Written Thursday November 14th at 11:45 PM

Ferndale University has a new girls basketball coach.

The Eagles named Bennie Szczepkowski their new head coach taking over for Coach Brianna Rowe who stepped down recently.

Szczepkowski took the Ferndale University job two weeks before the season started which he confirmed on Media Day at Groves.

Szczepkowski has a hard task ahead of him in turning around a program that went 0-18 last season. He will have a ton of proven experience coming back in LeAnna Spencer, Gabrielle Thompson, Kayla Sanders, Taniyah Crawford, Tamary Powell, Kendall Spencer, and Jayda Wilson.

Ferndale University will need a strong start to build confidence this season. It won’t be an easy transition and it has to happen during the season. It will be very interesting to see what happens.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Region Seven @ West Bloomfield

CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Marian

South Lyon vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting regional. Clarkston is coming off a three game sweep of Lake Orion in the district finals but the Wolves are going to have it tough against a proven powerhouse in Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs had no troubles with North Farmington in the district finals. The other side has Orchard Lake St. Marys who had to survive a tough district beating Bloomfield Hills in a five set thriller and South Lyon who has been really impressive which included a five set win over Lakeland in the district finals. This should be a really interesting regional of current and new State powers in this regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Birmingham Marian: To take a Ric Flair quote, “if you want to be the man, you got to beat the man.” The Mustangs are the team to beat and will do so over Clarkston and Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Region 14 @ Dearborn Divine Child

FERNDALE vs Detroit Edison

Dearborn Divine Child vs Detroit Cesar Chavez

REGIONAL THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting regional. The Falcons are in and are hosting the regional. They will have a really interesting matchup with Detroit Cesar Chavez who won over Dearborn Henry Ford in the district finals in the semifinals. The Eagles had a hard fought win over Ferndale University in the district finals. They will have a really tough matchup with Detroit Edison in the regional semifinals. It should be a really interesting regional.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: Dearborn Divine Child: When in doubt go with the home team, I have the Falcons moving onto the State Quarterfinals.

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:22 AM

Here is the insight of the Boys Soccer preview for the State Semifinals. Could we get an all OAA Red final between Adams and Oxford, it’s possible but they have some challenges so here they are with both games on Wednesday October 30th at 7 PM.

OXFORD vs Byron Center @ East Lansing

 

PREVIEW: The Wildcats have been through a lot this postseason which included wins over Clarkston, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central with their games against the Dragons and Shamrocks going to penalties. Byron Center has been really good all season long. They needed to beat Grand Haven in penalties and had 1-0 wins over Portage Central and East Kentwood. This should be a really good game as both teams aren’t too familiar with each other, there is no common opponents between the two clubs.

 

 

ADAMS vs Saline @ Troy Athens

 

PREVIEW: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Highlanders and the Hornets. Adams has played a really tough schedule and has wins over Troy and Utica Eisenhower in the postseason. Saline has been dominant this postseason but had to survive Ann Arbor Skyline where they won 3-2 in the district finals. These two have one common opponent in Clarkston. The Highlanders beat the Wolves 3-0 while the Hornets lost 2-1 to the Wolves in the Balconi tournament. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams in Troy.

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:10 AM

These are the updated volleyball districts.

This article will be updated often with the most updated information

District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

 

OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. The Marlins always have found a way to reload really quickly despite losing proven talent to college and they have a Miss Volleyball finalist in Campbell Flynn. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be much improved for new coach Dan Englehardt. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for new coach Rachel Watson. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn’t look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I really don’t see anyone in this district touching Farmington Hills Mercy. They have home court, well coached, and proven talented college bound athletes.

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

WEST BLOOMFIELD/Walled Lake Northern vs South Lyon

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Walled Lake Central/Walled Lake Western vs Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: South Lyon

NEXT: Lakeland

DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference as they head into White Lake. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m really impressed with South Lyon with the way they have been playing all season. I think they have a good chance to win this district. I’ve been very disappointed with West Bloomfield. This will be a really tall task for the Lakers in this district. I see a Lions vs Eagles district final in White Lake.

 

District 26 @ Holly

OXFORD vs Waterford Mott

OXFORD/Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

Holly vs Waterford Kettering

Holly/Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Oxford

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district looks like it will be Clarkston vs Lake Orion in the district finals. The Wolves won in four over the Dragons. Lake Orion has been really hard to trust as of late. Got to give the edge to Clarkston in this district.

 

District 27 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER/STONEY CREEK vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

AVONDALE vs ADAMS

AVONDALE/ADAMS vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills

DARKHORSE: Adams

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is what in soccer terms is considered the “group of death.” These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been rapidly improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This really hasn’t changed when it comes to the group of death in soccer terms. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the favorite with Bloomfield Hills right there in the mix. Adams is the wildcard after they have been a funk as of late. Rochester and Stoney Creek are both solid teams but they both have tough roads if they want to make noise. This will be a battle harden district.

 

District 28 @ Berkley

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK

GROVES/ROYAL OAK vs Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY

SEAHOLM/BERKLEY vs NORTH FARMINGTON

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Groves

DARKHORSE: Berkley

EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they need to find it under Coach Derrick Williams. Groves has been up and coming under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: North Farmington has been up and down this season. It has been a surprise that both Birmingham schools have struggled. Berkley is the wildcard with home field but seriously I don’t see how any of the OAA teams can beat Birmingham Marian in this district. The Mustangs are loaded with proven talent and well coached.

 

District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower

TROY vs Utica Ford II

TROY/Utica Ford II vs Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson vs Utica

Sterling Heights Stevenson/Utica vs TROY ATHENS

 

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Troy

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: It has been a very interesting season. The Colts have underperformed this season which is surprising. The Red Hawks have had a strong season but having home court helps Utica Eisenhower in this district. I think the Eagles move on.

 

District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Henry Ford vs Detroit Old Redford

Detroit Henry Ford/Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE: Ferndale University

EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is between Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I’m not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won’t play the competition as both Eagles teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale has a new coach in Andrea Phillips taking over the program where they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I was really impressed with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. The Eagles have performed well this season. Ferndale University could give them some fits in the district semifinals. I like where Ferndale is at. They could make some noise and I’ve favored them since June. This should be a very interesting district in Detroit.

 

District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Lincoln

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I could have thought more about this district over but Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has impressed me. Harper Woods has had a solid season as well but they could have some trouble with the hosts from St. Clair Shores South Lake. Whoever wins that matchup should have an interesting matchup with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.

 

District 59 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

PONTIAC/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Waterford Oakdale Prep

 

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district. Pontiac came to Division Two this offseason and is looking for a new coach. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is determined to get to Battle Creek for Coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel. Birmingham Detroit Country Day was up and down last season but they have been a powerhouse in the past for Coach Kim Lockhart. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back district for Coach Rachel Zawodny. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school and a lot of questions remain for them heading into the season. Overall this should be a two team district but you never know.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: Like I said no changes from the early thoughts other than most likely seeing a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final which should be a very interesting distict final.

My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0

 

MHSAA Volleyball districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2024-Districts