by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Basketball Thoughts After Three Weeks.
Written Saturday February 27th at 8:15 PM
Boys
Red
North Farmington has played really well lately. Deon Hayes has really stepped his game up which has produced results for Coach Todd Negoshian. The Raiders lost a tough one to Ferndale on Friday night at home but they still control their own destiny.
Ferndale has played really good basketball especially Jason Drake and Traveon Lewis. The Eagles now lead the Red after their win over North Farmington on Friday. Jack Kennedy has started to emerge for Coach Juan Rickman in the interior. Ferndale is rolling but dangers always loom.
Clarkston could be in some deep trouble after an ankle injury to Keegan Waslik against Ferndale. The Wolves have lost two straight games. Clarkston needs Isiyah Harris and Nathan Steinman to step up in Waslik’s replacement. Luke Scherler and Matt DePillo will also be counted on to do more as well. The problem for the Wolves has been dealing with athletic guards. This is something that Coach Tim Waslik needs to fix and quick.
West Bloomfield got three big wins this week and the play of Ryan Hurst has been paramount. He has had big games in this stretch. Hurst along with Mitchel Seay and Rishad Weaver have been playing good basketball for Coach Jeremy Dehna. The Lakers are a darkhorse to watch in the Red.
Oak Park is still a mystery team. The Knights might have found someone to help Ashton Henderson in Burama Miller and Keon Henderson. They were huge against Clarkston on Friday night. Oak Park still needs to find that consistency if they want to make some noise in the Red.
It wasn’t a good week for Farmington which included blowout losses to North Farmington and West Bloomfield and a really tough loss to Ypsilanti Arbor Prep. Coach Terrance Porter has relies heavily on Prince Jackson and Robert Davis but they need more from other players to get this fixed. The Falcons are in deep trouble right now.
White
Troy is back from COVID protocol. The Colts have been playing great basketball until this pause. They needed to survive Adams in triple overtime and was spent on Sunday afternoon against Stoney Creek to their defense. The fourth quarter has been a problem in the last two games for Troy, this is something that Coach Gary Fralick needs to address with his senior heavy team tired or not. The Colts will be fine going forward but they are going to be playing a ton of basketball especially with the makeups they need.
Stoney Creek has played really good basketball as of late but some concerns do remain for Coach Steve Norgrove and his team. They have needed Trevor Smith to score at least 20 points a night which he is more than capable of getting. The Cougars have gotten contributions elsewhere especially from but if they can take the workload off of Smith then they will be fine going forward.
Groves has been an odd team to figure out. They have some talented players that have emerged onto the scene. The Falcons have leaned on Daniel Lee and his athletic ability but the play of Nick Lutz and Aaron Dubose has helped for Coach Benny White. Groves has lost a ton of close and heartbreaking games but this will make them better come postseason time.
Bloomfield Hills has had a ton of heroics and also had some heartbreak like what happened against Adams on Wednesday night. The Blackhawks have gotten other talented players involved which has shifted the attention and focus from Mason Canfield. Derrick Lee and Noah Adamcyzk have been huge for Coach Phil Kurajian. Also Ben Canty has taken advantage of his opportunity given to him and has contributed. Canty had nine points against Southfield Arts and Tech in a five point win for Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks are just more than just Canfield and that’s a good sign going forward for this program.
I think Jaret Thomas should be coach of the year in the White for what he has done with Adams in two years since taking over the program. They have a pipeline of talent for the now and in the future. The Highlanders had a real good week despite falling in triple overtime to Troy. Adams came back from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Highlanders never quit and never gave up and that’s a credit to the players and especially Thomas. Adams is in a good spot right now.
Southfield Arts and Tech is a really hard team to figure out. What helps the Warriors is their athleticism and they have Jaylen Mack and Caleb Banks. They beat Waterford Mott but lost to Bloomfield Hills and Stoney Creek this week. That’s not a good sign for Coach Darreyle Buchanan and his team going forward. This team concerns me a bit.
Blue
Troy Athens had a really rough week losing to Groves and Lake Orion along with surviving Berkley. The Red Hawks need Jacob Thornton to be that robin. He has not been consistent which isn’t a good sign for Coach Dave Scott. Michael Justice has played well but he can do so much. They need either Thornton or Jordan Sebaugh to step up. Troy Athens is trending down right now.
Berkley has been playing good basketball despite their record. The Bears have relied on Arshad Walker, Logan Thomas, Eli Steinbach, and Joey McNamara. It wasn’t a great week for Coach Joe Sermo and his team with a head starching loss to Avondale and a heartbreaker to Troy Athens. Berkley regrouped and beat Oxford in overtime on Friday night on the road. The Bears are trending in the right direction.
Oxford is in a very interesting spot. Mason Mulholland has led the Wildcats in scoring but Coach Steve Laidlaw needs someone else to step up which Palmer Spect, Mitchell Vivano, and Alec Brown have done in games but not on a consistent level. Oxford could still be in the mix in the Blue but they have struggled to find that second scorer even though there are numerous others that can do that as well.
Lake Orion got three huge wins over Walled Lake Western, Seaholm, and Troy Athens. The Dragons X factor has been Brennan Jones. If Jones can be consistent and they find other scorers besides Alden Ritt Lake Orion could be very dangerous in March. The Dragons are far from a finished product but if you’re Coach Joel Schroeder you have a team that is trending in the right direction.
It was strangely a good week for Seaholm going 2-1 with wins over Avondale and Royal Oak. Johnny Cross has been the catalyst but Charlie Bokos and Tyler Eick have stepped their games up for Coach Mike Degeeter. The Maples should be fine now that they are finally starting to get healthy a little bit.
Gold
Pontiac stands on top of the division for now. The Phoenix have managed to improve each week which resulted in wins and a undefeated record thus far. I would like to see Pontiac test themselves against very good non league competition. It would prove to be a measuring stick for the Phoenix.
Rochester has played much better despite falling to Waterford Kettering on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons have found an identity in Matt Stone and Mark Williams. I think Coach Vance Kirkwood’s team is heading in the right direction.
Avondale has been a very hard team to understand. They picked up two wins over Berkley and Royal Oak and have seemed to turn the corner but they lost at home to Seaholm on Friday night. The Yellow Jackets have been very inconsistent despite Jeremy Neal stepping up. He will need help for Coach Pat Clancy if they want to turn this program around.
Royal Oak has been competitive but they haven’t been able to put together wins. The Ravens are a team that I’m very concerned with going forward. They are making progress but just finding that identity is a huge concern for Coach Aaron Smith going forward.
Ferndale University has been competitive but they have struggled in their first year in the OAA. The Rising Eagles will be fine though. They are scoring at a high rate but they are allowing more as well which is a huge concern going forward. They should be fine though as they settle into the OAA.
Girls
Red
West Bloomfield has won six of their last seven games but they took their first loss to Detroit Edison on Tuesday night. The Lakers did receive a bit of bad news though finding out that Birmingham Marian is now in their district for the postseason but that’s for down the road for Coach Bert Mosley. The Red goes through Orchard Lake Road.
Clarkston despite that hiccup against West Bloomfield has played very good basketball. The Wolves have been getting contributions from everyone from Izzy Hadley and Kaitlyn Kaul along with the play of Olivia Toderan and Madison Skorupski. They have multiple ways and players to beat teams and they don’t need to rely on just one player night in an night out. Coach John Weyer has this program in a good spot.
Royal Oak has been around 500 as of late but they went above that mark this week. The Ravens picked up wins over Royal Oak Shrine and North Farmington but lost by 10 to Clarkston. Coach Brian Sopota has a nucleus with Sarah Soroghan but they might have found a Robin in Kira Vance and possibly Lexi Rosemburg along with Sarah Ammon. Royal Oak could spoil someone’s season as they get ready for the postseason.
Groves has really played better. They are improving each day despite the tough loss to Belleville on Saturday night. Coach AntJuan Simpkins in his first season in Beverly Hills has built a foundation based on youth and talent. If they can keep building the foundation then maybe a postseason run is possible for the Falcons. They have to trust the process if they want to be in the conversation in the Red.
Southfield Arts and Tech can’t stop anyone which is the reason why they are 0-6. The Warriors have allowed over 70 points in five of the last six games. They have been scoring but scoring can get you so much if you can’t defend the other team. Coach Shaquitta Coltrane needs to address the defense which has been a huge problem all season long. Southfield Arts and Tech needs to figure this out and quick.
White
Troy picked up a huge home victory against Stoney Creek on Thursday night. That victory gave them control in the White for now. Things were going very smoothly for the Colts until Saturday morning where the perfect storm hit and they got upset by Berkley. Troy’s mental mindset and sickie has me very concerned. They need to be balanced with Kendal Zeiter, Charlotte Sobotka, Alyssa Matuza, and Lauren Gumma to be successful. Even though it’s one game the concern is still there for the Colts and Coach Julius Porter. This team can not afford to go back to bad habits like what happened in the postseason games against Utica and if they do they are in trouble.
Stoney Creek has been playing great basketball despite the loss to Troy on Thursday night. I wouldn’t press the panic button on the Cougars at all. Stoney Creek has Troy coming to Rochester and a possible meeting in districts. Coach Kellen James and “Team Finebaum” will be fine.
Adams has been very inconsistent and it showed it’s ugly head early in the week. The Highlanders fell to Stoney Creek on Tuesday night but they got a victory on the road at Bloomfield Hills on Thursday night. Adams is a team that I have concerns with going forward. Got to wonder where the motivation is with Coach Shay Lewis’s team.
North Farmington has had a rough week losing to Troy and Royal Oak. I like the direction that Coach Jeff Simpson has his Raiders going despite the inexperience. Sela Lefler and Heaven Rogers have played well despite the results. North Farmington has three very challenging games looming so this should test his team if not then 1-8 looks possible.
Bloomfield Hills has had a really rough start but they might have found a star in the making in Emilia Johnson. Johnson had 19 points against Rochester last Saturday and 18 points on Thursday against Adams. Coach Kristen Massey has had a rough start as mentioned but things will get better for the Blackhawks but she has found a star player in the making in Johnson.
Blue
Avondale has been a disaster which has resulted in multiple blowout losses. It has been a very difficult ride for Coach Roy Christmon despite having Regian Lawrence and Savannah Schmidt. The Yellow Jackets are in a world of hurt right now.
Troy Athens went 1-2 this week with losses to Oxford and Berkley but beat Oak Park. The positives for the Red Hawks have been that Skyler Emerson has played well down the stretch for a program that has relied a ton on Gillian Ciak along with Nitya Baltsu and Clara Shoales. Could Emerson be that X factor for Coach Stacie Klumpp that’s the question?
Rochester had a tough week and is on COVID protocol which they won’t be back until March 6th. The schedule gets challenging for Coach Bill Thurston’s team before districts. It will be very interesting to see what the Falcons do when they do return.
Berkley has been a very odd team to figure out. The Bears had lost two straight including blowing an 11 point lead at Oxford last Thursday but they have won three straight since including beating Farmington and Troy on back to back days. Ashley Loon has been playing very well as has Ry Sanom and Sammi Winthrow. The lack of depth has hurt Coach Kurt Carolan and his team. This is an area that they need to address and quick.
Oxford has been on a tear as of late. They have relied on Mackenzie Methner and Emma Morris to carry them in games but Miranda Wymeniko has really stepped up her game for Coach Rachel Bryer. Oxford is gaining a ton of confidence as a group which is a good sign for them especially with that district looming in Grand Blanc where they have to see Davison, Flint Kearsley, Grand Blanc, and Lapeer. It’s going to be a tough road for the Wildcats.
Lake Orion has won four of five which is a really good sign. Meghan Marshall is the X Factor for the Dragons and Coach Bob Brydges. Maddie Ebbert and Kylie Heck have also stepped up their games as well. The sky is the limit for Lake Orion but next week is very critical if they want to win the Blue.
Gold
Farmington had been playing lights out this season but they took a bit of a hit last week despite beating Oak Park. The Falcons took a disappointing loss to Berkley on Friday night but they still control their own destiny in the Gold race. Farmington will look to get back to their winning ways next week but everything remains in front of them.
Seaholm has played two very difficult teams this week in Clarkston and Macomb Dakota. The Maples almost beat the Cougars on Friday night which would had been another massive upset. Coach Chris Manchester has this team heading in the right direction. Their focus needs to be on Farmington and in the Gold race.
Ferndale University took it hard against Seaholm on Tuesday night by getting blown out. It is unknown how they did against Melvindale on Friday night. The Rising Eagles are going to take their lumps in the Gold which it’s been showing.
Oak Park took two losses this week to Troy Athens and Farmington. Tamara Todd has been playing well for Coach Peggy Evans Carr’s team. The Knights need more if they want to make some noise in the Gold race.
by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Top Games This Week.
Written Sunday February 28th at 5:40 PM
Here are the top 15 games this week not in any particular order but these are some games that needs to be must to keep a close eye on.
Boys Top 15 Games this week.
Week of March 1st-March 7th
Ferndale at Orchard Lake St. Marys (Saturday): Jason Drake returns to his old stopping grounds to play his former team.
North Farmington at Oak Park (Tuesday): Knights riding off an emotional win on Friday. The Raiders are coming off a tough loss.
Clarkston at North Farmington (Thursday): Could this be the Raiders best chance to beat Clarkston???
Southfield Arts and Tech at Groves (Thursday): Expect another tense drama in this one.
Lake Orion at Berkley (Tuesday): This has Blue title implications in this game.
Oxford at Lake Orion (Thursday): Wildcats look to keep the Dragons in the same division with them.
Seaholm at Oxford (Tuesday): If the Maples are healthy then Wildcats beware.
Troy at Groves (Saturday): Groves has always been an upset trap. The Colts better beware.
Stoney Creek at Bloomfield Hills (Tuesday): Battle of three point specialists in Bloomfield Hills.
Troy Athens at Oxford (Friday): Do the Wildcats have an answer for Michael Justice???
Pontiac at Rochester (Saturday): This should be the first real test for the Phoenix.
Stoney Creek at Adams (Thursday): This is shaping up to be a very good game.
Groves at Adams (Tuesday): This is shaping up to be a trap game for the Highlanders.
West Bloomfield at Clarkston (Tuesday): This might be the Lakers best chance to beat Clarkston.
Lake Orion at Lapeer (Friday): Dragons were embarrassed last season at Lapeer.
Girls Top 15 Games this week.
Week of March 1st-March 7th
North Farmington at Adams (Monday): Last game went overtime between these two teams. Are we in for an encore???
Oxford at Berkley (Monday): This is a classic trap game for the Wildcats.
Lake Orion at Troy Athens (Monday): This is a classic trap game for the Dragons.
Clarkston at Troy (Monday): I’m wondering where the Colts mindset is at after Saturday’s loss to Berkley.
Clarkston at West Bloomfield (Wednesday): Can the Wolves avenge their only loss in the Swamp???
Oxford at Lake Orion (Wednesday): If both teams win on Monday then the Blue is on the line.
Farmington at Adams (Wednesday): Another make or break game for the Falcons.
Lake Orion at Midland (Friday): A huge MPR game looms in Mid-Michigan between two very strong programs.
Stoney Creek at Rochester (Saturday): What a game for the Falcons to come back from COVID protocol.
Royal Oak at Groves (Monday): Ravens should have this one circled after the Falcons shocked Royal Oak earlier in the season.
Southfield Arts and Tech at Seaholm (Friday): Could this be the chance for the Warriors to get their first win???
Berkley at Royal Oak (Friday): The Bears stunned Royal Oak last season but now it’s Berkley that makes the short trip to meet the Ravens.
Seaholm at Troy Athens (Wednesday): Maples have played a tough non-league schedule and it gets tougher with a trip to play the Red Hawks.
Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy at West Bloomfield (Saturday): Lakers have another tough team brewing on the weekend.
Lapeer at Oxford (Thursday): Wildcats should be motivated after losing to the Lightning last season.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 22, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20 Basketball Rankings.
Written Sunday February 21st at 1:20 AM
Boys Top 22.
- North Farmington (4-0) – Raiders seem to be putting everything together at the right time.
- Ferndale (4-1) – Jason Drake and Traveon Lewis might be the best back court in the OAA.
- Clarkston (5-1) – Wolves still have some issues to fix.
- Troy (2-0) – Colts are in COVID protocol.
- Stoney Creek (3-1) – Cougars have had some battles lately.
- Troy Athens (3-1) – Red Hawks leaning on senior experience thus far.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (1-1) – Warriors are still a mystery team.
- Adams (4-2) – It wasn’t a good week for the Highlanders but beating Rochester was huge for their confidence.
- Berkley (3-2) – Arshad Walker has been the catalyst for the Bears.
- Pontiac (2-0) – Phoenix seems to be breaking out a bit.
- Rochester (2-3) – Falcons have been playing better lately.
- Bloomfield Hills (3-2) – Blackhawks are starting to figure some things out since their loss to Groves.
- Oak Park (1-3) – Knights have been up and down lately.
- West Bloomfield (0-5) – Lakers have played a tough schedule to their defense.
- Groves (1-3) – Falcons played better against Clarkston but still that overtime loss hurts.
- Lake Orion (3-2) – Dragons have the defense but the offense is missing in action.
- Oxford (2-3) – Wildcats can’t rely on Mason Mulholland to bail them out every night.
- Farmington (2-3) – When the Falcons play outside the Red they are pretty good.
- Seaholm (1-4) – Maples have been a hit or miss team lately.
- Avondale (2-2) – Yellow Jackets have won two straight since losing to Lake Orion.
- Royal Oak (0-3) – Ravens having a hard time putting together wins.
- Ferndale University (0-4) – Rising Eagles are struggling right now.
Girls Top 20.
- West Bloomfield (5-0) – Lakers really have no true weaknesses.
- Clarkston (4-1) – Wolves have been really good lately but the team ahead of them is better right now.
- Stoney Creek (5-0) – Mia Carson has played well at the point guard spot which is why the Cougars are where they are at.
- Farmington (5-1) – Falcons are buzzing with confidence right now.
- Troy (3-2) – If the Colts can get Alyssa Matuza and Charlotte Sobotka going to help Kendal Zeiter then the Colts could do some wonders.
- Groves (4-2) – Navaeh Otis has been playing really well and is getting better each week for the Falcons.
- Adams (3-1) – Maddie Doelinga has been the key for the Highlanders.
- Royal Oak (2-2) – Will the real Ravens please stand up???
- Rochester (3-2) – Falcons have been a very interesting team lately despite having some COVID issues.
- Lake Orion (2-4) – Dragons have played a brutal schedule. They are improving despite only scoring 40 points twice this season.
- Oxford (2-2) -Miranda Wymeniko has really filled in nicely for the Wildcats.
- Troy Athens (2-2, 3-2) – The Red Hawks will be as good as Gillian Ciak takes them.
- Seaholm (1-3) – Maples have been a mystery team.
- Berkley (1-3, 2-3) – How did the Bears blow an 11 point lead on Thursday night in Oxford???
- North Farmington (1-3) – Raiders can’t seem to close out games.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (0-3) – Warriors are putting up numbers but they are allowing more as well.
- Oak Park (1-0) – Knights haven’t played in a week.
- Ferndale University (1-1) – Rising Eagles haven’t played in a week.
- Bloomfield Hills (0-4) – Emelia Johnston has become a bright spot for the Blackhawks.
- Avondale (0-2, 0-4) – Yellow Jackets are not the same team that they were last season.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 8, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Winter Contact Sports Are Back.
Written Thursday February 4th at 4:30 PM
Winter contact sports are back.
During her press conference on Thursday afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was going to allow contact Winter Sports to start practicing and competing Monday with safeguards in place.
Participants including players, coaches, and staff are required to wear a mask during in play and on the bench. Those sports without masks, particularly wrestling will be required to go through COVID-19 testing.
The MDHHS recommended that players only allow two per player for spectators or 250 for smaller venues, 500 for bigger venues.
The five contact sports include Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Hockey, and Competitive Cheer
Contact sports were banned on November 18th when Whitmer and then director Robert Gordon announced “the pause.” The remaining fall sports were paused played a few weeks ago because the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that there was an antigen testing program that tested the remaining fall sports athletes that were still playing.
Today was a great day for everyone involved, players, parents, coaches, staff, athletic directors, superintendents.
Important Dates.
Basketball/hockey: Monday Feb 8th (Practices/Competitions)
Cheer/Wrestling: Friday Feb 12th (Practices/Competitions)
MHSAA Tournaments remain in place
Cheer/Hockey March 27th
Wrestling April 2nd/3rd
Basketball (will run together) Girls M/W/F Boys T/R/S Girls April 9th, Boys April 10th
Face masks worn at all times (Basketball/Hockey/Cheer)
Wrestling- MDHHS (rapid testing on days of meets) compete One to Two times a week
Cheer- masks (only time masks come off when tumbling/stumbling), without an opponent, physical contact.
Basketball six weeks of regular season, three games a week. (Can play when teams are eliminated.)
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 4, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Friday, January 8, 2021
2021 Girls Basketball Preview.
Written Friday January 8th at 5:50 PM
Here are the 2021 previews for Girls Basketball in the OAA along with the top ten and outlooks heading into the season. If anything new comes up let me know at [email protected].
Here is the Top Ten and projected finish in order in each division to start the season. If you want to check the district page it is updated and I will have a link to that column.
Girls Basketball District page
https://sammy-taormina.blogspot.com/2020/09/girls-basketball-districts-are-out-2020.html
INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN
- West Bloomfield
- Clarkston
- Troy
- Royal Oak
- Lake Orion
- Rochester
- Stoney Creek
- Adams
- Groves
- Oxford
Red
West Bloomfield: The Lakers have the most upside heading into the season and they have gotten a ton of attention. Coach Burt Mosley has turned West Bloomfield into a Girls Basketball power especially in the Red. The Lakers will be loaded with a ton of experience in Logan Lewis, Logan Chambers, Sydney Hendrix, and Myonna Hooper returning from a team that won the Red and a district title last season. West Bloomfield also added three impactful freshman in Kendall Hendrix, Indya, and Summer Davis. Hendrix has had a very strong summer in the AAU circuit as had both Davis sisters. They have made a ton of noise on the AAU circuit with the Michigan Storm during the summer. The Lakers have a lot to like in 2021. They took Hartland to the limit in the regional semifinals last season. West Bloomfield has the experience, youth, and drive to go along with program strength to be something special. The Lakers should be a force to be known.
Clarkston: The Wolves had a very successful year under Coach John Weyer last season getting to the regional semifinals before falling to Walled Lake Western. Weyer has done a wonderful job with the program building them up just like his PR1DE teams in the AAU world in his two seasons coaching at Flemings Lake Road. Clarkston will rely on their proven experience in 2021. The majority of his team has played on PR1DE which helps a ton. The Wolves will have Maddy Skourpski, Olivia Toderan, Izzy Hadley, Kaitlyn Kaul, Morgan Hunter, Megan Tolmie, Lena Eblenkamp, and Ryan Bordogna back. Clarkston lost one senior in Taylor Heaten to graduation. The wildcard is combo guard Ava Hernandez. Hernandez was solid last season in the junior varsity ranks. She is ready to prove that she can make an impact on varsity. The Wolves expect to make some noise this season and could threaten West Bloomfield in the Red.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have always been a defensive first program under Coach Brian Sopota. Royal Oak shocked Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals after being blown out twice by the Warriors and their star player in Cheyenne McEvans in the regular season. They fell to Birmingham Marian in the district finals last season. There is a ton of optimism and questions heading into 2021 for Royal Oak. The Ravens are the classic “Batman and Robin.” Royal Oak will rely on three proven experienced players to carry them this season in combo guard/forward Sarah Soraghan. Soraghan is a pure scorer, can score in different ways basically playing the role of Batman. The Robin role is the question mark for Sopota and the Ravens. There are some talented players that could handle the role of Robin in Rexi Losemberg and Sarah Ammon. Program strength is very solid for Sopota despite having a ton of varsity inexperience this season. Royal Oak will need Soraghan to play well on a nightly basis and find someone like a Losemberg or an Ammon to play that Robin role. If they can do that with the defensive first mindset than there is no reason that the Ravens could be in the conversation.
Groves: The Falcons have made a ton of changes this offseason after falling to Southfield Arts and Tech in the pre-district. They made a huge splash by hiring AntJuan Simpkins to take over a program that has been up and down. Simpkins is well known for his run and gun at River Rouge and with the Michigan Storm AAU 2024 team. Groves has a ton of experience coming back in Kaitlyn Quinn, Rachel Sample, Destiny McCurdy, Loryn Middlebrooks, Peyton Blanford, Nevaeh Otis, Jordan Peterson, Ciara Racco, Alyssa Durrell, and Anaya Bracy-Robinson. The interior will be a huge question mark for the Falcons. Program strength is also a major concern going forward for Groves. If Simpkins can bring long term stability including in the sub-varsity with in the program then the Falcons could surprise some folks.
Southfield Arts and Tech: It has been a very surreal offseason for the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech lost Cheyenne McEvans and Jasmine Worthy to graduation. They were upset by Royal Oak in the district semifinals last season. It will be a new era for Warriors Girls Basketball in 2021. They have a new coach in Shaquita Coltrane. She takes over for Michelle Marshall whom retired this offseason. Coltrane comes to Southfield Arts and Tech from Southfield Bradford Academy and will look to make impact within the program. The Warriors have two proven starters in forward Jalyn Austin and point guard Kayonia Willis. Austin made some noise in 2019-2020 but now she will have a heavier workload. Willis had a very rough year in 2019-2020 but hopes a fresh start could help her gain some confidence this season. It looks like it’s going to be a very challenging season for Southfield Arts and Tech. It will take some time to adjust to life on both sides.
White
Troy: It was a very odd offseason for the Colts but there are some problems that the program needs to address. The big problem for Troy in the last two years has been in the postseason where they haven’t gotten past the district rounds despite earning the top seed in the district last season and also ironically both losses came to Utica. Bottom is that they haven’t gotten the job done in the postseason. The Colts hired Julius Porter as their new coach in May taking over for Simon Bato. Bato had a great career at Troy turning the program into a consistent power. Porter was an assistant coach under legendary Clarkston Boys Basketball coach Dan Fife. What helps Porter is that he has a program ready to prove themselves. He has a ton of proven experience in Kendall Zeiter, Kayla Rutledge, Charlotte Soboka, Alyssa Matuza, Lauren Gumma, Riya Chakravity, and Calen Knight. Program strength is very solid for the Colts as well. Porter walks into a great situation with program strength and proven returners. Just got to get some playoff success and Troy should be solid and ready to go.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot heading into 2021. They had an up and down season which included a pre-district victory over Troy Athens but they had a very disappointing loss to Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals last season. Coach Kellen James needs to replace Lily DiPanni as she has graduated from the program but he has a point guard who’s ready to take over for DiPanni in Mia Carson. Carson had an interesting year in a much lesser role last season but now she becomes the top guard for “Team Finebalm.” James has a ton of proven experience that is back in Sydney LaPrairie, Devin Vowels, Milana Skoric, Kendall Kahl, Jaiden Drake, Ella Demetral, Kierra Hall, and Paris Cramer. The Cougars will be very experienced heading into 2021. Program strength looks to be solid for “Team Finebalm.” Stoney Creek should be in the mix in the White.
Adams: The Highlanders are going to be an interesting team to watch in 2021. Adams was above 500 in the regular season winning 12 games. They had postseason wins over Waterford Kettering and Oxford but they are coming off a very tough loss to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Maggie Dolegina, Madison Kessman, Lauren Petersmark, Elizabeth Blaine, Abbey Drahnak, Snigdha Tenneri, Emma Klott, and Kate Elliot. The wildcard could be Anjayna Howard whom had a great year last season in the sub varsities as a freshman. Coach Shay Lewis has a ton of experience which helps things moving forward. Program strength is a concern though for Lewis. Adams should be in the mix for the White this season.
North Farmington: The Raiders had an interesting year last season getting to the district finals before falling to Farmington Hills Mercy. Coach Jeff Simpson will be very young in 2021. North Farmington will rely on four key player in Sela Lefler, Kelsey Newton, Penelope Creary, and Heaven Rogers. Rogers will be a key player in the interior. Lefler is a very solid combo guard. Creary is a solid defender and can score. Newton can shoot the ball and play point guard from time to time. Program strength is a huge question mark for Simpson and his team. The Raiders look like they are going to be your perfect Jekyll and Hyde squad this season.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks should be an interesting team to watch in 2021. Bloomfield Hills made a program change late and there are several unknowns to keep an eye on when it comes to the Blackhawks named Kristen Massey the new coach of the program. Massey brings a ton of experience as a player to the program. There are several questions for Bloomfield Hills heading into the season. It could be a challenging season for the program.
Blue
Lake Orion: The Dragons have been through a lot but there is a lot of upside surrounding this team and program. It was a trial by fire last season for them. They fell to Clarkston in the district semifinals last season. Lake Orion has a ton of proven experience and young talent that is back and ready to prove they belong. Coach Bob Brydges has done a great job building this program back up in his two seasons back behind the varsity bench. Brydges will have Meghan Marshall, Sydney Maddox, and Kierra Tierney as that veteran core along with proven young experience players in Maddie Ebbert and Kylie Heck. Katie Van Heck returns from an ACL injury and gives them a huge physical presence inside. The Dragons have a young sophomore class that made a ton of noise last season. Ebbert and Heck are sophomores along with newcomers Taylor Dinda and Regan Greene. Lake Orion has a nice blend of youth and experience that is ready to break out. There are not a lot of people talking or taking notice of this program on the rise.
Rochester: The Falcons are a very interesting program to keep an eye on this season and in the future. I give credit to coaches Bill Thurston and Jeff Haney for turning the program around. What Rochester did was schedule quality sub varsity programs when they went three division Blue and it seems to be paying off. The Falcons made a surprising run in the postseason out of nowhere. They upset Utica in the district semifinals before falling to Utica Eisenhower in the district final Thurston has stabilized everything from a coaching standpoint and has brought stability. Rochester has a ton of experience that returns from last season in Megan Lorenzo, Jackie Hurst, Anaya Rangarjian, and Brooke Gordon. The Falcons also have program strength. Rochester is a team that is built for the long hall and certainly a team to keep an eye on.
Oxford: It will be very interesting for the Wildcats and not because they are going to be in a different district by going north to Genesee and Lapeer counties. Oxford has several key returners coming back from a team that struggled last season because of inexperience. The big one returning is combo guard Mackenzie Methner. Methner got injured in the second half of the season and is back fully healthy. She will be alongside shooting guard Emma Morris. Morris is as talented as a shooter anyone in the league. Coach Rachel Bryer has Jordan Hung, Charlotte McClenaghan, Payton Szymanski, Brooke Zeiter, Miranda Wyneimeko, and Erianna Hubbard to go along with Methner and Morris. The Wildcats are going to be a pure Jekyll and Hyde team. Program strength is strong as well especially with a strong sophomore class. Oxford should be a team to watch.
Berkley: The Bears are going to be a very interesting team to watch this season. Coach Kirk Carolan has done a wonderful job turning Berkley into a contender. The Bears did beat Royal Oak last season which was a huge step in the right direction. Berkley returns several key players in Ashley Loon, Jillian Gomes, Sammi Withrow, Orgley Kreugel, Cassidy Gifford, Brooklyn Weems, and Tessa Voss. Program strength is a question mark though. They have had proven success in the sub varsity level. If Carolan can strengthen the sub varsity levels and add a freshman program, the program would be much better off in the future. The Bears should be in the mix for the Blue.
Avondale: It’s going to be very interesting for the Yellow Jackets in 2021. Avondale has had to deal with some demons especially in the postseason when it comes to one team in West Bloomfield. They have four times to the Lakers in the last two years even though they the White last season. The Yellow Jackets have three starters back for Coach Roy Christmon in Reigan Lawrence, Tanah Jackson, and Savannah Schmidt. These three players are going to need to be at their best every night for them to win games. Program strength is very suspect at best. Avondale is going to be very young and there are a ton of questions surrounding this program. It could be a very bumpy ride for Christmon and his Yellow Jackets this season.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were the second seed in the pre-district but fell to Stoney Creek last season. There are a ton of questions and some regrouping for Coach Stacie Klumpp’s program in 2021. They will need to replace 11 seniors from a squad that won 11 games in 2019-2020. Troy Athens has Nitaya Balusu, Ciara Shoales, and Gillian Clark back for what should be a very young team. The Red Hawks will need to get off to a fast start as they get adjusted to their new teammates. Troy Athens got off to a hot start early but they cooled off down the stretch. Program strength is a question mark for Troy Athens even though the Red Hawks will field three programs which adds to program strength. They have great coaches in the program. It could be a very challenging ride for Troy Athens this season.
Gold
Farmington: This could be the Falcons best team they have had in a while but there are some questions for the program that needs to be answered. Farmington has had great years and impactful players like Aaron Howell whom made noise in the past. They have done well in the lower divisions but once they get moved up they struggle. This is something that needs to be addressed along with program strength. The Falcons have a ton of proven experience back for Coach Lauren Guzman in Autumn Barnett, Sophia Holdwick, Lily Morrisette, Kenndi Jones, Val Pallett, Alyssa Simmons, Brielle Burns, Kaitlyn Carnac, and Madelyn Beckwitch. The Falcons were in the mix last season in the Gold. Farmington on paper is the favorite in the Gold but there will be some challengers. They will need to toughen up the non-league slate if they want to make some noise this season.
Seaholm: The Maples are going to be an interesting team to keep an eye on from a team that was in the Gold conversation last season. Seaholm has a ton of experience back for Coach Chris Manchester in Kate Sullivan, Kate Keifer, Gwyn Wiseman, Megan Blake, and Emily Jacoby. The wildcard is guard/forward Shay Manchester. Manchester is expected to make an impact for her father’s team. Seaholm has a ton of questions especially when it comes to program strength. They expect to be very competitive in the Gold this season.
Oak Park: The Knights had a very good regular season winning 13 games for Coach Peggy Evans-Carr but they ran into a very good Detroit Renaissance program in the pre-district last season. It could be very interesting how they can sustain it this season. Oak Park lost Kyla Wilson to graduation but Tamiya Todd is back and is expected to carry more of the load for the Knights. Program strength is a big concern for Evans-Carr but wonder if last season’s success could have an effect on the program. Oak Park will be a team to keep an eye on for sure.
Ferndale: The Eagles saw some improvement last season under Coach Keith Paris and program strength will certainly be tested again this season. Ferndale will have Zoe Rogers back for a team looking to take the next step building a program. Rogers will need to step up and take on more of a leading role for the Eagles. If Paris wants to take that next step he will certainly need to improve on things like the schedule and program development to be competitive.
Ferndale University: It will be a challenge by fire for the Golden Eagles and Coach Desdan Hester going into the OAA in 2021. Ferndale University won 11 games and beat Detroit Osborn from the postseason last season. The Golden Eagles don’t expect to be in the league mix this season but they could play the role of spoiler. It’s going to be a trial by fire for Hester and Ferndale University.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 4, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Friday, January 8, 2021
2021 Boys Basketball Preview.
Written Friday January 8th at 6:00 PM
Updated Sunday January 17th at 10:30 PM
Here are the 2021 previews for Boys Basketball in the OAA along with the top ten and outlooks heading into the season. If anything new comes up let me know at [email protected].
Here is the Top Ten and projected finish in order in each division to start the season. If you want to check the district page it is updated and I will have a link to that column.
Boys Basketball District page.
https://sammy-taormina.blogspot.com/2020/09/boys-basketball-districts-are-out-2020.html
INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN.
- North Farmington
- Clarkston
- Troy
- Stoney Creek
- West Bloomfield
- Lake Orion
- Troy Athens
- Berkley
- Bloomfield Hills
- Adams
Red
North Farmington: The Raiders were up and down in the regular season but they did make a run in the postseason until COVID-19 ended everyone’s season. Coach Todd Negoshian would like to move on and focus on this season. They should be improved and could have a special year but there are weaknesses particularly on big courts. North Farmington tends to have problems with big courts in which spacing is limited in the famous Negoshian trap defense. The Raiders traditionally have used the small court to their advantage because of the trap but when they go on the road they struggle. North Farmington will have Basheer Jihad along with Aaron Rice, Jasper Beeler, Jacob Bosamara, and Deon Hayes along with Novi Christian transfer Blake Goodman. The wildcard looks to be combo guards Landon Williams and PJ Gardner. Williams and Gardner could bring a different dynamic and could get some minutes this season. Program strength is very solid for the Raiders and they are well coached in the sub varsity levels. North Farmington will have depth as well as Negoshian likes deep teams. It will be very interesting to see what the Raiders have with the experience they have back. There is no reason why this team shouldn’t be in the mix.
Clarkston: It was a very odd offseason for the Wolves because of COVID-19. They lost two key players in Fletcher Loyer and Matt Nicholson. Loyer transferred to Indiana and Nicholson to graduation where he is at Northwestern. Keegan Waslik returns for Coach Tim Waslik at forward. The Wolves besides Waslik really doesn’t have any true household names but there are others ready to contribute in Luke Scherler, Mike DePillo, Nathan Steinman, and Isayah Harris to go along with Waslik. Program strength has never been the issue as they have that once again even though they will have four freshman up on varsity including Zach Scherler, Brodie Kosin, and Zach Austin. Clarkston should be in the mix but it will be a much different Wolves team than in years past.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers are in a very interesting spot in 2021. West Bloomfield returns several key players from a program that was third in the Red. They are coming off a very heartbreaking loss to Waterford Mott in the district semifinals last season. The Lakers have Kipras Blazevicux, Ryan Hurst, and Michael Seay back at the guard positions. There are questions in the interior for Coach Jeremy Denha but with the program strength that should be covered and they are going to be strong well into the future. West Bloomfield should be in the conversation to contend in what is expected to be a wide open Red. The Lakers are certainly a rising program to keep an eye on this season.
Oak Park: The Knights are in a very interesting spot heading into 2021. They went through a transition this offseason after suffering a very tough loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the pre-district last season. Oak Park has a new coach in Durand Sheppard. He takes over a program that has been very successful and is looking to keep improving each year. Sheppard has been a proven winner with “The Family” AAU program. He hopes to bring his winning ways to the Knights and in the very tough Red which there are no days off. Oak Park is going to be very young and inexperienced. The Knights could struggle early with the coaching transition but what helps is that the majority of his new program has played for “The Family” AAU program. Once he and his new program get on the same page they will be fine. Program strength is very good so there is some talent upcoming for Oak Park. The Knights will be a team to keep an eye on going forward.
Ferndale: This was the program that was the most impacted by COVID-19 is the Eagles. Ferndale had the makings of a State Championship squad in Division Two but they their season end like everyone else did because of COVID-19. The Eagles lost several key players to graduation including JayShawn Moore and Colin Golston whom are in colleges. Both were all state players in Division Two. Coach Juan Rickman will have a very challenging season ahead in 2021 with an inexperienced and not a deep lineup. Ferndale will need to rely heavily on three players in guards Trayvon Lewis, Romelo Hugley, and Caleb Renfroe. Lewis is expected gather the most attention while Hugley and Renfroe are going to need to step up their games and take over the production of Moore and Golston. The interior will be a major concern and especially being in the Red will make things that more challenging. Program strength is not good at all surrounding the Eagles. It could be a very challenging season for Rickman and Ferndale.
Farmington: It has been a very odd offseason for the Falcons besides what happened with COVID-19. They saw shocking departures after making the move to the Red this offseason with an experienced roster. Farmington is coming off a very successful regular season and picked up postseason victories over Birmingham Brother Rice and Seaholm but COVID 19 halted everyone’s dreams last season. The Falcons saw their offseason plans take a major hit when combo guard Jaden Atkins left Farmington to play at a prep school. Also Tariq Humes also left for a prep school as well. The Humes and Atkins departures puts Coach Terrance Porter and the Falcons in a really bad spot in 2021. Farmington will need their other proven experience to step up big time in Robert Davis and Paris Jackson. Program strength isn’t very strong and being in the Red doesn’t help things either. It could be a very long year for the Falcons.
White
Troy: The Colts are going to be a senior heavy team in 2021. They were ready to make another run deep into the postseason but COVID-19 happened to ruin everyone dreams including Troy. The Colts have a ton of proven experience in Ethan Emerzian, Jake Emerzian, D’Anthony Hamilton, Imad Hage, and Brody Parker for Coach Gary Fralick in his four guard-one big offense. The Colts have been a very successful program year in and year out. Depth could be a question mark but they have overcame that in the past. Troy will look to take that next step to get back to the State Quarterfinals back in 2016 with a senior heavy team. Program strength is solid but it will be very hard to replace the type of talent that the Colts will lose with this class. Troy should be the favorite in the White this season but beyond that is anyone’s guess at this time.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have a lot of proven experience back from a team that had a ton of ups and down last year and saw their postseason run ended by COVID-19. Coach Steve Norgrove has been very successful and will look to continue that success into 2021. They have Trevor Smith, Lance Fogelberg, Jacob Felton, Grant Lowery, Alex Reiter, and David Angel. Smith is expected to get a ton of attention but the others mentioned are very talented players and can contribute. Program strength looks to be very solid as well for Stoney Creek. The Cougars have the talent to be very competitive and could make a serious run this season.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks come down from the Red after last season finishing tied for last with Lake Orion. Bloomfield Hills fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals last season. They will look to make some noise in the White in 2021. They have one of the most premiered shooters in combo guard Mason Canfield returning to the mix. The Blackhawks have others that can make an impact as well besides Canfield. Coach Phil Kurajian has Noah Adamcyck, Jackson Willis, and Derrick Lee. Adamcyck is another shooter and combo guard while Willis gives them another option at the forward spot. Lee provides a post presence in the interior and should open things up for Canfield and Adamcyck. The wildcard looks to be a freshman combo guard in Mohamad Farahani. Farahani is a very good dribble driver and solid shooter. He is expected to fill a huge void that was left by Collin Hecker after he graduated last season. Program strength looks to be solid and they have Red experience as well for Kurajian. There could be some early growing pains for Bloomfield Hills with a young lineup but once they group they could make some noise. The Blackhawks will need to rely a ton on their three top players until they can gain some improvement upon their young talent. If they can get that then Bloomfield Hills could be a darkhorse in the White.
Adams: The Highlanders should be a better program after having a transitioning year in 2019-2020. They did have victories over Lake Orion and Oxford in the regular season despite finishing last in the White last season but they stayed in the division for 2021. Adams fell to Clarkston in the pre-district last season after stunning the Wolves in 2018-2019 in the very same round but that was with a different team but same school. Coach Jared Thomas has stabilized the program for the better. He has built back up the sub varsity programs as well which is a huge plus. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Austin Brown, Ben Churmside, Justus Mims, Jacob Durand, Austin Yoon, and Jonathan Ursuy are back looking for some more. The Highlanders program strength is rising under Thomas as mentioned earlier. There are several underclassmen that could make the jump to varsity in Nick Paterra, William Gee, and Brady Prieskorn. Prieskorn brings the most upside especially with his IQ in the interior and he can shoot as well. Gee is a combo guard that can dribble drive and shoot. Paterra works very hard and can play either at the guard for forward spots. The Highlanders could make some noise this season. Thomas clearly has set a foundation heading into his second year.
Groves: The Falcons had a ton of bad luck losing a ton of close games and falling to Southfield Arts and Tech in the pre-district when they were up double figures but blew it last season. Coach Benny White should have a ton of experience that is back led by Daniel Lee along with Jack Woods but they took a hit when Chuck Bailey left the program for a prep school. Program strength and interior are question marks for White’s team. If they can address this then Groves should be okay this season.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a great year last season winning 16 games and picked up an emotional win over Groves but they were blown out by North Farmington in the district semifinals. The playoff loss should make Coach Darreyle Buchanan’s team that much better and hungrier to drive for more success. Program strength looks to be solid coming up with the sub varsity programs having good seasons last season. They might take a hit especially if returning players RaeQuan Lee and Caleb Banks leave early after the semester ends with football scholarships. Anthony Davis is also back and is ready for a more important role. If they both stay to go along with Davis, Southfield Arts and Tech should be in the mix but if they don’t then they could be around 500. This is going to be an inexperienced Warriors team heading into 2021 but they could surprise some folks. Southfield Arts and Tech is the perfect Jekyll and Hyde team.
Blue
Lake Orion: The Dragons are in a very interesting spot. They are going to be a very experienced team under Coach Joel Schroeder. Lake Orion took a ton of lumps in the Red which has harden them. The Dragons gained some postseason experience which included victories over Romeo and Waterford Kettering then COVID-19 ended their district dreams last season. Lake Orion lost Cameron Sutton, Drew Van Heck, and Dylan Boegheimer to graduation. They have a lot of proven experience in Nick Fisher, Will McClear, Andrew Bryant, Brendan Jones, Xander Blackney, Malachi Grandberry, Jeff Perkowski, and Alden Ritt. Schroeder is well known for having a ton of success with experienced teams especially when he was Pontiac. The Phoenix went 22-3 in 2018-2019 which included a district title and a regional final appearance. Program strength was very iffy for the Dragons in 2019-2020 but they should be better in 2021 when it comes to that area. Lake Orion is in a much better spot heading into Schroeder’s second year. With the Dragons in the Blue to go along with the proven experience they could very well take off.
Troy Athens: It was a good regular season for Coach Dave Scott and his program in 2019-2020 but the postseason was a different story after earning the top seed in the districts. Troy Athens beat Sterling Heights in the pre-district but they fell to Chippewa Valley in the district semifinals. The Red Hawks will look to be more fine-tuned heading into 2021. They are going in the same district as last season going into Macomb County dealing with the same teams they seen back then. The Red Hawks have a ton of proven experience as mentioned in Michael Justice, Jacob Thornton, Jordan Sebaugh, and Bryce Eaton. Program strength looks to be very strong. There are a ton of questions as well for Troy Athens and Scott especially when it comes to depth. The Red Hawks with their experience should be in the mix for the Blue title this season.
Berkley: The Bears are coming off a very good season last year winning 14 games but they had a tough postseason in which they lost to Detroit Mumford in the pre-district. There is a ton of optimism for Berkley heading into 2021. Their top three players return for Coach Joe Sermo including one who was out all of last season due to injury. They will have Arshad Walker back fully healthy. Walker is a dribble driver and good shot creator. Jacob Thomas and Joey McNamara are back for the Bears. Both of them are hardworking players and had very good seasons last season. Also back is Graham Colvin, Eli Steinbock, and Logan Haley. Interior play is a question mark for Sermo but they have the shooters and dribble drivers. Program strength is very strong for Berkley. The Bears will certainly be a team to watch.
Oxford: The Wildcats were a hot and cold team in the regular season but was blown out by Clarkston in the district semifinals last season. They lost a very talented player in Trey Townsend to graduation with him now being at Oakland. The cupboard is far from bare at Oxford though and could be a much more dangerous team without Townsend. The Wildcats have several key players for Coach Steve Laidlaw in Mason Mullholland, Trent Brown, Palmer Spect, and Bryce Essman. Program strength is a question mark for Oxford. They have a ton of experience to make some noise this season. The Wildcats should be in the mix in the Blue.
Seaholm: The Maples are going to be a very interesting team to keep an eye on in 2021. Seaholm won 11 games and fell to Farmington in the district semifinals last season. The Maples lost nine seniors to graduation which hurts any program however oddly enough they will have eight seniors returning for Coach Mike DeGeeter. Seaholm will have Johnny Cross, Tyler Eick, Jake LaBarre, and Ben Slazinski. The Maples are going to be very young in the interior. There are a ton of questions heading into the season. Program strength is very solid though but it will be interesting to see where Seaholm is this season.
Gold
Pontiac: The Phoenix have always been a basketball school. They have had a lot of talent and have had a ton of success recently, that’s not a question with Pontiac. The question with the Phoenix will always be program strength. Pontiac contended for the Blue last season and they could again this season in the Gold with the four division format. The Phoenix moved up to Division One after winning 22 games in 2018-2019 under then coach Joel Schroeder when they made it to the regional finals. Pontiac lost to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the pre-district last season. Tarah Hazard, Kamarie Miles-El, Shawn Jones, Dionte Harris, and DeShawn Owens bring a ton of proven experience back for Coach Damon O’Neil. Hazard and Owens are going to be the Phoenix top players in 2021 even though Miles-El, Jones, and Harris are expected to contribute. Pontiac is in a very interesting spot. It could go well very fast but it can also go bad very fast. The Phoenix will be a team to keep an eye on this season.
Rochester: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in 2021. They could be in the mix for the Gold this season if things go right. It would be their first division crown since sharing the Blue with Lake Orion in the 2017-2018 season. Coach Vance Kirkwood has a ton of proven experience from a team that fell to Stoney Creek in the district semifinals last season. Rochester has had two very difficult seasons since the 2017-2018 season where they won 16 games. They have won a combined five games since the pre-district upset loss to Utica Eisenhower in the 2017-2018 postseason. The Falcons have a very strong junior class to go along with a ton of proven experienced returners in Arman Hussaini, Rex Matoud, Ty Reid, Mark Williams, and Max Stone. Program strength looks to be very strong for Kirkwood. If Rochester can put it all together and make a run in the Gold then the turnaround can fully begin.
Royal Oak: The Ravens should be a very interesting team to watch in 2021. Royal Oak has had three straight losing seasons which is very unusual for Coach Aaron Smith and his program. They have not been able to put things together on both sides of the court which is why they are struggling. Smith does have a ton of proven experience in Jessie Hoisington, Colton Champion, Jason Gilbert, Jack Norton, Dylan Hoffman, and Charlie Garbowski. The Ravens will need to figure out their identity heading into the season. Program strength is a concern which needs to be addressed. If the Ravens can address their identity and put things together then they could be a team in the conversation and move up in the Gold.
Avondale: It was a miserable year for the Yellow Jackets winning only one game last season. Coach Pat Clancy should be better in 2021. He will not have his best player in David Holloman. Holloman whom played combo guard is graduating early for Indiana to play College Football. Clancy does have a ton of proven experience and a solid sub varsity program coming up to play varsity. He has Corbin Smith, Josh Buggs, Jy Smith, AJ Knox, and Marshall Dennis. These five players will be leaned on heavily to step up with Holloman no longer at Avondale. Interior is a big question though even though Knox is in the inteior. It will be very interesting to see what the Yellow Jackets do this season because usually teams do improve under a new coach in their second year. The Yellow Jackets are in an interesting spot there is nowhere to go but up for them.
Ferndale University: The Golden Eagles enter the OAA after being an independent for a long while. They have had success in the past but 2019-2020 was a struggle. Ferndale University won six games and fell to Ferndale in blowout fashion in the pre-district last season. The Golden Eagles should be a very interesting team to watch in 2021. I don’t think the talent is there for this program right now. Coach Iskandar Shamoun will have a ton of challenges though with a young and inexperienced team but if everything goes right they should be competitive but are they in the mix right now, probably not but Ferndale University will get there.
