by orionontv | Apr 3, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Wednesday March 29th at 9:30 AM
Here is my early thoughts heading into the softball districts.
District 20 at Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks like it will be a very tough district. North Farmington should be a player as will Farmington. Farmington Hills Mercy looks like they are the team to beat but also never count West Bloomfield out, they could surprise some people.
District 22 at Royal Oak
ROYAL OAK
BERKLEY
GROVES
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be either Berkley or Groves that wins it. Royal Oak is the wildcard. It should be very interesting to see how this district goes.
District 23 at TBA
FERNDALE
OAK PARK
Detroit Mumford
Detroit Renaissance
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a strong district. Ferndale and Detroit Renaissance look like they are the two teams that could come out of this district.
District 24 at Grosse Pointe North
HARPER WOODS
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit Western
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be a battle of Grosse Pointe’s between the Norsemen and the Blue Devils. Harper Woods is in Division One which they could surprise some people. Detroit Cass Tech and Detroit Western are solid teams as well. I think this district looks like it will be a Grosse Pointe school that moves on.
District 25 at Avondale
AVONDALE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
SEAHOLM
TROY
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it is anyone’s to win. Bloomfield Hills looks like they are the early favorite but Seaholm, Troy, and Avondale will have strong says. This is a wide open district on paper.
District 26 at Utica
TROY ATHENS
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford II
Utica
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it is a three team district. Utica looks like they are the favorite but keep an eye on Troy Athens and Utica Ford II. They could make some noise once the postseason comes.
District 29 at Oxford
OXFORD
Lapeer
Davison
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a very interesting district. Oxford has a great chance to win this district. Davison and Lapeer could have very strong says. Three teams have a shot to win this district.
District 30 at Lake Orion
LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON
ADAMS
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
EARLY THOUGHTS: This has the makings of a very tough district. Adams shocked everyone last season but Lake Orion and Clarkston are in this district. They could pose some problems for the Highlanders. I don’t see the Waterford schools competing. Three teams have a great chance to win this district.
District 31 at Romeo
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. Utica Eisenhower should be the favorite to come out of this district. Rochester should be very interesting as will be Stoney Creek. Romeo could surprise some people as well but this district should be the Eagles to lose.
by orionontv | Mar 29, 2023 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Wins Over $7 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Transportation Efficiency and Safety
Best in the Midwest, surpassed only by California and New York nationally
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Infrastructure Office is proud to announce that the state of Michigan has been awarded over $7 million in the first round of Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Michigan had the second-highest number of projects funded, receiving the third most total funding in the nation, surpassed only by California and New York.
The SMART grant program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated with $100 million annually for fiscal years 2022-2026, funds demonstration projects focused on advancing smart community technologies and systems, which will improve transportation efficiency and safety.
“In Michigan, we are committed to leading the future of mobility and electrification, building on our reputation as the place that put the world on wheels,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s funding will help us advance technological innovations, optimize data, and build on statewide transportation accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Together, we will continue growing our economy and competing for every resource to come home to Michigan.”
“The fact that four Michigan projects received funding – the second-highest number in the country—is a testament to Michigan’s innovative approach to transportation solutions,” Zachary Kolodin, Chief Infrastructure Officer for the State of Michigan, said. “Deploying smart tech on our roads and bridges will make getting around safer and movement of goods faster, creating good, high-paying jobs. I want to express our gratitude to Senators Peters and Stabenow for their leadership in securing these essential funds. Their support enables us to implement cutting-edge projects that will significantly improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency for our residents.”
Michigan has been awarded funding for four distinct projects, which will have a significant impact on transportation safety, efficiency and international commerce. Below is a brief overview of the four awarded projects:
1. City of Detroit – Detroit Mobility Optimization through Data for Equity and Safety (Detroit MODES) – $2,000,000
This project will create smart intersections by leveraging the existing traffic camera network and deploying AI software solutions. These innovations aim to predict and prevent traffic accidents in Detroit, ensuring safer roadways for all.
2. Michigan Department of Transportation – Advancing Rural Mobility: Michigan Public Transit Open Data Standards Program – $1,310,447
By leveraging open standard data, this project will make real-time public transit information accessible in rural Michigan, enhancing transportation options for residents in these areas.
3. Michigan Department of Transportation – Blue Water Bridge International Smart Freight Corridor – $1,806,218
This initiative will implement a proof of concept for a smart corridor for truckborne goods movement across Port Huron, Michigan’s Blue Water Bridge at the U.S.-Canadian border, improving trade and border crossing efficiency.
4. Road Commission for Oakland County – Leading in Sustainable Safety with V2X technology in Oakland County, Michigan – $2,000,000
This project will create a framework for deploying C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) technology in a sustainable manner, enhancing safety and communication between vehicles and infrastructure.
“The US Department of Transportation has made it clear that diversity, equity and inclusion is important by funding the Detroit Mobility Optimization through Data for Equity and Safety (Detroit MODES) project,” said Tim Slusser, Mayor Duggan’s Chief of Mobility Innovation. “Detroit has the country’s highest concentration of Black Americans (80%) for large cities and consistently ranks near the top of major metropolitan areas with the highest rates of traffic fatalities. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to fundamentally change how we approach roadway safety with real-time data driving towards equitable outcomes.”
by orionontv | Mar 27, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday March 25th at 9:30 PM
Here are the shortcomings for the 2022-2023 boys basketball season.
Pontiac: It was a rough season for the Phoenix which saw a 65-48 loss to Waterford Kettering in the first round. Pontiac has some questions this offseason to really watch. Coach Dameon O’Neill has to build program strength. This is an area that the Phoenix need to address this offseason.
Ferndale University: The Eagles had an up and down year this season. Ferndale University fell 98-46 to Ferndale in the district semifinals. They lose several talented players to graduation but Coach Josh Nicks has built the program and is developing on program strength. The best is yet to come for the Eagles.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a struggle in Coach Terrance Porter’s first season with the program. Southfield Arts and Tech was no match for North Farmington falling 73-22 in the district semifinals. They lose a lot of proven talent to graduation but they have Xavier Bowman coming back. The Warriors should be a very interesting to watch this offseason.
Avondale: It was a very interesting season for the Yellow Jackets. They went through a coaching change midseason and had to have that transition period during the season. Avondale won 10 games but fell 59-47 to Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. They lose four seniors including Malik Adams, and Jeremiah Phillips to graduation. Avondale has Justin Sykes and Dequarius White coming back for Coach Aaron Fox. Program strength looks solid but they will be a team to watch this offseason that is for sure.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a great year. They won the Gold and made a ton of noise in Division One. Harper Woods fell 68-45 to Grosse Pointe South in the district finals. They lose DeAndre Williams to graduation. The Pioneers have have Juilan Young, Isiah Lewis, Colby Bailey, Tyler Lowry, and Stephone Buford coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Program strength looks solid for Harper Woods. The Pioneers should be a program to watch this offseason.
Royal Oak: It was a very interesting year for the Ravens which saw a ton of ups and downs. They had a 5-0 start to the season but struggled a little in 2023. Royal Oak fell 59-46 to Detroit Renaissance in the first round. They lose Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, and Rashad Wilson to graduation. Royal Oak has Nick Hoffman and Camden Clark coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is solid for Smith. The Ravens should be a team to watch this offseason.
Troy Athens: It was a very interesting year for the Red Hawks. Troy Athens had a tough 61-60 loss to Sterling Heights Stevenson in the district semifinals. They lose seven seniors to graduation including Kyree Harper, Douglas Mersier, Brock Thornton, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Profke, and Brogan Withun. The Red Hawks have Emmanuel Robinson, Luke DiGiovanni, Hayden Crum, and Eli Garvin coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Program strength looks solid for the Red Hawks. Troy Athens should be a team to watch this offseason.
Berkley: The Bears had a very interesting year which saw them battle for the Blue crown on more than one occasion. Berkley fell 77-23 to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals. They lose six seniors to graduation including Hunter Robinson and Tamir Runkenvich. Berkley has Donovan Powell and Michael Onuoha coming back. Program strength looks to be solid for Coach Joe Sermo. The Bears will be back for sure next season.
Rochester: The Falcons had a ton of ups and downs this season. They fell 64-54 to Lake Orion in the first round. Rochester loses Grant Calcagno, Elijah Kalaj, Rex Maltoid, and Khamanni Potts to graduation. Their future is bright with Max Mohl, Noah Kim, Logan Pleasant, and Jake Tandy coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Program strength looks solid for the Falcons. Rochester should be very interesting to watch this offseason.
Stoney Creek: It was a very tough season for the Cougars. The coaching transition was a big challenge throughout the season. Stoney Creek fell 66-63 to Romeo in the first round. The Cougars lose Leo Kent, Jake Fulkerson, Aiden Grotszko, Jonah McCay, Emillo Villafuerte, Peyton Rummler, Jacob Watson, and Brock Cavanaugh to graduation. Stoney Creek has Tre Walker and Tomaaso Sinacola coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Program strength look solid in the future. The future looks bright for Stoney Creek as mentioned but this senior class left their mark on the program.
Oxford: It was a very interesting year for the Wildcats which saw a ton of ups and downs. They won 13 games this season. Oxford fell 64-48 to Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. They lose four seniors including Lucas Bottente, Dylan Stone, and Kyle DiMalanta to graduation. The Wildcats have Jake Champagne, Dominic Casissee, Drew Cady, Jay Cady, and Luke Stoffan coming back for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Program strength looks solid for Oxford. The Wildcats should be a program to watch this offseason.
Seaholm: The Maples were a completely different team in 2023. Seaholm struggled in 2022 going 0-5 to start the season but the Maples turned things around after several players returned from suspension and won the Blue on the final shot over Troy Athens. They beat their arch rival Groves 55-48 in the first round but fell 52-34 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. Seaholm loses seven seniors including Ricky Sparby, Jeff Sheldon, and Ben Diskin to graduation. They have Findlay Sparby coming back for Coach Mike DeGetter. Program strength looks solid for the Maples. Seaholm should be a team to watch this offseason and next season as well.
Farmington: The Falcons had a rough year this season which resulted in a 56-41 loss to Detroit Henry Ford. Farmington loses six seniors including Tony Tolbert and Chris Boyd to graduation but does have Greg Grays, Jordan Turner, Darrell Cochrane, Quintez Salter, and Anthony Bailey coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Program strength is a concern for Farmington. The Falcons should be improved next season.
Lake Orion: The Dragons had a very interesting season which saw them finish with a 500 record (12-12.) Lake Orion fell to Adams 50-42 in a hard fought district semifinals. They lose five seniors in DJ Morrow, Blake Liddell, Nate Havrilla, Kevin Tobe, and Matteo Decio. The Dragons have Quay Fly, Ethan Sharkey, Hayden Armstrong, Sam Blakeley, Nick Galben, Gabe Scott, and maybe Kaydon DeGraffenreid coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. Program strength looks to be solid especially at the younger levels for Andreadas. Lake Orion will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason as they have some questions heading into next season.
Groves: The Falcons had a very good season but was upset 55-48 by Seaholm in the first round. Groves loses seven seniors to graduation including Jack Abbot, Max Kramer, and Paige Williams. They have John Simpson, Josh Gibson, Brody Tushman, and Elijah Yelder coming back for Coach Marc West. Groves has two players in Paul Hubbard, and Landon McKinney that could make some noise next season. Program strength looks strong. The Falcons could be right back in the mix next season.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a ton of ups and downs in a transition year but they won 15 games this season. Bloomfield Hills fell 62-56 to West Bloomfield in the first round. The Blackhawks lose five seniors including 1,000 career point scorer Noah Adamcyzk along with CJ Jackson, Ahmad Taylor, and Dominic Shenna to graduation. The Blackhawks have Drew Wilson and Brendan Newland coming back for Coach Brian Canfield. Program strength looks solid as well. Bloomfield Hills will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason.
Troy: The Colts had a great season overcoming a ton of adversity. Troy won a district crown with their win over Sterling Heights Stevenson. They didn’t give up or quit with everything against them despite having home court. The Colts fell 54-48 in the regional semifinals to North Farmington. Troy loses a ton of proven experience including Darrius Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Bryce Parker, and Carter Cusmano to graduation. The Colts have three proven starters in Mason Parker, Jon Whiteside, and Chase Kuiper coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength is a bit of a concern despite having Greg Tester, Jaiden Peacock, along with the younger Cusmano, and younger Penoza to watch in the wings. Troy should be back in the mix next season no matter what division they are in.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a very successful year this season. They had a 12 win turnaround from last season. West Bloomfield earned their first playoff win since 2017 with a 62-56 win over Bloomfield Hills in the first round but they had a very tough 57-47 loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. West Bloomfield loses Evan Ammori, DeJuan Moore, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Mitchell Seay and Jayden Jones to graduation. They have Chris Britton, Corey Pittman, Donnie Watts, Caleb Caudle, and Dyoni Edwards coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. Program strength is very strong for Jordan and the Lakers. West Bloomfield should be a force to be a recon with next season.
Adams: It was a great season for the Highlanders. They won their first regional crown in school history with a win over Clarkston. Adams had a rough matchup with Grand Blanc in the State Quarterfinals falling 64-44 to the Bobcats. They lose Nathan Kim, Jack Donohoe, Broder Kawa, Drew Blackmer, and Ozan Kesici to graduation. The Highlanders have William Dee, Peter Karadasis, Trenton Lagarde, Chan Yang, Gavin Farris, Luke Marcial, Jake Andrzejak, Aaron Troxell, and maybe Brady Prieskorn coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Thomas has done an awesome job with program strength. His program is very strong for Adams. The Highlanders will be a force next season.
Clarkston: The Wolves had a good season despite everything they had to overcome from the Red, a not as strong district, to a game of the ages in a double overtime win over Fenton. Clarkston fell 58-48 to Adams in the regional finals. They lose three seniors in Brayden Wiley, Frank Schuster, and Cavanaugh Diton to graduation. The Wolves have Matt Pfliger, Brody Kosin, Desman Stephens, and John Kaul coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Program strength looks solid for Clarkston next season. The Wolves should be back right in the thick of things.
Oak Park: The Knights had a very good season but they could not overcome Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit for the third straight year by falling 62-47 in the district finals. They have Geon Hutchins coming back for Coach Durand Sheppard. Program strength looks solid for Oak Park. The Knights until they can overcome their Cubs problem they aren’t expected to have deep postseason runs until they can solve their Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit problem.
Ferndale: It was a tale of two seasons for the Eagles. Ferndale started the season 1-5 after playing a really difficult non conference schedule. They managed to get through it and won 16 of their last 17 games to get back to the Breslin Center for the third straight year. The Eagles won the Division Two State Crown and their first State title since 1966 with a 44-38 win over Grand Rapids South Christian They lose six seniors including Cameron Reed, Caleb Renfroe, Noah Blocker, Chris Williams, Jacoby Jackson, and Jayden Hardiman to graduation. The Eagles have Trenton Ruth, Mishawn Hereford, Julian Cardenas, Kendall Mayes, Markiese Young, Kaden Hutson, and Darion Johnson coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Program strength is a bit of a concern this offseason. Ferndale should be a very interesting to watch next season.
North Farmington: The Raiders had a very strong season but they had a very tough fourth quarter where they were outscored 22-10 which resulted in a very disappointing 56-44 loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional semifinals. North Farmington loses a lot of proven talent in Ryan Hurst, Malaki Jackson, and Lee Hardy to graduation. They have Tyler Spratt and Landon Williams coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Program strength looks solid for the Raiders. It was a tough outcome for North Farmington. The Raiders will be a team to watch this offseason. They should be back next season.
