Softball District Preview

by Becky Andrus | May 24, 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.

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.

Basketball Districts Released and Thoughts

by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Basketball Districts Released and Thoughts.

Written Sunday March 14th at 11:30 AM

Here are my thoughts on the brackets released earlier this morning.

Boys 

Boys Basketball Districts article from September.

https://sammy-taormina.blogspot.com/2020/09/boys-basketball-districts-are-out-2020.html

District 26 @ Detroit Renaissance

ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY

ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY vs Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs Detroit Mumford

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit/Detroit Mumford vs OAK PARK

THOUGHTS: I didn’t understand how Oak Park earned the bye while Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has to play Detroit Mumford on that Tuesday but thanks to the Clarkston Basketball Twitter page for helping me understand this issue it was that they did not play eight games before the bracket came out which was why the Knights got the bye and not the Cubs. Royal Oak and Berkley is going to be very interesting with the winner playing the hosts from Detroit Renaissance which neither team matches up with. Until proven otherwise Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit should win this district over Detroit Renaissance.

District 25 @ Birmingham Brother Rice

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs GROVES

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/GROVES vs Birmingham Brother Rice

SEAHOLM vs FARMINGTON

SEAHOLM/FARMINGTON vs NORTH FARMINGTON

THOUGHTS: This should be a competitive district at Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors are young, talented, well coached, and have home court. Birmingham Brother Rice better be careful of Groves whom is gaining a ton of confidence should they get by Southfield Arts and Tech. On the other side of the bracket North Farmington is overwhelming favored to get to the district finals. I don’t see either Seaholm or Farmington touching the Raiders. It’s going to come down to North Farmington vs either Birmingham Brother Rice or otherwise.

District 30 @ Troy Athens

Sterling Heights vs Chippewa Valley

Sterling Heights/Chippewa Valley vs TROY ATHENS

Utica Ford vs Sterling Heights Stevenson

THOUGHTS: Troy Athens is in a very difficult spot despite being the host in the district. If they can get by either Chippewa Valley or Sterling Heights in the district semifinals which looks very doable despite the Red Hawks falling to Chippewa Valley last season then they could be on a collision course with Sterling Heights Stevenson whom should be the favorite in this district. The Titans have a ton of options to go too and have had impressive wins over Macomb Dakota and other Macomb Area Conference Red division foes. Troy Athens and Margaret have a very dangerous path in this district.

District 29 @ Stoney Creek

Utica vs ROCHESTER

Utica/ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK

Utica Eisenhower vs TROY

THOUGHTS: Stoney Creek has went from almost favorites to pretty much the favorite in the district. Troy has really struggled lately however to their defense they have not had a lot of practice time due to being in COVID protocol but it’s not an excuse for their recent struggles, now could they find that magic in the postseason???, it’s very possible. Rochester and Utica is very interesting along with Utica Eisenhower and the Colts. I see this being a Stoney Creek/Troy district final because I don’t see anyone touching the two seeded teams.

District 6 @ Bloomfield Hills

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs AVONDALE

WEST BLOOMFIELD/AVONDALE vs Orchard Lake St Marys

PONTIAC vs Waterford Mott

PONTIAC/Waterford Mott vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

THOUGHTS: I think could be more competitive than people think. Orchard Lake St. Marys is talented and loaded but West Bloomfield can match them athletically despite the rough season the Lakers are having. On the other side of the bracket Bloomfield Hills has home court and should get to the district final but Pontiac could be a challenge but not sold on their league only schedule. I think this is shaping up to be a Blackhawks/Eaglets district finals. Could an upset be in the making??? We’ll see.

District 5 @ Oxford

Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

Waterford Kettering/LAKE ORION vs CLARKSTON

OXFORD vs Romeo

OXFORD/Romeo vs ADAMS

THOUGHTS: This should be a very competitive district. Clarkston is favored on paper but Adams and Lake Orion could very well give the Wolves problems in this district. Lake Orion if they can get by a very good Waterford Kettering team that features a very good and talented player in Bennie Krenshaw could be in line to face the Wolves in the district semifinal. The Dragons are a darkhorse although they are lettered A, they would had been the third seed if the MHSAA seeded everyone. On the other side of the bracket there is Adams. The Highlanders should be well motivated and hungry despite getting the bye.  They will get either Romeo or Oxford. Neither team hasn’t had the brightest of seasons but they could make up for it come in the postseason. This should be a fun district at Oxford

District 58 @ Ferndale

Detroit Henry Ford vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park vs FERNDALE

THOUGHTS: This district should be no problems for Ferndale. The Eagles should pass this district with flying colors. They have home court, best team, and the best matchup. I don’t see anyone touching Ferndale in this district.

Girls

Girls Basketball District article from September.

https://sammy-taormina.blogspot.com/2020/09/girls-basketball-districts-are-out-2020.html

District 27 @ Detroit Renaissance

Warren Fitzgerald vs Detroit Renaissance

OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Warren Mott

THOUGHTS: Could Oak Park get to the district finals??? It certainly looks possible with how the draw looks. I haven’t been really impressed with either Detroit Mumford or Warren Mott this season. The Marauders have the bye with the two seed which means Coach Peggy Evans-Carr’s team will have to play the Mustangs on Monday. I think the Knights have played very well throughout the season. Do I think they will win this district??? likely not especially when the host school is loaded, experienced, talented, well coached, and have home court to boot as well. If Oak Park can get to the district final then that would be a success.

District 26 @ Royal Oak

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs GROVES

ROYAL OAK vs SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK/SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY

THOUGHTS: This district could be very interesting when looking at the teams that are in this district. The good news for this district was that Birmingham Marian whom was supposed to be in this district went north and is with West Bloomfield in another district. The early favorite has to be Groves with what they have done this season along with playing a very tough non league schedule but Berkley and Royal Oak could have strong says. The Ravens lost twice to Southfield Arts and Tech last season but beat the Warriors in the district semifinals. Royal Oak has home court will have to go through Berkley pending should they get by Seaholm. The Bears should be motivated despite not being very deep and getting a bye to the district semifinals. On the other side of the bracket the Falcons are no strangers with Southfield Arts and Tech. Also assistant coach Jereica Hughes knows the Warriors players since she was an assistant last season and played for Coach Michelle Marshall at Southfield-Lathrup. Groves beat Southfield Arts and Tech twice in the regular season but the last game went double overtime. It is never easy beating a team three times in a season. I think this is likely going to be a Falcons/Ravens district final with the slightest of edges favoring Groves but just barely.

District 25 @ Novi

Novi vs Farmington Hills Mercy

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

NORTH FARMINGTON/Livonia Stevenson vs FARMINGTON

THOUGHTS: This district looks to be Farmington Hills Mercy’s to lose but I think they could run into some problems. I don’t see Novi challenging the Marlins despite having home court for their first round matchup. North Farmington if they can find some scoring could give opponents fits with their pressure trap defense but Livonia Stevenson is a very tough program and could give the Raiders some fits in the opening round game. Whomever wins that game will play Farmington in the district semifinals. The Falcons have played a difficult non league schedule to get them ready for the postseason. I see this district being a Farmington Hills Mercy/Farmington district final but end of the day I see Farmington Hills Mercy winning this district.

District 29 @ Rochester

Utica Eisenhower vs STONEY CREEK

TROY ATHENS vs ROCHESTER

TROY ATHENS/ROCHESTER vs TROY

THOUGHTS: Stoney Creek has been rolling on all cylinders as of late which is a good sign going forward. The Cougars should be motivated after losing to Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals at home last season. Rochester and Troy Athens should be a very interesting game. The winner will play Troy in the district semifinals. The Colts have been struggling as of late which is not a good sign. The postseason failures in the last two years have to be in the mind of the Troy ladies. Stoney Creek is the early favorites but don’t give up on Troy especially if the Colts can find their first half of the season magic.

District 4 @ Grand Blanc

OXFORD vs Grand Blanc

Lapeer vs Flint Kearsley

Lapeer/Flint Kearsley vs Davison

THOUGHTS: Wow, Oxford has a very tough matchup on the horizon going north into Genesee County. The Wildcats get to play Grand Blanc at their home court in the district semifinals. The Bobcats are loaded with talented players and Oxford doesn’t matchup with them at all. On the other side of the bracket Davison has a great chance to get to the district finals. It’s going to be a challenge to say the least for the Wildcats.

District 6 @Waterford Mott

Waterford Mott vs WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/AVONDALE vs Birmingham Marian

THOUGHTS: This has the makings of a great district final between West Bloomfield and Birmingham Marian whom are two of the top teams in the State. This district in general is not very strong when looking at these teams. I don’t see Bloomfield Hills, Avondale, or Waterford Mott making any serious case to the top two seeds in this district. The Lakers and Mustangs is set to be a classic in the making.

District 5 @ Romeo

Waterford Kettering vs CLARKSTON

ADAMS vs Romeo

ADAMS/Romeo vs LAKE ORION

THOUGHTS: If I’m Adams BEWARE. Romeo has played well at home this year and they are coming off COVID quarantine. Lake Orion has had injuries to their top two players but their young core has stepped up which is a good sign. The Dragons will certainly be a team to watch as they earned the two seed and the bye. Clarkston is the heavy favorite in this district because of their experience. I don’t know if I see anyone touching the Wolves right now.

District 58 @ Host Sites

Warren Lincoln at Hazel Park

Warren Regina at FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

THOUGHTS: Warren Lincoln has to be the favorite in this district of host sites. Ferndale University if they can get by Warren Regina whom is very experienced might add could get a district finals matchup with Warren Lincoln. Although the Abes are favored in this district watch for the Eagles. They are gaining confidence with their time in the OAA.

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Top 22 and Top 20

by Becky Andrus | Mar 16, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Inside the OAA. Top 22 and Top 20.

Written Saturday March 13th at 10:00 AM

Records will be updated throughout Saturday.

Boys Top 22.

1. Clarkston (12-3) – Wolves have been red hot since Keegan Waslik returned from injury.
2. North Farmington (7-2) – Raiders back in the hunt in the Red.
3. Ferndale (8-3) – It hasn’t been a great week for the Eagles.
4. Adams (10-4) – Highlanders are in COVID protocol but they have been playing well since then.
5. Lake Orion (10-3) – Dragons are in COVID protocol right now.
6. Stoney Creek (9-4) – Trevor Smith earned his 2,000 point as a Cougar last week.
7. Bloomfield Hills (7-4) – Blackhawks are in COVID protocol right now.
8. Troy Athens (8-4) – Red Hawks need more from Jacob Thornton but Jonah Botardo has stepped his game up.
9. Pontiac (6-0) – Phoenix have clinched the Gold outright with Rochester going on COVID protocol.
10. Groves (6-6) – Falcons have been around 500 but they are very dangerous come postseason time.
11. Troy (5-5) – Something is still not right with the Colts.
12. Berkley (5-7) – Bears are 1-2 in March, that’s not good.
13. West Bloomfield (4-9) – Lakers have been scoring a ton of points but they have been giving up more as well. That’s not a good combination heading into the postseason.
14. Farmington (4-8) – Robert Davis and Prince Jackson are carrying the Falcons right now.
15. Oak Park (3-7) – Knights remind me of the “Twilight Zone” series.
16. Rochester (6-5) – Falcons are in COVID protocol after a heartbreaking loss.
17. Oxford (4-8) – Wildcats scored 21 points against Stoney Creek, yikes.
18. Seaholm (3-7) – Maples are as good as Johnny Cross takes them.
19. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-8) – Warriors are still very suspect right now.
20. Avondale (5-7) – Jeremy Neal has been M.I.A for the Yellow Jackets.
21. Royal Oak (1-10) – Ravens are really struggling right now.
22. Ferndale University (0-10) – Martin Taylor has really stepped up his game for the Eagles.

Girls Top 20.

1. West Bloomfield (9-3) – Lakers starting to worry me a little bit especially with Birmingham Marian looming.
2. Clarkston (11-3) – Wolves playing as a collective unit as we speak.
3. Stoney Creek (11-1) – Cougars remind me of the video game “Sonic Three and Knuckles” don’t know why.
4. Groves (8-5) – Falcons remind me of Spiderman when he wore the black symbiotic suit from the movie “Spiderman Three” don’t know why.
5. Royal Oak (7-5) – Have the Ravens found their Robin or maybe two Robins in Kira Vance and Sarah Ammon???
6. Troy (7-6) – Colts remind me of the Queen of Spades when it comes to Hearts.
7. Oxford (8-3) – Wildcats have a tough week ahead before going north for districts.
8. Lake Orion (9-6) – Dragons have had a ton of bad luck with ankle injuries but young talent has stepped up big time.
9. Berkley (9-4) – Bears have quietly been moving up the standings in the Blue.
10. Farmington (8-3) – Falcons have been in COVID protocol but Autumn Bartlett has been the glue for Farmington.
11. Adams (5-3) – Highlanders have been in COVID protocol. They will need to rely on their experience in the postseason.
12. Rochester (3-7) – Falcons have really been struggling since exiting COVID protocol.
13. Troy Athens (4-8) – Red Hawks struggling heading into the final week.
14. Oak Park (5-2) – Knights have improved and getting better. Major part has been the play of Tamara Todd.
15. North Farmington (2-9) – Raiders have been struggling to score.
16. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-10) – Warriors still have defensive issues. They have allowed over 68 points eight times this season.
17. Seaholm (2-8) – I got to give props to Maggie Leibler 14 points and 15 rebounds last week for the Maples.
18. Ferndale University (4-4) – Eagles got a huge confidence booster at Avondale last week.
19. Bloomfield Hills (1-8) – Blackhawks remind me of the video game “Nights into Dreams” don’t know why, maybe it’s PK Sports.
20. Avondale (0-9) – Delilah Clark has really been playing well for the Yellow Jackets in a very challenging season for them.