by Becky Andrus | Mar 28, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Friday, March 25, 2022
Eagles find similar result from last season in loss to Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
Written Friday March 25th at 7:40 PM
Written by Sammy Taormina
Updated Saturday March 26th at 12:00 PM
Turnovers and losing a star player really hurt the Eagles.
The defending Division Two State champs Grand Rapids Catholic Central used a 15-0 third quarter run very similar to their 28-0 run in last season’s game as they beat Ferndale 82-71 for the second straight year on Friday evening in the Division Two State Semifinals at the Breslin Center.
The Eagles had trouble with the Cougars fast break transition and 17 turnovers which resulted in the Grand Rapids Catholic Central student section chanting “just like last year.”
Ferndale fell 81-55 in the same round last season to the Cougars.
Eagles star Jason Drake fouled out late in the third quarter. The Cougars proven experience and depth proved too much for Ferndale.
Treyvon Lewis had 32 points while Drake had 12 points before fouling out late in the third quarter.
Jack Karasinski led Grand Rapids Catholic Central with 34 points and Durral Brooks had 22 points.
Ferndale has had problems playing these type of teams like the Cougars.
It seems like when the Eagles play teams that are as athletically talented as them, along with proven experience, and deeper they tend to struggle which was evident in both meetings against the Cougars.
This season they relied a lot on Drake and Lewis. It got them through the Red, the district, and regional.
It’s very tough to address because Ferndale is not a big school enrollment wise.
You can’t blame Coach Juan Rickman, the players, or Athletic Director Shawn Butler.
They are doing everything they can.
Yes they schedule very tough games, they try to address this issue but it’s very hard and difficult to do.
The players want to play those type of games which is understandable.
Ferndale has a lot of talent coming back next season but losing Drake and Lewis to graduation will be a challenge. It will be a very interesting offseason to see what happens with the Eagles next season.
My suggestion to Rickman if he wants to go this route is to play proven Division Two powers like Grand Rapids Catholic Central and see where they are at. Play them or even Williamston early, see where you at.
The Eagles did beat a proven Division One powerhouse in Muskegon which was huge at the time but playing a team like the Cougars will tell a lot about the program.
Ferndale will be a program to watch next season. They need to address this issue and this is a challenge they need to address.
by Becky Andrus | Mar 23, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Clarkston has their new Football Coach.
Written Wednesday March 23rd at 12:40 AM
Written by Sammy Taormina
The Wolves kept the varsity football coaching job in house.
Clarkston named Justin Pintar as their new varsity football coach on Tuesday night. He replaces Kurt Richardson whom retired after 35 years on the Wolves sideline.
The hire was confirmed by The D-Zone’s Jeff Corriun and retweeted on Twitter by Wolves Athletic Director Jeff Kosin.
Pintar was the offensive line coach under Richardson. He is a teacher at Clarkston High School.
Pintar will have a lot of proven talent coming back in running back Ethan Clark and lineman Cole Dellinger. Also he will have linebackers Nick Waszczenko and Cavanaugh Diton, along with wide receivers Kohl Jarvis and Desman Stephens, and tight end Brady Kosin. The Wolves will have a new quarterback in John Kaul likely taking over the reins this fall.
Richardson said in an interview with MIPrepZone’s Scott Burnstein after he retired that program strength was very strong with Clarkston. The Wolves have a really good freshman class and the rest of the classes aren’t too bad either.
Clarkston opens the season at Davison against the Cardinals. They don’t have a week nine opponent as of yet. The Wolves will be in the Red with Oxford, West Bloomfield, Adams, Stoney Creek, and Lake Orion. They will have non league games against Southfield Arts and Tech and Oak Park.
Pintar is the fourth new coach in the OAA joining Dustyn Truitt (Royal Oak,) Tom Cook (Troy Athens,) and Chris Bell (Lake Orion.)
Thoughts
I really like the Pintar hire. He is a teacher in the school so familiarity is there. The transition should be smooth for the program. I am curious to see what offense Pintar will run if he will keep the RPO (run pass option) offense that has been very successful under Richardson.
The defense will be the question mark for Pintar this upcoming season especially in the secondary.
It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the Tweet confirming the hire from Corriun.
https://twitter.com/TheD_Zone/status/1506418220722499591
by Becky Andrus | Mar 21, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
West Bloomfield Wins the Division One State Title in Girls Basketball.
Written Saturday March 19th at 3:20 PM
Written by Sammy Taormina
The West Bloomfield Lakers have had a ton of success in winning State crowns. First it was football and now they have won their first ever State title in Girls Basketball.
The Lakers beat Hartland 51-42 on Saturday afternoon in the Division One State finals. They earned their 25th win and the State crown as well. It was the program’s first State final since 1989.
Coach Darrin McAllister is in his first season with the program has done a great job leading the program to a Red title and a deep postseason run.
Indya Davis had 17 points while Sydney Hendrix had 12 points for West Bloomfield.
Amanda Roach led Hartland with 21 points.
The Lakers controlled tempo from the start and was dominant throughout the game.
West Bloomfield did not make the postseason because of COVID-19 protocol last season. They fell to Hartland in the regional semifinals in 2019 and also in 2020. It was clearly on the mind of those especially who played in that game at Walled Lake Western on that day.
The Lakers lose Myonna Hooper and others to graduation but returns four starters in both Davis sisters and the Hendrix sisters. Destiny Washington has really emerged and could fill that fifth starter roll next season for West Bloomfield.
The Lakers could be right back in East Lansing next season.
Congrats to Coach Darrin McAllister and the Lakers.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
by Becky Andrus | Mar 21, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Girls Basketball Shortcomings.
Written Saturday March 19th at 3:30 PM
Written by Sammy Taormina
It was a great season for the OAA especially when it came to the postseason. There is a Division One State Champ that was crowned, a team that pulled off a huge upset to win a district title, a team that went through two Macomb County powerhouses to get to the quarterfinals, and several schools getting to the regional rounds. Congrats to everyone on a great season. Here are the shortcomings for each program.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers were on a mission toward a Division One State crown this season. They achieved that mission. West Bloomfield won the Red, knocked off Detroit Edison, made their first Division One State final since 1989, and won their first ever Division One State Championship. The Lakers had not lost a Red game in two years. West Bloomfield didn’t play in the postseason because they were in COVID-19 protocol last season. Coach Darrin McAllister has done a great job in his first season with the program winning 25 games. The Lakers State title postseason run went through Groves, Birmingham Marian, Farmington Hills Mercy, Grosse Pointe North, Troy, Rockford, and Hartland in the postseason. They lose Myonna Hooper, Zaneiya Bastiste, Miracle Whitfield, Morgan Shropshire, and Shayanne Taylor to graduation. West Bloomfield has Ava Lord, Gabby Williams, Jaylee Head, Jada Vaughn, Gabrielle Hale, Destiny Washington, Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Kendall Hendrix, and Sydney Hendrix coming back. Program strength is a concern for McAllister. The Lakers should be back in the State title picture again next season.
Clarkston: It was an incredible season for the Wolves. Clarkston won a district crown. They beat their arch rivals Lake Orion in the regional semifinals, and made the regional finals. The Wolves had a chance to beat Hartland but they missed a tough shot at the end which gave the Eagles the 48-46 escape. Clarkston won 17 games for first year Coach Aaron Goodnough. They lose Maddy Skourpski, Izzy Hadley, Kaitlyn Thierry, and Sophia Walker to graduation. Skourpski and Hadley will be very tough to replace however they could be very balanced next season. The Wolves have Keira Tolmie, Emily Valencia, Mia Zorski, Ava Hernandez, Claire Walker, Anna Thomas, Marley Maxur, Wiley Gibbs, Ella Morgner, and Olivia Gray coming back. Program strength looks to be solid. It will be very interesting to see what Clarkston does heading into next season.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a really great year winning 14 games. One of those wins came against Grosse Pointe North whom was state ranked at the time. Stoney Creek fell to Lake Orion in the district semifinals. They lose Emma Demetral, Milana Skoric, Mackenzie Walker, Kendall Binfet, Riley Binfet, and Sydney LaPrarie to graduation. The foundation is there for Coach Kellen James. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, Erin Flynn, Liberty Allen, Lily Solek, and Merrick Schwalbach coming back. Program strength looks very solid. Stoney Creek should be a force to be a recon with next season.
Groves: It was a transition year for the Falcons which saw a new coach take over the program and a ton of changes to the roster and program. Groves won 10 games which included a win over arch rival Seaholm in the first round. The Falcons played a very good West Bloomfield program three times including in the district semifinals. They lose Destiny McCurdy to graduation. Groves has Kaitlyn Sanders, Cira Racco, Cameron Little, Lily Gallagher, Dana Wesley, Ella Blank, Nevaeh McCay, Jean Smith, Payge Charnas, and Kirsten Jasinski coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Program strength is still a major concern. There are major question marks and concerns for the Falcons heading into next season but for now they seem to be heading in the right direction.
Troy: It was an incredible year and especially in the postseason for Troy. This postseason makes up for all the postseason struggles the program has went through in the last three years (Utica twice and once to Rochester.) The Colts were middle of the pack in the Red but the postseason made up for everything. Troy earned their first ever regional crown and their first district crown since 2001 with wins over arch rival Troy Athens and Macomb County powerhouses Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, St. Clair Shores Lakeview, and Warren Cousino. The Colts fell for the third time to a very talented West Bloomfield program in the State quarterfinals. Troy won 13 games this season. They lose Kendal Zeiter, Charlotte Sobotka, Elena Zesses, Mia Valaotis, and Alyssa Matuza to graduation. The Colts have Lizzie Butzyzk, Avery Allen, Charlotte Guillion, Raegan Zeiter, and Zoe Silver coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Program strength is a concern going forward. Troy will be very young next season but this postseason they will have a ton of great memories. It was a great season for the Colts.
Royal Oak: It was really rough for the Ravens this year with a lot of youth and inexperience. They lost six of their last seven games by less than 12 points each time. Royal Oak played very well defensively against Detroit Renaissance by holding them to 34 points despite falling by 14 points in the district semifinals. The Ravens won three games this season. The foundation is there to build on for next season. Royal Oak has Elly Finch, Anna Waterstredt, Lucy Freytag, Emmy Walden, Izzy Fairless, Alania Morello, Emilee Austin, and Emmy Walden coming back. Program strength looks to be coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. The Ravens should be a very interesting team to watch next season.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have had a very inconsistent year. They won five games this season. Southfield Arts and Tech looked very good by blowing out very bad teams and when they play good teams they get blown out. The inconsistency really showed all season including in their postseason loss to Farmington Hills Mercy in the district semifinals. They lose three seniors to graduation. The Warriors have Christian Banks, Kamira Paige, Jordan Ushery, and Jaylin Austin coming back for Coach Shiquita Coltraine. Program strength is a big concern for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors could be in some trouble unless they address program strength and their inconsistent play next season.
Rochester: The Falcons had a great year winning 18 games and the White this season. Rochester could not get past the district for the third time in four years. The Falcons fell to Lake Orion in the district finals. They lose Abby Breitschuch and Lulu Taliercio to graduation. Rochester has a ton proven experience led by their two proven towers in forwards Alice Max and Kiley Robinson along with proven guards in Natalie Rayce, Abbey Pleasant, Ava Williams, Lindsey Gleason, Stevie Norgrove, Alana Webb, Melina Troy, and Trinia Mollicone coming back for Coach Bill Thurston. Program strength looks to be solid for Thurston and his program. The Falcons are in a very good place heading into next season.
Lake Orion: It was a very challenging, tough, but rewarding season for the Dragons. Lake Orion went through a ton of adversity especially early. They won 18 games for the first time since 2009 when they went to the Class A State Semifinals at Eastern Michigan. The Dragons earned their first district crown since 2010 after beating Stoney Creek and Rochester in the district semifinals and finals. Lake Orion fell to a very good Clarkston program in the regional semifinals where they were in the game for three quarters. They lose Olivia Peplowski, Katie Van Heck, Maddie Wolfe, and Kaitlyn Mitchell to graduation. The Dragons have Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Chloe Wiegers, Taylor Dinda, Jodie McCaffery, Audrey Wischmeyer, Grace Sullivan, Fontana Blackney, Ali May, Bella Gonzales, Ryan Pawlacyzk, and Lexi Stroschein coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. Program strength is very strong. Lake Orion should be a force next season.
Oxford: The Wildcats overcame a ton of adversity this season. They bounced back after a really rough start to win 12 games. The MPR has not been kind since the formula was introduced to the girls basketball world two years ago. Oxford has had to play Grand Blanc in the district semifinals despite having the second best MPR in the district but the matchups were pre determined which the matchups released the week before the end of the regular season. Oxford was behind Davison in the MPR at the time which meant they were the C team in the district and had to play the top seed which was the Bobcats. The Wildcats fell to Grand Blanc for the second straight season. They lose Kayla Casper and Elizabeth Gonzales to graduation. Oxford has Miranda Wynemkio, Peyton Ritcher, Sophia Rabb, Braydee Elling, Alison Huffsteder, and Nevadeh Wood coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Program strength looks to be solid. The Wildcats as long as the MPR Gods give them a break should be very good next season.
Berkley: It was a great season for the Bears. Despite the ups and downs they won 13 games in Coach Cody Feltner’s first season. The postseason made up for the inconsistencies they endured this season. Berkley earned the second seed in their district. They beat Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals in a hard fought game. The Bears would send shockwaves through the State when they stunned Division One State finalist Detroit Renaissance in their gym by 20 points in the district finals earning their first ever district crown. Berkley riding with a ton of confidence fell to a very strong Grosse Pointe North program in the regional semifinals. They lose Ashley Loon, Mya Jones, Jillian Gomes and Aurora Sousanis to graduation. The Bears have Maeve Nolan, Sammi Withrow, Ava Beard, Avery Wintergarden, Dakya Cunningham, Addison Hambright, and Maddi Bonsall coming back. Feltner will need to build on program strength for the future. I think with the district crown and the regional semifinal appearance, this sets the program well ahead into the future.
North Farmington: The Raiders had a very interesting year this season. They beat Bloomfield Hills in the first round but fell to a very talented Birmingham Marian program in the district semifinals. North Farmington won 12 games this season after really struggling early. They lose Alyssa Peak, Jenna Lee, and Lucy Lazaryan to graduation. The Raiders have Sela Lefler, Penelope Creary, Eliza Muller, Asiyah Jihad, Sam Hoffer, Amarriah Merriweather, Hannah Hart, and Halee Rogers coming back for Coach Jeff Simpson next season. Program strength is a major concern. North Farmington should be in the mix next season with the experience coming back but if Simpson doesn’t address program strength then it could be a rough few years going forward.
Adams: It was a very interesting year for the Highlanders which saw a lot of change and transition. Adams had a complete culture shock this past offseason. They changed coaches and changed the culture. The Highlanders had things very difficult early but really caught fire late in the season. Adams won seven games this season but fell to a very good Lake Orion program in the first round of districts. They lose Madison Kessman, Emma Klott, and Abbey Drahnak to graduation. The Highlanders have Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, AuJayna Howard, and Taylor Green coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Program strength is a major concern despite Malburg brining back three programs. Malburg has a ton of questions they need to address this offseason. This will be a program to watch for sure.
Troy Athens: There were a ton of ups and downs for the Red Hawks. They had some expectations coming into the season after their late season success in 2020-2021 which included a upset road victory over Oxford but couldn’t make the postseason because of COVID-19 protocols. Troy Athens won six games which one was over arch rival Troy in December but the Colts got them back in the district semifinals. They lose Gillian Ciak, Bea Cortes, Erin Turnbach, and Cece Fey to graduation. The Red Hawks have Ella Musto, Rebekah Delia, Lily Batzold, Fiona Wingblad, Kayci Mersier, Abby Malone, and Skylar Emerson coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Program strength should be very interesting this offseason. Troy Athens will have to replace some scoring and experience. This will be a program to watch this offseason.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks were much improved and have gotten better throughout the season. Their record did not show it but they were in a ton of games including their first round postseason loss to North Farmington. Bloomfield Hills has Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, and Ruby Smith coming back. There is a lot of excitement brewing in the future for Coach Kristen Massey moving forward with the foundation in place. Program strength is also on the rise for Massey with three programs. The sky is the limit for the Blackhawks.
Seaholm: It was a very good season for Coach Chris Manchester and the Maples. Seaholm won the Blue with their regular season finale victory over Harper Woods in Wayne County. They fell to arch rival Groves in a very competitive first round district matchup. Seaholm won 15 games this season and is built for now and the future. They lose Kate Sullivan to graduation. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Taylor Hartwig, Lola Weber, Olivia Davis, Kate Anderson, Clara Guffy, Emma Weber, Mary Gumbis, and Annie Boogeren coming back. Program strength looks very solid. Seaholm has to find a way to beat their arch rivals next season to make the next step. The thing that I would like to see Manchester do is expand his program from two to three programs. If you have three programs instead of two the better the program will be. Seaholm should be very good for years to come.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a very good season in their first year in the OAA. Harper Woods won 19 games and had a chance to win the Blue but they fell to Seaholm on the final day of the regular season at their home gym. The non league schedule really hurt the Pioneers with playing really bad teams and blowing them out. Harper Woods had a very challenging postseason ahead of them. They were the second seed despite having home court. The Pioneers beat arch rival Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the district semifinals in a tough overtime game but fell to top seeded St. Clair Shores South Lake in the district finals. They lose Destiny Bealey and Charita Childs to graduation. Harper Woods has Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Lauren Peterson, and Cleaira Peterson coming back for Coach Paul Allen. Program strength is a concern. I think with the experience coming back should help but they’ll need to toughen up their non league schedule heading into next season if they want to take the next step as a program.
Farmington: It was a very interesting season in Farmington. The Falcons had a great year winning 13 games. Farmington earned their first district victory since 2010 by beating Redford Thurston in the first round. The Falcons had things going in the right direction but had a really heartbreaking overtime loss to Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals. They lose eight seniors including Autumn Bartlett, Brielle Burns, and Madelyn Beckwith to graduation. Farmington has Yasmine Thorpe, Jayla Silver, Brooke Farrington, Annalin Nardelli, and Clarissa Hankins coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Program strength appears to be solid. The Falcons have to replace a lot of experience but they should be back in the mix again next season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a very interesting year. They had a ton of ups and downs and injuries hurt them early this season. Avondale beat Pontiac in the first round but fell to Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets won 10 games with many of those wins coming late in the season. They lose Regian Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt to graduation. The Yellow Jackets have Lily Titus, Madison Menyweathers, Khila Bradley, Amaria Daniels, Takera Williams, and Kaliyah Carroll coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Avondale needs to address program strength heading into next season. They will need someone to step up with Schmidt and Lawrence graduating.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have had a ton of ups and downs this season but they are always there ready to compete. There were some games that they looked very good and there were some games that they really struggled especially in the Blue. Ferndale University won 10 games this season with most of them coming against non league teams. The Eagles beat arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. Ferndale University fell to a very talented Birmingham Detroit Country Day program in the district finals. Coach Desdan Hester has built a very good program at Ferndale University with the limited numbers they have. The Eagles have adjusted to life in the OAA pretty well. Program strength is a concern. It will be very important for Hester to keep the program heading in the right direction. If they want to take the next step as a program they need to be in contention for a league title and pick up wins in league. They can’t rely on non league games to carry the team, they have to win games in league.
Pontiac: It was a very interesting first year for Coach Rawelle Marshall and the Phoenix. Pontiac won five games this season after not having a program in 2020-2021. They should be improved next season. The Phoenix will need to build program strength which will be a challenge for Marshall with Pontiac.
Ferndale: It was a very rough season for the Eagles in what will still be a very tough rebuild for Coach Al Katolla. Ferndale beat Oak Park on the last day of the regular season. The victory over the Knights gave his players some confidence heading into the future. The Eagles fell to arch rival Ferndale University in the district semifinals. They don’t lose anyone to graduation. Ferndale has Jada Buchanan, Jalia Martin, Jayla Pouncey, Tarriyah Early, Briunna Young, Angel Ajonuma, and Jewell Marsh coming back next season. Katolla needs to keep building the program to get back to stability. Wins and program development will be key for the Eagles next season.
Oak Park: It was a very rough year for the Knights and Coach Chantelle Corson. They won two games and fell to Detroit Mumford in the first round. Oak Park was very young this season to their defense. They need to find some scoring next season. If they can repeat that same magic that they had under former coach Peggy Evans-Carr then they can turn this thing around and quickly.
by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Girls Basketball State Quarterfinal Recap and Get to Know the Opponent.
Written Wednesday March 16th at 10:20 AM
Written by Sammy Taormina
WEST BLOOMFIELD 67, TROY 32.
It was going to be a very tough State Quarterfinal for Troy on Tuesday night at Callahan Hall going up against West Bloomfield. The Lakers beat the Colts for the third time this season with a 67-32 blowout. West Bloomfield returns to the Division One State semifinals for the first time in 19 years where they will play Rockford on Friday afternoon at noon.
Summer Davis led the Lakers with 20 points while Myonna Hooper a Detroit Mercy commit had 16 points.
If the Lakers beat the Rams on Friday then they would return to the Division One State Finals for the first time since 1989 when they fell to Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills in the Class A State Finals.
Tuesday night marked an end of very successful careers for Kendal Zeiter, Charlotte Sobotka, Alyssa Matuza, Mia Valaotis, and Elena Zesses. The Colts had a very successful postseason run after three first game exits in the last three years. Troy won their first district title since 2001 which included wins over Troy Athens and Warren Cousino and their first ever regional title which included wins over St. Clair Shores Lakeview and Macomb L’Anse Creuse North.
Zeiter scored her 1,000 career point and had 12 points for the Colts.
It was a great year for Coach Julius Porter and Troy this season.
GET TO KNOW THE OPPONENT.
West Bloomfield’s next opponent is the Rockford Rams on Friday afternoon in East Lansing at the Breslin Center. Rockford is in their first final four is coming off a 54-43 victory over East Lansing on Tuesday night at Calvin College. They outscored the Spartans 25-16 in the fourth quarter and had eight threes in the game. This is the first time that the Rams have went this far in the postseason. The last time that Rockford had been this far was the 2010 State Quarterfinals when they fell to East Lansing.
Rockford also had postseason wins over Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, Lowell, Muskegon Mona Shores and stunned defending Division One State Champs Hudsonville in the regional finals.
The Rams feature a pair of sisters in Anna Wypych and Alyssa Wypych. Also they have a solid guard in Aleena Anderson. Alyssa Wypych had 21 points against East Lansing. This is a team that relies a lot on their depth.
Rockford is well coached under Coach Brad Wilson whom is in his fifth year with the program. The Rams play in the ultra-tough Ottawa-Kent Conference.
This should be a very interesting matchup of sisters between the Wypych sisters and the Davis and Hendrix sisters. If this game becomes a depth game, advantage Rockford. If this game becomes up tempo and speed, advantage West Bloomfield. Whichever sisters shows their will in this game should move onto Saturday.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 28, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Girls Basketball District Matchups and Early Thoughts.
Written by Sammy Taormina
Written Sunday February 20th at 12:00 PM
These are the Girls Basketball district matchups with early thoughts. More will be talked about on the podcast with me and co host Ian Locke.
District 4 @ Davison
Flint Kearsley vs Lapeer
Flint Kearsley/Lapeer vs Davison
OXFORD vs Grand Blanc
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Davison. Grand Blanc is the early favorite with their star power and experience. The Bobcats four losses were to teams that have a MPR of 600 or higher with their best wins over Saginaw Heritage and Saginaw. Davison doesn’t have a quality win despite having the second seed, home court, and a great path to get to the district finals. The Cardinals losses were to teams that were 565 or higher in the MPR. Oxford has been rolling but the MPR has not been kind to Coach Rachel Bryer and the Wildcats. They have a really difficult matchup with Grand Blanc in the district semifinals for the second straight season. Flint Kearsley and Lapeer have really struggled this season and they will meet each other in the first round. I’ve seen both teams play and really haven’t been impressed with either team. This district looks to be a Grand Blanc/Davison district finals but Oxford could spoil things which will be very interesting.
District 5 @ Lake Orion
LAKE ORION vs ADAMS
LAKE ORION/ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
Utica Eisenhower vs Romeo
Utica Eisenhower/Romeo vs ROCHESTER
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Lake Orion with three teams have 14 wins or above coming into this district. Stoney Creek and Rochester have the two seeds but Lake Orion is very dangerous coming into this district. They also have home court. The Dragons have the toughest road in the postseason. They have Adams in the first round and if they get by the Highlanders they will have to deal with Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. The Falcons have a great draw with the second seed. They will likely be seeing Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Eagles have been hot and cold lately which isn’t a good sign. Adams has struggled this season but they have put a win streak together at the right time. Romeo has had things very rough for them this season. I think this is a three team district with Stoney Creek, Rochester, and Lake Orion really having strong cases to win this district.
District 6 @ Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE vs PONTIAC
AVONDALE/PONTIAC vs Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like a complete mismatch on paper in Waterford. Clarkston has played a tougher schedule, they have star power, and are well coached under Coach Aaron Goodnough. The Wolves have earned the top seed in this district. Waterford Kettering is the second seed and they have a star player in Markayla Holland. Avondale is the potential spoiler. They have two proven players in Reigan Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt. The Yellow Jackets could pose a challenge to Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals. Pontiac and Avondale should be very interesting in the first round. Waterford Mott will have things really tough against Clarkston in the district semifinals. This district should be a Wolves/Captains district finals but the Yellow Jackets are possible spoilers but at the end of the day no one is touching Clarkston.
District 26 @ Detroit Renaissance
OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford
OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK vs Detroit Renaissance
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it’s a mismatch on paper. Detroit Renaissance has the top seed and has home court. They are very talented, battle tested, and well coached under Coach Shane Lawal. The Phoenix five losses were to teams that have an MPR of 621 or higher. Berkley has the second seed despite losing three straight games. The Bears win over North Farmington looks very strong at the moment. Detroit Mumford has not been very consistent but they should get by Oak Park in the first round. The Knights have really struggled this season. Whoever wins that matchup will have to play the Bears and star standout Ashley Loon in the district semifinals. Royal Oak will have it really tough with Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. This district looks to be Detroit Renaissance’s to lose but don’t count Berkley out.
District 27 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs Redford Thurston
FARMINGTON/Redford Thurston vs Livonia Stevenson
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district has the two top seeds in Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson. The Marlins went through a very tough Catholic League and has earned the top seed in the district. Southfield Arts and Tech has been very inconsistent this season. The Warriors either blow out opponents or get blown out, that’s not a good combination. The win against Groves is why the Spartans have the two seed. Farmington is in a very nice spot despite not being seeded in the district. I really like their matchup with Redford Thurston in the first round and if they get by that game their matchup with Livonia Stevenson should be very interesting. The Falcons have experience and a player name Autumn Bartlett. I think Bartlett will carry this team to the district finals. I think this will be a Farmington vs Farmington Hills Mercy district final but at the end of the day this will be the Marlins district to lose.
District 28 @ West Bloomfield
GROVES vs SEAHOLM
GROVES/SEAHOLM vs WEST BLOOMFIELD
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs NORTH FARMINGTON
BLOOMFIELD HILLS/NORTH FARMINGTON vs Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is setting up to be between West Bloomfield and Birmingham Marian in the district finals. Both teams have star power and well respective coaches. This is Mustangs coach Mary Cicerone’s last season on the sidelines. Birmingham Marian will be motivated and inspired to win this district and go as far as they can. The Mustangs won the Catholic League postseason tournament after having a very interesting season. The Lakers have their district on their home floor which helps but their depth besides the Davis sisters, Hendrix sisters, and Hooper will be key for them moving forward. Groves and Seaholm will be a very interesting rematch in the first round. Both teams played at Little Caesars Arena back in December with the Falcons winning over their arch rivals. Groves has been very inconsistent but they have started to turn some things around a little bit under new coach Alison Hidey. The Maples have really turned things around and is in the very thick of the Blue race. The winner will see West Bloomfield which will be a very difficult district semifinal matchup. On the other side of the bracket there is a North Farmington and Bloomfield Hills first round matchup which is very interesting. These two teams have had some close battles against each other but the Raiders have found ways to win both meetings. North Farmington has been much improved lately despite their inconsistencies this season. The Blackhawks are building for the future. They have a nice blend of youth on this team and in the program. Coach Kristen Massey has them heading in the right direction. I’m seeing it Birmingham Marian/West Bloomfield district finals which should be a great game to watch.
District 29 @ Troy
TROY ATHENS vs Warren Mott
TROY ATHENS/Warren Mott vs TROY
Warren Woods Tower vs Warren Cousino
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a make or break district for Troy for many reasons. They have lost three times in the opening round which is something they want to change and badly. Warren Cousino has had a stranglehold in this district with the top seed despite their best MPR win was over Trenton early in the season. The Patriots five losses were to teams that’s MPR were 560 and higher which says a lot. The two seed went to the host school despite the Red Hawks beating the Colts earlier in the season. Troy Athens has had very disappointing record wise despite their returning experience but they have played a tough schedule and have some wins that have helped them keep pace with their arch rivals until the final bracket matchups were released. The Colts have really struggled record wise but they have played a tougher schedule being in the Red this season. They got Alyssa Matuza back which is a huge deal for Coach Julius Porter. Warren Mott should struggle against Troy Athens in their first round matchup while likewise for Warren Woods Tower against Warren Cousino in the district semifinals. There is a ton of pressure on the host school when it comes to this postseason especially with the senior class as mentioned. Can they win the big one in the postseason??? That’s the question.
District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Detroit Country Day has everything lined up in this district. The Yellow Jackets have home court, star power, and the top seed in the district. Ferndale University has the second seed and a matchup with arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. Detroit Jalen Rose Leadership Academy has a very tough matchup with the host school in the district semifinals. It has been very difficult for the Eagles and Detroit Jalen Rose Academy this season. This should be a Ferndale University/Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final but in reality this district is the Yellow Jackets to lose.
District 60 @ Harper Woods
Detroit Denby vs Detroit Osborn
Detroit Denby/Detroit Osborn vs St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe vs Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
Eastpointe/Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs HARPER WOODS
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Wayne County. I didn’t think that St. Clair Shores South Lake would be in this conversation but they are. The Cavaliers have big MPR wins over Mount Clemens, Clawson, and Hamtramck and three losses were to Blissfield, Clawson, and Marine City. Harper Woods has played teams like Farmington, Seaholm, and Ferndale University but MPR wise Seaholm has been their best game and the Pioneers lost to them. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy could pose a huge challenge to Harper Woods in the district semifinals. Detroit Denby likewise to St. Clair Shores South Lake. Detroit Osborn and Eastpointe have really tough draws. This could be a Harper Woods vs St. Clair Shores South Lake district final but Detroit Denby and Harper Woods Chandler Park should have strong says in the district semifinals.
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