by orionontv | Feb 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday December 18th at 2:35 PM
Here are the likely district matchups with the formula posted by the MHSAA from last week for each team in the OAA.
Oak Park: The Knights have been playing some really good basketball as of late. They will be the B team in District 25 which means they will play Berkley in the pre-district. The winner will take on Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. Oak Park will need to step their game up if they want to pull off the upset in the pre-district. It will be a very tough matchup in a very tough district to say the least for the Knights.
Ferndale: The Eagles lack of games have hurt them this season and the MPR proves that. They will be the A team in District 58. Ferndale will play arch rival Ferndale University in the pre-district with the winner playing Warren Fitzgerald in the district semifinals. The Eagles have themselves to blame because they did not have enough games or points to pass Hazel Park for the second seed in the district this season.
Pontiac: The Phoenix will be the A team in District Five. They will clash with Waterford Kettering in the pre-district game. It’s a very interesting matchup with the Captains for Pontiac but either way they will have their hands full in this matchup.
Ferndale University: The Eagles will be the B team in District 58. They will have a rematch with arch rival Ferndale in the pre-district and if they can upset Ferndale then they would see unbeaten Warren Fitzgerald in the district semifinals. Brighter days are ahead for this program that has really struggled this season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had a very disappointing season but the postseason offers a fresh start. They will be the A team in their district and will play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the pre-district. If Avondale can get by the Titans then they would see the top seed Utica Ford II in the district semifinals which will be a very tough matchup. They have home court which helps but they have a very good Falcons program that they might have to deal with in the district semifinals. It will be a very tough road ahead for the Yellow Jackets.
Farmington: The Falcons will be the B team in District 26. Farmington will see Detroit Henry Ford in the pre-district but if they get by Detroit Henry Ford then they will see Farmington Hills Mercy in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a very tough road for Farmington especially with the season they have been having. The key for the Falcons will be is can they win the big non conference game and they haven’t been able to do that in recent years.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks will be the B team in District 27 despite winning the Blue but the MPR really hurt them. They will play Groves in the pre-district with the winner seeing Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals. Bloomfield Hills is getting better as a program but the MPR really failed them from being seeded in this district this season.
Adams: The Highlanders have had a really tough year this season. They will be the A team in District Six. Adams will play Stoney Creek in the pre-district. It will be a very tough matchup for Coach Joe Malburg going against the Cougars in a very tough district to say the least.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been decimated by injuries but they will have a chance to rest up being the number two seed in District 28 however Troy Athens has a very dangerous matchup with Utica in the district semifinals. If the Red Hawks can get by Utica then they could clash with top seed Utica Ford II in the district finals. It’s a tough road for Troy Athens in this district.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers will have the second seed in District 30. Harper Woods will have a very tough matchup with St. Clair Shores Lakeview in the district semifinals. The Huskies are under 500 at the moment but they are a very dangerous team. If the Pioneers can get by St. Clair Shores Lakeview then they will have a very dangerous matchup with the host Grosse Pointe North in the district finals pending if they can get by Grosse Pointe South. Either way the district finals looks very challenging for Harper Woods.
Seaholm: The Maples have had a very rough season but they did some great news when it came to where they were placed. Seaholm barely edged out Bloomfield Hills for the number two seed in District 27. They will have a very interesting matchup with Troy in the district semifinals and if they get by the Colts then they would see either Birmingham Marian, Groves, or Bloomfield Hills in the district finals. Seaholm is in a great spot to get to the district finals but Troy will be very tricky for them.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have been struggling as of late. Royal Oak will be the C team in District 25. They will have a very interesting matchup with Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals with the winner seeing Detroit Renaissance or Berkley in the district finals. There is still time for the Ravens to find that magic from the past especially in a very favorable matchup with the Mustangs. Anything can happen in the postseason.
Berkley: The Bears battled Detroit Mumford for the second seed however they lost out by three points which means Berkley will be the A team in District 25 and play Oak Park in the pre-district. They could see Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals but they do have a shot if they play with nothing to lose like they did last season in the district finals in Detroit. The Phoenix will be motivated if it’s the Bears they play. It will be a tough road for Berkley despite having home court in the postseason but anything can happen to say the least.
North Farmington: The Raiders are locked into the second seed in District 26 but they have a very tough road ahead despite having home court. North Farmington will have to see Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals and if they can get by the Warriors then they would have their district finals rematch on their home court against Farmington Hills Mercy. If these two teams meet, I like the Raiders chances despite problems in the interior. Home court helps big time and that should favor a team like North Farmington.
Oxford: The Wildcats are locked into the two seed in District Four. They will get the host school in Lapeer in the district semifinals. Oxford has beaten Lapeer earlier this season on their home floor. If they get by the Lightning they will likely see Grand Blanc in the district finals. The Bobcats have knocked the Wildcats out of the postseason in the last two years however even though Oxford is without Nevaeh Wood (ACL injury) they have a shot at beating Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc has three very good players but they aren’t the same as in past years. The Wildcats have a shot as mentioned but they need to play very well if they want to get to the regionals.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are going to be the C team in District 26. Southfield Arts and Tech will have a rematch with North Farmington in the district semifinals. In talking to Sean Cotter, he mentioned that the Warriors are a very dangerous team and could give the Raiders problems which they did in the first matchup but North Farmington found a way and won that game. Southfield Arts and Tech will need to shore up the defense to have a shot against the Raiders. If they do then they could get that matchup with Farmington Hills Mercy in the district finals. Southfield Arts and Tech has a chance but they need to beat North Farmington in order to get to where they want to go.
Troy: The Colts have had a ton of growing pains and injuries this season. They will be the C team in District 27. They will play Seaholm in the district semifinals which looks very interesting. If the Colts can get to the district finals which looks very manageable then it could help them going into the future win or lose.
Groves: The Falcons are in a very tough spot in the postseason. They are the A team in District 27 despite beating Seaholm in the regular season. Groves will play Bloomfield Hills in the pre-district and if they can win that game they will see Birmingham Marian on the Mustangs home court in the district semifinals. The Falcons if they can get by Bloomfield Hills has a shot to beat Birmingham Marian but they will need to play very well to do so. There always is a chance but it’s a tough chore for Groves to see if they can win this district.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars could not get the two seed in District Six with Utica Eisenhower’s blowout win over St. Clair Shores Lakeview on Friday night. That means that Stoney Creek will be the B team in the district. The Cougars were the top seed in the district when they fell to Lake Orion whom was the A team last season. Stoney Creek will play Adams in the pre-district with the winner seeing Rochester in the district semifinals and whomever wins that matchup sees Utica Eisenhower. The Cougars are in a very similar boat as Lake Orion was last season at this time.
Clarkston: The Wolves are locked into the number two seed in District Five despite having home court. They will likely see Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. Clarkston will likely see arch rival Lake Orion in the district finals in what should be a very interesting matchup with the Dragons.
Rochester: The Falcons have had a really good season. They will have the number one seed in District Six but a very challenging path is ahead of them. Rochester has home court and a lot of motivation if they want to snap a four year district final losing streak. They could see Stoney Creek in the district semifinals and possibly Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. If the Falcons want to win the district crown then they would have to go through two very good teams to get there.
Lake Orion: The Dragons have had a really good season. Lake Orion is locked into the number one seed in District Five. They will get either Pontiac or Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals with likely seeing Clarkston in the district finals. Lake Orion will be a very interesting team to watch in the postseason.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers are locked into the number one seed in District Seven. The defending Division One State Champs will see either Walled Lake Central or Walled Lake Western in the district semifinals. They should get to the district finals and see either Lakeland or Walled Lake Northern. West Bloomfield should be riding with confidence heading into the postseason.
by orionontv | Feb 23, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday February 19th at 6:00 PM
The district formula was released today. The official matchups will be released next Sunday. I wrote the scenarios for each team going forward. The formula will be on the bottom to take a look at.
Pontiac: The Phoenix have had a very difficult season. They have a tough district path ahead of them in District Six. Pontiac would have a very interesting matchup with Waterford Kettering in the pre-district. If the Phoenix were to get past the Captains then they would have a rematch with Waterford Mott in the district semifinals and if they somehow pull off the upset then they would likely see Clarkston in the district finals. Either way it’s a tough path for Pontiac in the postseason.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have a tough path ahead of them. They are the B team in District 59 which means they will see Hazel Park in the pre-district and if they win that game they would see arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. With where they are at with the MPR this will be the likely outcome for Ferndale University.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had things very rough as of late. They made a coaching change mid-season which can always be tough. Avondale is the A team right now in District Six. If this holds and it could very well be the case with the MPR standings they would play Clarkston in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets have a really tough path this postseason for sure.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers are in a very interesting race when it comes to the MPR. They are the second seed for now but Grosse Pointe North is right behind them. Grosse Pointe South is the top seed in District 30. Harper Woods would play Grosse Pointe North either way if they are the two seed or the A team in the district semifinals. Roseville and St. Clair Shores Lakeview are locked into play each other in the pre-district. A clash with the Norsemen is very likely no matter the outcome for the Pioneers.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been up and down this season. They have a very tough district in District 26. Southfield Arts and Tech would be the C team in the bracket which means they would play Livonia Stevenson in the pre-district and if they can get by the Spartans then they would play North Farmington in the district semifinals. The Warriors have a tough path that is for sure.
Royal Oak: The Ravens have been improving as a program but the postseason is another animal where this program needs to take the next step. Royal Oak is the D team in District 25 which means they would have a really difficult matchup with Detroit Renaissance in the pre-district. If they somehow get by the Phoenix then they would play Oak Park in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a tough path for Royal Oak but if they are executing at a high level then maybe there is always a chance.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are in a battle for the second seed in District 28 with Utica. If Troy Athens can keep the second seed they would play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the district semifinals but if Utica passes them then they would be the B team and play Utica Ford II in the pre-district which would mean they would play arch rival Troy in the district semifinals pending if they can get by the Falcons. The Red Hawks would like that second seed which would mean a much easier matchup with Sterling Heights Stevenson then having to play in the pre-district and deal with your arch rival in the district semifinals.
Seaholm: The Maples will have things very tough this postseason. They are the B team in District 28 which means they would play arch rival Groves in the pre-district. If Seaholm can get by Groves then they would see Birmingham Brother Rice whom is the top seed in the district semifinals. This is a very tough path for the Maples if they want to make some noise in this district.
Oxford: The Wildcats have a very difficult path ahead of them. They are right now the C team in District Four but if they win out they have an outside chance of catching Davison for the second seed. Oxford will play Lapeer in the pre-district with the winner playing top seed Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a very tough path for sure for the Wildcats.
Berkley: The Bears have been a very odd team to figure out. If things hold despite having home court they are the A team in District 25 which means they would play Detroit Mumford in the pre-district. If Berkley gets by the Mustangs they would play Detroit-University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals. It will be a tough matchup for the Bears but they have home court which helps. Berkley is the wildcard in this district that is for sure.
Rochester: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in District Five. If Lake Orion were to get the two seed they would be the A team and play Stoney Creek in the pre-district however if Utica Eisenhower were to get the second seed then they would be the B team and play Lake Orion which is a much tougher matchup. Either way Rochester is likely playing in pre-district but the opponent is to be determined.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have had a really rough year this season but things could change with the postseason. Stoney Creek is in a very interesting spot in District Five. They won’t be seeded which means they would play in the pre-district no matter what happens. The Cougars are the C team which means they would play Rochester if Lake Orion is the second seed. If Utica Eisenhower is the second seed then they would play Romeo in the pre-district. Either way for Stoney Creek it’s a difficult matchup to say the least
Groves: The Falcons have had a very good year for Coach Marc West. Their postseason path is very challenging. They are the A team in District 28 which means they would rematch arch rival Seaholm in the pre-district. If they win that game then they would play Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals which is a very tall task. It’s going to be a tall order for Groves but they could be a dangerous team for Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals for sure.
Farmington: The Falcons are much better than their record indicates and that makes them a very dangerous team come this postseason. They would be the A team in District 26 which would mean they would play Detroit Henry Ford in the district semifinals. If they can win that game then they would have a rematch with arch rival North Farmington in the district finals. I don’t see the Falcons passing Detroit Henry Ford for the second seed so this would be the likely matchup unless things change which seems very unlikely.
Lake Orion: The Dragons are in a very complex spot when it comes to the postseason. They are the two seed right now but that could change if Utica Eisenhower passes them for the two seed. The Dragons would receive the bye if this pans out which means they would see either Utica Eisenhower or Romeo in the district semifinals. However if the Eagles pass them they would be the A team and play Rochester in the pre-district with the winner playing Adams in the district semifinals. There is a lot to play for, for Lake Orion especially with some monster games coming up.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers have had a big turnaround this season. The district could be a very tall task for West Bloomfield. They are the D team in District 28 which means they would have a rematch with Bloomfield Hills. If they can win that game then they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. I like this path for the Lakers if they can knock off Bloomfield Hills which they have already done on their home floor and I’m not real trustworthy of the Eaglets in the postseason.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have been up and down recently. Bloomfield Hills is in a very tough district despite having home court. They likely won’t be seeded which means they are the C team in District 28 where they will rematch West Bloomfield in the pre-district. If they can beat the Lakers then they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals and if they win that game they would clash with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals. Like West Bloomfield, I like the Blackhawks path pending if they can get by the Lakers. It’s really hard for me to trust the Eaglets this postseason with their distractions. Expect Noah Adamcyzk to make a ton of noise on his home court.
Troy: The Colts have the top seed in District 28 all but locked up. Troy will likely see either Utica Ford II or Utica/Troy Athens in the district semifinals. The Colts matchup very well in this district. Either way Troy is in a great position to do well although Utica could be an issue but not likely at the moment.
Adams: The Highlanders look like they will have the top seed in District Five but if they keep losing then watch for Utica Eisenhower and Lake Orion. If things hold to where they stand, Adams would play either Rochester or Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. However if they let the Eagles or Dragons pass them then things could get very interesting. Adams would be the two seed if they get passed or they would be the B team in the district if both teams pass them and would have to play in the pre-district. There is a lot to play for Adams but if they keep winning then the top seed in the district is theirs.
Clarkston: The Wolves have home court in District Six and have the top seed all but locked up. If this were the case which it likely will be they would play Avondale in the district semifinals and should they win that game they will have that rematch with Waterford Mott in the district finals. I don’t really see Clarkston getting jumped by Waterford Mott like they were but then again Wolves fans know what happened last season.
Oak Park: The Knights are in a battle with Detroit Renaissance for the second seed in District 25. They hold that seed at the moment which means they would play Detroit Renaissance or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. If the Phoenix pass them then they would be the C team and play Royal Oak in the pre-district. Oak Park looks very good for the second seed which should help them. This is a program that wants Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the worst way possible. Could this be the year that the Knights get the Cubs??? We’ll see.
Ferndale: The Eagles postseason path looks very secure with where they are at in the MPR. They would be locked into the top seed in District 59. Ferndale would play either Ferndale University or Hazel Park in the district semifinals. If they can win that game then they would likely see Detroit Old Redford in the district finals. Either way this is a great path for the Eagles in the postseason.
North Farmington: The Raiders are the top team in the MPR, have home court, and have the top seed locked up in District 26. There likely won’t be any changes which means they would see either Southfield Arts and Tech or Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals and if they win that they could see Detroit Henry Ford or Farmington in the district finals. North Farmington is in a really good spot to make some noise in the postseason.
Here is the MPR formula for Boys Basketball.
https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2022-23/2022-23%20FINAL%20BBB.pdf
by orionontv | Feb 22, 2023 | Regional News
County Executive Coulter Hails the New Members of Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class for 2023
- This is the 11th class highlighting some of the best young professionals living and working in Oakland County.
- Their work and service to community align with County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together vision for the future.
- Photos of each member of the Class of 2023 are available at www.oakgov.com/40Under40.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced the new members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 today.
The 11th Oakland Together 40 Under 40 class honors young professionals who live and/or work in Oakland County. These individuals exemplify Oakland Together, Coulter’s vision for a community working together to leverage its strengths, address its challenges, and find value in working with regional partners.
“It was a challenge picking just 40 people for this Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. But this group of impressive individuals offers a glimpse of the leaders of today and the future,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “From medical researchers to teachers and lawyers, elected officials, public servants and non-profit leaders, these remarkable people are helping to keep us healthy and safe, working with the most vulnerable among us and providing valuable public service to their communities.”
Approximately 175 candidates, born after Dec. 31, 1982, applied for the recognition. A panel of independent judges selected the new class. Among the members are a cancer researcher, a reading specialist, a city finance director and firefighter, and a lawyer and young leader in the Jewish community.
Julio Pimentel
Pimentel, a 31-year-old Oak Park resident, is a nationally recognized cancer researcher specializing in the aggressive breast cancer TNBC which disproportionately impacts minority populations such as African American and Hispanic/Latina women. He is a volunteer peer mentor with Detroit FocuSSTEM Next Generation Program, aiming to increase diversity in STEM education. He is a Ph.D. candidate at Wayne State University.
Amy Schroeder
Schroeder, 39, of Madison Heights, is a teacher and reading specialist in Lamphere Schools. Her passion for youth extends beyond the classroom to the Madison Heights Youth Assistance of which she is president. She also volunteers monthly with Forgotten Harvest and Goodfellows.
Anthony Moggio
Moggio, 37, serves the City of Rochester in two capacities: Not only is he the finance director and treasurer, but he also has protected the community as veteran member of the Rochester Fire Department for 20 years. He is committed to continuing education and leadership in both roles. He lives in Rochester Hills.
Danielle DePriest
DePriest, a 32-year-old lawyer and shareholder at Zausmer, P.C., is the president of NEXTGen Detroit, the young adult division of Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. She also is a member of the Executive Committee of Jewish Family Services where she co-chairs the Leadership Committee. She calls West Bloomfield home.
Below is a complete list of the members of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. They will be honored at a reception preceding Coulter’s State of the County address March 14, 2023. For more information, click on www.oakgov.com/40Under40:
- Shadi Alawneh, 37, Lake Orion, Assistant Professor, Oakland University
- Brandon Barlog, 30, Auburn Hills, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
- Jeremy Bowie, 34, Pontiac, Attorney, The Perkins Law Group, PLLC
- Jeffrey Bozell, 36, Birmingham, Tax ESG Manager, KPMG US
- Anthony Henry Buffa, 32, Wixom, Director of Government Affairs, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- Lilian Crum, 37, Bloomfield Hills, Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and Design and Associate Professor, Lawrence Technological University
- Josh Curie, 36, Hazel Park, Owner, Clinical Director and Lead Therapist, Josh Curie & Associates Therapy
- Danielle DePriest, 32, West Bloomfield, Shareholder, Zausmer PC
- Qamar Lina Enayah, 33, Grand Blanc, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County
- Stephanie Fakih, 35, Bloomfield Hills, Founder & Principal Attorney, Rights First Law PC
- Dr. Hernando C. Flowers, 35, Belleville, Workforce Development Manager, Barton Malow Company
- Jillian Geyman, 35, Fenton, Director, Oakland County Michigan Work! Waterford/Gesher Human Services
- Keenan Gottschall, 34, Wixom, Realtor, Real Estate One
- Christopher J. Hagan, 34, Lake Orion, Captain / Paramedic, Orion Township Fire Department
- Shaun Hayes, 32, Clarkston, Executive Director, Paint Creek Center for the Arts
- Vincent C. Kirkwood, 36, West Bloomfield, Executive Director, Playworks
- Sarah Knipper, 36, Royal Oak, Senior Physical Therapist, Beaumont Health Rehabilitation Services
- Commissioner Brandon Kolo, 37, Royal Oak, President & Director of Projects, Main Street Service Group
- Dr. Kat Lewitzke, PsyD LP, 36, West Bloomfield Township, Owner and Clinic Director, Bright Pine Behavioral Health
- Ayush Mathur, 32, Novi, Principal Consultant, Elevance Health
- Tammy McCrory MA LLP, BCBA, 37, Farmington HIlls, CEO, McCrory Center
- Mike McGuinness, 38, Pontiac, Executive Director, Berkley Downtown Development Authority
- Allie Mercer, 25, Rochester Hills, Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, Common Ground
- Sean R. Miller, 36, Davisburg, Township Clerk, Springfield Charter Township
- Anthony Moggio, 37, Rochester Hills, Finance Director / Treasurer, City of Rochester
- Sarah Moreau, 31, Oakland Township, Communications Supervisor – BOC, Oakland County
- Julio M. Pimentel, 31, Oak Park, PhD Candidate in Cancer Biology, Wayne State University
- Erika Riggs, 36, Troy, Partner, Disability Law Group
- Jennifer Roccanti, 38, Rochester, Executive Director, On My Own of Michigan
- Kristin Rossi, 39, Rochester Hills, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Parkinson Foundation
- Audrey Ryskamp, 32, Commerce Township, Grassroots Marketing Manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group
- Amy Schroder, 39, Madison Heights, Reading Specialist, Lamphere School District
- David Sheaffer, Esq., 34, Southfield, Senior Law Clerk to Justice Elizabeth M. Welch, Michigan Supreme Court
- Matt Shell, 39, Lake Orion, US Tax Counsel, Magna International
- Scott Stewart, 29, Pontiac, Vice President of Programs, Pontiac Community Foundation
- Johnnie Turnage, 29, Farmington Hills, CEO/Founder, EvenScore
- Angel Turner, 37, Southfield, Manager – Industrial Engineering, Consumers Energy
- Amber Cheri Williams, 36, West Bloomfield, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist / Health and Wellness Educator, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA – 1A)
- Kara Woodliff, 37, Rochester Hills, Healthcare Data Analyst, Oakland Community Health Network
- Kristen N. Zdankiewicz, 32, Shelby Township, Sergeant – Emergency Response and Preparedness Unit – Recruiter, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
