by orionontv | Jul 20, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday July 14th at 2:00 AM
Updated Friday July 14th at 9:00 AM
Here are some of the well know rivalries and some of the famous clashes around the OAA when it came to the rivalries. I don’t have all the rivalries, if you want to add any more just feel free to DM me.
Lake Orion vs Oxford: This rivalry you can write a documentary on that is for sure. The Dragons and the Wildcats are the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s. Whether it’s football, boys basketball, girls basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, track, wrestling, you name it. It’s almost close to Michigan vs Michigan State when describing this rivalry. There are legendary names on both sides and there is a trophy in football. This has been a rivalry since the 1950’s. Expect more to write their names on this rivalry in the future.
Clarkston vs West Bloomfield: When you think of Clarkston, you think of Lake Orion being the rival. That has certainly have not been the case as of late. West Bloomfield has clearly became Clarkston’s arch rival whether it is football, basketball, you name it. These two have been arch rivals with their first ever meeting being in 1953 and have been part of the Oakland Wayne Conference. The Wolves and Lakers have had battles in football and in basketball. Expect this rivalry to intensify in the next few years.
Berkley vs Royal Oak: When Royal Oak Kimball and Royal Oak Dondero merged in 2006 and became Royal Oak. Most people would think that Royal Oak High School would overcome their rivals to the west but it hasn’t been the case in most sports. The Bears are 6-3 all time against the Ravens including winning the last three meetings in football. Berkley has either played even or dominated against Royal Oak with the exception being Girls Basketball. The Ravens beat the Bears 20-9 in the softball district finals which was a monster win for the program. Could Royal Oak’s softball district crown over Berkley be a rivalry game changer??? Who knows but it’s a start. The Ravens need to start winning over their arch rivals on a consistent basis if they want to turn the rivalry in their favor.
Troy vs Troy Athens: These two neighborhood rivals have been at it since 1976 with the city of Troy in red and gold or black and gray. Troy used to be a football powerhouse but have struggled on hard times. This rivalry has had some intense battles especially in soccer and also basketball. Soccer is where both rivals are very competitive and it’s intense. The fan bases are also intense as well. Troy has dominated Troy Athens in girls basketball and volleyball. They have also found some success in football and boys basketball. This rivalry will be going on for a long time that is for sure in the future.
Groves vs Seaholm: The Battle of Birmingham has been very strong between the green and gold and the maple and white. These two city rivals first met in 1961 and have played 67 times with Seaholm winning 42 of those games. Groves has won 12 of the last 14 meetings in this rivalry in football. Football is not the only sport where these two neighborhood rivals compete at. Both schools are very good in tennis, soccer, and in swimming and diving. Boys Basketball has had some great battles including a shocking upset where Seaholm upset Groves in the pre-district. These rivals will be in the conversation for a long time in all sports.
West Bloomfield vs Bloomfield Hills: The Battle of Bloomfield has been more evident in boys basketball. These two have split their contests and played in the postseason where West Bloomfield won on the road in the pre-district over Bloomfield Hills. It is possible that these two schools could meet again in the postseason next season. The Blackhawks lost a lot of proven talent from this offseason. The Lakers have a ton of proven experience coming back. In other sports, these two teams are not in the same division except for boys soccer but really this rivalry have been really been intense in boys basketball.
North Farmington vs Farmington: North Farmington and Farmington have always been the battle to decide Farmington even when they first met in 1963 but when Harrison became a school, the Hawks dominated the city of Farmington especially in football. North Farmington has always been a basketball power and it has shown. When Harrison closed in 2018, Farmington benefited from Harrison closing but the Hawks coaching staff went to North Farmington. 2019 was a classic when both teams went in unbeaten but the Raiders beat the Falcons 13-9 winning the Blue crown. The Falcons had dominated the rivalry under then coach Jon Bectel and also Kory Cicroch but when Coach Jon Herstein came to North Farmington, the rivalry has changed in a big way until overtime game where Farmington beat the Raiders which was huge for Coach Jason Albrecht who played under Bectel in 2022. Basketball has been dominated by the Raiders as has most of the spring sports as well. Farmington has a ton to prove especially against their arch rivals to the north in football and in basketball.
Berkley vs Ferndale: This has been a neighborhood rivalry that has been played since 1950 in football. Berkley and Ferndale are no strangers to each other when it comes to sports. Football and boys basketball have been the greatest areas of this rivalry. In 2018, no one would ever forget a 23-1 Bears lead on Steve Rhodes Appreciation Night only for the Eagles to comeback and stun the Bears. Ferndale has changed their program under then Coach Juan Rickman which included a Division Two State Crown. Berkley has been a very strong program under Coach Joe Sermo. These two schools have been solid in football as well. Other sports they clash in softball where both teams have had tight games in the past. The rivalry hasn’t been the same as in recent years but it’s still there.
Lake Orion vs Clarkston: The Dragons and the Wolves have been a rivalry but it hasn’t shown in football or boys basketball where Clarkston has dominated Lake Orion in recent years. Girls Basketball and volleyball this rivalry has been very competitive especially in girls basketball. Both teams are in the Red and have split games in the last two years. These two rivals first met in 1951. Lake Orion has to fix the boys sports especially football and boys basketball against Clarkston if this rivalry wants to come back to its spark of the past.
Oak Park vs Southfield Arts and Tech: Oak Park and Southfield are no strangers to one another with both schools close to one another. The Knights have played the Warriors/Blue Jays/and Chargers really tight. Southfield has been a girls basketball power in the past while Oak Park has really struggled. Oak Park has become the boys basketball power and has become a track and field power as well. Football is the biggest sport where this rivalry has really excelled. There has been star studded coaches from Greg Carter at Oak Park and Tim Conley and Aaron Marshall at Southfield. These two teams won’t meet each other in football this season but that rivalry is still there.
West Bloomfield vs Southfield Arts and Tech: The Lakers and Warriors have become an interesting rivalry when it comes to football. It hasn’t been a much a rivalry in other sports as of late with West Bloomfield having Southfield Arts and Tech’s number. West Bloomfield has won five of the last six meetings over Southfield Arts and Tech including a 42-21 stunner in Southfield last season. The Lakers are 5-3 all time against the Warriors in football.
Clarkston vs North Farmington: The great wars of boys basketball with coaching icons like Dan Fife and Tom Negoshian where the Raiders have famously had problems on big courts but most times have been successful against the Wolves at home. North Farmington has won the last two meetings in Clarkston over the Wolves. The philosophies of Fife and Negoshian are still there with Tim Waslik, a Fife and Todd Negoshian, Todd’s son coaching the present day basketball programs.
Clarkston vs Pontiac: The Wolves and the city of Pontiac was the rivalry from in the 1990’s and 2000’s when Pontiac was Pontiac Northern and Pontiac Central. When the schools merged it was a great rivalry but the Phoenix had fallen on hard times while Clarkston has been very consistent. Pontiac named Andrew Myers, a Clarkston graduate as their new head coach to turn around the program. The last time Pontiac beat Clarkston was when then coach Joel Schroeder coached the Phoenix in 2019 outside of that the Wolves have been dominant against the Phoenix.
Rochester vs Adams: The Falcons vs Highlanders is a very interesting city rivalry with Walton Blvd separating the two schools. Adams has owned Rochester in football. The Highlanders have won 26 straight meetings (last loss was 1996) over their rivals from Livernois. Rochester and Adams have been very good in soccer with both schools having to see each other in districts. Adams has really improved in volleyball and Rochester has been on the rise as of late. The Highlanders and Falcons have had some wars in the past in boys basketball especially the coaching matchups between John Hall and John Pleasant and the many players that have played in that rivalry ranging from Paris Perria (Rochester 2008-2012 and is the current Adams Junior Varsity Coach) who has been on both sides of this rivalry. Girls basketball has had some moments in this rivalry as well and the coaching wars between Shay Lewis/Fran Schiowisz vs Jeff Haney/Bill Thurston have been great in the past as well. It’s a rivalry that has grown and will continue to grow in time.
Adams vs Stoney Creek: The Highlanders and Cougars have had some wars particularly in soccer and cheerleading. Stoney Creek has beaten Adams twice in football since 2013. They have had some wars in basketball as well particularly the coaching matchups between John Hall/Jaret Thomas against Steve Norgrove in boys to Shay Lewis vs Kellen James in girls. Cheerleading has been very interesting between the two schools and also fellow city rival Rochester when it comes to the Division One State crown having visited all three schools. Stoney Creek has had Adams number in volleyball but it seems to be turning a little bit and it’s a good coaching rivalry between Terry Baughman and Ross Talbot. In soccer they have to go through each other every year to have a deep postseason run. It’s a rivalry that can keep growing in time.
Rochester vs Stoney Creek: The Falcons and the Cougars have developed into a really good rivalry especially in football, basketball, cheerleading, and soccer. Current Stoney Creek football coach Nick Merlo has connections to both sides of this rivalry. He coaches the Cougars but he was a Rochester grad, assistant coach, and his father is legendary coach Mark Merlo who coached at Rochester. Rochester beat Stoney Creek 21-20 in the first round of the postseason in 2022 which was the Falcons first postseason win in school history after winning on an extra point. Rochester has been the dominant power in cheerleading but Stoney Creek has a fair share of State crowns of their own. Girls basketball has been very competitive especially the coaching rivalries of the past between Jeff Haney and Brad Crighton to Bill Thurston vs Kellen James and big name players have came through both sides of this rivalry. Soccer has been very insturmental on both sides, the Falcons were the top team in the State in girls soccer but fell to Stoney Creek whom was ranked third in the State. The Cougars won the Division One State crown this season. Their paths go through each other usually in the postseason.
Lake Orion vs Adams: The Dragons and Highlanders have had their fair share of battles especially in football. Lake Orion is 21-16 all time against Adams but the Highlanders won the last two meetings last season.Lake Orion has had some monster wins in this rivalry as well 2019 36-31, 2018 28-24, and 2008 31-28 were all Dragons wins with two of them being at Adams. This rivalry is not just in football but also in basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. Adams beat Lake Orion in track and field in the regular season but the Dragons got them in some invitationals and it’s been a great rivalry between Eric Lohr and Stan Ford/Andrew McDonald. The Highlanders won two of three against the Dragons in baseball but Lake Orion had a deeper postseason run than Adams. In Girls Basketball the coaching rivalries were classic between Bob Brydges and Shay Lewis along with Steve Roberts against Shay Lewis. The Highlanders had the Dragons number in the postseason but that all changed in 2022 when Lake Orion beat Adams in the district first round. The Highlanders upset the Dragons in the regional semifinal in 2022 with a 1-0 win in that game. They have had battles in boys basketball, boys lacrosse, and boys golf. This rivalry has excelled over the years and will continue to be one in all sports for a while.
Adams vs Clarkston: The Highlanders and Wolves are no strangers to each other especially in football. Clarkston is 22-15 all time against Adams and the Wolves won three of the last four meetings including twice in 2022. The Desman Stephens touchdown with one second in the regional final was nuts. The 36-33 stunner sent the Wolves to the Division One State Semifinals and ended the Highlanders season to which Adams had one of their best sports classes in school history (Class of 2023.) Adams did get Clarkston back in boys basketball by beating them three times including in the regional final at Fenton. The Highlanders and Wolves have gone back and fourth in the past. It will be very interesting to see how this rivalry evolves into the future.
Lake Orion vs Rochester: The Dragons and Falcons are no strangers to one another when it comes to sports. Some will look back to when Rochester beat Lake Orion twice in the regular season on route to a 19-1 season but the Dragons stunned the Falcons 48-44 in the boys basketball district finals in 2012. Lake Orion went on to the State Quarterfinal that season. The rivalry has really blossomed in Girls Basketball. Lake Orion and Rochester have went back and fourth when it comes to wins and losses. They have built their programs from the Blue and are now back in the Red. The coaching matchups between Steve Roberts and Jeff Haney and Bob Brydges against Bill Thurston have featured classics from Little Caesars Arena to the game at Rochester where Lake Orion was without four rotational players and won that game. The Dragons won the district crown in 2021 over the Falcons 40-34. Lake Orion has had the upper hand in most sports against Rochester with the exception of cheerleading and soccer but girls basketball the rivalry has really blossomed.
by orionontv | Jun 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday June 20th at 6:40 PM
This are the volleyball districts. Here are my thoughts and insight surrounding each district. This article will be updated.
District 17 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Farmington Hills Mercy
Novi
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Livonia Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Novi
PLAYER ON SPOT: Kaitlyn Pallozzi-Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very tough district. Three teams have a great chance to win this district. Novi made a ton of head waves last season despite losing a ton of proven experience from last season’s final four run. The Wildcats have Cece Regoli, Mallory Stoy, Grace Hoener, Izzy Earley, Kate Harpenau, Paige O’Connor, and Zoe Adams coming back for Coach Kacey Moran. Livonia Stevenson should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Ava Schoen, Dea Alushi, Natalie West, Brynlee Hass, Erin Cahill, Megan Ervans, Cate Sosnowski, Jessica Muller, Kennedy Hinkle, Lauren Micallef, Kelsey Bahr, and Grace Trantham coming back for Coach Amy Osborn. Farmington Hills Mercy has been a perional power in volleyball and they should be again. The Marlins have Kaitlyn Pallozzi, Maya Zarow, Angie Butler, Lana LaFontaine, Jillian Collins, Cree Hollier, Campbell Flynn, Keira McNutt, and Ava Fitzgerald coming back for Coach Loretta Vogel. Southfield Arts and Tech has a really good season last year winning the Blue for Coach Michael Armstrong. Redford Thurston was up and down last season. They should be better this season for Coach Scott Gray. Farmington really struggled last season. The Falcons should be much improved for Coach Kate Drews. This should be a very interesting district to watch this season.
District 21 @ Birmingham Marian
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Berkley
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: In the words of the great Paul Heyman, the word defending and undisputed champion is in this district and that is Birmingham Marian. They are the two time defending Division One State Champs and they host the district. The Mustangs are loaded again with Allie Davison, Danielle Mertz, Mackenzie Swanson, Maggie Scott, Jayla Zayti, Maria Odeesh, Izzy Busignani, and Ella Swanson coming back. They also added Clarkston transfer Chloe Gehtbrock for Coach Mayssa Cook. Seaholm really struggled last season. The Maples should be better for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Groves should be very interesting this season. The Falcons have Jordan Allen, Anna Apsey, Chloe Cast, Autumn DeGroat, Emily Eshelby, Adison Gerken, Alexis Heller, Molly Heller, Sydney Lezovich, Sofia Scott, Ayden Weber, and Ariell White coming back for Coach Madison Close. Berkley had an incredible run getting to the Division One State Quarterfinals last season. The Bears have Sophie Owens, Lili Herron, Karsen Savage, Mariah Jones, Erika Mayry, Emily High, Alana White, and Julia Watson coming back for Coach Dakota Stanichuk. Royal Oak has a ton of ups and downs last season. The Ravens have Ava Emery, Brie Emery, Charlotte Graves, Riley Maizy, Jaelynn Prebelich, Hannah Saunders, and Emmy Walden coming back for Coach Ciara Schultz. Oak Park could struggle in this district but the Knights should be competitive for Coach Daimienne Goodlow. This district is the Mustangs to lose but the Bears, Falcons, Ravens, and maybe Maples might have a strong say how this district goes.
District 25 @ Waterford Mott
NORTH FARMINGTON
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Western
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Walled Lake Central
FAVORITE: Walled Lake Central
NEXT: Bloomfield Hills
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Western
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Natalie Petrucci- Bloomfield Hills
EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines coming into this district. Walled Lake Central is veteran heavy. The Vikings have Madeline Elkow, Lauren Browser, Angelina Virga, Angelina Saco, Samantha Klenczar, Makalynn Czamecki, Brielle Thomas, and Reagan Adams coming back for Coach Elizabeth Kaplin. Walled Lake Western is another team that is veteran heavy. The Warriors have Blaire Waling, Evynne Santana, Natalie Kosaian, Ryah Dewey, Brie Woodman, and Megan Hill coming back for Coach Angie Dewey. Bloomfield Hills should be solid with Jessica Pal, Kacy Rankin, Emily Daitch, Kora Nicolanti, Jamie Zousmer, Natalie Peturcci, Annalise Parker, Gabrielle Gippert, Mia Feinglold, Celeste Arabo, and Kayla Nwabuezee coming back for Coach Jacob Paige. Waterford Mott has struggled in the past but they should be better for Coach Beth MacVicar. North Farmington was very young last season. They have experience which should help. The Raiders have Skyler Wayne, Sydney Ostrofsky, Liz Grajewski, Sofi Licari, Sam Hoffer, Amara Gatson, Isaiah Bartlett, Mehar Khanna, Sullivan Totin, Whalen Kennedy, Collin Zimmerman, Kayli Piper, and Kanoto Noguchi coming back for Coach Michael Love. West Bloomfield should be very interesting with a new coach and system coming into the program. The Lakers have Arielle Newsome, Jordanne Shannon, Gabrielle Hale, and Felcia Fulton coming back for new coach Elizabeth Ferguson. This should be a very interesting district to watch. It’s anyone’s district but give a slight edge to the Blackhawks.
District 26 @ Adams
ADAMS
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
PONTIAC
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Utica Eisenhower
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Adams
DARKHORSE: Rochester
PLAYER ON SPOT: Lola Hurst-Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. There are four teams that have a shot to win this district. Utica Eisenhower should be a very interesting team. The Eagles have Jada Pantaleo, Shpresa Nikolai, Gina Fredrigo, Kayla Ostrander, Claire Bemis, Danielle Becker, and Jenna Fraser coming back for Coach Caitlyn Mahoney. Rochester has made a ton of strides from last season. They should be very good this season. The Falcons have Aleeza Carballo, Lola Hurst, Abby He, Kaitlin Allen, Kylah Vigant, Vivian Campbell, Carol Campbell, Isabella Ferrara, Joran Suhajda, Bruce Suhajda, and Makena Torri coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Adams should be back in the mix. The Highlanders have Emily Edwards, Maddie Wilson, Julia Fidler, Tori Lang, Tina Barnekova, Emerson Straub, Bella Guthrie, Sayrha Nahra, and Olivia Carroll coming back for Coach Terry Baughman. Stoney Creek was very young last season which was very unusual. The Cougars have Lexi Mazzola, Grace Bonner, Joslyn Becker, Julia Gojcaj, Lili Sipila, Caroline Khury, Zoe Champine, Ana Cano, Jillian Van Stee, and Cassandra Younggren coming back for Coach Ross Talbot. Pontiac should be very young this season for Coach Kyrie Holloman. This district should be very competitive with the Cougars, Highlanders, Falcons, and Eagles have great chances to win this district.
District 27 @ Avondale
AVONDALE
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford II
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Avondale
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Avondale
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Caroline Cubitt-Troy Athens
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Auburn Hills. Utica Ford II should be solid this season. The Falcons have Natalia Malewicz, Bella Allen, Ruby Sandison, Kaitlyn Marsh, Stephanie Saunders, and Samantha Yantus coming back for Coach Randy Schantz. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a solid year last season. The Titans have Diana Marku, Kaitlyn Davis, Samantha Fenwick, and Katie Coles coming back for Coach Karolina Dziedzic. Troy has been very good in the past. The Colts have Anna Rich, Bella Colon, Gabby Bouzide, Emma Runke, Riley Smith and, Anika Abelgas coming back for Coach Vince Muscat. Troy Athens has been improving. The Red Hawks have Ashlyn Andrzejewski, Caroline Cubitt, Macy Van Tiem, Maya Sabra, Madigan Tennies, and Julia Heywood coming back for Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Avondale has been improving each season. The Yellow Jackets have Ava Williams, Cate Pastori, Marissa Jewell, Paige Inez and Kennedy Wolfe coming back for Coach Andrew Stepp. I think this is a wide open district to say the least.
District 29 @ Lake Orion
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
Waterford Kettering
Walled Lake Northern
Lakeland
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lakeland
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lakeland
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Northern
PLAYER ON SPOT: Cayla Cogan-Clarkston
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very competitive and very tough district. Four teams have a shot to win this district. Walled Lake Northern is veteran heavy this season. The Knights have Kaitlyn Freitag, Amelia Foster, Ava Epley, Kayla Budziak, Hadley Krygier, Avery Alfano, Lexi Peters, and Lucy McCarthy coming back for Coach Suzanne Krygier. Lakeland has been very good and they should be again this season. The Eagles have Kenzie McCombs, Kylie Kennedy, Ivana Fillipovic, Rylie Finzel, and Finley Ostach coming back for Coach Meghan Polce. Waterford Kettering has struggled in recent years. The Captains have Isabel Nuttall, Sarai Villegas-Rosa, Isabella Labo, Delaney Hall, Andrea Brown, Kyra Nickerson, and Riley Buczek coming back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Lake Orion is a very interesting team, they struggled early but improved as the season went on. The Dragons have Charlotte Peplowski, Teresa Gaberdiel, Allison O’Rourke, Sydney Bell, Carly Zibell, Ella Johnson, Sydbey Small, Addison Dukus, Kennedi Miller, and Devin Brunk coming back for Coach Tony Scarvada. Clarkston made a ton of noise and took Birmingham Marian to the brink last season. The Wolves have Morgan Lozzi, Addison Newblatt, Kiley Gallagher, Cayla Cogan, Jessica Petker, Emery Kuebler, and Isabelle Henry coming back for Coach Alison Smith. This district should be the one of the most competitive in the State this season.
District 32 @ Romeo
OXFORD
Romeo
New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: New Baltimore Anchor Bay
NEXT: Oxford
DARKHORSE: Port Huron
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jordyn Fiedler-Port Huron
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, three teams have a great shot to win this district. New Baltimore Anchor Bay was solid last season. The Tars have Ashlyn Cunha, Grace Lancaster, Lea Wasielewski, Brooklyn Haack, Rachel Youngblood, Korin Hitton, and Amelia Klos coming back for Coach Kristy Morrow. Port Huron should be a very interesting team. The Big Reds have Brylynn Balon, Jordan Fiedler, Alana Haller, Erica Hudy, Gwen Kamendat, Bryn Mullens, Isabelle Trombly, Illiana Williams coming back for Coach Derek Arena. Port Huron Northern really struggled last season. The Huskies have Elizabeth Block, McKenna Kiteley, Paisley Peyerk, Alexis Umbreit, Emma Vandergraff, Sydney Betts, and Anna Kerhoulas coming back for Coach Jacqueline Jamison. Oxford should be very interesting. The Wildcats have Alexandra Lantzy, Abby Jones, Jenna Miller, Kaitlyn Weiss, Tara Swanson, and Ella Sharrow coming back for Coach Noelle Zebb. Romeo has home court and should have a bounce back season. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Alyson Culkin, Kara Plutschuck, Emma Pagliarella, and Hannah Tymitz coming back for Coach Stacey Williams. Overall this should be a very interesting district as mentioned between the Tars, Big Reds, and Wildcats are the early favorites but never count the Bulldogs out by any means.
District 54 @ Hazel Park
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Henry Ford
Detroit Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
Detroit Lincoln King
Hazel Park
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Hazel Park, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Hazel Park
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Isabella Mendoza-Ferndale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be a three team district. Detroit Henry Ford really struggled last season for Coach Tiffany Jackson. Detroit Lincoln King struggled last season for Coach Briana Moss. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy for Coach Rhea Cooper. Hazel Park has been very good since leaving the OAA for the Macomb Area Conference. The Vikings have Alayna Brown, Lacy Chambers, Gabrielle, Figueroa, Emily Hudnall, and Savannah Lopez coming back for Coach Sherry Rietz. Ferndale should be a contender this season. The Eagles have Tatiyana Butts, Isabel Dutra, Charlotte Keller, Isabella Mendoza, Scarlet Reid, Katie Stokes, and Djene Sy coming back for Coach Natalie Satkowiak. Ferndale University should be very interesting this season. The Eagles have Ja-Kai George Tate, JonNae Kitchen, Briah Wadley, and Chanel Watson coming back for Coach Kenton Maki. As mentioned earlier, this district could come down to the Vikings, the Eagles, and the Eagles whom could win this district.
District 56 @ TBD
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English Village Prep
Detroit Osborn
Detroit Southeastern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Detroit Southeastern
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park
NEXT: Detroit Southeastern
DARKHORSE: Detroit East English Village Prep
PLAYER ON SPOT: Destiny Hardy-Harper Woods Chandler Park
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Detroit Southeastern was very good last season for Coach Ricardo Brown. Detroit Osborn has a new coach. Detroit East English for Coach Pamela Green. Detroit Denby for Coach Leif Seed. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down last season but they will have home court which helps. The Eagles have Micha White, Asia Newsom, Destiny Hardy, Jaiden Brooks, Shardae Littlejohn, Autumn Howard and Jailah Carter coming back for Coach Michelle Smith. Harper Woods really struggled last season for Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. This district on paper looks like this is the Eagles to lose but the Jungaleers could give a battle for sure.
Volleyball Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2023-Districts
by orionontv | Jun 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday June 20th at 9:20 AM
This article will be updated very often. Coaches including those are not in the OAA, if you want your thoughts on your district for the blog, please DM me on Twitter or email me.
Here is the districts.
District 60 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Eastpointe
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English Village Prep
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods, 2. Harper Woods Chandler Park
FAVORITE: Harper Woods
NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit East English Village Prep
PLAYER ON SPOT: Clearia Peterson-Harper Woods
THOUGHTS: This district should be much easier for the Pioneers going from Division One to Division Two this season. The Pioneers won 12 games last season and have Clearia Peterson, Laniaya West, Mikyra Kelly, Tamina Montgomery, Autumn Trotter, and Kendall Kelsey coming back for Coach Anthony Brown. Detroit East English Village Prep won 13 games last season for Coach Michelle Goodwin. Detroit Denby really struggled last season and will have a new coach. Eastpointe won four games last season for Coach Deon Woods. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 14 games last season for Coach Omar Ahart. This district looks like it should be a two team race between the Pioneers and the Eagles but Detroit East English Village Prep is a sleeper in this district.
District 58 @ TBA
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Henry Ford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Ariyanna Wiggins-Birmingham Detroit Country Day
THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district on paper. Birmingham Detroit Country Day won 18 games last season and is the favorite in this district. The Yellow Jackets have Ariyanna Wiggins, Ayaana Hai, Julia Younes, Sadie Rifkin, Jaidyn Elam, Peja Liles, Emma Arico, Jayla Jackson, and Naiya Krispin coming back for Coach Amber Deane. Detroit Henry Ford went from Division One to Division Two. The Trojans won four games for Coach Chevelle O’Brien last season. Detroit Lincoln King won six games for Coach Eric Boyles last season. Ferndale made a ton of strides winning eight games last season. The Eagles have Trinity Bennett, Jada Buchanan, Madiah Clark, Alia Herron, Ja’Nyia Larry,Jai’la Martin, Isabella Mendoza, and Jayla Pouncy coming back for Coach Keith Paris. Ferndale University really struggled last season. The Eagles have Laressa Brogdon, Lemia Butler, Terrionna Davis, Brooklynn Gray, Tyla Jacon-Parish, JonNae Kitchen, Kayla Lewis, Nakyra Montgomery, and Leanna Spencer coming back for Coach Brianna Rowe. This district overall looks like its Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s district to lose.
District 32 @ Grand Blanc
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Lapeer
Holly
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: Oxford
NEXT: Grand Blanc
DARKHORSE: Davison
PLAYER ON SPOT: Alison Hufsteddler-Oxford
THOUGHTS: This district might be the best chance for Oxford to make some noise. The Wildcats are in the Red this season and have proven talent in Peyton Ritcher, Allison Hufsteddler, Sophia Rabb, Emma Beggs, Braydee Elling, and Lexi Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Grand Blanc has beaten the Wildcats the last three years in the postseason. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Lauren Piscopink, Raven McQueen, and Mayla Brown coming back for a new coach who has not been named yet. Davison really struggled winning seven games last season. The Cardinals have Paige Allis, Mayae Carradine, Grace Little, Lillian Kish, Gracie Wright, Marionna Dixon, Samantha Beller, Brooke Pizzala, and Lily Morey coming back for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Lapeer won seven games last season. The Lightning have Sephora Miller, Madison White, Lilly Young, Carley Hoover, Hannah Dennis, Alexis Norman, and Madison Spanicciatti coming back for Coach Evan Bell. Holly really struggled winning three games last season. The Bronchos have Mallory Hall and Adel Hoglund coming back for Coach Ben Varner. Overall this district looks like a two maybe three team district but this could be the Wildcats best chance as mentioned.
District 29 @ Waterford Mott
LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: No One
PLAYER ON SPOT: Izzy Wotlinski-Lake Orion
THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season when Lake Orion won at Clarkston. Waterford Kettering really struggled last season. The Captains have Avery Topinka, Elle Dropps, Lourdes Hale, Jaiden Brady, Isabella Labo, Kylee Nickerson, and Nora Hernandez coming back for Coach Eric Porter. Waterford Mott will be a very interesting team. The Corsairs have Marissa Trevino, Karli Koskinen, Kate Saunders, Natalia Santia, Ahmya Gulley, and Julianna Lemus coming back for new coach Andy Wellman. Pontiac was very young last season. The Phoenix should be better for Coach Corray Lett. Clarkston is a very interesting team with some proven talent. The Wolves have Elliana Robak, Emily Valencia, Claire Walker, Marley Mazur, Kierra Zorski, Lauren Fishtaller, Ellery Hernandez, and Ella Morgner coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Lake Orion lost a ton of proven experience from last season. The Dragons have Izzy Wotlinski, Lexi Stroshein, Alana McGinnis, Charlotte Peplowski, and Ryan Pawlacyzk coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. Overall not a ton of changes, this district still looks like it should be a blue and gold vs green and white district final.
District 28 @ Troy Athens
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
TROY
TROY ATHENS
AVONDALE
SEAHOLM
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Avondale
FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills
NEXT: Avondale
DARKHORSE: Seaholm
PLAYER ON SPOT: Nevaeh Wood-Avondale
THOUGHTS: This is a wide open district at Troy Athens. Bloomfield Hills has been rising each year winning the Blue last season. This might be the best chance for the Blackhawks to win a district. They have Ruby Smith, Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, and Michelle Barnett coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. Troy was very young last season. The Colts have Diamond Prince, Regan Zeiter, Olivia Sprangler, and Carly Higginbottom coming back for a new coach. Avondale was very young last season but made a splash this offseason with Neveah Wood transferring from Oxford. The Yellow Jackets have Madison Manyweathers, Wood, Trenitee Carroll, Sasha McClellan, Khalia Bradley, and Arielle Dudley coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens has been an up and down team. The Red Hawks have Abby Malone, Katy Keller, Ava Laurer, Kayci Mercier, and Alex Link coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Seaholm has been a team that has had their ups and downs. The Maples have a ton of proven experience in Mary Wiltgen, Mary Gumbis, Clara Guffey, Addy Kitzman, Emma Weber, Taylor Hartwig, and Addy Flynn coming back for Coach Shay Manchester. Overall this is a wide open district, anyone can take this district that is for sure.
District 27 @ Adams
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Stoney Creek
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Rochester
DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower
PLAYER ON SPOT: Merrick Schlawbach-Stoney Creek
THOUGHTS: This district should be very interesting when looking at the teams. It is the same as last season when Rochester won the crown. Utica Eisenhower has Devyn Raymond, Brooke Nicholson, Ava Gojcaj, Mariana Stojcevski, Gabriella Gojcaj, Paige Hays, Abby Nezich, and Abby Klaft coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo won 12 games last season. The Bulldogs have Clare Carmody, Abigail Ganfield, Lydia Hall, Anna Iwanicki, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Mya Muschong, Emily Reynolds, and Allison Schoenherr coming back for Coach Ronald LeBlanc. Adams had a very young team last season. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Samantha Blaine, Morgan McPherson, Layla Tomezak, and Faith Zolhus coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Rochester is coming off a district crown. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, and Lucy Cook for Coach Bill Thurston. Stoney Creek has been a contender each year in this district and this season is no other. The Cougars have Emily Flynn, Sarah LaPrarie, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj coming back for Coach Kellen James. Overall the Falcons are the slight favorite because of Max and Robinson but the Cougars are right there as well as the Eagles but never count out the Highlanders or the Bulldogs by any means in this district.
District 23 @ TBA
GROVES
ROYAL OAK
Warren Cousino
Warren Mott
Sterling Heights
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Warren Cousino, 2. Royal Oak
FAVORITE: Warren Cousino
NEXT: Royal Oak
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jacey Roy-Groves
THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which has a ton of different dynamics. Warren Cousino won 14 games last season. The Patriots have DeMaya Asberry, Bailey Bainbridge, Laela Bendert, Sara Kozel, Nina Williamson, Alex Pfeiffer, Marleen Marooki, and Nevaeh Porter coming back for Coach Amy Mitchell. Warren Mott won 11 games last season. The Marauders have Leajah Ferguson, Claira Taylor, Addison Brown, and Conamora Ndana coming back for Coach Patrick Schmidt. Sterling Heights won 12 games last season for Coach Michael Gurney. Groves is a very interesting team. The Falcons have Jacey Roy, Neveah Cochran-McCay, Cameron Little, and Cira Racco coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Royal Oak may be the most dangerous team in this district. The Ravens have Emilee Austin, Meghan Hahn, Maddie Lawerence, Anna Waterstredt, Lydia Dickens, and Lucy Freytag coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. This should be a very interesting district to watch that is for sure.
District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Farmington Hills Mercy
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Farmington Hills Mercy
FAVORITE: West Bloomfield
NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy
DARKHORSE: Birmingham Marian
PLAYER ON SPOT: Sheridan Beal-West Bloomfield
THOUGHTS: This district is deemed the “Group of Death” with three proven schools that are in this district. West Bloomfield is a slight favorite in this district and I mean slight very lightly. The Lakers have Kendall Hendrix, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Gabrielle Hale, Summer Davis and Indya Davis coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Farmington Hills Mercy is going to be a serious player in this district after winning 22 games last season. The Marlins have Aizlyn Albanese, Owynn Evans, Emily Walker, Allison Smiley, Ava Lorriane, Jessica Heath, and Abby Bores coming back for Coach Gary Morris. It was un Birmingham Marian like last season winning 10 games but they won a district. The Mustangs should be much better this season. They have Mackenzie Swanson, Molly McLeod, Ella Swanson, Charlie Bingham, Charlotte Quaine, Katelyn Morgan, Scarlett Bouschet, Abby Landa, Annalisa Bortolotti, and Ruby Jansen coming back for Coach Michelle Lindsey. Farmington is a very interesting team with EdiMari King, Anna Tornachuk, and Jayla Silver coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. North Farmington is in complete rebuild mode. The Raiders have Hannah Hart and Asiyah Jihad coming back for new Coach Michael Allin. Three teams have a shot to win this district as mentioned. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.
District 21 @ TBA
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Southfield Arts and Tech
FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Southfield Arts and Tech
DARKHORSE: Berkley
PLAYER ON SPOT: Maeve Nolan-Berkley
THOUGHTS: This district looks very interesting on paper. Detroit Renaissance is the early favorite because they went to the Division One Final Four last season. The Phoenix have the majority of their roster in Alehia Wade, Anaya Hardy, Harmonie Bolton, Nyana Pharr, Victoria Gambles, Makayla Johnson, Christian Sanders, Sterling Gooden, Jaebrian Autry, Nevaeh Otis, Imani Johnson, and Marhea Bradshaw coming back for Coach DeShawn Wood. Detroit Mumford won 10 games last season for Coach Kareem Hogan. Redford Thurston won nine games last season but they will have a new coach this season. Oak Park was up and down last season. The Knights should have some more experience for Coach Chantelle Corson. Southfield Arts and Tech has been very good offensively but just awful defensibly. The Warriors have some proven talent in Kamara Paige, Christen Banks, Jordan Ushery, and Jamyra Fritz coming back. Berkley has a ton of proven experience after a very tough year last season. The Bears have Avery Wintergarden, Maeve Nolan, Haley Kirkwood, Katelin Sillis, Kate McAllister, and Nadia Watt for new Coach Clay Shaver. Early on, this district looks like it’s Detroit Renaissance’s but Berkley and Southfield Arts and Tech could have says and maybe Detroit Mumford although it’s not likely with the Mustangs.
Here is the districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2024-Districts
by orionontv | Jun 26, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday June 20th at 9:15 AM
This article will be updated very often. Coaches including those are not in the OAA, if you want your thoughts on your district for the blog, please DM me on Twitter or email me.
Here is the districts.
District 23 @ Groves
GROVES
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Oak Park, 2. Groves
FAVORITE: Oak Park
NEXT: Groves
DARKHORSE: Berkley
PLAYER ON SPOT: Josh Gibson-Groves
THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Warren Mott won two games last season for Coach Greg Tilney. Royal Oak was up and down last season. The Ravens have Nick Hoffman and Camden Clark coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Berkley is a very interesting team. The Bears have Donovan Powell and Michael Onuoha coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is not in a district with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in there. The Knights have Geon Hutchins coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Groves had a great regular season sharing the White with West Bloomfield but fell to arch rival Seaholm in the first round. The Falcons have John Simpson, Josh Gibson, Brody Tushman, Landon McKinney, and Elijah Yelder coming back for Coach Marc West. This district is shaping up to be a Knights/Falcons district final but can’t count out the Ravens or Bears by any means.
District 24 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
Livonia Franklin
PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Livonia Franklin
FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Livonia Franklin
DARKHORSE: Farmington
PLAYER ON SPOT: Dylan Smith-North Farmington
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Livonia. Redford Thurston won 13 games last season. The Eagles have Daniel Winston, Nathan Thompson, Jonathan Tate, Jalen Ferguson, Nicholas Warren, Nathan Williams, Jeremiah Robinson, and Ryan Williams coming back for Coach Brian Bates. Livonia Franklin won 17 games last season. The Patriots have a ton of proven experience in Robbie Wynn, Owen Pottenger, Jon Jasionowski, Mitch Cronyn, Owen Phail, Mendale Broaden, Stocker Kenyon, Aiden Jacobson, Zach Cox, Owen Naum, and Drew Kelbert coming back for Coach Thomas Hurley. Livonia Stevenson won 13 games last season. The Spartans have Mark Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Isaac Iacoban, Nathan Muntean, John Ericson, and Jon Toth coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. Farmington should be much improved this season. The Falcons have Greg Grays, Quintez Saltler, Darrell Cochrane, and Anthony Bailey coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. North Farmington has to replace some talent from last season. The Raiders have Tyler Spratt, Landon Williams, and Avi Melster coming back along with Walled Lake Western transfer Dylan Smith for Coach Tom Negoshian. The Raiders are favored but the Patriots might have a strong say and watch for the Falcons and Eagles, they both could make some noise in this district.
District 25 @ TBA
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Western
Lakeland
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield
FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
NEXT: West Bloomfield
DARKHORSE: Lakeland
PLAYER ON SPOT: Donnie Watts-West Bloomfield
THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s a mismatch on paper. Orchard Lake St. Marys should be the overwhelming favorite in this district after getting to the final four despite having a losing record and beating four top ten teams in the postseason. The Eaglets have Daniel Smythe, Andrew Smith, Isiah Hines, Luke Crighton, Jayden Savoury, Norman Klawender, Peyton Kemp, Sharod Barnes, and Trey McKenney coming back for Coach Todd Covert. Walled Lake Central was very young last season. The Vikings have Josh Olsson, Robbie Smiley, Vish Das, Nick Hopkins, Jake Nellett, David Yakubov, Xakaria Jallow, Justin Holmes, Nathan Cody, and Luke Sechrist coming back for Coach Chuck Spolsky. Lakeland won 13 games last season. The Eagles have Nsikan Usen, Zach Reppuhn, Noah Tiernan, Hayden Cross, Drew Carlson, Cole Bromley, and Bryce Cleasby coming back for Coach Ron Thompson. Walled Lake Western won 11 games last season. The Warriors have Max Kirk, Bryce Wiggins, David Seo, Cameron Walters, Pasha Goffee, Issac Kanouno, Logan Hickey, Kellan Hickey, Nikolas Hakim, Kellen Krzisnik, Jacob Walley, Nathan Doak, and Novak Lazich coming back for Coach Dwayne Graves. Walled Lake Northern should be strong this season after winning eight games last season. The Knights have Owen Hickey, Antonio Hatcher, Drew Smith, Dylan Kramer, Stone Seyburn, Bryce Hodge, Noah Lamerato, and Pierson Bahoura coming back for Coach Ryan Negoshian. West Bloomfield shared the White last season and is in the Red this season. The Lakers have Donnie Watts, Corey Pittman, Chris Britton, Caleb Caudle, and Dyoni Edwards coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. This district looks like a mismatch on paper with the Eaglets as the overwhelming favorite and for good reason but the Lakers might have a shot, you never know.
District 27 @ Grand Blanc
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Davison
DARKHORSE: Holly
PLAYER ON SPOT: Dominic Cassisse-Oxford
THOUGHTS: There are four proven teams in this very tough district in Genesee County. Grand Blanc went to the final four with two different coaches and now they have a new but very familiar coach. The Bobcats have Anthony Perdue, Bryce O’Mara, Donnie Hutchinson, and Daniel Stelle coming back for new coach Doreace Martin. Lapeer really struggled last season going winless. They are looking for a bounce back season. The Lightning have Hayden Josef, Will Fisher, Aiden Huestis, Connor Brown, Nikola Mashni, and Trenton Bierbusse coming back for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison won 17 games last season. The Cardinals have Grew Lawson, Cortez Porter, Buddy Banks-Williams, Conner Woodruff, Sawyer Glennie, Jackson Bowden, and Danny Wolak coming back for Coach Mike Williams. Holly had a special year winning 17 games along with the Flint Metro League tournament last season but was upset by Hartland in the district semifinals. The Bronchos have Ka’Vion Smith, Anthony Simmons, and Bowen Moore coming back for Coach Steve DeHart. Oxford won 13 games last season. The Wildcats have some proven experience in Luke Stoffan, Jay Cady, Drew Cady, Dominic Cassisse, and Jake Champagne coming back for new coach Joe Fedorinchik. This district looks like its Grand Blanc’s to lose but keep an eye on Davison, Holly, and Oxford, these three teams are more than capable of springing an upset.
District 28 @ Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
PONTIAC
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Mott
DARKHORSE: Lake Orion
PLAYER ON SPOT: Kalieb Osbourne-Waterford Mott
THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very tough district in Waterford. Waterford Mott added a ton of transfers in the offseason despite winning 16 games last season. The Corsairs have Kalieb Osbourne, Jordan White, Jacoby Manyweathers, Gavin Ort, Geno Sheets, Jaiden Price, Greg White, Devon Lewis, Marlone Reed, and Isreal Anthony along with Damari Stevens and Max Jansenvanvuren coming back for returning Coach Jeff Jayson. Waterford Kettering really struggled winning four games last season. The Captains have Noah Salazar, Jordan Jarrell, Kevin Meredith, Hunter Jager, Adrian Hicks, Carter Schroeder, and Nathan Bisnett coming back for Coach Steve Emert. Pontiac really struggled last season but things have been trending in the right direction. The Phoenix have JJ Claudio coming in for new coach Andrew Myers. Avondale really struggled last season. The Yellow Jackets have DJ Moody, Dequarius White, Anthony Burton, and Justin Sykes coming back for new Coach Jaret Thomas. Lake Orion was very competitive last season winning 12 games. The Dragons have Gabe Scott, Nick Galben, Ethan Sharkey, Hayden Armstrong, Quay Fly, and Sam Blakeley coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. Clarkston won 12 games last season. The Wolves have Aidan Barnes, Brady Beck, Cole Charter, Peyton Fitzsimmons, John Kaul, Brycen Lefief, Matthew Pfiger, Zach Scherler, and Matthew Taverna coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. It is unknown if Brady Kosin or Desman Stephens will play this season. This district is very tough as mentioned. The Wolves are the favorite but never count out the Corsairs, Dragons, Yellow Jackets, or Phoenix.
District 29 @ Troy Athens
TROY ATHENS
TROY
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Birmingham Brother Rice
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Troy
FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice
NEXT: Troy
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Warren Marshall-Birmingham Brother Rice
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district on paper. Birmingham Brother Rice fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals last season despite winning 22 games. The Warriors have TJ Yaldo, Lohan Hamama, Luke Salkowski, Evan Koph, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Jeremiah Caffey, David Williams, Cash Lawson, Chase Van Ameyde, and Max Jansenvanvuren coming back. They added Elijah Williams from Arizona and Trevor Smith transferred in from Okemos for Coach Ricky Palmer. Troy won 15 games last season and should be in the mix. They have Jon Whiteside, Andrew Lake, DeNiro Price, Bryce Bauman, Chase Kuiper, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Bloomfield Hills lost a ton of proven talent from last season. The Blackhawks have Drew Wilson and Brandon Newland coming back for Coach Brian Canfield. Troy Athens should be in the mix as well. The Red Hawks have Emmanuel Robinson, Hayden Crum, Luke DiGiovanni, and Eli Garvin coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Seaholm won the Blue last season after a rough start. The Maples have Findlay Sparby coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. This district looks like it’s the Warriors to lose but the Colts might have a very strong say about that and everyone else in this district is not bad at all.
District 30 @ Adams
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Utica Eisenhower
Utica
Romeo
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Utica Eisenhower, 2. Adams
FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower
NEXT: Adams
DARKHORSE: Stoney Creek
PLAYER ON SPOT: Peter Karadasis-Adams
THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district whoever hosts. Utica won 15 games last season. The Chieftains have Numehnne Gwilly, Sebastian Soriano, Mason Brodi, Silas Smith, Hussein Naser, Timothy Geottes, Ali Hasan, Blake Dan, Nick Gojcaj, and Luke Cottingham coming back for Coach David Hinke. Utica Eisenhower should be very interesting. They won 14 games but fell to Adams on a buzzer beater at home in the district finals last season. The Eagles have Brandon Buza, Alex Varner, Hayden Bills, Ian Patterson, Preston Crum, Owen Van Dam, Karsten Vaughn, Dominic Trupi, Cody Raymond, and Khristian Dimovski coming back for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo has been an enigma especially in the postseason. The Bulldogs have Deron Foster, Maguire Guinn, Rickey Hussey, Aidan Kamego, Aidan Tague, Andrew Taseski, and Jacob Watson coming back for Coach Marv Cushingberry. Rochester should be solid again this season. The Falcons have Max Mohl, Logan Pleasant, Logan Kim, and Jake Tandy coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Stoney Creek really struggled last season. The Cougars have Tre Walker, and Tommasso Sinacola coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Adams went through a lot of changes this offseason but they should be in the mix come postseason time. The Highlanders have William Gee, Peter Karadasis, Trenton LaGarde, Jake Andrzejak, Aaron Troxwell, Chan Yang, and Gavin Farris coming back for new Coach Isiah Novak. This district is very interesting as mentioned. The Eagles and Highlanders stand out but watch for the Cougars with their young nucleus. The Falcons and Cheiftans aren’t bad either. It’s really hard to trust the Bulldogs come postseason time.
District 58 @ TBA
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe
Detroit Denby Tech
Detroit East English Village Prep
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods, 2. St. Clair Shores South Lake
FAVORITE: Harper Woods
NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit Denby Tech
PLAYER ON SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods
THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines in this district. Detroit Denby won 10 games last season for Coach Kevin Woodmore. Detroit East English Village Prep won five games last season for Coach Vincent Bright. St. Clair Shores South Lake won six games. Eastpointe went winless last season. The Shamrocks have Aaron Perry, Dalon Davis, and Kean Davison coming back for Coach Michael Railey. Harper Woods Chandler Park won 15 games last season for Coach Bobby Thompson. Harper Woods made the district finals in Division One last season. They are back in Division Two this season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Isiah Lewis, Colby Bailey, Tyler Lowry, and Stephone Buford coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Overall this looks like a two team district between the Pioneers and Eagles but don’t count the Tars, they could surprise some people.
District 59 @ Detroit Pershing
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Pershing
Detroit Osborn
Warren Lincoln
Hazel Park
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Warren Lincoln
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT: Warren Lincoln
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Trenton Ruth-Ferndale
THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Hazel Park won six games last season. The Vikings have LaMontai Otis, Ajavion Rogers, Mason Pickett, Kaleb Lervik, and Caleb Strother coming back for new Coach C.J Goff. Warren Lincoln won 18 games last season. The Abes have Markus Blackwell, Moses Blackwell, and Timarion Minor coming back for Coach Wydell Henry. Detroit Osborn really struggled. They won three games last season for Coach Anton Bradford. Detroit Pershing won four games with a very young team last season for Coach Shawn Hill. Ferndale University had an up and down year last season. The Eagles have Taiwan Johnson, Derrick Murray, Kody Pippen, and Pierce Sanders coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Ferndale won the Division Two State crown last season. The Eagles have Trenton Ruth, Mishawn Hearford, Julian Cardenas, Markiese Young, Kaden Hudson, and Darien Johnson coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Overall this district looks like it’s a two team race but never count out Ferndale University or Hazel Park by any means.
Here are the Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2024-Districts
by orionontv | Jun 19, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday June 17th at 8:20 PM
Soccer is played 80 minutes long.
The third ranked Cougars stunned fourth ranked Hudsonville 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Michigan State giving Stoney Creek their second Division One State title in girls soccer. Their first State crown came in 2016.
The Eagles led 1-0 in the 71st minute until senior Lilley Bosley scored her first goal on a beautiful floated pass from Megan Kennedy that set up Bosley’s goal.
It was Hudsonville’s first allowed goal in the postseason.
Bosley answered again in the 79th minute when she scored the winner after a corner kick from Kaeli Butcher sending the Stoney Creek faithful into a frenzy.
Kennedy has had her fair share of moments as well. She scored the game winner in their district semifinal win over Utica Eisenhower.
Bosley was the reigning Miss Soccer for the State.
Stoney Creek will lose 13 seniors to graduation. They won the “Group of Death” district with wins over Utica Eisenhower and top ranked Rochester. The Cougars beat the defending Division One State Champions Bloomfield Hills and stunned New Baltimore Anchor Bay in extra time in the regionals. Then they won at home over Saline in the State Semifinals until this game.
The Cougars Division One State crown keeps it in the OAA for another season.
The last 10 minutes of the Division One State Finals will be forever linked to Stoney Creek. It gave them their second Division One State crown.
That’s why they play 80 minutes of soccer.
by orionontv | Jun 19, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Thursday June 15th at 10:20 AM
The Colts will have a new girls basketball coach this winter.
According to Stephen Bell from Bank Hoops and another very accurate source, the Troy Girls Varsity Basketball job was open which means that Coach Julius Porter had stepped down at Troy.
Porter was 24-27 in his three years at Troy. He led the Colts to the State Quarterfinals in 2021-2022 with a 13-12 record. He gave them their first district crown in a long while along with their first regional crown.
Prior to coming to Troy, Porter was an assistant coach at Clarkston for the boys basketball program under legendary coach Dan Fife.
Whoever the new coach will be has a pretty good lineup with a ton of proven young talent in Reagan Zeiter, Carly Higginbottom, Olivia Sprangler, and Diamond Prince coming back.
They will be in the Blue with Southfield Arts and Tech, Berkley, Adams, Troy Athens, and Farmington this winter.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the tweet confirming this.
https://twitter.com/BankHoops/status/1669340261376225281
Here is another tweet confirming this.
https://twitter.com/messages/44511998-1512566000306331648/media/1669378976811188233
