by orionontv | Feb 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday December 18th at 2:35 PM
Here are the likely district matchups with the formula posted by the MHSAA from last week for each team in the OAA.
Oak Park: The Knights have been playing some really good basketball as of late. They will be the B team in District 25 which means they will play Berkley in the pre-district. The winner will take on Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. Oak Park will need to step their game up if they want to pull off the upset in the pre-district. It will be a very tough matchup in a very tough district to say the least for the Knights.
Ferndale: The Eagles lack of games have hurt them this season and the MPR proves that. They will be the A team in District 58. Ferndale will play arch rival Ferndale University in the pre-district with the winner playing Warren Fitzgerald in the district semifinals. The Eagles have themselves to blame because they did not have enough games or points to pass Hazel Park for the second seed in the district this season.
Pontiac: The Phoenix will be the A team in District Five. They will clash with Waterford Kettering in the pre-district game. It’s a very interesting matchup with the Captains for Pontiac but either way they will have their hands full in this matchup.
Ferndale University: The Eagles will be the B team in District 58. They will have a rematch with arch rival Ferndale in the pre-district and if they can upset Ferndale then they would see unbeaten Warren Fitzgerald in the district semifinals. Brighter days are ahead for this program that has really struggled this season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had a very disappointing season but the postseason offers a fresh start. They will be the A team in their district and will play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the pre-district. If Avondale can get by the Titans then they would see the top seed Utica Ford II in the district semifinals which will be a very tough matchup. They have home court which helps but they have a very good Falcons program that they might have to deal with in the district semifinals. It will be a very tough road ahead for the Yellow Jackets.
Farmington: The Falcons will be the B team in District 26. Farmington will see Detroit Henry Ford in the pre-district but if they get by Detroit Henry Ford then they will see Farmington Hills Mercy in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a very tough road for Farmington especially with the season they have been having. The key for the Falcons will be is can they win the big non conference game and they haven’t been able to do that in recent years.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks will be the B team in District 27 despite winning the Blue but the MPR really hurt them. They will play Groves in the pre-district with the winner seeing Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals. Bloomfield Hills is getting better as a program but the MPR really failed them from being seeded in this district this season.
Adams: The Highlanders have had a really tough year this season. They will be the A team in District Six. Adams will play Stoney Creek in the pre-district. It will be a very tough matchup for Coach Joe Malburg going against the Cougars in a very tough district to say the least.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been decimated by injuries but they will have a chance to rest up being the number two seed in District 28 however Troy Athens has a very dangerous matchup with Utica in the district semifinals. If the Red Hawks can get by Utica then they could clash with top seed Utica Ford II in the district finals. It’s a tough road for Troy Athens in this district.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers will have the second seed in District 30. Harper Woods will have a very tough matchup with St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the district semifinals. The Huskies are under 500 at the moment but they are a very dangerous team. If the Pioneers can get by St. Clair Shores Lakeview then they will have a very dangerous matchup with the host Grosse Pointe North in the district finals pending if they can get by Grosse Pointe South. Either way the district finals looks very challenging for Harper Woods.
Seaholm: The Maples have had a very rough season but they did some great news when it came to where they were placed. Seaholm barely edged out Bloomfield Hills for the number two seed in District 27. They will have a very interesting matchup with Troy in the district semifinals and if they get by the Colts then they would see either Birmingham Marian, Groves, or Bloomfield Hills in the district finals. Seaholm is in a great spot to get to the district finals but Troy will be very tricky for them.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have been struggling as of late. Royal Oak will be the C team in District 25. They will have a very interesting matchup with Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals with the winner seeing Detroit Renaissance or Berkley in the district finals. There is still time for the Ravens to find that magic from the past especially in a very favorable matchup with the Mustangs. Anything can happen in the postseason.
Berkley: The Bears battled Detroit Mumford for the second seed however they lost out by three points which means Berkley will be the A team in District 25 and play Oak Park in the pre-district. They could see Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals but they do have a shot if they play with nothing to lose like they did last season in the district finals in Detroit. The Phoenix will be motivated if it’s the Bears they play. It will be a tough road for Berkley despite having home court in the postseason but anything can happen to say the least.
North Farmington: The Raiders are locked into the second seed in District 26 but they have a very tough road ahead despite having home court. North Farmington will have to see Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals and if they can get by the Warriors then they would have their district finals rematch on their home court against Farmington Hills Mercy. If these two teams meet, I like the Raiders chances despite problems in the interior. Home court helps big time and that should favor a team like North Farmington.
Oxford: The Wildcats are locked into the two seed in District Four. They will get the host school in Lapeer in the district semifinals. Oxford has beaten Lapeer earlier this season on their home floor. If they get by the Lightning they will likely see Grand Blanc in the district finals. The Bobcats have knocked the Wildcats out of the postseason in the last two years however even though Oxford is without Nevaeh Wood (ACL injury) they have a shot at beating Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc has three very good players but they aren’t the same as in past years. The Wildcats have a shot as mentioned but they need to play very well if they want to get to the regionals.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are going to be the C team in District 26. Southfield Arts and Tech will have a rematch with North Farmington in the district semifinals. In talking to Sean Cotter, he mentioned that the Warriors are a very dangerous team and could give the Raiders problems which they did in the first matchup but North Farmington found a way and won that game. Southfield Arts and Tech will need to shore up the defense to have a shot against the Raiders. If they do then they could get that matchup with Farmington Hills Mercy in the district finals. Southfield Arts and Tech has a chance but they need to beat North Farmington in order to get to where they want to go.
Troy: The Colts have had a ton of growing pains and injuries this season. They will be the C team in District 27. They will play Seaholm in the district semifinals which looks very interesting. If the Colts can get to the district finals which looks very manageable then it could help them going into the future win or lose.
Groves: The Falcons are in a very tough spot in the postseason. They are the A team in District 27 despite beating Seaholm in the regular season. Groves will play Bloomfield Hills in the pre-district and if they can win that game they will see Birmingham Marian on the Mustangs home court in the district semifinals. The Falcons if they can get by Bloomfield Hills has a shot to beat Birmingham Marian but they will need to play very well to do so. There always is a chance but it’s a tough chore for Groves to see if they can win this district.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars could not get the two seed in District Six with Utica Eisenhower’s blowout win over St. Clair Shores Lakeview on Friday night. That means that Stoney Creek will be the B team in the district. The Cougars were the top seed in the district when they fell to Lake Orion whom was the A team last season. Stoney Creek will play Adams in the pre-district with the winner seeing Rochester in the district semifinals and whomever wins that matchup sees Utica Eisenhower. The Cougars are in a very similar boat as Lake Orion was last season at this time.
Clarkston: The Wolves are locked into the number two seed in District Five despite having home court. They will likely see Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. Clarkston will likely see arch rival Lake Orion in the district finals in what should be a very interesting matchup with the Dragons.
Rochester: The Falcons have had a really good season. They will have the number one seed in District Six but a very challenging path is ahead of them. Rochester has home court and a lot of motivation if they want to snap a four year district final losing streak. They could see Stoney Creek in the district semifinals and possibly Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. If the Falcons want to win the district crown then they would have to go through two very good teams to get there.
Lake Orion: The Dragons have had a really good season. Lake Orion is locked into the number one seed in District Five. They will get either Pontiac or Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals with likely seeing Clarkston in the district finals. Lake Orion will be a very interesting team to watch in the postseason.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers are locked into the number one seed in District Seven. The defending Division One State Champs will see either Walled Lake Central or Walled Lake Western in the district semifinals. They should get to the district finals and see either Lakeland or Walled Lake Northern. West Bloomfield should be riding with confidence heading into the postseason.
by orionontv | Feb 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday February 19th at 6:00 PM
The district formula was released today. The official matchups will be released next Sunday. I wrote the scenarios for each team going forward. The formula will be on the bottom to take a look at.
Pontiac: The Phoenix have had a very difficult season. They have a tough district path ahead of them in District Six. Pontiac would have a very interesting matchup with Waterford Kettering in the pre-district. If the Phoenix were to get past the Captains then they would have a rematch with Waterford Mott in the district semifinals and if they somehow pull off the upset then they would likely see Clarkston in the district finals. Either way it’s a tough path for Pontiac in the postseason.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have a tough path ahead of them. They are the B team in District 59 which means they will see Hazel Park in the pre-district and if they win that game they would see arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. With where they are at with the MPR this will be the likely outcome for Ferndale University.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had things very rough as of late. They made a coaching change mid-season which can always be tough. Avondale is the A team right now in District Six. If this holds and it could very well be the case with the MPR standings they would play Clarkston in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets have a really tough path this postseason for sure.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers are in a very interesting race when it comes to the MPR. They are the second seed for now but Grosse Pointe North is right behind them. Grosse Pointe South is the top seed in District 30. Harper Woods would play Grosse Pointe North either way if they are the two seed or the A team in the district semifinals. Roseville and St. Clair Shores Lakeview are locked into play each other in the pre-district. A clash with the Norsemen is very likely no matter the outcome for the Pioneers.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been up and down this season. They have a very tough district in District 26. Southfield Arts and Tech would be the C team in the bracket which means they would play Livonia Stevenson in the pre-district and if they can get by the Spartans then they would play North Farmington in the district semifinals. The Warriors have a tough path that is for sure.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have been improving as a program but the postseason is another animal where this program needs to take the next step. Royal Oak is the D team in District 25 which means they would have a really difficult matchup with Detroit Renaissance in the pre-district. If they somehow get by the Phoenix then they would play Oak Park in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a tough path for Royal Oak but if they are executing at a high level then maybe there is always a chance.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are in a battle for the second seed in District 28 with Utica. If Troy Athens can keep the second seed they would play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the district semifinals but if Utica passes them then they would be the B team and play Utica Ford II in the pre-district which would mean they would play arch rival Troy in the district semifinals pending if they can get by the Falcons. The Red Hawks would like that second seed which would mean a much easier matchup with Sterling Heights Stevenson then having to play in the pre-district and deal with your arch rival in the district semifinals.
Seaholm: The Maples will have things very tough this postseason. They are the B team in District 28 which means they would play arch rival Groves in the pre-district. If Seaholm can get by Groves then they would see Birmingham Brother Rice whom is the top seed in the district semifinals. This is a very tough path for the Maples if they want to make some noise in this district.
Oxford: The Wildcats have a very difficult path ahead of them. They are right now the C team in District Four but if they win out they have an outside chance of catching Davison for the second seed. Oxford will play Lapeer in the pre-district with the winner playing top seed Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a very tough path for sure for the Wildcats.
Berkley: The Bears have been a very odd team to figure out. If things hold despite having home court they are the A team in District 25 which means they would play Detroit Mumford in the pre-district. If Berkley gets by the Mustangs they would play Detroit-University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals. It will be a tough matchup for the Bears but they have home court which helps. Berkley is the wildcard in this district that is for sure.
Rochester: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in District Five. If Lake Orion were to get the two seed they would be the A team and play Stoney Creek in the pre-district however if Utica Eisenhower were to get the second seed then they would be the B team and play Lake Orion which is a much tougher matchup. Either way Rochester is likely playing in pre-district but the opponent is to be determined.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have had a really rough year this season but things could change with the postseason. Stoney Creek is in a very interesting spot in District Five. They won’t be seeded which means they would play in the pre-district no matter what happens. The Cougars are the C team which means they would play Rochester if Lake Orion is the second seed. If Utica Eisenhower is the second seed then they would play Romeo in the pre-district. Either way for Stoney Creek it’s a difficult matchup to say the least
Groves: The Falcons have had a very good year for Coach Marc West. Their postseason path is very challenging. They are the A team in District 28 which means they would rematch arch rival Seaholm in the pre-district. If they win that game then they would play Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals which is a very tall task. It’s going to be a tall order for Groves but they could be a dangerous team for Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals for sure.
Farmington: The Falcons are much better than their record indicates and that makes them a very dangerous team come this postseason. They would be the A team in District 26 which would mean they would play Detroit Henry Ford in the district semifinals. If they can win that game then they would have a rematch with arch rival North Farmington in the district finals. I don’t see the Falcons passing Detroit Henry Ford for the second seed so this would be the likely matchup unless things change which seems very unlikely.
Lake Orion: The Dragons are in a very complex spot when it comes to the postseason. They are the two seed right now but that could change if Utica Eisenhower passes them for the two seed. The Dragons would receive the bye if this pans out which means they would see either Utica Eisenhower or Romeo in the district semifinals. However if the Eagles pass them they would be the A team and play Rochester in the pre-district with the winner playing Adams in the district semifinals. There is a lot to play for, for Lake Orion especially with some monster games coming up.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers have had a big turnaround this season. The district could be a very tall task for West Bloomfield. They are the D team in District 28 which means they would have a rematch with Bloomfield Hills. If they can win that game then they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. I like this path for the Lakers if they can knock off Bloomfield Hills which they have already done on their home floor and I’m not real trustworthy of the Eaglets in the postseason.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have been up and down recently. Bloomfield Hills is in a very tough district despite having home court. They likely won’t be seeded which means they are the C team in District 28 where they will rematch West Bloomfield in the pre-district. If they can beat the Lakers then they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals and if they win that game they would clash with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals. Like West Bloomfield, I like the Blackhawks path pending if they can get by the Lakers. It’s really hard for me to trust the Eaglets this postseason with their distractions. Expect Noah Adamcyzk to make a ton of noise on his home court.
Troy: The Colts have the top seed in District 28 all but locked up. Troy will likely see either Utica Ford II or Utica/Troy Athens in the district semifinals. The Colts matchup very well in this district. Either way Troy is in a great position to do well although Utica could be an issue but not likely at the moment.
Adams: The Highlanders look like they will have the top seed in District Five but if they keep losing then watch for Utica Eisenhower and Lake Orion. If things hold to where they stand, Adams would play either Rochester or Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. However if they let the Eagles or Dragons pass them then things could get very interesting. Adams would be the two seed if they get passed or they would be the B team in the district if both teams pass them and would have to play in the pre-district. There is a lot to play for Adams but if they keep winning then the top seed in the district is theirs.
Clarkston: The Wolves have home court in District Six and have the top seed all but locked up. If this were the case which it likely will be they would play Avondale in the district semifinals and should they win that game they will have that rematch with Waterford Mott in the district finals. I don’t really see Clarkston getting jumped by Waterford Mott like they were but then again Wolves fans know what happened last season.
Oak Park: The Knights are in a battle with Detroit Renaissance for the second seed in District 25. They hold that seed at the moment which means they would play Detroit Renaissance or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. If the Phoenix pass them then they would be the C team and play Royal Oak in the pre-district. Oak Park looks very good for the second seed which should help them. This is a program that wants Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the worst way possible. Could this be the year that the Knights get the Cubs??? We’ll see.
Ferndale: The Eagles postseason path looks very secure with where they are at in the MPR. They would be locked into the top seed in District 59. Ferndale would play either Ferndale University or Hazel Park in the district semifinals. If they can win that game then they would likely see Detroit Old Redford in the district finals. Either way this is a great path for the Eagles in the postseason.
North Farmington: The Raiders are the top team in the MPR, have home court, and have the top seed locked up in District 26. There likely won’t be any changes which means they would see either Southfield Arts and Tech or Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals and if they win that they could see Detroit Henry Ford or Farmington in the district finals. North Farmington is in a really good spot to make some noise in the postseason.
Here is the MPR formula for Boys Basketball.
https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2022-23/2022-23%20FINAL%20BBB.pdf
by orionontv | Feb 6, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday February 5th at 12:40 PM
These are the updated districts with my thoughts so here they are.
District 6 @ Clarkston (Winner heads to Fenton to Play District 8)
CLARKSTON
PONTIAC
AVONDALE
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Waterford Mott
DARKHORSE: Avondale
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: John Kaul-Clarkston
UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m still at a loss for words how Clarkston didn’t get the top seed in the district last season and Waterford Mott ended up getting that spot. The Wolves should be the favorite with home court and proven experience. They have been hanging by the moment all season with a ton of close games. Clarkston has Brayden Wiley, Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, John Kaul, Cole Church, and Cavanaugh Diton for Coach Tim Waslik. Waterford Mott won the Lakes Valley last season and had the top seed last season but fell to Clarkston in the district finals last season. They are in a battle with South Lyon East, Milford, Lakeland, and Walled Lake Western for the crown. The Corsairs have been up and down this season. They have Dequantre Warren, Jacoby Menyweathers, Octave Lawerence, Davon Warren, Kalieb Osborn, Devin Lewis, Davis Ellis, and Jake Martin coming back for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering struggled last season but they have been improving despite the struggling record. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Zarek Zelinski, Noah Salazar, Josh Brooks, Adrian Hicks, and Marcus Mitchell for longtime Oxford Girls Basketball and Walled Lake Central Coach Steve Emmert. Pontiac has really been up and down this season. They have Daveon Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglas for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale is a sleeper in this district. They had a coaching change during the season which was very unusual. Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Justin Sykes, Terry Daniel, DJ White, Issac Gordon, Jeremiah Phillips, and Darren Pagel coming back for interim coach Aaron Fox. This should be a rematch of a district final from last season between the Wolves and the Corsairs but anything is possible.
District 5 @ Utica Eisenhower (Winner heads to Fenton to Play District 7)
LAKE ORION
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Adams
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Romeo
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Mychajulk-Utica Eisenhower
UPDATED THOUGHTS: Could this district be Macomb County revenge??? It looks like it but Oakland County could spoil things again like what happened last season when Lake Orion played Rochester Adams. Utica Eisenhower has home court and proven experience in Ethan Mychajulk, Braden Buza, Preston Crumm, Jackson McHale, Hayden Bills, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, and Kyle O’Reilly for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo has had a good season but the past has really haunted them. They have gotten past the first game once in the last four years. The Bulldogs have Tim Kewey and Aiden Tague for Coach Marv Cushingberry. Stoney Creek has really struggled this season and a lot of the struggles has to be the injury to Peyton Rummler. Rummler is expected to be back for the postseason which should help them big time. The Cougars have Aiden Groszko, Jake Fulkerson, Tre Walker, Leo Kent, Tommasso Sincola, and Jonah McCay for new coach Jeff Olind. Adams should be the favorite in this district. They lost a ton of experience from last season but has Brady Prieskorn, William Gee, Drew Blackmer, and Peter Karakasis for Coach Jaret Thomas. The Highlanders are having a strong season in the always tough Red. Rochester has really struggled which is very unusual. They lost a lot of experience from last season. They have Elijah Kalaj, Joe Lulgjaraj, Grant Calcagno, Rex Matoud, and Kharmani Potts for Coach Nick Evola. Lake Orion should be very interesting. They have had a ton of bad luck and play in the very tough White. The Dragons have Nate Havrilla, DJ Morrow, Kevin Tobe, and Blake Liddell for Coach Jose Andreadas. They are the sleeper in this district despite having a ton of bad luck as mentioned where they lost four one possession games to very good teams. This district looks to be anyone’s for the taking, it is possible there could be an all Oakland or all Macomb County district final but its wide open for the taking.
District 4 @ Grand Blanc (Winner heads to Flushing to play District 3)
OXFORD
Grand Blanc
Davison
Lapeer
Flint Kearsley
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
NEXT: Davison
DARKHORSE: Oxford
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Lawson-Davison
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is the same district as of last season but the district is at Lapeer. Grand Blanc has a ton of storylines. They have a new coach in Tory Jackson. Jackson takes over for Mike Thomas whom left to take the East Kentwood coaching job. It will be very interesting to see how the transition period goes. The transition period has gone well and the Bobcats are rolling again. Grand Blanc was a Division One State runner up has Robert Williams, Tae Boyd, Amonte Allen-Johnson, Micah Welch, Anthony Perdue, RJ Taylor, Bryce O’Mara, Trevon Johnson, Jake Lindquist, Joe Nemeck, and Donnine Huddleston for Jackson. Lapeer has really struggled this season. The Lightning have Owen Boyle, Matt Sierakowski, Christopher Best, Alex Wells, and Matthew Smith for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison has a very young core that has made a ton of strides during the season and has also been doing very well in the Saginaw Valley League. The Cardinals have Greg Lawson, Teon Armstrong, Buddy Williams, Zach Papadakis, Henry Carstaphen, and Braylen Himmelin for Coach Mike Williams. Flint Kearsley has been up and down this season. The Hornets have Neely Dakari, Donovan Harrington, and Julienne Brandt for Coach Joe Corkan. Oxford is a sleeper in this district, I do wonder what Chicago Brothers Pizza Owner Dan Brown has to say about this district??? They have been up and down this season. The Wildcats have Dominic Cassisse, Lucas Botette, Jake Champagne, Kyle DiMalanta, and Dylan Stone for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Grand Blanc right now is the favorite but watch for Oxford and Davison.
District 25 @ Berkley (Winner heads to Troy to play District 27)
BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK
OAK PARK
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Oak Park
FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
NEXT: Oak Park
DARKHORSE: Detroit Renaissance
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sonny Wilson-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Berkley. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the early favorite in this district. The Cubs won this district last season and has Sonny Wilson, Tarrance Reed, Julian Robinson, David Herron, Xavier Johnson, Zavier Banks, Sebestian Randolph, and Branden Walker coming back for Coach Tim Connely. Detroit Mumford had a really rough season last year and is also having a really rough year this season for Coach Anthony Woods. Detroit Renaissance has had a good year but they have had some tough losses in which they were in some high scoring games. They can score but defend is the question. The Phoenix have Lance Stone, Dion Stinson, Jayson Gamblin, Jacob White, and Jayden Savoury for Coach John White. The Bears can’t seem to get a break with the district but they have home court and is having a really good season so far. Berkley has David Rolands, Tamir Runekvich, Riley Shafritz, Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, and Ian Smith for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is having another very strong season. The Knights made the district finals last season but have ran into Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the last two years where they haven’t been able to overcome that hump despite having very good seasons. They have Jason Harns, Robert Smith, Geon Hutchins, Kevin Tolliver, Soloman White, and LuJuan Holliday for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak is a very odd team. They started off unbeaten but had a really rough January but have managed to turn things around again. The Ravens have Camden Clark, Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Rashad Wilson, and Nick Hoffman for Coach Aaron Smith. Hoffman is the all-time points leader at Royal Oak. This district has the makings of very similar to last season.
District 26 @ North Farmington (Winner heads to Troy to play District 28)
NORTH FARMINGTON
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Henry Ford
Livonia Stevenson
PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Detroit Henry Ford
FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford
DARKHORSE: Farmington
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Landon Williams-North Farmington
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. North Farmington should be the favorite in the district and they could be a possible State title contender. They have proven that they are more than capable with their start. The Raiders have Landon Williams, Prince Jackson, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Ryan Hurst, Tyler Spratt, Donovan Williams, Dwayne Ray, Daemon Eubanks, Connor Childress, and Lamar Walls for Coach Todd Negoshian. Farmington should be improved and have shown major strides. The Falcons have Greg Greys, Anthony Bailey, Tony Tobert, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, William Henderson, Jaden Turner, and Darrell Cochrane for Coach Derrick McDowell. Southfield Arts and Tech has been a very interesting story this season. They have been up and down which has been very surprising and have a lot of proven experience in Greg Davis, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Bryce Hewins, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey for former Farmington Coach Terrance Porter. Detroit Henry Ford won 11 games last season but have been playing around 500. The Trojans have some proven talent in Terrance Coker and Semaj Sanders for Coach Ken Flowers. Livonia Stevenson won 12 games last season but they have really struggled this season. The Spartans have Bailey Way, Domnick Jentzer, Nate Curtis, Maek Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Lucas Young, John Toth, and Chuck Davidek coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. The Raiders won this district last season and is the favorite again but Detroit Henry Ford could give them some fits, something to watch.
District 27 @ Bloomfield Hills (Winner heads to Troy to play District 25)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES
SEAHOLM
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Birmingham Brother Rice
Orchard Lake St. Marys
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Orchard Lake St. Marys
FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice
NEXT: West Bloomfield
DARKHORSE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded after winning the district last season and could be one of the favorites again. The Eaglets have Trey McKenny and Sharad Barnes for Coach Todd Cobert. Birmingham Brother Rice has having a very strong year and is on the verge of a Catholic League Central crown. They have a ton of proven experience. The Warriors have Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, John Blackwell, Luke Salkowski, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Tom Labruzzy, Curtis Williams, Keithan Gilmore, and Chasr Van Ameyde for Coach Ricky Palmer. Bloomfield Hills has had a very good year despite some very tough losses in the White. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, Drew Wilson, CJ Jackson, Brandon Newland, Ahmad Taylor, and Henry Jackson for Coach Brian Canfield. Groves is very interesting. They have had a strong bounce back this season. The Falcons have Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Josh Simpson, Elijah Yelder, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Josh Gibson coming back for returning Coach Marc West. Seaholm is always scrappy and they have showed it in January when they got healthy. The Maples have Ben Diskin, Findlay Sparby, Rishi Thota, Abe Miller, and Jeff Sheldon for Coach Mike DeGeeter. West Bloomfield has been much improved in the very tough White. The Lakers have Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Donnie Watts, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Dewan Moore, Corey Pittman, Tory James, Chris Britton, and Mitchell Seay for Coach Arnette Jordan. This will be a very interesting district as mentioned but the Catholic League stands out but watch for West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.
District 28 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson (Winner heads to Troy to play District 26)
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford II
Utica
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Troy Athens
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Troy Athens
DARKHORSE: Utica
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Penoza-Troy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Troy is the early favorite in this district and has had a strong season thus far. The Colts have Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Nate Liberty, Carter Cusmano, Kyle Parker, Bryce Parker, and Mason Parker for Coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens should be very interesting. They have been on a roll as of late and in the thick of the Blue standings. The Red Hawks has Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proefkee, Kyree Harper, Emmanuel Robinson, and Brogan Withun for Coach Dave Scott. Sterling Heights Stevenson has a ton of proven experience and home court. The Titans have Austin Akrawi, Mariano Manciel, Sam Kashat, Mazino Amuwha, Caynon Love, Darrin Bobbitt, Zach Alinfogan, Victor Campbell, Alex Moratalla, Daron Bobbitt, Joseph Malak, and Luke Sesi for Coach Ryan Joseph. Utica really struggled last season but they have really improved and have won eight of their last nine games. The Chieftains have Logan Davis, Mason Brodi, Trent McFarland, Sebastian Soriano, Jack Malone, Nick Bosilkovski, Nathan Silver and Austin Lemerise for Coach David Hinke. Utica Ford II is much improved despite the struggling record this season. The Falcons have Dakari Rogers, Aaron Johnson, Diego Harden, Carson Strumn, Eli Miller, Gavin Gugliemetti, and Maid Kurjakovic for former West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna. Troy should be the favorite but Utica, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Troy Athens should have strong says.
District 59 @ Hazel Park (Winner heads to Hazel Park to play District 57)
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Old Redford
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Old Redford
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT Detroit Old Redford
DARKHORSE Ferndale University
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Chris Williams-Ferndale
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district but it’s starting to become very clear at the moment. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years and has a pretty strong team despite losing their two top players. Detroit Lincoln King Academy won 14 games last season but they are really struggling this season. Detroit Old Redford won 11 games last season and is rolling. Ferndale University is a sleeper in this district. They have had a bounce back year despite the 500 record. The Eagles have a ton of proven experience in Chris Kendrix, Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Semaj Clark, Cordae McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Jonathan King, Zakaria Smith, Antione Owens, and Damir Orr for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park is the weakest team in this district and they are having a really rough season. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Caleb Renfroe, Jayden Hardiman, Noah Blocker, Kendall Mays, Maurice Booth, and Trenton Ruth for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale is the early favorite in this district but Detroit Old Redford and Ferndale University could challenge if things go right for them.
District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North (Winner heads to Macomb Dakota to play District 32)
HARPER WOODS
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Roseville
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grosse Pointe South, 2. Grosse Pointe North
FAVORITE: Grosse Pointe South
NEXT: Grosse Pointe North
DARKHORSE: Roseville
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district that has four teams that won more than 10 games last season and each team has won at least eight games. Roseville won 13 games last season but is very low in the MPR which is very odd. The Panthers have Brian Hunter, Amonti Greene, AJ Scott, Todario Payne and Isiah Mays for Coach Greg Boler. Grosse Pointe North has played a really tough schedule. The Norsemen have proven experience in Adam Ayrault for Coach Andrew Ayrault. Grosse Pointe South has had a very good season and they have some wins over OAA teams. The Blue Devils have Donovan Moody, Noah Stiyer, Karter Richards, Tommy Maccagnone, Griffin Adams, Brady Kennedy, and Alex English for Coach Stephen Benard. St Clair Shores Lakeview is the lowest team in the MPR despite winning double digit games. The Huskies have Matthew Ritter, Austin Stockett, Keonte Woolf, Tyler Griffin, Charrone Gordon, Bryce Ong, Easton Demeulenarere, and Zavier Hassan for Coach John Carr. Harper Woods came up from Division Two this offseason. They control their own destiny in the Gold and is having a really strong season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams for Coach TuJuan Porter. This is a very tough district, it’s anyone’s district to take in Grosse Pointe.
