Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Stoney Creek wins Division One State Crown in Cheerleading.

Written Saturday March 2nd at 9:10 AM

The city of Rochester has enjoyed years of success holding the Division One or Class A State Crown in cheerleading.

Stoney Creek who hasn’t won the Division One State crown since 2019 took home this season’s title scoring 792.98. Adams who had a three year run as the Division One State Champion was second with 791.56, and powerhouse Rochester was third with 791.36.

The Cougars won the first two rounds while the Highlanders won the third round. Stoney Creek’s first two round scores was just enough to hold off the Highlanders and Falcons earning their first State crown in five years.

The Division One State crown still lives in Rochester, and it might be there for a long while.

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Boys Basketball Regional Preview

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday March 2nd at 9:20 PM

Here is the Boys Basketball Regional Preview for the three remaining OAA teams left in Boys Basketball.

Region 7 @ Milford

CLARKSTON vs Grand Blanc

Milford vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional. It could most likely be Orchard Lake St. Marys against Grand Blanc in the regional final but Clarkston and Milford might have other plans. The Mavericks don’t match up well with the Eaglets based on talent but they have home court and if they can slow things down and play their style then who knows what will happen in that game. The Wolves match the Bobcats pretty well even though Grand Blanc had a slow start to the season but have picked things up lately. Clarkston is coming off a hard earned district crown after having to win three games in five days which is great for Coach Tim Waslik. Both games are going to be very interesting.

PREDICTION: I see Orchard Lake St. Marys getting by Milford but Clarkston and Grand Blanc could be very tight. The Wolves have found ways to survive close and tight games lately but the Bobcats are a solid team and are riding with a ton of confidence. Either way I don’t see any of the three teams getting by the Eaglets but Clarkston or Grand Blanc could give them a game in the regional finals.

Region 6 @ Detroit Renaissance

NORTH FARMINGTON vs GROVES

Warren De LaSalle vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

THOUGHTS: There is a ton of storylines heading into this regional. North Farmington has a great chance at this regional pending if they can get by a very good Groves team. The Falcons are starting to get healthy again which is a great sign for Coach Marc West. The Raiders won both meetings over the Falcons but it’s always hard to beat a team three times in a season. Whoever wins that game will play a perennial Catholic League program in Warren De LaSalle or Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Cubs and the Pilots split their two regular season meetings.

PREDICTION: I see North Farmington coming out of this regional. The Raiders will have to likely see officials they aren’t familiar with like they did last season when they fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional finals. I think Coach Todd Negoshan will have his team and coaches more prepared this time around.

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Girls Basketball District Preview

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball District Preview.

Written Sunday February 25th at 10:45 AM

Updated Sunday March 3rd at 10:00 AM

Here are the Girls Basketball District matchups and preview looking ahead.

Here is deeper insight of each district.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/written-tuesday-june-20th-at-920-am.html

 

District 60 @ Harper Woods

Eastpointe vs HARPER WOODS

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

THOUGHTS: This does not look like a very strong district. Harper Woods has some experience despite having a losing record. The Pioneers have played a very difficult schedule based on the MPR but have struggled as of late. Eastpointe has the most wins out of this group but the strength of schedule is not the greatest for the Shamrocks. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the second seed but the Eagles could make amends in the tournament despite their struggles. Detroit East English has really under performed this season but like Harper Woods Chandler Park they could make amends in the postseason. Harper Woods is the favorite in this district but they could get upset by Eastpointe in the district semifinals if they aren’t careful, it happened last week with the Pioneers boys when they fell to the Shamrocks in the same round.

 

District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Lincoln King

Winner plays Birmingham Detroit Country Day in district semifinals

 

Detroit University Prep vs Detroit Henry Ford

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is shaping up to be a Ferndale vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district final. The Yellow Jackets have had a really strong season and look to keep that momentum going. Detroit Lincoln King could give them some fits in the district semifinals pending if they can get by Ferndale University in the first round. The Eagles have had a strong season winning the Gold and have been battle tested. They edged out Detroit Lincoln King for the second seed and not having to play on Monday is huge for Coach Keith Paris’s team. Detroit Henry Ford could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Overall I see this being a district final preview as mentioned between the two seeded teams.

 

District 32 @ Grand Blanc

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Grand Blanc in district semifinals

 

Davison vs OXFORD-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Genesee County. Grand Blanc looks to be the favorite because of their strength of schedule and home court but keep an eye on Oxford. The Wildcats went to the Red this season just for this moment. Grand Blanc has beaten Oxford three straight years but there are some who believe this is the Wildcats time to break through the Bobcats wall. Oxford will have to get past Davison again if they want to make it back to the district finals. The Wildcats beat the Cardinals 42-34 earlier in the season at Ian Smith Gym but the foot injury to Sophia Rabb will be worth monitoring to see if she comes back for the postseason. Grand Blanc will see the winner of Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. Both teams have really struggled this season but the Lightning have a win over Davison in the regular season. This should be a Wildcats/Bobcats district final on paper but you never know with this district, just look at the boys side of things when Holly upset Davison in the district semifinals.

 

District 29 @ Waterford Mott

 

Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

 

Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

THOUGHTS: This district has the makings of a Lake Orion/Clarkston district finals which seems likely at the moment where both teams won at home in their two Red matchups (Clarkston 60-48, Lake Orion 49-48.) Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott doesn’t really match up well to the Dragons and Wolves respectively. Clarkston has won several games behind their balance attack of Brooklyn Covert, Ellery Hernandez, Ellie Mourner, Marly Mazur, and Emily Valencia. They have been without their best player in Ellianna Robak who has been battling an ankle injury she injured against the Dragons in their regular season meeting at Lake Orion but it is very likely Robak will be playing in the district. Lake Orion has found multiple ways to win after some really tough losses in the middle of the season. The Dragons have relied on Izzy Wotlinski, Ryann Pawalcyzk, Ellie Britt, Lexie Stroschein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Neveah Wood along with some very timely defense in that stretch. Lake Orion has been getting disrespected in the media as well with experts picking Clarkston to win the district. I think both the Dragons and Wolves are evenly matched with each team holding serve at home. This district as I said in June will be colored in green and white or blue and gold.

 

District 28 @ Troy Athens

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs TROY ATHENS

Winner plays TROY in district semifinals

 

AVONDALE vs SEAHOLM- district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting when looking at the teams, it’s anyone’s for the taking. Seaholm got the best part of the draw having to play Avondale in the district semifinals where they won 64-42 in Birmingham earlier in the season. The Maples clinched a share of the White with their win over Harper Woods. The Maples beat Bloomfield Hills 53-37 at Little Caesars Arena earlier in the season but they have not played Troy or Troy Athens this season. The Blackhawks returned the favor winning 56-51 at home over Seaholm last week clinching their share of the White crown with the Maples. The Yellow Jackets have been injury riddled all season but if they can get several players back, they are very dangerous and can be a really tough out for anyone. Troy has really improved since their 3-7 start and have played much better in recent weeks. The Colts have a daunting task awaiting them, they could see Bloomfield Hills or Troy Athens which should be very interesting in the district semifinals. Troy has a 54-51 win at Troy Athens and a 58-57 win over the Red Hawks in the regular season but they haven’t played the Blackhawks this season. Troy Athens has really struggled lately but they are still dangerous. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.

 

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

 

ADAMS vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays STONEY CREEK in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district on Tienken and Sheldon Road. Stoney Creek has beaten everyone in this district at least once this season but they struggled as of late with the rough and tear of the Red. The Cougars will see either Adams or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Highlanders are better than their record says (finished 6-16.) Adams gave Stoney Creek everything they could handle in the Crosstown Showdown (38-31.) The Eagles are not an easy team either by any stretch. On the other side of the bracket, this is the worst matchup for Romeo having to play Rochester. The Falcons have two very talented bigs in Alice Max and Kylie Robinson and despite their record, Rochester has been here before. The Bulldogs have had a really good season winning 16 games but playing the Falcons is a very tough chore. This should be a very interesting district, Stoney Creek is the favorite because of home court and proven experience players in Sarah LaPraire, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj but they have several roadblocks ahead of them in the postseason.

District 23 @ Warren Cousino

 

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights

Winner plays Warren Cousino in district semifinals

 

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Royal Oak had the top seed all but wrapped up but they fell 46-42 to Groves in Beverly Hills in a very good game. The loss to the Falcons placed the Ravens into the second seed which means they will rematch the Falcons for the third time in the district semifinals (Royal Oak won first meeting 38-31 in Royal Oak.) Warren Cousino benefited from this outcome by getting the top seed and will await Warren Mott or Sterling Heights in the district semifinals. The Patriots have won 15 games this season which included a 50-47 win over Seaholm in Warren and they have home court. It will be very interesting to see what OAA team awaits them in the district final unless they get upset which is unlikely. Warren Cousino is the favorite because of home court and they have a 1,000 career scorer in Kasi Pearson but Royal Oak and Groves have other plans in mind.

District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

Winner plays West Bloomfield in district semifinals

 

Birmingham Marian vs Farmington Hills Mercy-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with powerhouse names. North Farmington and Farmington will have a rematch in the first round after the Raiders won 59-12 over the Falcons earlier in the season. Whoever wins that game will play West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. The Lakers are the overwhelming favorite in this district with proven experience in Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, and Ava Lord. Whoever wins that side of the district will get a Catholic League power in the district finals. Birmingham Marian or Farmington Hills Mercy in part four of their season series (Catholic League and the Catholic League playoffs) in the district semifinals with the winner likely having to face the Lakers in the district finals. I don’t see how anyone in this district will give West Bloomfield a game.

District 21 @ Berkley

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs OAK PARK

Winner plays Detroit Renaissance in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Detroit Mumford in district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting on Catalpa Drive. Detroit Renaissance is the favorite and are veteran heavy, talented, and experienced. The Phoenix have rolled to the Detroit Public School League crown and is the defending district champs. Southfield Arts and Tech could give Detroit Renaissance some trouble in the district semifinals with their athleticism and speed pending if they can get by Oak Park in the first round. Berkley and Redford Thurston should be very interesting with both teams winning double digit games this season in the first round. The Bears have been playing really good basketball behind the play of Maeve Nolan, Madi Boswall, Hailey Kirkwood, Nadia Watt, Avery Wintergarden, Kaitlyn Sills, and others. The winner of the Berkley/Redford Thurston game will play Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. The Mustangs have played a really tough schedule so don’t let their record deceive you, they are well coached and very good. I do remember a few years ago when Berkley upset Detroit Renaissance. This is shaping up to be a very good district at Berkley.

Here is the podcast from that game in 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQho3leMzGM&list=PLauKkgE1CU4hgHmjqHvUxJkEFk6CGicTW&index=85

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Basketball Top 23

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday February 24th at 1:00 AM

This is the top 23 for both girls and boys basketball heading into the boys postseason. This will be the final boys rankings for the season.

Boys

  1. Troy (21-1): Since when did Colts Athletic Coordinator Shayne Hynes go all Spongebob???
  2. West Bloomfield (16-5): Lakers postseason path is daunting.
  3. North Farmington (18-2): Raiders are still not there yet.
  4. Adams (14-7): Congrats to Peter Kardiasis on breaking Adrian Schaffer’s most points in a game record.
  5. Ferndale (13-8): Eagles need to be very careful this postseason.
  6. Groves (10-11): Falcons have everything lined up for them this postseason.
  7. Clarkston (11-11): Hard to believe Wolves are playing on Monday.
  8. Lake Orion (15-7): Dragons have been rolling lately.
  9. Avondale (16-6): Jordan Clayton is a difference maker.
  10. Troy Athens (14-8): Red Hawks have lost two to their arch rivals, it’s hard to beat a team three times.
  11. Oxford (14-8): Jake Champagne is a difference maker.
  12. Pontiac (13-8): Phoenix believing they have a chance on Monday.
  13. Berkley (13-7): Ah what Bears team am I getting this postseason???
  14. Harper Woods (8-12): Julian Young and Isiah Lewis are difference makers in the postseason.
  15. Rochester (7-15): Falcons are red hot heading into Romeo.
  16. Farmington (11-10): Greg Grays is in a walking boot means not a good sign.
  17. Bloomfield Hills (5-17): Dyonvi Edwards is the real deal.
  18. Seaholm (6-16): Maples have an interesting path this postseason.
  19. Stoney Creek (6-15): Cougars have shown some signs despite record.
  20. Oak Park (4-14): Knights need to get healthy and fast.
  21. Royal Oak (9-12): Ravens are 1-7 since the Stoney Creek loss.
  22. Ferndale University (2-18): Eagles are really struggling heading into the postseason.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (3-19): Warriors are the wildcard of the postseason.

 

 

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (18-1): Lakers are gearing up for the postseason.
  2. Ferndale (14-3): Eagles doing everything they need to do to prepare for the postseason.
  3. Lake Orion (12-7): Ryan Pawlacyzk is living up to her nickname “Playoff P.”
  4. Clarkston (15-6): Wolves are 3-1 without Elianna Robak, which says something.
  5. Oxford (10-9): Braydee Elling is filling in really nicely with the injury to Sophia Rabb.
  6. Stoney Creek (14-5): Cougars might be in trouble come postseason time.
  7. Berkley (15-5): Bears might have the Los Angeles Chargers intro schedule beat.
  8. Seaholm (13-7): Seriously did the Maples go all Stone Cold Steve Austin???
  9. Royal Oak (14-6): Ravens are 1-3 in their last four games.
  10. Rochester (7-13): Falcons have allowed 51 ppg in last two games, to their defense it was against Hartland and Clarkston but still it’s a big concern.
  11. Bloomfield Hills (10-9): Blackhawks playing well at the right time.
  12. Troy (13-8): Colts are finding some balance which is a good omen.
  13. Southfield Arts and Tech (12-7): Warriors are your Jekyll and Hyde type of team.
  14. Groves (7-12): Falcons had themselves a huge week.
  15. Troy Athens (9-11): Red Hawks have not been the same team since the Troy loss.
  16. North Farmington (11-9): Raiders have been up and down lately.
  17. Harper Woods (7-11): Pioneers have been struggling in White play.
  18. Adams (5-16): Highlanders are improving despite their record.
  19. Avondale (7-13): Injuries have really hurt the Yellow Jackets.
  20. Oak Park (5-11): Knights should be very interesting to watch this postseason.
  21. Pontiac (5-14): Phoenix look to close the season in style.
  22. Farmington (1-18): Falcons scoring has gone up however the points against has as well.
  23. Ferndale University (0-17): Eagles are getting better despite record.
Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Girls Basketball District Preview

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball District Preview

Written Sunday February 25th at 10:45 AM

Here are the Girls Basketball District matchups and preview looking ahead.

Here is deeper insight of each district.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/written-tuesday-june-20th-at-920-am.html

 

District 60 @ Harper Woods

Eastpointe vs HARPER WOODS

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

THOUGHTS: This does not look like a very strong district. Harper Woods has some experience despite having a losing record. The Pioneers have played a very difficult schedule based on the MPR but have struggled as of late. Eastpointe has the most wins out of this group but the strength of schedule is not the greatest for the Shamrocks. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the second seed but the Eagles could make amends in the tournament despite their struggles. Detroit East English has really under performed this season but like Harper Woods Chandler Park they could make amends in the postseason. Harper Woods is the favorite in this district but they could get upset by Eastpointe in the district semifinals if they aren’t careful.

 

District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Lincoln King

Winner plays Birmingham Detroit Country Day in district semifinals

 

Detroit University Prep vs Detroit Henry Ford

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is shaping up to be a Ferndale vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district final. The Yellow Jackets have had a really strong season and look to keep that momentum going. Detroit Lincoln King could give them some fits in the district semifinals pending if they can get by Ferndale University in the first round. The Eagles have had a strong season winning the Gold and have been battle tested. They edged out Detroit Lincoln King for the second seed. Detroit Henry Ford could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Overall I see this being a district final preview as mentioned between the two seeded teams.

 

District 32 @ Lapeer

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Grand Blanc in district semifinals

 

Davison vs OXFORD-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district. Grand Blanc looks to be the favorite because of their strength of schedule but keep an eye on Oxford. The Wildcats went to the Red this season just for this moment. Grand Blanc has beaten Oxford three straight years but there are some who believe this is the Wildcats time to break through the Bobcats wall. Oxford will have to get past Davison again if they want to make it back to the district finals. The Wildcats beat the Cardinals 42-34 earlier in the season at Ian Smith Gym but the foot injury to Sophia Rabb will be worth monitoring to see if she comes back for the district. Grand Blanc will see the winner of Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. Both teams have really struggled this season but the Lightning have a win over Davison in the regular season. This should be a Wildcats/Bobcats district final on paper but you never know.

 

District 29 @ Waterford Mott

 

Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

 

Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

THOUGHTS: This district has the makings of a Lake Orion/Clarkston district finals which seems likely at the moment where both teams won at home in their two Red matchups (Clarkston 60-48, Lake Orion 49-48.) Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott doesn’t really match up well to the Dragons and Wolves respectively. Clarkston has won several games behind their balance attack of Brooklyn Covert, Ellery Hernandez, Ellie Mourner, Marly Mazur, and Emily Valencia. They have been without their best player in Ellianna Robak who has been battling an ankle injury she injured against the Dragons in their regular season meeting at Lake Orion. Lake Orion has found multiple ways to win after some really tough losses in the middle of the season. The Dragons have relied on Izzy Wotlinski, Ryan Pawalcyzk, Ellie Britt, Lexie Stroschein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Neveah Wood along with timely defense in that stretch. This district as I said in June will be colored in green and white or blue and gold.

 

District 28 @ Troy Athens

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs TROY ATHENS

Winner plays TROY in district semifinals

 

AVONDALE vs SEAHOLM- district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting when looking at the teams, it’s anyone’s for the taking. Seaholm got the best part of the draw having to play Avondale in the district semifinals where they won 64-42 in Birmingham earlier in the season. The Maples clinched at least a share of the White with their win over Harper Woods. The Maples beat Bloomfield Hills 53-37 at Little Caesars Arena earlier in the season but they have not played Troy or Troy Athens this season. The Yellow Jackets have been injury riddled all season. Troy has really improved since their 3-7 start and have played much better in recent weeks. The Colts have a daunting task awaiting them, they could see either Bloomfield Hills or Troy Athens which should be very interesting in the district semifinals. Troy has a 54-51 win at Troy Athens earlier in the season but they haven’t played the Blackhawks this season. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.

 

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

 

ADAMS vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays STONEY CREEK in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district on Tienken and Sheldon Road. Stoney Creek has beaten everyone in this district at least once this season but they struggled as of late with the rough and tear of the Red. The Cougars will see either Adams or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Highlanders are better than their record says they are and they gave Stoney Creek everything they could handle in the Crosstown Showdown. The Eagles are not an easy team either by any stretch. On the other side of the bracket, this is the worst matchup for Romeo having to play Rochester. The Falcons have two very talented bigs in Alice Max and Kylie Robinson and despite their record, Rochester has been here before. The Bulldogs have had a really good season but playing the Falcons is a tough chore. This should be a very interesting district, Stoney Creek is the favorite because of home court and proven experience players in Sarah LaPraire, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj but they have several roadblocks ahead of them in the postseason.

District 23 @ Warren Cousino

 

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights

Winner plays Warren Cousino in district semifinals

 

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Royal Oak had the top seed all but wrapped up but they fell 46-42 to Groves in Beverly Hills in a very good game. The loss to the Falcons placed the Ravens into the second seed which means they will rematch the Falcons for the third time in the district semifinals (Royal Oak won first meeting 38-31 in Royal Oak.) Warren Cousino benefited from this outcome by getting the top seed and will await Warren Mott or Sterling Heights in the district semifinals. The Patriots have won 15 games this season which included a 50-47 win over Seaholm in Warren and they have home court. It will be very interesting to see what OAA team awaits them in the district final unless they get upset which is unlikely. Warren Cousino is the favorite because of home court but Royal Oak and Groves have other plans in mind.

District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

Winner plays West Bloomfield in district semifinals

 

Birmingham Marian vs Farmington Hills Mercy-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with powerhouse names. North Farmington and Farmington will have a rematch in the first round after the Raiders won 59-12 over the Falcons earlier in the season. Whoever wins that game will play West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. The Lakers are the overwhelming favorite in this district with proven experience in Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, and Ava Lord. Whoever wins that side of the district will get a Catholic League power in the district finals. Birmingham Marian or Farmington Hills Mercy in part four of their season series (Catholic League and the Catholic League playoffs) in the district semifinals with the winner likely having to face the Lakers in the district finals. I don’t see how anyone in this district will give West Bloomfield a game.

District 21 @ Berkley

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs OAK PARK

Winner plays Detroit Renaissance in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Detroit Mumford in district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting on Catalpa Drive. Detroit Renaissance is the favorite and are veteran heavy. Southfield Arts and Tech could give the Phoenix some trouble in the district semifinals with their athleticism and speed pending if they can get by Oak Park. Berkley and Redford Thurston should be very interesting with both teams winning double digit games this season. The Bears have been playing really good basketball behind the play of Maeve Nolan, Madi Boswall, Hailey Kirkwood, Nadia Watt, Avery Wintergarden, Kaitlyn Sills, and others. The winner will play Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. The Mustangs have played a really tough schedule so don’t let their record deceive you they are well coached and very good. This is shaping up to be a very good district at Berkley.

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

Boys Basketball District Preview

by | Feb 26, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball District Preview.

Written Saturday February 24th at 5:00 PM

All first round matchups are on top with the second on the bottom. The top plays at 5:30 on Monday and Wednesday while bottom plays at 7 PM on the same days. The district finals for each will play on Friday at 7 PM unless proven otherwise.

Here is a more detailed preview from June.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/boys-basketball-districts-are-out-2024.html

 

District 58 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Winner plays Harper Woods Chandler Park in district semifinals

 

Detroit Denby Tech vs Eastpointe

Winner plays HARPER WOODS in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: The Pioneers might have gotten the best draw in this district. The Eagles will likely have to see Detroit East English Village Prep pending if they get by the Cavaliers in the first round. Harper Woods Chandler Park’s best win was over Flint New Standard Academy. Harper Woods has played a tough schedule in the White. Detroit East English is the sleeper who could ruin an all Harper Woods district final.

 

 

 

District 59 @ Detroit Pershing

 

Detroit Pershing vs Hazel Park

Winner plays Warren Lincoln in district semifinals

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Osborn

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s going to be Ferndale against Warren Lincoln district final like last season when the Eagles used this win to springboard them to the Division Two State crown. Detroit Pershing is a sleeper and could give the Abes some big problems in the district semifinals. On the other side, Detroit Osborn is not a bad team, they could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Both the Eagles and the Abes have been ranked in Division Two for a long while now, it shouldn’t be any different especially with the winner likely going to make a deep postseason run.

 

 

District 30 @ Adams

 

STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays Utica in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

Winner plays ADAMS in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at the corner of Adams and Tienken Road. Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower have golden opportunities to get to the district final and they will meet each other in the first round. I haven’t been sold on Utica all season despite winning the Macomb Area Conference Blue along with wins over Romeo and Utica Eisenhower however they were crushed by Warren De LaSalle and fell to Chippewa Valley last week. On the other side, Adams looks like they are the team to beat, they will get the winner of a star studded guard matchup between Max Mohl of Rochester and Aiden Tague of Romeo. The Falcons are scorching right now. This has the makings of a Highlanders/Chieftains district final. I would be more concerned with Utica’s path then I would with Adams but Rochester could give them some trouble if the Highlanders aren’t careful.

 

 

District 29 @ Troy Athens

 

SEAHOLM vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Winner plays Birmingham Brother Rice in district semifinals

 

TROY vs TROY ATHENS-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a Birmingham Brother Rice/Troy district final but can’t count out Troy Athens. The Red Hawks are the hosts and have had a good season despite falling twice to the Colts. It’s very hard to beat a team three times in a season. Bloomfield Hills has that same dilemma against Seaholm in the first round but the winner will have a really tough matchup with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. The Warriors are the favorite because of their size but you can’t count the city of Troy out just yet.

 

 

District 28 @ Waterford Kettering

 

LAKE ORION vs Waterford Kettering

Winner plays Waterford Mott in district semifinals

 

CLARKSTON vs PONTIAC

Winner plays AVONDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This should be a very competitive district. Waterford Mott is the early favorite but Lake Orion could give them some problems in the district semifinals should the Dragons get past Waterford Kettering in the first round. On the other side, Clarkston looks to be the favorite to get to the district finals but former Wolves standout Andrew Myers stands in the way and he brings the Phoenix into a first round matchup and Clarkston has been around 500 this season. Whoever wins gets Avondale in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. Anyone can win this district, that is for sure.

 

 

District 27 @ Grand Blanc

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Davison in district semifinals

 

OXFORD vs Grand Blanc-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting storyline. Davison has been very good all season while Grand Blanc has enjoyed a resurgence after a rough start. The Bobcats have a very interesting matchup with Oxford in the district semifinals. The Wildcats bring the best player in the district in Jake Champagne. Holly could give the Cardinals some trouble in the district semifinals pending if they get by Lapeer. This should be a very interesting district in Genesee County.

 

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

 

Lakeland vs Walled Lake Northern

Winner plays Orchard Lake St. Marys in district semifinals

 

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Winner plays WEST BLOOMFIELD in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district, Orchard Lake St. Marys got the top seed and the best draw knowing that West Bloomfield and Walled Lake Central will likely see each other in the district semifinals even though the Vikings have lost two straight games with one to Walled Lake Northern which was surprising. The Knights could give the Eaglets some trouble in the district semifinals although it’s not likely to occur. This could be a battle of Orchard Lake district final which seems possible at the moment.

 

 

District 24 @ Livonia Stevenson

 

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Livonia Franklin

Winner plays NORTH FARMINGTON in district semifinals

 

FARMINGTON vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Livonia Stevenson in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in northern Wayne County. North Farmington got a really good draw but they have struggled in recent weeks. Farmington lost their chance at the two seed to Warren Michigan Collegiate. It is unknown if Greg Grays will give it a go with his foot injury but if he does, it’s a big boost for the Falcons. I’m not sold on Livonia Stevenson despite them being the host. Whoever wins that side of the draw will have a really tough time with the Raiders in the district finals.

 

 

District 23 @ Groves

 

OAK PARK vs ROYAL OAK

Winner plays GROVES in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Warren Mott-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district, Groves is the top seed however Oak Park could give the Falcons big time trouble if the Knights are healthy in the district semifinals pending if Oak Park can get by Royal Oak who has really struggled by going 1-7 in their last eight games in the first round. Berkley is on the other side and should get past Warren Mott in the district semifinals. The Bears should await the winner in the district finals. This is a three team district for sure.