This article will be updated very often with the most updated information.

District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson, 3. Farmington, 4. Livonia Franklin, 5. Redford Thurston.

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

DARKHORSE: No One

PLAYER ON SPOT: Aizlyn Albanese-Farmington Hills Mercy

INSIGHT: This looks to be a very interesting district. Farmington could get some big points being the favorite in the Gold but they do have some questions coming into this district. The Falcons have dimari King, Alexis Gebs, Emma Mohr, Anna Toranchuk, Grace Lamott, Gaia Demeester, Mya Jones, Sydney Nogas, and Kate Martin coming back for Coach Natalie Nowak. Farmington Hills Mercy had a very young group from last season that won 12 games and was competitive with West Bloomfield for a half before falling 68-39 to the Lakers. The Marlins have Aizlyn Albanese, Kate Samulak, Emily Walker, Caroline Paluk, Emily Cuthbertson,Naimah Kellum, Jessica Heath, Abby Bores, Elle Geerlings, Avery Birkett, and Nora Gerzema coming back for Coach Gary Morris. Livonia Stevenson won 13 games last season. They have a new coach in Alison Hidey who comes over from Groves. The Spartans have Isabella Claramont, Carly Piergentili, Samantha McCloud, Hailey Gordon, Lauren Olson, Kennedy Hinkle, Madison Lowrly, Gabby Yancura, Isabella Sapia, and Ella Stoops for Hidey. Livonia Franklin was really young last season. The Patriots have Tessa White, Kingsley Nordbeck, Sammy Carignan, Sydney Kenyon, Calie Bates, Aubree Ostrokie, Breann Campbell, and Summer Montgomery coming back for Coach Colleen Flaherty. This district looks like this will be the Marlins to lose.
 

District 23 @ Detroit Renaissance

OAK PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Hamtramck

Warren Fitzgerald

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Detroit Mumford, 3. Warren Fitzgerald, 4. Oak Park, 5. Hamtramck.

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Detroit Mumford

DARKHORSE: Warren Fitzgerald

PLAYER ON SPOT: Immani Johnson-Detroit Renaissance

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Detroit. Oak Park has struggled and could struggle in this district. The Knights have Mackenzie Blake, Madison Johnson-Williams, Sienna Walker, and Gabrielle Lee coming back for Coach Tyler Washington.Warren Fitzgerald won 21 games last season and is up in Division One. The Spartans have Lyric Pannel, Meghan Diles, Kaylunn Millander, Asia Bowman, Amani Thomas, Shavon Williams, Casundra Smith, Iyanna Smith, Sabrina Watson, and Taylor McCants coming back for Coach Juwan Shakespear. Detroit Mumford won five games despite having a really tough schedule last season. The Mustangs have Ceniyah Williams and Cherish Jefferson coming back for Coach Kareem Hogan. Detroit Renaissance was a Final Four team last season. The Phoenix have Alehia Wade, Aryana Denham, Victorya Gambles, Aarion Vinson, Jaebrian Autry, Marhea Bradshaw, and Imani Johnson coming back for Coach DaShaun Wood. Hamtramck had a rough year winning one game for Coach Courtney Jackson, this district could be worse for the Cosmos this season. Detroit Renaissance looks to be the favorite in this district but Detroit Mumford and Warren Fitzgerald could have strong says.
 

 

District 24 @ Birmingham Marian

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Birmingham Marian

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Seaholm, 3. Southfield Arts and Tech, 4. Groves, 5. Bloomfield Hills, 6. North Farmington.

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Seaholm

DARKHORSE: Southfield Arts and Tech

PLAYER ON SPOT: Addy Flynn-Seaholm

INSIGHT: This is a very interesting district in Birmingham. Birmingham Marian had a tough district with West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills Mercy last season. The Mustangs have McKenley Reid, Ella Swanson, Lauren Billingsley, Katelyn Morgan, Danielle Denha, CeCe Murray, Molly McLeod, Charlie Bingham, and Ruby Jansen coming back for a new coach. Seaholm has a ton of proven experience after getting to the district finals last season. The Maples have Addy Flynn, Mary Gumbus, Taylor Hartwig, Emma Weber, Sophie Sullivan, Ella Koosis, Addy Kitzman, Jada Josifovski, and Elia Gifford coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Groves has a new coach and a new system in place. The Falcons have Harlem Simpson, Jacey Roy, Aniyah White, Rose Strada, Sophie Schwanik, and Micah Smith coming back for new Coach Jessica Duleba. Bloomfield Hills will have a new coach coming into their program after winning their first district last season. The Blackhawks have Brianna Young, Brianna Brooks, and Giselle Haddad coming back. North Farmington was very young last season. The Raiders have Jade Spears, Quyaamah Jihad, Shylah Tarin, and Shalaya Rogers coming back for Coach Michael Allin. Southfield Arts and Tech is a team that likes to run and score in bunches, defense is a concern for the Warriors which could be key for a postseason run. The Warriors have Christian Banks, Samiya Ashford, and Jordyn Ushery coming back for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Overall this district is very interesting, Birmingham Marian is the slight favorite but keep a close eye on Seaholm and Southfield Arts and Tech, they both could make some noise in this district.
District 25 @ West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

Lakeland

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield, 3. Walled Lake Northern, 4. Lakeland, 5. Walled Lake Central.

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: West Bloomfield

DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Northern

PLAYER ON SPOT: Amal Younes-Walled Lake Northern

INSIGHT:  This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. West Bloomfield is the defending Division One State Champs but they lost a ton of talent from that team. The Lakers have Ava Lord, Sheridan Beal, Breanna Gamble-Jones, Breasia Gamble-Jones, Jordyn Ratliff, Jaylee Head, and London Hall coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Walled Lake Northern was up and down last season. The Knights have Amal Younes, Macie Hunter, Brooklyn Zeleny, Adisa Dibra, Skyler Sweet, Eden Van Proeyen, Savannah Scott, Sarah Maktari, and Layne Biggers coming back for Coach Josh Pees. Walled Lake Central was experienced last season. The Vikings have Demi’a Higginbottom and Lillian Miracle coming back for Coach Ken Nelson. Lakeland has Alena Tiernan, Aubrin Miller, Kalie Rhines, Brynn Taliercio, Jessie Liker, Kennedy Canterbury, Molly Farquhar, Leah Willis, and Peyton Baer coming back for Coach Mike Leitheim. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded with proven talent. The Eaglets have Mia Moss, Stella Poota, Layla Stewart, Allie Crighton, Ava Ignoglia, Jessica Asmussen, Hope Richer, Brooke Shockey, Nicole Kolwich, and Reese Holton coming back for Coach Brad Crighton. This could be the makings of a classic district in the making on the black top in West Bloomfield.
District 26 @ Swartz Creek

OXFORD

Davison

Lapeer

Grand Blanc

Holly

Swartz Creek

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford, 3. Davison, 4. Swartz Creek, 5. Lapeer, 6. Holly.

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Oxford

DARKHORSE: Davison

PLAYER ON SPOT: Alison Hufstedler-Oxford

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district between Genesee County, Lapeer County, and Oxford. The Wildcats have Alison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Emma Beggs, Mia Champagne, Tegan O’Connor, Brynley Cardona, Camryn Quidort, Jaylen Jacobsen, Katelyn Brockway, and Claire Bruski coming back but they don’t have a new coach yet. Swartz Creek won 10 games last season and have home court. The Dragons have Raeleigh Genoveski, Peyton Camper, Missy Bales, Maddie Pier, Aja Collins, Tatlot Gullett, and Brooklyn Short coming back for Coach Brian Van Buren. Holly really struggled last season. The Bronchos have Ella Azbell, Evelin Spiece, and Adlin Moore coming back for Coach Ben Varner. Davison really struggled last season. The Cardinals have Mayae Carradine, Gracie Wright, Lilah Pierson, Sammie Beller, Brooklyn Hughson, Brooke Pizzala, Darby Crystal and Savannah Rice coming back for Coach. Lapeer really struggled winning three games last season. The Lightning have Madison White coming back for their new coach. Grand Blanc went to the Division One State Finals last season. The Bobcats have Parc Liggins, Daya Hartwick, Paige Pittman, Joslyn Lopez, Malaya Brown, and Jordyn Eichelberger coming back for Coach Bob Taylor. The Bobcats stand as the early favorite but the Wildcats have the firepower to match it even though they don’t have a new coach yet.
 

District 27 @ Avondale

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion, 3. Avondale, 4. Waterford Mott, 5. Waterford Kettering.

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER ON SPOT: Neveah Wood-Lake Orion

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district which could be very similar to last season’s classic district final between Clarkston and Lake Orion. Avondale was in a different district and had a rough year due to injuries last season, they have home court this time around. The Yellow Jackets have Madison Manyweathers, Morgan McPherson, Amaria Daniel, Khaila Bradley, Giavanni Hollie-Jackson, Sasha McClellan, and Janaye Richardson coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Clarkston is coming off a district crown last season. The Wolves have the majority of their team in Brooklyn Covert, Elliana Robak, Marley Mazur, Ella Morgner, Ellery Hernandez, Kayla Butki, Lauren Fishtaller, Keira Zorski, Lexi Fry, and Jenna Thomas coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Lake Orion has been a team on the rise. They were a very young team last season. The Dragons have Izzy Wotlinski, Charlotte Peplowski, Neveah Wood, Grace Hoensheid, Riley House, Lauren LaForge, and Dani Heck coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. Waterford Mott has Payton Smith, Morgan Tassin, Trevino Marissa, Kate Saunders, Natalia Santia, Ahyma Gulley, Juilanna Lemis, and Isabella Badger coming back for Coach Andrew Wellman. Waterford Kettering has JaNella Barber, Summer Blaine, Ellie Droops, Peyton Eakin, Sophie Munro, Kylee Nickerson, and Ella McCall coming back for Coach Rawle Marshall. This district has the makings of last season but the Yellow Jackers are a dangerous three seed.
 

District 28 @ Stoney Creek

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Utica Eisenhower, 2. Stoney Creek, 3. Rochester, 4. Romeo, 5. Utica, 6. Adams.

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Stoney Creek

DARKHORSE: Rochester

PLAYER ON SPOT: Devyn Raymond-Utica Eisenhower

INSIGHT: This is almost the same district as last season. Utica comes into this district, they really struggled winning nine games last season. The Chieftains have Katelyn Shtogrin, Kylie Condon, Brianna LeMersie, Brooklyn LeMerise, Violet Smith, and Alexis Petruccioli coming back for Coach Jason Muchortow who took over for legendary coach Tom McDonald who retired two years ago. Stoney Creek made history by getting to the State Quarterfinals last season. The Cougars have Merrick Schlawbach, Izzy Ivezaj, Calista Ivezaj, Abigail Ivezaj, Mikayla Gendich, Addy Allen, Samantha Fulkerson, Taylor Fulkerson, Sophie Budzick, and Jenna Cook coming back for Coach Columbus Williams. Romeo had a great year winning 16 games last season. The Bulldogs have Claire Carmody, Maya Mosley, Mya Muschong, Samantha Sackfield, and Anna Wesley coming back for Coach Ron LeBlanc. Romeo fell to Rochester last season in the district semifinals. The Falcons will look to have a bounce back season. They have Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, Lucy Cook, Angela Cichowski, Taylor Parsons, and Erica Procter coming back for new coach Andrew Topie. Utica Eisenhower was very young last season. The Eagles have Gabriella Gojcaj, Lily Pantaleo, Paige Hays, Devyn Raymond, and Tesla Bertoia coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Utica Eisenhower fell to Adams in overtime last season. Adams is hoping to use the postseason from last season as a stepping stone to this season. The Highlanders have Faith Zoldus, Neveah Williams, and Lily Tomahauk coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. This should be a very interesting district to watch that is for sure.
 

District 29 @ Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK

TROY

TROY ATHENS

BERKLEY

Warren Mott

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Troy, 2. Royal Oak, 3. Berkley, 4. Troy Athens, 5. Warren Mott.

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Royal Oak

DARKHORSE: Berkley

PLAYER ON SPOT: Maci Zeiter-Troy

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Troy is coming off a strong year last season but the Colts fell to Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. Troy has a ton of proven experience in Diamond Prince, Reagan Zeiter, Carly Higginbottom, Olivia Sprangler, Sophia Kaltsounis, Kelsey Block, Aly Matuza, Savannah Oddy, Victoria Siegan, Shavani Angadi, Brianna Bert, and Lizzie Dobbs coming back and have Maci Zeiter coming into the program for Coach Laura Guzman. Troy Athens had a rough year last season. The Red Hawks have Yasmeen Dabbish, Alex Link, and Faraida Youseff coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Royal Oak has home court and is coming off a ton of momentum making the regional finals last season. The Ravens have Lucy Freytag, Lydia Dickens, Hannah Saunders, Jordan Hills, Vivian Lawrence, and Maddie Lawrence coming back for  Coach Brian Sopota. Berkley has been up and coming, they made the district finals last season. The Bears have Avery Wintergarden, Maddie Boswall, Katelyn Sills, Nadia Watt, Hailey Kirkwood, Blessing Nweke, Caleigh Tracy, Olivia Church, and Z Diop coming back for Coach Clay Shaver. Warren Mott won nine games last season. The Mauraders have Leajah Ferguson, Niah Sims, Aubrie Vojnov, Alyssa Sikorski, Allison Phillips, Conamora Ndana, Addison Brown, Sophie Simon, and Ella Schmidt coming back for Coach Patrick Schmidt. The Colts are favored in this district but the Ravens could have a strong say but watch for the Bears as well.
 

District 60 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Center Line

Hazel Park

Madison Heights Lamphere

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Ferndale, 2. Madison Heights Lamphere, 3. Hazel Park, 4. Ferndale University, 5. Center Line.

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Madison Heights Lamphere

DARKHORSE: Hazel Park

PLAYER ON SPOT: Aaliyah Frost-Ferndale

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Ferndale University had a rough season with a very young team. The Eagles have LeAnna Spencer, Gabrielle Thompson, Kayla Sanders, Taniyah Crawford, Tamary Powell, Kendall Spencer, and Jayda Wilson coming back for Coach Brianna Rowe. Ferndale has completely revamped their team in two years and is in the Red this season. The Eagles have Aaliyah Frost, Inaya Davis, Demi Bolton, Janiya Larry, Masiah Clark, Kathleen DeVillena, and Keyanna McGarrell coming back along with emerging talents in Zahra Richardson, Janielle Turner, Kassidy Cain, and Zayria McCrary for Coach Keith Paris. Hazel Park has coming back for Coach Anthony Brown. Center Line really struggled last season. They have Janiyah Thomas, Sydney Zosel, Jordyn Alexander, Savannah Rietz, Carlie Farkas, Reyonna Jackson, Jaylah Roper, Kaylee Lindsay, and Audrey Harenski coming back for Coach Josh Banks. Madison Heights Lamphere won 13 games last season. The Rams have Faithlynn Donegan, Taylor Dufrense, Emile Eritano, Mya Giffin, Harmony Hays, Emma Malkowski, Sophia Muskery, Faith Stinson, and Jordan Terbruggen coming back for a new coach. The Eagles are the early favorite but the Rams have the experience to make some noise, this could be Paris time to make some noise.
 

District 61 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park

St. Clair Shores South Lake

Warren Regina

Eastpointe

 

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Warren Regina, 2. Harper Woods, 3. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 4. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 5. Eastpointe.

FAVORITE: Warren Regina

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: Harper Woods Chandler Park

PLAYER ON SPOT: Ella Sikorski-Warren Regina

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Harper Woods has been up and down as of late. The Pioneers have Amari Hutchinson and Laniyah West coming back for Coach LaToya Tate. Harper Woods should have some challengers in this district. Eastpointe won 12 games last season for Coach Deon Woods. St. Clair Shores South Lake won 15 games last season for Coach Wilbur Jones. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 10 games for Coach Rakeem Beal last season. Warren Regina has some proven experience in Ella Sikorski and Sara Wilking coming back for Coach Joe Charette. The Pioneers are the defending district champs and look to defend their crown but the Satellites will have a strong say that is for sure.
District 62 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Waterford Oakdale Prep

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Macomb Lutheran North

PROJECTED SEEDS: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 3. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 4. Pontiac, 5. Waterford Oakdale Prep.

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

DARKHORSE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PLAYER ON SPOT: CeCe Arico-Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

INSIGHT: This should be a very interesting district. Pontiac didn’t have the numbers to be in the postseason. The Phoenix should be much improved for Coach Christopher Wright. Macomb Lutheran North has Claire Leinberger, Kaylee Ward, Alaina Chandler, Leighton Gardner, Lauren Dean, Sydnee Davis, Grace Tobey, Aubrey Thumm, and Morgan Nyboer coming back for Coach Andrea Tiedt. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school that just started competition. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood won 16 games last season and is loaded. The Cranes have Haadiya Khan, Maeve Alexander, Madeline Day, Sienna Laverde, Brooke Brown, Dalia Reisner, Trinity Dougherty, Alyssa Luo, Catherine Vaz, and Bella Miceli coming back for Coach Micaela Ellis. Birmingham Detroit Country Day is loaded with proven talent after falling in a heartbreaker to Detroit Edison in the regional final last season. The Yellow Jackets have Naiya Krispin, Cece Arico, Jayla Jackson, Sanyiah Blackwell, Ariyanna Wiggins, and Alina Younes coming back for Coach Amber Deane. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has been solid year in and year out. The Fighting Irish have Sarah Okka, Nikki Voto, Kaylyn Sowers, Ellie Whalen, Adriana Lorenz coming back for Coach Tom Kocik. The Yellow Jackets is the favorite to win this district but keep a close eye on the Cranes in this district.

Written Thursday June 6th at 1:12 PM

Groves has their new girls basketball coach.

The Falcons named Jessica Duleba as their new girls basketball coach. Duleba takes over for Alison Hidey who left Groves to be the new girls basketball coach at Livonia Stevenson.

The MHSAA website confirmed the hire.

Duleba was the junior varsity coach at Lakeland and also coached at Oakland Community College for three years. She played her college ball in New York City and played internationally in Spain, Poland, and France according to her JD7 basketball page.

Hidey went 25-44 in her three years at Groves since taking over for Coach AntJuan Simpkins (Detroit Cass Tech) including going 8-14 falling 47-35 to Royal Oak in the district semifinals.

Duleba will be the third coach in five years at Groves.

Groves will be in the White with Rochester, Seaholm, Troy, Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills. They will have a proven lineup with Harlem Simpson, Jacey Roy, Anaiyah White, Sophie Schwinik, and Micah White coming back. Program strength will be a concern for Duleba next season.

We’ll see what happens. I’ll have thoughts on the hire on Monday’s podcast.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Duleba’s JD7 Basketball page

https://www.jd7basketball.com/aboutme

MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/groves/girls/varsity/basketball/2024

Written Sunday June 9th at 5:45 PM

We’re into the final week of the season. Here is the Girls Softball State Quarterfinal and Girls Soccer State Semifinal Previews.

Softball

LAKE ORION vs Lakeland @ Marysville

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup of two teams that have very strong softball traditions. The Eagles are coming off a sweep of Troy Athens (15-0) and Bloomfield Hills (8-3) by a combined 23-3 which gave them their first regional crown since 2012. This will be Lakeland’s biggest test of the postseason as they face a Dragons team that has been battle tested and been put through the gauntlet. Lake Orion beat Stoney Creek and Macomb Dakota by 5-4 scores in the district and regional finals respectably. The winner of this State Quarterfinal matchup will see either Hartland or Ava Bradshaw and South Lyon in the State Semifinals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This will be the Eagles toughest test in the postseason. Lakeland has played against fellow Lakes Valley Conference rivals South Lyon and South Lyon East. The tough schedule favors the Dragons and that’s why they’ll be heading to Michigan State for the second straight year and likely see Bradshaw and the Lions. PICK: LAKE ORION.

Soccer

ADAMS vs Plymouth Salem @ Troy

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting matchup between two teams that have made surprising runs this postseason. Plymouth Salem had a big district final win over Livonia Stevenson in the district final. The Rocks had to see Plymouth and Plymouth Canton have deep runs but this season was their time to shine and it’s their first regional crown since 1995. Adams had to go through Rochester and Troy to get to this point. The Highlanders seen Stoney Creek make a deep run last season but it’s their time. The winner will see Hartland or Grand Haven in the State Finals at Michigan State.

PREDICTION: This should be a good one, I see the Highlanders winning this one being it’s a shorter drive from Rochester to Troy unlike Plymouth to Troy. I see Adams winning in a classic. PICK: ADAMS.

Written Saturday June 1st at 8:15 PM

Softball

Have projections for softball as well.

Region 7 @ Waterford Mott

TROY ATHENS vs Lakeland

NORTH FARMINGTON vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This should be a very competitive but interesting regional. Anyone can win this regional. Bloomfield Hills outscored their two opponents in Waterford Kettering (13-0) and Clarkston (2-0) by a combined 15-0 in both games. The Blackhawks have a ton of balance heading into their game with North Farmington. The Raiders had to earn their way to a district crown by beating Groves 7-4 in the district semifinal and Seaholm 4-3 in eight innings. North Farmington has been really tested as anyone heading into this regional. Lakeland might have a case to say what the Raiders have been saying. The Eagles had to survive Walled Lake Northern 6-3 in the district semifinal and survive 10-7 over arch rival Milford in the district finals. Troy Athens has been riding with a ton of confidence. The Red Hawks knocked off arch rival Troy 12-6 in the district semifinal and 12-3 over Avondale in the district finals winning by a combined 24-9 in both games. It should be a very interesting semifinal matchup with Lakeland.

PICK: Lakeland: The Eagles have a ton of proven experience and beating a team like Walled Lake Northern should help their confidence. I think Bloomfield Hills gets by North Farmington in a really tight game. I like Lakeland over Troy Athens but also that will be close. I think experience gets the Eagles to the quarterfinals as mentioned.

 

Region 8 @ Lake Orion

LAKE ORION vs Utica Ford II

Macomb Dakota vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: I watched the State Champs Softball podcast and they were very high on Macomb Dakota and the accomplishments they have had this season. Yes the Cougars have a new coach in Shelby Weeks and have had a great season which included a 7-5 win over Lake Orion at Lake Orion. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 5-4 win over Stoney Creek and their star ace Erin Flynn. Utica Ford II really wasn’t tested in their district. The Falcons won over Macomb L’Anse Creuse (15-0) and Fraser (10-6) by a combined 25-6 in their two district games. New Baltimore Anchor Bay has been up and down all season. The Tars won their district over Port Huron Northern (18-0) and Romeo (3-0) by a combined 21-0. Macomb Dakota has beaten New Baltimore Anchor Bay this season in MAC play. These four teams know each other quite well.

PICK: Lake Orion: The State Champs Softball Podcast has Macomb Dakota winning this regional. Now I respect their opinion but I don’t agree with it. I think Lake Orion comes out of this for a few reasons. I think they will beat Utica Ford II in a very competitive game. The Cougars should have no issue with New Baltimore Anchor Bay now that could change. Lake Orion should be motivated after falling to Macomb Dakota earlier in the season. The Dragons beat the Cougars in the regional final last season which featured an insane catch by Ellie Britt in that game. The loss to Lake Orion was the Cougars motivation earlier in the season. This could be a very interesting and very tense regional.

 

Region 14 @ Trenton

HARPER WOODS vs Carleton Airport

Dearborn Divine Child vs Riverview

THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: These are some very familiar teams in this regional particularity three of the four you kind of expected to be here in this regional. The Pioneers weren’t really tested in their district. They won by a combined 30-0 over Detroit East English Village Prep (15-0) and Detroit Denby Tech (15-0.) Harper Woods will have a really difficult task against a solid Carleton Airport program. The Jets knocked off a very good New Boston Huron program 4-3 in 12 innings in the district semifinals and a really good Trenton team 7-0 in the district final to get to this matchup. The second game should be very interesting between Dearborn Divine Child and Riverview. The Falcons had no problem with Detroit Martin Luther King and Dearborn Henry Ford in their district. The Pirates had no issue with Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Southgate Anderson and Dearborn Heights Annapolis outscoring their three opponents by a combined 45-2. This should be a very interesting regional over in Trenton.

PICK: Riverview: The Pirates were a machine in both of their district games and is a proven powerhouse. Dearborn Divine Child and Carleton Airport should give them games but at the end of the day it will be too much Riverview here for them to move on.

Baseball Regional Semifinals

SEAHOLM vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit @ Seaholm

This should be a very interesting matchup between the Cubs and the Maples. Seaholm became an honorary member of the Catholic League. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit wasn’t really tested in their district after winning by a combined 23-1 over Ferndale (13-1) and Southfield Arts and Tech (10-0.) Seaholm was very impressive in their district outscoring Royal Oak (10-1) and Troy (8-1) by a combined 18-2 earning back to back district crowns. The winner of this game will meet either Birmingham Brother Rice or Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional final at Wayne State.

ROCHESTER vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay @ Stoney Creek

This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that haven’t really seen on another. The Falcons are coming off winning the Lake Orion regional knocking off Adams 6-1 in the district finals. The Tars earned a hard fought 4-3 win over Romeo in the district finals. This should be a very interesting matchup as mentioned in Stoney Creek. The winner will meet either Grand Blanc or Flushing at Grand Blanc in the regional final.

 

Girls Lacrosse State Semifinals

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Brighton

This is a very interesting matchup between the Blackhawks and the Bulldogs at West Bloomfield. Brighton has had Bloomfield Hills number and has been impressive this postseason after winning 19-11 over Northville. Bloomfield Hills had to survive Troy in overtime 13-11 in their regional final. This should be a very interesting matchup to watch as mentioned.

Written Saturday June 1st at 6:06 PM

Oak Park repeats as State Champions in Girls Track.

The Knights girls track and field team showed their dominance in the Division One State meet at East Kentwood on Saturday afternoon.

Oak Park scored 88 points repeating as the Division One State Champions.

The Knights did their damage in the mid distance. Oak Park got 18 points from Neveah Burns and Dayshana Kellogg in the 400. Kylie King won the 800. The Knights won the Four by One, the Four by Two, and the Four by Four relays. Burns took sixth in the 200.

Rochester finished 12th with 18 points, West Bloomfield was tied for ninth with 19 points, Bloomfield Hills was tied for 30th with seven points, Farmington was tied for 33rd with six points, Royal Oak was tied for 41th with four points, Groves was tied for 44th with three points, Southfield Arts and Tech and Lake Orion were tied for 48th with two points.

Ferndale was in the Division Two State meet at Hamilton High School. They finished tied for 49th with four points.

Oak Park has a ton of proven talent coming back next season. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Knights are right back in this conversation.

On the boys side, Troy Athens was 13th with 15 points, Troy was tied for 17th with 13 points, Oak Park was tied for 20th with 11 points, Adams was tied for 31st with eight points, Royal Oak was tied for 36th with five points, West Bloomfield and North Farmington were tied for 41st with four points, and Groves was tied for 45th with three points.

Clarkston wins State Crown in Tennis.

The Wolves earned their first State crown in Girls Tennis scoring 28 points in the Division One State meet in Midland on Saturday afternoon.

Troy was fourth with 18 points, Adams and Stoney Creek tied for eighth with 12 points. Bloomfield Hills was 13th with eight points. Rochester was 17th with five points, Troy Athens and West Bloomfield were tied for 22nd with one point, and Royal Oak did not score.

Clarkston had three winners in Kayla Lemke, Charlotte Partchenko, and Sydney Gisez who won their respective brackets in the singles competition.

In Division Two, last season’s state champions Seaholm finished second with 23 points falling to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern who had 29 points. Groves was tied for seventh with 11 points, North Farmington was 10th with 10 points, and Berkley was tied for 15th with four points.

Congrats to Oak Park and Clarkston for bringing home State crowns to the OAA.

Written Saturday June 1st at 4:00 PM

Here is my preview for the regionals.

Region Two at Oxford

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Milford

The Blackhawks are riding with a ton of confidence after outscoring West Bloomfield and Waterford Mott by a combined 16-0. Bloomfield Hills will be tested by a Milford team who had to overcome a tough district and knock off Walled Lake Northern 1-0 in the district finals. This should be a very interesting matchup to say the least.

LAKE ORION vs Hartland

The Dragons are riding with a ton of confidence, overcoming their three early season losses to Clarkston (3-2 in Petoskey), Oxford (6-5), and Davison (2-1.) Lake Orion has won 12 straight games since their 3-1 loss to Plymouth Salem on April 27th in Rochester. The Eagles will be a tough matchup for Lake Orion. Hartland outscored Lansing Holt, Okemos, and Brighton by a combined 6-0 in route to their district crown. It should be a very interesting matchup of different styles.

 

Region Four at Stoney Creek

ADAMS vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay

The Highlanders have had a really strong season. They won the toughest district in the State having to survive Rochester 1-0 in penalty kicks in the district finals and not to mention winning 6-1 over Utca in the district semifinals. The Tars have had a rough road thus far despite having home field in the postseason. They had to survive 3-1 over Macomb L’Anse Creuse North in the district semifinals and 1-0 over Macomb Dakota in the district finals

TROY vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview

The Colts needed four early goals to beat their arch rivals Troy Athens 4-1 in the district finals. Troy will ride their experience into a matchup with St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the regional semifinals. The Huskies come into this game unbeaten with two ties and the MAC Blue crown this season. They have not been as tested as the Colts will give them in this game. Also Troy is the Red champ.