by Becky Andrus | Jun 21, 2021 | High School Sports
MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association
THIS WEEK
Today’s edition previews this weekend’s Girls & Boys Lacrosse and Lower Peninsula Boys Golf Finals, with eight more team championships to be awarded Saturday. Check out as well a pair of soccer game-winners from our NFHS Network broadcasts this week, and get linked up to the big events on this weekend’s streaming schedule.
Do you know a high school sports fan who would enjoy this weekly newsletter? Share this link to register on MHSAA.com and be added to the MHSAA NOW mailing list.
AROUND THE STATE
Despite the one-year break in MHSAA girls lacrosse due to COVID-19, little has changed when it comes to the look of championship weekend. The four teams playing for this year’s titles in Division 1 and 2 are more than familiar with reaching the season’s final day. In Division 1, Rockford will meet Brighton after they also faced off in the 2018 and 2019 Finals. In Division 2, East Grand Rapids faces Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; they met in the 2016 and 2017 championship games, with Cranbrook then making the 2018 Final and East Grand Rapids doing the same in 2019.
|
A year off from our spring sports, Lower Peninsula boys golf among them, brings an air of unpredictability as we enter Finals weekend at four sites across the state. Two of the champions last time we played, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian and Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep in 2019, are back among the highest-ranked in their respective divisions heading into this weekend. A third champion from two years ago – Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern – is among contenders again, but this time in Division 1.
|
Saturday’s MHSAA Boys Lacrosse Finals will feature a pair of rematches from this regular season – with the teams looking to avenge also seeking their first championships. In Division 1, Hartland takes on Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice after losing to the Warriors 17-8 earlier this spring. In Division 2, Ada Forest Hills Eastern will attempt to avenge a 7-6 overtime loss to East Grand Rapids.
|
All four MHSAA Girls & Boys Lacrosse Finals and three Friday night Girls Soccer Regional Finals are among broadcasts loaded for streaming on MHSAA.tv this weekend. Click here for links to the four lacrosse championship games.
|
MHSAA.tv Overtime Soccer Winners
|
|
GAME TIME
Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule
MHSAA TV
For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.
Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.
by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Inside the OAA
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Written Monday May 24th at 11:30 PM
These are the early summer football rankings heading into the fall. This is NOT the official top 21 for football, that comes later. Anyway here are my thoughts heading into the summer for all 21 football teams.
- West Bloomfield: Defending Division One State Champs are loaded and looking for more.
- Adams: Highlanders are loaded at the skill positions but line play despite having Hassan Murray is a question mark.
- Clarkston: Wolves have the skill positions covered but line play despite having Cole Dellinger is a question mark.
- Oxford: Wildcats have a ton of experience coming back, can they put it together is the question???
- Lake Orion: Dragons have a ton of questions heading into this season.
- North Farmington: Ryan Shelby takes over at quarterback but depth is a huge concern.
- Southfield Arts and Tech: Hopefully the new coaching staff will rejuvenate the Warriors.
- Stoney Creek: Cougars likely starting over in a very tough division this season.
- Rochester: Falcons have experience but how will that do against tougher competition???
- Berkley: Something tells me that the Bears are in for a special season.
- Groves: Falcons have a ton of questions despite having Jaden Mangham back.
- Oak Park: Knights lost a ton of talent last season which could be trouble.
- Ferndale: Eagles bounced back last season but can they sustain it???
- Farmington: New coach, new division, same issues for the Falcons.
- Seaholm: When you have to play Lake Orion and Clarkston for the crossovers oh boy.
- Avondale: Yellow Jackets haven’t been able to put things together lately.
- Troy Athens: Red Hawks had a bounce back season last year. Can they sustain it???
- Troy: Colts look to be turning things around a little bit.
- Bloomfield Hills: Blackhawks are in a very tough place right now.
- Royal Oak: Ravens have only one playoff appearance not counting 2020 since 2007.
- Pontiac: Phoenix have a long road ahead of them, 5-73 since 2012.
by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Softball District Preview.
Written Thursday May 20th at 11:15 AM
Here is my preview and projections for the upcoming softball districts that will happen in a few weeks.
District 4 @ Grand Blanc
Grand Blanc vs. Davison
Grand Blanc/Davison vs. Lapeer
OXFORD vs. Holly
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district in Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc, Davison, Lapeer, and Oxford are very good teams. The Bobcats have a very talented pitcher in Kendall Klochack whom is having a stellar season. The Cardinals and Lightning have been honorable mentions in the state during the season. The Wildcats are always a stout team and they have a ton of offense to boot as well. Oxford got a great draw. They could possibly get to the district final if they get by Holly in the district semifinals. Grand Blanc, Davison, and Lapeer know each other really well being in the Saginaw Valley League. The Bobcats who is state ranked have had a very strong season with their only loss was to the Lightning and they have had some tight games with the Cardinals. I think Grand Blanc behind Klochack will get to the district finals and eventually getting them to the regionals over the Wildcats. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 21 @ Berkley
BERKLEY vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
FERNDALE vs. Detroit Renaissance
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams in Berkley. The favorite in this district is Detroit Renaissance with their talent and experience. Ferndale moves up to Division One after being in Division Two which resulted in two district titles but moving up in this district could pose a ton of challenges and to make things worse they play the Phoenix first in the district semifinals. Berkley is a very interesting team to keep an eye on. They have home field and a favorable district semifinal matchup with Southfield Arts and Tech. The Bears should get to the district finals. I really don’t see anyone challenging Detroit Renaissance in this district. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.
District 22 @ Sterling Heights
Warren Mott vs. ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott/ROYAL OAK vs. Warren Cousino
Sterling Heights vs. Warren Regina
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district in Sterling Heights but there is a powerhouse program in Warren Regina. Warren Cousino could pose some trouble. I really don’t see anyone challenging the Satellites in this district. PICK: WARREN REGINA.
District 26 @ Livonia Stevenson
Novi vs. Livonia Stevenson
Novi/Livonia Stevenson vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. FARMINGTON
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is going to be a very interesting district in Livonia. Farmington Hills Mercy, Novi, and Farmington have great chances to win this district. The Wildcats have a really good and talented pitcher in Reganne Bennett. Pending if they get by the Spartans then they would play the Marlins in the district semifinals. The Falcons have had a really good and surprising season. They are on the verge of winning the Red. Farmington takes on North Farmington in the district semifinals which is very interesting. The Marlins have had a very good season under a first year coach. I think Farmington Hills Mercy will get past Novi and Farmington to get to the regionals PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.
District 27 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering vs. CLARKSTON
Waterford Mott vs. AVONDALE
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams at Waterford Mott. Clarkston is a slight favorite despite having a very rough season. The Wolves are very young but they are still Clarkston which is a proven powerhouse program. Avondale and Waterford Kettering could give fits especially the Captains. Until anyone gives the Wolves fits, this is Clarkston’s district to lose. PICK: CLARKSTON.
District 28 @ Groves
SEAHOLM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
GROVES vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Beverly Hills. Bloomfield Hills and Groves are favored in this district however they will see each other in the district semifinals which will be very interesting. Seaholm has been picking things up lately and is a possible spoiler and darkhorse. West Bloomfield is also improved and is ready to make some noise. They will play each other in the district semifinals. The Maples should get past the Lakers and meet Bloomfield Hills in the district finals. I think the Blackhawks to move onto the regionals because of experience. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
District 29 @ Stoney Creek
LAKE ORION vs. STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER vs. ADAMS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting district at Stoney Creek. Lake Orion is a mystery team to figure out but so has been Adams and Rochester. The Dragons and Highlanders are starting to peak at the right time. The Falcons have also been having a really good season. The Cougars have been very good throughout the season and features a standout in Emily Flynn. This one is a tough district to choose as all four teams have great shots to win this district. With what happened recently, Lake Orion is starting to get it’s act together which is not a good thing for the field. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 30 @ Troy
TROY vs. Utica
Utica Eisenhower vs. TROY ATHENS
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Troy. I see three teams having great chances to win this district in Troy, Troy Athens, and Utica Eisenhower. The Colts have been very inconsistent. The Red Hawks have been playing much better Utica Eisenhower has had a good season. The Eagles are peaking at the right time heading into this district. I think Troy should get past Utica in the district semifinals but the other game should be very interesting and tight. I’m looking at a Utica Eisenhower/Colts district finals with the Eagles moving onto the regionals. PICK: UTICA EISENHOWER.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Boys Golf Regional Projections.
Written Thursday May 13th at 10:20 AM
Here are my projections for the boys golf regionals.
Top Three Go to States. BOLD: Projected Team Regional Champions.
Region 2 @ Saginaw Valley Public Golf Course
CLARKSTON
OXFORD
Alpena
Davison
East Lansing
Fenton
Flint Carman Ainsworth
Flushing
Grand Blanc
Grand Ledge
Lansing Holt
Lansing Sexton
Lapeer
Midland
Midland HH Dow
Okemos
Saginaw Heritage
Swartz Creek
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: CLARKSTON, Lapeer, and Traverse City Central.
Region 4 @ Fieldstone Golf Course
AVONDALE
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
LAKE ORION
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
TROY
TROY ATHENS
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Western International
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: LAKE ORION, BLOOMFIELD HILLS, and ADAMS.
Region 11 @ Huron Meadows Golf Course
FERNDALE
Armada
Birmingham Brother Rice
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Croswell-Lexington
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Eastpointe
Goodrich
Holly
Imlay City
Madison Heights Lamphere
Marysville
North Branch
Orchard Lake St Marys
Brandon
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
St. Clair
St Clair Shores Lake Shore
Warren Woods Tower
Yale
TEAMS I SEE GOING TO STATES: Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Birmingham Brother Rice, and Orchard Lake St. Marys.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Girls Soccer District Preview.
Written Sunday May 16th at 11:30 AM
Here is my preview for the girls soccer districts.
District 6 @ Lapeer
Lapeer vs. Davison
CLARKSTON vs. LAKE ORION
OXFORD vs. Waterford Kettering
OXFORD/Waterford Kettering vs. Grand Blanc
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a very tough district when looking at the teams at Lapeer. I think there are three teams that have great chances and are state ranked. Grand Blanc has been there and done that. Lake Orion has had a very good season. Davison has been playing well as of late. Keep an eye on Oxford and Clarkston both teams are sleepers in this district. I think the Bobcats should do just enough to get to the regionals. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 7 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Mott vs. Walled Lake Western
Milford vs. Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. Lakeland
WEST BLOOMFIELD/Lakeland vs. Walled Lake Central
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a wide open district when looking at the teams that are here. I think West Bloomfield has a shot to win this district but Walled Lake Central could be a very tough out and they are the top seed coming into this district. Lakeland, Waterford Mott, and Walled Lake Northern are darkhorses. I like the Vikings to get to the regionals. PICK: WALLED LAKE CENTRAL.
District 8 @ Northville
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON vs. Novi
Northville vs. South Lyon
Northville/South Lyon vs. Livonia Stevenson
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: It’s going to be very tough for the teams that are in this district especially when the defending Division One State Champions are in this district in Novi. Livonia Stevenson and Northville could give the Wildcats some trouble in this district. Novi really haven’t missed a beat and look primed for another long postseason run yet again. PICK: NOVI.
District 13 @ Berkley
SEAHOLM vs. GROVES
BERKLEY vs. TROY
ROYAL OAK vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
ROYAL OAK/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Hurley Field with four teams at or over 500 in the Michigan Percentage Rankings index. When looking at this district, Seaholm despite having the third most in the MPR looks to be the favorite but they will certainly be challenged. Troy has really picked it up as of late and is gaining some confidence to go along with Bloomfield Hills whom is also gaining confidence as well. Royal Oak and Groves are wildcard teams to keep an eye on in this district. I think the Maples will overcome and move on in this district. PICK: SEAHOLM.
District 14 @ Warren Cousino
St. Clair Shores Lakeview vs. Warren Cousino
Roseville vs. TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson
Fraser vs. Warren Mott
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district in Macomb County. Sterling Heights and Sterling Heights Stevenson could make some noise in this district. I just don’t see anyone touching Troy Athens especially with the experience they have. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
District 15 @ Adams
Utica vs. Romeo
ROCHESTER vs. ADAMS
Utica Eisenhower vs. Utica Ford
Utica Eisenhower/Utica Ford vs. STONEY CREEK
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is likely the toughest district in the State. There are five teams that are more than capable to winning this district. Stoney Creek, Rochester, Adams, and Romeo are currently or have been ranked in the State. Utica Eisenhower is not that far behind. Utica Ford II and Utica are also solid teams that could play spoiler. Whoever wins this district should have a deep postseason run in my opinion. I think the Cougars are in a better position to win this district but don’t be surprised if the Falcons, Highlanders, or Bulldogs win this district. This is going to be a tough district for sure. PICK: STONEY CREEK.
District 25 @ Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Holly vs. AVONDALE
FERNDALE vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
Holly/AVONDALE vs. Birmingham Marian
FERNDALE/Madison Heights Lamphere vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This should be a very interesting district in Bloomfield Hills. The favorite has to be Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. The Cranes have home field and a very talented team. Birmingham Marian should be their toughest challenger in this district although Avondale, Holly, and Ferndale could have strong says despite seeing the two seeded teams in the district semifinals. I think that the Mustangs will get past the Cranes on their home field to get to the regionals. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.
by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2021 | High School Sports
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Baseball District Preview.
Written Sunday May 16th at 12:00 PM
Here is my preview and projections for baseball districts that will happen in a few weeks.
District 21 @ Livonia Franklin
Livonia Churchill vs. Redford Thurston
Livonia Churchill/Redford Thurston vs. Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This should be a very interesting district in Livonia. I see two teams that could do very well in Farmington and Livonia Stevenson but they will see each other in the district semifinals. The Spartans have been solid this season. The Falcons have improved as the season has gone on. Livonia Franklin is the darkhorse as is Livonia Churchill. This district should go down to the wire but end of the day I got to give the edge to Livonia Stevenson but very slightly. PICK: LIVONIA STEVENSON.
District 22 @ Birmingham Brother Rice
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Birmingham Brother Rice
NORTH FARMINGTON/Birmingham Brother Rice vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
SEAHOLM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district at Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors look to be the best team on paper but Seaholm, North Farmington, and West Bloomfield have shown that they are more than capable of getting things done. Bloomfield Hills is always a darkhorse. This should be a competitive district but when in doubt go with the home team. PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE.
District 23 @ TBA
Detroit Mumford vs. Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not as strong of a district as many would think but the two top teams are Detroit Renaissance and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. I see these two teams in the district finals but end of the day the Cubs should move on. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.
District 24 @ Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK vs. BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY vs. GROVES
Warren Mott vs. FERNDALE
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This should be a fun district when looking at the teams. Berkley and Groves really stand out but Ferndale is a darkhorse. The Falcons have been struggling a little bit and the Bears have gotten better. I think this is shaping up to be a Groves/Ferndale district final but end of the day I see the Falcons moving on because of pitching and experience. PICK: GROVES.
District 29 @ Adams
ADAMS vs. STONEY CREEK
ADAMS/STONEY CREEK vs. Romeo
ROCHESTER vs. Utica Eisenhower
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very good district at Adams. There are two state ranked teams in Stoney Creek and Romeo. Adams and Utica Eisenhower are darkhorses. Rochester might be on the outside looking in but they are still very dangerous. I see this district going either way with the Cougars and Bulldogs but Stoney Creek has struggled a little bit heading into the final stretch of the season. I think the Bulldogs will move on to the regionals over the Eagles. PICK: ROMEO.
District 30 @ Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering vs. Waterford Mott
Waterford Kettering/Waterford Mott vs. AVONDALE
TROY ATHENS vs. TROY
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district at Waterford Mott. Waterford Kettering looks solid but Troy Athens has played really well thus far. Avondale is a darkhorse and has a victory over Oxford in the regular season. This is a pretty even matched district but I think the Red Hawks should move on to the regionals over the Yellow Jackets. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
District 31 @ Lapeer
Davison vs. CLARKSTON
Davison/CLARKSTON vs. OXFORD
LAKE ORION vs. Lapeer
INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Lapeer. The best teams are in Oakland County with Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford. Lapeer and Davison have really struggled and could be in some trouble. The Dragons got the best draw not seeing either the Wildcats or Wolves until the district finals. I think Lake Orion is in a good spot then others to move on to the regionals. PICK: LAKE ORION.
