beat Oxford year in and out??? The Bronze Cup or the Double O Trophy should be staying in Lake Orion every year???
When did losing become acceptable???
Everyone within the program needs to be held accountable and should be held accountable, everyone, that includes even myself.
Something has to change.
Is this season salvageable??? Sure it is but they have a tough path ahead of them with West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Stoney Creek, Seaholm, and Saline looming. Saline and Clarkston at present are undefeated, West Bloomfield is extremely talented and has only one loss while Stoney Creek and Seaholm are proud strong tough programs.
Everyone needs to hit a complete reset and do some soul searching.
This program has clearly hit rock bottom but it can and will come back, the question is when and when it does, it’s going to take a lot of people and a lot of buy in for this program to clearly come back. Obviously this summer is going to be key but it really should start today, after the embarrassment and losing the Bronze Cup (Double O Trophy) to Oxford, hopefully that “Chip on the Shoulder” mindset should slowly start returning. Actions speak louder than words.
Blackstock talks about the ERO (Event Response Outcome), what is going to be, it will be up to everyone to decide what happens next for Lake Orion Football.
by Becky Andrus | Jul 26, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday July 19th at 4:20 PM
Hello everyone these are the Girls Basketball Districts that are being released with insight. If coaches want their comments on the blog please DM me on Twitter or go on my email. This blog will be updated often.
District 4 at Davison
OXFORD
Davison
Flint Kearsley
Grand Blanc
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison.
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Davison
DARKHORSE: Oxford
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Taylor Thompson-Grand Blanc.
INSIGHT: This is going to be a very tough district for Oxford going back into Genesee County after having an interesting experience last season but it will be at Davison and not at Grand Blanc. They should be one of the favorites in the White this season. The Wildcats have Miranda Wymenkio, Peyton Richter, Kayla Casper, Lily Morris, Brady Elling, and Lexie Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. The Saginaw Valley League is one of the most toughest leagues in the state and three of those teams should be solid again. Davison is the host of the district and they bring with them a talented team although depth will be a question mark. The Cardinals should be solid led by Olivia Dirkse, Olivia Gean, Alora Sevenski, and Jasmine Hadley for Coach Craig Hitchcock. Grand Blanc won 12 games last season and should be the early favorite coming into the district. The Bobcats are loaded despite falling to Flushing in the regional semifinals last season. Grand Blanc has Taylor Thompson, Anayah Small, Rachel Gaydos, and Chelsea Bishop coming back for Coach Mike Thomas. Lapeer had a very young team last season but they should be improved this season. The Lightning have Paige Erla, among others coming back for Coach Mike Butterfield. Flint Kearsley should be an interesting team after missing out because of COVID-19 protocols last season. They could be a contender in the Flint Metro League. The Hornets had a young team last season for Coach Traci Pigott. This district looks to be a three team district but it’s anyone’s to take.
District 5 at Lake Orion
LAKE ORION
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Lake Orion.
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower, Adams.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sydney LaPrarie-Stoney Creek.
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Lake Orion. Utica Eisenhower should be interesting to watch in the Macomb Area Red division this season. The Eagles has three solid players in Ava Stack, Jennifer McWerty, and Kaitlyn Woodcox coming back for Coach Clint Piper. Romeo should be interesting to watch in the Macomb Area Conference White. The Bulldogs have Cassidy Banich, Reese Carmondy, Amanda Kitchen, Sarah Ross, Nicole Mazur, and Megan Doyle for Coach Katy Bosheers. Rochester lost a ton of talent from last season but they have always been a solid program making the district finals the last two seasons. The Falcons have Natalie Rayce, Melina Troy, and Abbey Pleasant coming back for Coach Bill Thurston. Adams which had a coaching change this offseason should be interesting to watch. “We have a lot of work to do having lost such a great core of seniors last year and with the returning players having such limited opportunities to compete last season and the previous summer due to COVID-19 but they are working their tails off and doing it with enthusiasm so I believe we have the potential for rapid and significant improvement” said Coach Joe Malburg. The Highlanders have Madison Kessman, Abby Drahnak, AnJuyna Howard, Emma Klott, Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, and Abby Skiff coming back for Malburg. Stoney Creek has a ton of proven experience along with Red experience. The Cougars have Sydney LaPrarie, Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, Emily Flynn, Milana Skoric, Riley Binfet, Lily Solek, Ella Demertal, and Paris Kramer for Coach Kellen James. Lake Orion is an interesting team and is one of the favorites in the White. They are also loaded with Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Chloe Wiegers, Reagan Greene, Olivia Peplowski, and Audrey Wischmeyer for Coach Bob Brydges. The Dragons are without Katie Van Heck as she is out for the season with a torn ACL. This is shaping up for now being a four team district but two in reality but you never know.
District 6 at Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Kettering
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Kettering
DARKHORSE: Avondale
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Reigan Lawrence-Avondale.
INSIGHT: This district is an absolute mismatch on paper in Waterford. Waterford Kettering is going to be very interesting not only in this district but also in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Captains have a ton of experience in Markayla Holland, Amalia Vamvakitis, Savanagh Labo, Malayna Schoof, Graciela Lovett, Ellianna Ball, and Abby Hayward coming back for Coach George Yarberry. Waterford Mott had things very rough last season with virtually a very young group but they should be better this season. The Corsairs have Makyah Henderson, Abby Trombly, Kelsey Palmer, Madison Winters, among others coming back for Coach Michelle Sklar. Avondale should be very interesting to watch all season long as they could be a contender in the Blue. The Yellow Jackets really struggled last season. They should be better this season despite having major concerns when it comes to program strength and depth. Avondale has two transfers from Dayton, Ohio along with Reigan Lawrence, and Savannah Schmidt for Coach Roy Christmon. Pontiac did not field a team last season for Coach Christopher Wright so it will be interesting to see what the Phoenix have. The early favorite is Clarkston and it’s not even close. The Wolves whom won 15 games last season had a very interesting offseason which saw a coaching change but they kept it in house which helps when it comes to the transition. Clarkston has Maddy Skourpski, Izzy Hadley, Ava Hernandez, Kierra Tomlie, Sophia Walker, Emerson Wood, Mia Zorski, Emily Valenca, and Lena Eblencamp coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. This district is the Wolves to lose.
District 26 at Detroit Renaissance
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
Detroit Mumford
Detroit Renaissance
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Detroit Mumford.
FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Royal Oak
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ashley Loon-Berkley.
INSIGHT: It was a great year for Detroit Renaissance getting back to the Division One State Finals before losing to Hudsonville. The Phoenix should be solid again not only in this district but in the Detroit Public School League as well. They have Azaria Huggins, Kiyla Brooks, Nevaeh Wood, Harmonie Bolton, Makayla Coleman, Marhea Bradshaw, Makayla Johnson, Christian Sanders, Imani Johnson, Nyana Pharr, and Aubrey Johnson coming back for Coach Shane Lawal. Detroit Mumford should be very interesting to see. The Mustangs had a strong team last season for Coach Kareem Hogan. Royal Oak lost a ton of talent last season. The Ravens Maddie Hines and Danica Schmidt coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. Both of them saw postseason experience after the entire varsity team was out because of COVID-19 last season. Berkley made the district finals last season and will look to have a repeat performance again. The Bears have Ashley Loon, Ava Beard, Aurora Sousanis, and Sammi Withrow coming back for Coach Kirk Carolan. Oak Park made the district finals last season but the Knights will have something in the works for Coach Peggy Evans-Carr. This district has Detroit Renaissance written all over it but keep an eye on Berkley and Royal Oak.
District 27 at Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson.
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Livonia Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Southfield Arts and Tech
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Maya White-Farmington Hills Mercy.
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Farmington Hills Mercy and there are some interesting storylines. Farmington won nine games last season but they lost a ton of talent from last season. The Falcons have Autumn Bartlett coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Southfield Arts and Tech is an interesting team to keep an eye on. The Warriors really struggled last season but they should have experience playing in the Red. They have Jalyn Austin coming back for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Livonia Stevenson is going to be an interesting team to watch. The Spartans won 11 games last season and has a ton of experience returning which helps not only in the district but in the Kensington Lakes Activites Association as well. The Spartans have Kerry Donehue, Aubrie Ickes, Kaitlyn Wilmonth, Rachel Schornack, Gracie Shahu, Kalaia Jackson, Shea Hannigan, Jenna McWilliams, and Scarlett Webster coming back for Coach Kareem Smart. Redford Thurston should be very interesting despite winning six games last season. The Eagles have Skylar Tulloss and Marionna Greene coming back for Coach Bob Ostrowski. Farmington Hills Mercy won 14 games which included a district title over North Farmington whom is in another district last season. They fell to Detroit Renaissance in the regional finals and would like to get another shot at them again if it happens. The Marlins have home court in the district along with Francesca DeNardo, Grace Knittel, Carley Goebel, Sarah Cunningham, Ava Lorraine, Lauren Smiley, Maya White, and Sophia Dugas coming back for Coach Gary Morris. Farmington Hills Mercy is the early favorite but Livonia Stevenson and maybe Southfield Arts and Tech should have strong says.
District 28 at West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD
NORTH FARMINGTON
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. West Bloomfield.
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: West Bloomfield
DARKHORSE: North Farmington
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: McKenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian.
INSIGHT: This is going to be the toughest district in the State in my opinion. Birmingham Marian should the early favorite not only in this district but also in the Catholic League. They are the defending Catholic League Champs and went to the regional finals last season falling to Hartland. The Mustangs would like to get back to the regional but they know this is a very tough district. They are very talented with Sarah Sylvester, McKenzie Swanson, Isabella Prezzato, Anna Herberholz, Maria Hesano, Abigail Luchessi, Ellie Ervin, and Grace Rotter coming back for Coach Mary Ciceronne. West Bloomfield has a very talented group and should be the favorite in the Red. The Lakers have Sydney Hendrix, Kendall Hendrix, Mya Hooper, Indya Davis, and Summer Davis coming back for Coach Bert Mosley. West Bloomfield whom has home court missed out on the postseason because of COVID-19 protocols last season. Bloomfield Hills will be very interesting. The Blackhawks should be improved not only in the district but in the White as well. They have Amelia McCourt, Grace Main, Jessica Finney, and Ashley Forner coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. North Farmington is going to be very interesting as their boys and girls teams are in different districts. They should be much better despite winning six games last season. The Raiders have Sela Lefler, and Penelope Creary coming back for Coach Jeff Simpson. Seaholm should be very interesting. They are a darkhorse in the Blue this season. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Kate Sullivan, Clara Guffey, and Annie Boogren coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Groves has gone through a ton of changes this offseason which could be very difficult. The Falcons have Jordan Peterson, Lily Gallagher, and Cira Racco coming back for Coach Allison Hidey. This should be a fun district as mentioned, there are plenty of good teams that are here in this district that’s for sure.
District 29 at Troy
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Warren Cousino
Warren Woods Tower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Warren Cousino.
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Troy Athens
DARKHORSE: Warren Cousino
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Charlotte Sobotka-Troy.
INSIGHT: The regular season has been very kind to the Colts which earned them a trip to the Red this season but the big problem has been the postseason and this postseason is no different. Troy has had three years where they have not made it out of the first game (lost to Utica twice in the pre-district and Rochester in district semifinals last season however neither team is in this district.) They have home court which helps and have proven experience in Kendal Zeiter, Charlotte Sobotka, Alyssa Matuza (even though she’s out for the season-ACL,) Zoe Silver, and Mia Valiotis coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Troy Athens is a very interesting team to keep a close eye on. The Red Hawks are an interesting team not only in the White but the district as well. They have proven experience in Gillian Ciak, Ellie Musko, CeCe Fey, Aarushi Lockdale, Jordyn Doyle, and Skylar Emerson coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Warren Woods Tower really struggled last season. They won four games despite being in the Macomb Area Conference Silver. The Titans have proven experience in Nikki Lavely, Corissa McCain, Arianna Jordan, and Delliah Mathews coming back for Coach Brian Socia. Warren Cousino even though they are not the same team when they won the Division One State title in 2018 when they had Kate McArthur they are still the Patriots. They are a sleeper in this district and for good reason. Warren Cousino won 11 games in the always tough and difficult Macomb Area Conference Red. The Patriots have a lot of proven experience in Kiara Williams, Twyla Parker, Ra’lyja Bridges, Julia Hopkins, Sydney Dixon, Mia Mixon, Emily Stevenson, Chloe Sakalas, and Jenna Smith coming back for Coach Amy Mitchell. It’s now or never for the Colts. That needs to be their mindset coming into the postseason but Troy Athens and Warren Cousino are going to be formitable opponents going forward.
District 58 at Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Detroit Old Redford Academy
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Ferndale University.
FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
NEXT: Ferndale University
DARKHORSE: Detroit Old Redford Academy
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jaidyn Elam-Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
INSIGHT: This is not a strong district as people think. There are three teams that are in this district that did not field teams last season because of COVID-19 protocols. Birmingham Detroit Country Day had a great season winning 17 games with a very young team. They went to the MHSAA Division Two Semifinals however they fell to Newaygo and would like to get back to the Breslin Center this season. The Yellow Jackets have home court and will like to get back to the Breslin Center this season. They have Jaidyn Elam, Emma Arico, and Aysia Yokely coming back for second year coach Jerica Williams. Ferndale didn’t field a team last season and doesn’t have a new coach yet. Detroit Old Redford Academy didn’t field a team last season. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy didn’t field a team last season. Ferndale University fielded a team in their first year in the OAA. They are not afraid to play anyone. The Eagles had a program changing road victory at Avondale last season. They should be very interesting to see in the Blue and they could be Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s toughest challenger in the postseason. Ferndale University has some young proven talent coming back for Coach Desdan Hester. This district looks to be a mismatch on paper with Birmingham Detroit Country Day being the overwhelming favorite to move onto the regionals.
District 60 at TBA
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
Detroit Denby
Detroit Osborn
Eastpointe
St. Clair Shores South Lake
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy, 2. Harper Woods.
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
NEXT: Harper Woods
DARKHORSE: Eastpointe
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Kendall Kelly-Harper Woods
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district whomever hosts this district. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 11 games last season and is deemed the favorite in this district for Coach David Mann. Detroit Osborn really struggled last season only winning two games for Coach Tenetia Pulliam. St. Clair Shores South Lake really struggled going 3-8 last season for Coach Wilbur Jones. Eastpointe won 10 games last season for Coach Daniel Kirkland. Detroit Denby won six games last season. The Tars have the majority of their team coming back for Coach Marnina Sullivan. Harper Woods won seven games last season. They are entering a new league being one of the favorites in the Blue. The Pioneers have Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Shatyra Harris, Clarita Childs, Clearia Peterson, and Destiny Bealey coming back for Coach Paul Allen. This should be an interesting district to say the least.
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 1:12 PM No comments:
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Written Tuesday July 13th at 6:30 PM
The Falcons have a new volleyball coach and it comes from their arch rival.
Groves named Madison Clouse as the new coach of the program. Clouse takes over for Jessica Prepolic whom stepped down in April.
Clouse was the junior varsity coach at Seaholm for the last three years and coached the 14 and under National Select Travel volleyball team.
“Coach Clouse is our new Varsity Volleyball Coach. While this is her first head coaching position she comes to us with a love and passion for volleyball. Her coaching philosophy is that a volleyball team should be composed of members who have the same goals in mind, to grow together, to have fun together, and ultimately win together. She is excited to continue her coaching journey at Groves High School” said Groves Athletic Director Tom Flynn in a press release.
Groves has a nice blend of youth and experience coming back in Lauren Brown, Lydia McKeever, Mara Chalifoux, Ava Kirchinger, Lauren Sample, Dajah Mines, Rebecca Apsey, and Heaven Harris which should help the transition period.
The Falcons will be in the White with West Bloomfield, Rochester, Avondale, North Farmington, Farmington, Berkley, and Royal Oak. They are in an interesting district at Troy Athens which features Troy Athens, Troy, Royal Oak, and Warren Mott.
Thoughts
This is an interesting hire to go to the arch rival for their new head coach. Clouse learned from two of the best minds in Heather and Jason Gambone. I think Clouse will do wonders at Groves. Program strength should be interesting to watch when it comes to the Falcons. They should have the talent to be a contender in the White this season.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the press release.
https://grovesfalcons.com/main/adnews/ID/53743427
My Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LogT1UxjaAk
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 3:23 PM No comments:
Written Tuesday July 13th at 12:20 PM
Updated Tuesday July 13th at 6:30 PM
The Falcons have a new girls basketball coach.
Groves named Alison Hidey as the program’s new head coach. Hidley takes over for Coach AntJuan Simpkins whom led the Falcons to their first ever district title last season.
Hidey brings a ton of experience to Beverly Hills as an assistant coach and a player. She spent 12 years as an assistant at Dearborn Divine Child. Hidey played college basketball at The University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Sara Liegey was named as an assistant for the program.
Hidey is the third coach in three years for Groves.
“Coach Hidey is our new Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. While this is her first varsity position she comes to us with years of experience as a player and a coach. She is a great addition to our coaching staff and we are excited to see what’s in store for our Girls Basketball program” said Groves Athletic Director Tom Flynn in a press release.
The Falcons went 7-8 in the regular season after playing a really difficult non league and Red schedule. Despite playing that type of schedule they fell to Detroit Renaissance in the regional semifinals last season.
It’s going interesting to see what happens but this move shows clearly that Groves is going a different direction.
The Falcons have a young nucleus coming back in Cira Racco, Anaya Robinson, Lily Gallagher, and Jordan Peterson.
Thoughts
This is a very interesting hire. Hidey brings a ton of experience but has never been a head coach. Hidey knows what it takes to get to the next level. It is going to take some time her and the players to adjust to each other.
Program strength is a major concern when looking at the Falcons especially in the sub-varsity levels. If Hidey can address this issue then I think the program will be in a much better place.
Being in the Red doesn’t help things especially with having to see Stoney Creek, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Royal Oak, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Troy twice and that’s not mentioning districts yet.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the Tweet.
https://twitter.com/Birmingham_GGBB/status/1412544249644605447
Here is the Press Release.
https://grovesfalcons.com/main/adnews/ID/53743427
My Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LogT1UxjaAk
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 9:21 AM No comments:
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Written Tuesday July 6th at 11:40 PM
Pontiac High School released some photos of their new multi field complex last week and it looks off the charts and awesome.
The new complex is located at Pontiac High School. The Phoenix played their games at Wisner Stadium but with the new multi field complex they will play their games on the new field.
The field which was grass is now field turf with light and dark green five yards out along with with purple endzones with the PONTIAC name on the north endzone and PHOENIX on the south endzone. There are lacrosse and soccer lines on the new field. The Phoenix logo is at the 50 yard line.
The track has not been finished as of yet or the lights, bleachers, and scoreboard. There will be a new track in the complex as well.
The new multi field complex has earned a ton of praise from other schools and brings a ton of optimism for the future of Pontiac athletics.
This is so awesome for the students and administration at Pontiac to play games on their new multi field complex. This is the start of something special in the works.
Here are some of the photos of Pontiac’s new field complex from Twitter and from the Pontiac Athletic Department along with athletic director Lee Montgomery.
https://twitter.com/phsathleticsdep/status/1410311625312243715/photo/1
https://twitter.com/phsathleticsdep/status/1410221742426050564/photo/1
https://twitter.com/phsathleticsdep/status/1410221742426050564/photo/2
https://twitter.com/phsathleticsdep/status/1410221742426050564/photo/3
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Posted by Saginaw Bay at 8:37 PM No comments:
Monday, July 5, 2021
Written Monday July 5th at 1:30 PM
The Falcons boys basketball program will have a new coach this winter.
Farmington coach Terrance Porter tweeted on Twitter that he was stepping down coaching the program last week.
“I have officially resigned as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Farmington HS. I want to thank the administration, community, and staff of Farmington for a great 11 years. I want to thank all the players for allowing me to coach you. Thank you to the many supportive parents” the tweet read.
Porter was 128-108 in his coaching career at Farmington.
Whomever leads the Falcons next season will have an experienced team back in Robert Davis and Prince Jackson even though there are rumors that Davis could leave Farmington like Jaden Akins did and play his senior season in prep school. The Falcons will be in the Red with the likes of Ferndale, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Oak Park, North Farmington, and Adams. The district is not known as of yet.
Thoughts
Porter had a great career at Farmington. I’ll be curious who Athletic Director Tim Micklash goes with coaching the program. The Falcons are in a very tough spot heading into next season so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
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Posted by Saginaw Bay at 10:28 AM No comments:
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Written Friday June 25th at 1:05 AM
Hello everyone this is an opinion piece. The MHSAA has not released the girls and boys basketball district assignments as of yet. Hopefully they release them sometime this week. I made my very own district assignment projections to see where each school would be in for Divisions One and Two. I used the recent MHSAA 2021-2022 updated school division lists and also the volleyball districts since they are the likely indicator even though the league has not always followed the volleyball district path.
Here are my district projections for where I see each team. The MHSAA might and most likely do things differently. OAA schools are in caps. These are NOT the official district assignments. They will come out when the MHSAA releases the district assignments. Hopefully the MHSAA considers my district assignment projections.
I welcome everyone’s district assignment opinions on the comments section and will respond to them. Who knows your comments could be on the podcast.
Anyway here they are.
Division One
District 1
Alpena
Gaylord
Marquette
Petoskey
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
District 2
Bay City Western
Bay City Central
Mt Pleasant
Midland
Midland Dow
Saginaw Arthur Hill
District 3
Flint Carman Ainsworth
Flint Kearsley
Flint
Flushing
Swartz Creek
Saginaw Heritage
District 4
Davison
Fenton
Grand Blanc
Lapeer
Fenton
District 5
CLARKSTON
Waterford Kettering
Holly
Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
District 6
Lakeland
Milford
Hartland
Brighton
Howell
District 7
SEAHOLM
GROVES
Birmingham Marian/Birmingham Brother Rice
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
District 8
OXFORD
LAKE ORION
AVONDALE
PONTIAC
ADAMS
Waterford Mott
District 9
Coopersville
Grand Haven
Muskegon
Muskegon Reefs Puffer
Muskegon Mona Shores
District 10
East Kentwood
Jenison
Grand Rapids Union
Grandville
Wyoming
District 11
East Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern
Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central
Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
Lowell
District 12
Cedar Springs
Grand Rapids Kewona Hills
Grand Rapids Northview
Rockford
Greenville
District 13
Holland
Holland West Ottawa
Grand Haven
Zeeland East
Zeeland West
Hudsonville
District 14
Byron Center
Caledonia
Kalamazoo Central
Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
Richland Gull Lake
District 15
Mattawan
Portage Northern
Portage Central
St. Joseph
Stevensville-Lakeshore
District 16
Battle Creek Central
Battle Creek Lakeview
Kalamazoo Lady Norrix
Coldwater
Sturgis
District 17
Lansing Waverly
DeWitt
East Lansing
Grand Ledge
St. Johns
District 18
Haslett
Lansing Holt
Lansing Everett
Mason
Okemos
District 19
Ann Arbor Pioneer
Ann Arbor Skyline
Jackson
Jackson Northwest
Dexter
Parma Western
District 20
Novi
Novi Detroit Catholic Central/Farmington Hills Mercy
Northville
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
Livonia Stevenson
District 21
Ann Arbor Huron
Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti Lincoln
Plymouth
Plymouth Salem
Plymouth Canton
District 22
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Wayne Memorial
Westland John Glenn
Garden City
District 23
Monroe
Temperance Bedford
Saline
Belleville
Romulus
District 24
Brownstown Woodhaven
Wyandotte
Riverview
Southgate Anderson
Trenton
Taylor
District 25
Dearborn Fordson
Dearborn
Dearborn Edsel Ford
Melvindale
Allen Park
Lincoln Park
District 26
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit Martin Luther King
Detroit Western
Detroit East English Village Prep
Hamtramck
River Rouge
District 27
BERKLEY
Detroit Mumford
Detroit Renaissance
OAK PARK
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
District 28
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Roseville
Warren Fitzgerald
Warren Woods Tower
District 29
Fraser
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica
Utica Ford II
District 30
Chippewa Valley
Macomb Dakota
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
St. Clair Shores Lakeshore
District 31
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Warren Cousino
Warren Mott
Royal Oak
Warren Regina/Warren De LaSalle
District 32
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
Division Two
District 33
Cheboygan
Escanaba
Houghton
Sault Sainte Marie
Kingsford
Neagunee
District 34
Boyne City
Cadillac
Kalkaska
Kingsley
Ludington
Manistee
District 35
Alma
Big Rapids
Reed City
Chippewa Hills
Shepherd
District 36
Clare
Gladwin
Midland Bullock Creek
Ogemaw Heights
Standish-Sterling
District 37
Bay City John Glenn
Carrolton
Essexville Garber
Saginaw Swan Valley
Freeland
District 38
Birch Run
Bridgeport
Chesaning
Frankenmuth
Saginaw
District 39
Clio
Mount Morris
Flint Hamady
Flint Powers
Otisville Lakeville-Memorial
District 40
Almont
Goodrich
Brandon
Imlay City
North Branch
District 41
Fruitport
Montague
Muskegon Oakridge
Muskegon Orchard View
Spring Lake
Whitehall
District 42
Fremont
Grant
Howard Tri City
Newaygo
Sparta
District 43
Allendale
Comstock Park
Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Grand Rapids West Catholic
Hudsonville Unity Christian
Wyoming Lee
District 44
Forest Hills Eastern
Grand Rapids Christian
Grand Rapids West Michigan Aviation Academy
Kentwood Grand River Prep
Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville
District 45
Grand Rapids South Christian
Hamilton
Hopkins
Holland Christian
Wayland
District 46
Allegan
Otsego
Paw Paw
South Haven
Plainwell
District 47
Benton Harbor
Berrien Springs
Coloma
Dowagiac
Edwardsburg
Niles
District 48
Three Rivers
Vicksburg
Parchment
Constantine
Comstock
District 49
Belding
Hastings
Ionia
Lake Odessa Lakewood
Portland
District 50
Battle Creek Harper Creek
Battle Creek Pennfield
Olivet
Marshall
Eaton Rapids
Charlotte
District 51
Corunna
Lansing Catholic
Lansing Eastern
Lansing Sexton
Ovid Elsie
Owosso
District 52
Durand
Fowlerville
Lake Fenton
Pinckney
Stockbridge
Williamston
District 53
Adrian
Tecumseh
Jonesville
Hillsdale
Onsted
District 54
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard
Chelsea
Milan
Dundee
Ida
District 55
Flat Rock
Carleton Airport
Grosse Ile
New Boston Huron
Romulus Summit Academy North
District 56
Dearborn Heights Annapolis
Dearborn Henry Ford
Dearborn Robichaud
Livonia Clarenceville
Redford Union
Redford Westfield Prep
District 57
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Pershing
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
District 58
Detroit Henry Ford
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Detroit Old Redford
Detroit CMA
Detroit Cornerstone
District 59
Dearborn Advanced Tech
Detroit Cesar Chavez
Detroit Collegiate Prep
Detroit Frontier International
Detroit University Prep
Detroit University Prep Arts and Design
District 60
Detroit Denby
Detroit Edison
Detroit Osborn
Detroit Southeastern
Detroit University Prep Science and Math
District 61
Center Line
Eastpointe
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
District 62
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Clawson
Madison Heights Lamphere
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Warren Michigan Colligate
District 63
Algonac
Armada
Macomb Lutheran North
New Haven
Richmond
Warren Lincoln
District 64
Croswell-Lexington
Marine City
St. Clair
Yale
Marysville
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 10:05 PM No comments:
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