Education Budget Making Highest State Per-Pupil Investment

Education Budget Making Highest State Per-Pupil Investment

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Education Budget Making Highest State Per-Pupil Investment Ever, Funding School Infrastructure, Teacher Recruitment

Historic budget will improve every kid’s in-class experience, build up school facilities, recruit and train skilled educators, boost on-campus mental health resources, shore up school safety

 

FLINT, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan education budget that will make the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history, invest half a billion dollars in school infrastructure, fund teacher recruitment, bolster school safety, expand mental health resources, and so much more.

 

“Every kid in every district deserves to feel safe and supported in school, and I am proud today to sign a historic, bipartisan education budget that will make game-changing investments to improve every student’s in-class experience,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The budget makes the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history to help schools buy new textbooks, offer more personalized instruction, and bolster AP and honors classes. It also bolsters resources for special education, at-risk funding, and career and technical education while expanding slots in free after-school and preschool programs. Finally, to improve the on-campus experience, the budget invests a quarter of a billion dollars in school infrastructure to build or renovate everything from classrooms, computer labs, and libraries, and significantly expands teacher recruitment programs so we attract and train thousands of educators every year. This budget is proof of what is possible when we put our students first and stay focused on getting things done.”

 

“On behalf of MEA’s 120,000 members from across the state, we would like to thank Gov. Whitmer for listening to the voices of educators and taking our expertise to heart in developing this transformative education budget,” said Paula Herbart, President of the Michigan Education Association and a veteran teacher from Macomb County. “The governor’s new budget will help address serious challenges in our local schools, including the educator shortage, student mental health, and post-pandemic learning support. Every child deserves a quality education and an opportunity for success, and the governor’s budget will go a long way toward achieving that vital goal.”

 

“Gov. Whitmer has worked effectively with the legislature and came through for students and educators, this time with a strong budget that represents the largest per-pupil investment in our state’s history. The increase in support for at-risk and special education students is critical, as it will better position schools to set vulnerable kids up for success. The move to further invest in both career and technical education and colleges and universities also reaffirms the governor’s commitment to strengthening our economy and ensuring Michigan students have options for their future,” said David Hecker, President of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan.

 

“This year’s budget is going to pay huge dividends for our students now and into the future,” said Jason Messenger, Principal of Portage West Middle School and President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors. “In addition to increasing funding for our students with the greatest need, the significant investments in mental health and school safety will help ensure that students are safe and supported at school so they can reach their potential. The funding for new teacher recruitment is an important step in building back our educator workforce so all Michigan students have access to the education professionals who support their learning. Thank you to Governor Whitmer and the legislature for passing a historic budget that invests in all students.”

 

Education Budget by the Numbers

  • $9,150 per-pupil funding for every kid, in every public school district, highest state amount ever.
  • $214 per-pupil mental health and school safety funding for every kid, in every public school district.
  • Additional funding to meet students’ individual needs for all of the nearly 200,000 special education and 710,000 at-risk students.
  • 1,300 more free preschool slots in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
  • $250 million for school infrastructure.
  • $10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future Michigan educators every year.

 

Education Budget Breakdown

The education budget can be divided into six key sections: students, mental health, learning supports, student safety, school infrastructure, and teacher recruitment.

 

1) Students

For our students, the highest state per-pupil funding in Michigan history—$9,150 for students in every district. Additional support for the nearly 200,000 special education students and 710,000 at-risk students in Michigan. An expansion of free preschool under the Great Start Readiness Program to 1,300 more kids. Expanding funding for career and technical education programs by 27%.

 

2) Mental Health

Dedicated mental health dollars for every student in every school. Increasing funding for teen centers, district mental health grants, and TRAILS, which offers training to school mental health professionals so they can better serve students with evidence-based services.

 

3) Learning Supports

An expansion of before and after-school programs to keep kids engaged. Funding for the MI Kids Back on Track, Governor Whitmer’s proposal to offer every kid in Michigan tutoring to help catch up and get on track for long-term success, and resources for districts to develop learning pods for academically at-risk and economically disadvantaged students.

 

4) Student Safety

Dedicated school safety dollars for every student in every school. Funds to hire more on-campus school resources officers, create an intervention system for at-risk students that brings together law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals, and establish a school safety commission.

 

5) School Infrastructure

$250 million for school infrastructure. Resources to help schools build or refurbish classrooms, labs, and libraries. Funds to assess current state of school infrastructure, determine further funding.

 

6) Teacher Recruitment

Funding MI Future Educator Fellowships, which pay up to $10,000 in tuition for 2,500 future Michigan educators every year, $9,600 stipends a semester for student teachers, and Grow-Your-Own programs that help districts put support staff on no-cost paths to become educators. Additional funding for career and technical education educators and the Troops-to-Teachers program that connects veterans with mentor teachers as they work to become certified educators. Finally, a robust investment to guarantee retired teachers have a stable, secure retirement.

 

Education Bill Signing

Education Bill Signing

Education Bill Signing

 

Important New Federal Rule to Regulate Ghost Guns

Important New Federal Rule to Regulate Ghost Guns

by | Jul 12, 2022 | Regional News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 12, 2022

Media contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel Joins Coalition of 20 Attorneys General Backing Important New Federal Rule to Regulate Ghost Guns and make Communities Safer

Amicus Brief Continues Efforts to Support Common-Sense Gun Regulations and Improve Public Safety as these Weapons have Proliferated Across the Country

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a group of 20 Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief supporting an important new federal rule regulating “ghost guns”: unserialized weapons that are often made at home from weapon parts kits or partially complete frames and receivers and can be purchased without background checks.

The rule would help ensure that buyers pass background checks before purchasing such kits and that law enforcement officers can trace any self-made guns that are later used in a crime. It would also limit gun traffickers’ ability to distribute these dangerous weapons into Michigan.

“On average, more than 1,200 Michigan residents die each year from gun violence,” Nessel said. “Ghost guns continue to proliferate our streets and I have been asking ATF to close the dangerous loophole that keeps these weapons from being subject to the same regulations as other firearms. So I gladly stand with my colleagues in supporting this new common-sense rule.”

In recent years, Michigan and other states have seen an exponential increase in the number of ghost guns recovered by law enforcement. Absent federal enforcement, these dangerous weapons have continued to proliferate, including in states that have tried to regulate ghost guns themselves. The Final Rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) helps curb this problem by serving as a vital backstop to existing state efforts to stem the flow of ghost guns.

The ATF’s Final Rule regulates ghost guns by clarifying critical definitions in the Gun Control Act. Specifically, the Final Rule makes it clear that weapon parts kits and partially complete frames or receivers—the key building blocks for ghost guns—are “firearms” under the Act if they can be readily converted to function as such. In making this sensible clarification, the Final Rule helps ensure that these kits and partially complete frames or receivers are subject to the same serialization and background check requirements as conventionally manufactured guns. This helps close a dangerous loophole in firearms regulation that enabled people to evade existing gun laws and get their hands on these dangerous weapons.

A copy of the brief is available here.

The brief was led by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine and the Attorneys General of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and joined by the Attorneys General of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads

Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads

by | Jul 11, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects in Berrien, Cheboygan, Lenawee, Mackinac, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Oakland, and Wayne Counties Starting This Week

In 2022, Gov. Whitmer is making the largest investment in state roads and bridges in Michigan’s history

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced nine major road projects slated to begin this week in Berrien, Cheboygan, Lenawee, Mackinac, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Oakland, and Wayne counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects include the I-94 resurfacing project in Berrien County, preparation work for the I-75 repair and rebuilding project in Cheboygan County, the M-50 resurfacing and improvement project in Lenawee County, the US-2 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Mackinac County, the US-31/M-22 roundabout project in Manistee County, US-131 rebuilding in Mecosta County, M-91 Flat River bridge improvements in Montcalm County, I-96 Flex Route update in Oakland County and the next phase of work on I-275 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Wayne County. These investments are expected to support 7,838 jobs.

 

“Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money. These investments in Berrien, Cheboygan, Lenawee, Mackinac, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Oakland, and Wayne counties will support 7,838 jobs, and help Michiganders go to work, run errands, and explore our beautiful state safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office through the end of 2022, we will have invested 70% more in our roads than the previous four years to fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs. Both my Rebuilding Michigan Plan and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan are helping us build safe, reliable infrastructure that makes a difference for families and small business across the state. I hope you all like orange because you’ll be seeing a lot of cones and barrels throughout summer. I’m proud of what we have accomplished, so let’s keep moving dirt and getting it done.”

 

US-2 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Mackinac County 

MDOT will invest $7.9 million to resurface about 10 miles of US-2 from the Cut River to Worth Road and from Wildwood lane to Brevort Lake Road. Work includes cold milling and asphalt resurfacing, joint repairs, guardrail replacements, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 100 jobs.

 

Funding for the 2.5-mile, $2 million segment of this project from Cut River to Worth Road is made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

 

County:

Mackinac

Highway:

US-2

Closest town:

Brevort

Start date:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Estimated end date:

October 2022

Traffic restrictions:

Drivers should expect lane closures with alternating traffic maintained by traffic regulators.

Safety benefit:

This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

US-2 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Mackinac County project profile

I-96 Flex Route update in Oakland County

The MDOT I-96 Flex Route project continues with work on the Wixom Road bridge over I-96 for approximately 10 days. Based on economic modeling, this $269 million investment is expected to support 3,416 jobs.

 

Funding for the 2.5-mile, $2 million segment of this project from Cut River to Worth Road is made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

 

There may be additional changes to this stretch of the project, for up-to-date information on the I-96 Flex Route, go to DrivingOakland.org

 

County:

Oakland

Highway:

I-96

Closest Town:

Wixom

Start Date:

Monday, July 11, 2022

End Date:

Wednesday, July 11, 2022

Traffic Restrictions:

– Wixom Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction over I-96.

– The southbound Wixom Road ramp to eastbound I-96 will be closed. The detour will be eastbound Grand River Avenue to northbound Beck Road to I-96.

– The westbound I-96 ramp to southbound Wixom Road will be closed. The detour will be southbound Beck Road to westbound Grand River Avenue to Wixom Road.

– The northbound Wixom Road ramp to westbound I-96 will be closed. The detour will be westbound Grand River Avenue to northbound Kent Lake Road to I-96.

Safety Benefit:

This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

I-96 Flex Route update in Oakland County project profile

Next Phase of Work on I-275 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Wayne County

Southbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 will be closed through early August. Crews need to rebuild the area where southbound I-275 is currently crossing the work zone to exit to I-94. Based on economic modeling, the Revive 275 project and its $270 million investment is expected to support 3,429 jobs. Project information can be found at Revive275.org.

 

Funding for this project is made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program.

 

County:

Wayne

Highway:

I-275 ramps to I-94

Closest Towns:

Romulus, Plymouth, Canton

Start Date:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Estimated End Date:

August 2022

Traffic Restrictions:

All traffic will be detoured further south on southbound I-275 to eastbound Eureka Road, then northbound I-275 to eastbound/westbound I-94.

 

This closure and detour will cause heavier traffic at the Eureka Road entrance to Metro Airport, which may cause delays. Plan extra time or an alternate route.

Safety Benefit:

 In addition to rebuilding the three lanes and shoulders, crews will be improving the drainage in that area and surface coating the concrete of the southbound I-275 bridge to eastbound I-94 that was rebuilt last year, along with maintenance work on the westbound I-94 bridge over the exits (cleaning, painting, etc.).

I-275 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Wayne County

I-94 Resurfacing Project in Berrien County  

MDOT will be investing $5.9 million to resurface 5.4 miles of I-94 between Kruger Road and Three Oaks Road. Work includes milling and asphalt resurfacing, shoulder corrugations, and new pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support nearly 75 jobs.

 

County:

Berrien

Highway:

I-94

Closest Towns:

New Buffalo and Sawyer

Start Date:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Estimated End Date:

Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

Traffic Restrictions:

Lane closures and traffic shifts.

Safety Benefit:

This work will repair and preserve the pavement, extending the life of the roadway and providing a safer and smoother driving surface.

 

Preparation Work for the I-75 Repair and Rebuilding Project in Cheboygan County 

MDOT will begin preparation work for a two-year, $52 million investment to rebuild 9 miles of I-75 from Levering Road to US-31 in Cheboygan County. Work this season will include widening the paved shoulder of southbound I-75 and building three crossovers to help maintain traffic during the rebuilding portion of the project. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 693 jobs.

 

The southern half of the project is scheduled to be built in 2023 while the northern half is scheduled for 2024. The project includes removing the 1950s-era concrete roadway, which has been susceptible to joint deterioration, particularly during extreme summer temperatures.

 

County:

Cheboygan

Highway:

I-75

Closest Towns:

Mackinaw City and Topinabee

Start Date:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Estimated End Date:

November 2022

Traffic Restrictions:

Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts.

Safety Benefit:

This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

 

M-50 Resurfacing and Improvement Project in Lenawee County

MDOT is investing approximately $1 million for resurfacing and improvements of M-50 from Sunset Drive to the River Raisin bridge. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 13 jobs.

 

County:

Lenawee

Highway:

M-50 (Monroe Road)

Closest Town:

Tecumseh

Start Date:
…
AG Nessel to Host Second Robocall Summit

AG Nessel to Host Second Robocall Summit

by | Jul 11, 2022 | Regional News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 11, 2022

Media contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel to Host Second Robocall Summit in partnership with Ohio AG and NAAG

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host the 2022 Robocall Summit, sponsored by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) this week in Detroit

The conference, set to take place July 12-13 at the Westin Book Cadillac, will include attorneys general from across the country, with events on July 12 open to law enforcement, government officials and government employees and events on July 13 open to the public.

“I’m proud to again partner with AG Yost and reinforce our commitment to combating robocalls,” Nessel said. “Michiganders can continue to report these nuisance calls through our robocall complaint form to support us in this ongoing effort.”

The Michigan Department of Attorney General’s robocall complaint form is available online. In April, Nessel partnered with YouMail, a platform that engages traceback technology to assist in determining the source of robocalls, to take action against these illegal calls to the next level.

To learn more about the summit, click here. Members of the press who want access can contact NAAG Communications Manager Ashley Wynstra.
Oakland County WIC Project FRESH event expands

Oakland County WIC Project FRESH event expands

by | Jul 11, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County WIC Project FRESH event expands to Farmington

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division’s Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program is hosting three Project FRESH events this July offering eligible WIC participants $25 for fresh fruits and vegetables. Project FRESH provides pregnant or breastfeeding woman, and children ages 1-5 years who participate in Oakland County’s WIC program coupons to purchase locally grown produce from authorized farmers, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands throughout Michigan.

“Project FRESH is always a great event for our WIC families”, says Calandra Green, Ed.D., Oakland County health officer. “It helps increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables available to our participants, and also positively impact our local farmers and economy.”

Project FRESH will take place the following days:

  • Saturday, July 9 at Farmington Farmers Market, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, from 9a.m. – 1p.m.
  • Saturday, July 23 at Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd. in Waterford, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 27 at Oak Park Farmers Market,13701 Oak Park Blvd. in Oak Park, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Only one coupon book will be issued per family. Appointments are not required. Project FRESH occurs once a year and coupons are distributed on a first come, first served basis.  Coupons must be used by Oct. 31, 2022.

Both the July 23 and July 27 Project FRESH events will take place during Oakland County’s Family Market Day. Oakland County Health Division’s Healthy Oakland Partnership encourages residents to participate in their annual Family and Senior Market Days this summer. Residents with a State of Michigan Bridge/EBT card or WIC Project Fresh coupons will receive an additional $5 coupon to purchase produce from local farmers on Family Market Days, and residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon on Senior Market Days.

For up-to-date public health information, visit oakgov.com/health and follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter. Nurse on Call is available to answer health-related questions Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. For media inquiries only, please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media & communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

About the WIC Program

The WIC program enables families to eat well and stay healthy by providing supplemental healthy foods, nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support, immunizations, referrals to health care, public health nurses, registered dietitians, and many other helpful services. WIC is open to low to middle income pregnant women; infants; children under five years; women who recently had a baby up to six months after delivery, including miscarriages; and breastfeeding women up to one year after delivery.

Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023

Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Districts are Out-2023.

Written Tuesday June 21st at 11:15 PM

Hello to everyone, these are the Boys Basketball Districts. The Girls Basketball Districts will be out tomorrow.

If Basketball coaches want their thoughts on the districts posted on the blog, just DM me on Twitter and I’ll get them on there.

This article will be updated very often.

District 6 @ Clarkston

CLARKSTON

PONTIAC

AVONDALE

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Waterford Mott

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: John Kaul-Clarkston

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. I’m still at a loss for words with how Clarkston didn’t get the top seed in the district last season and Waterford Mott ended up getting that spot. They should be the favorite in this district with home court and proven experience. The Wolves have Brayden Wiley, Desman Stephens, Brody Kosin, John Kaul, Zach Scherler, Cole Church, Zach Pflidger, and Cavanaugh Diton coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Waterford Mott won the Lakes Valley, had the top seed in the district, and home court but fell to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Corsairs have Dequantre Warren, Jacoby Menyweathers, Octave Lawerence, Davon Warren, Kalieb Osborn, Devin Lewis, Davis Ellis, and Jake Martin coming back for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering struggled last season with a late coaching change two weeks before the season started last season. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Isac Moore, Will Campbell, Kevin Meredith, and Christopher Bowman coming back for former Farmington Hills Harrison and Hazel Park coach Stefan Wilson. Pontiac really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back season. The Phoenix have Daveon Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglas coming back for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved and have played really well in the summer. The Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Justin Sykes, Terry Daniel, DJ White, Issac Gordon, Jeremiah Phillips, and Darren Pagel coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. This should be a rematch of the district finals from last season between the Wolves and the Corsairs but anything is possible.

 

District 5 @ Utica Eisenhower

LAKE ORION

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Utica Eisenhower

 

FAVORITE: Adams

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

DARKHORSE: Lake Orion

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Mychajulk-Utica Eisenhower

EARLY THOUGHTS:  This is the same district as last season. Could this district be Macomb County revenge??? It looks like it but Oakland County could spoil things like what happened last season when Lake Orion played Rochester Adams. Utica Eisenhower really improved during the second half of last year but fell to the Dragons in the district semifinals last season. They have proven experience and home court in the district. The Eagles have Ethan Mychajulk, Braden Buza, Preston Crumm, Jackson McHale, Hayden Bills, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, and Kyle O’Reilly coming back for Coach Tom Antishin. Romeo won the Macomb Area White last season but was blown out by Utica Eisenhower in the first round on their home floor. They have gotten past the first game once in the last four years (2021-Oxford.) The Bulldogs have Tim Kewey and Aiden Tague coming back for Coach Marv Cushingberry but someone has to step up for Romeo to take the next step. Stoney Creek really struggled last season. They have a new coach. The Cougars have Peyton Rummler, Tre Walker, Leo Kent, Tommasso Sincola, and Jonah McCay coming back for new coach Jeff Olind. Adams should be the favorite despite losing a lot of proven experience from winning the district crown last season. The Highlanders have Brady Prieskorn and Peter Karakasis coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Rochester should be very interesting. They lost a ton of proven experience after falling to Adams in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons have Alex Bueno, Jaiden Bolden, Elijah Kalaj, Joe Lulgjaraj, Grant Calcagno, Rex Matoud, and Kharmani Potts coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Lake Orion is the sleeper in this district despite making the district finals and getting the top seed last season. When they are motivated and have that chip on the shoulder they are very dangerous. The Dragons have Nate Havrilla, DJ Morrow, J’Mari Wiggins, Jordan Morse, Kevin Tobe, Brady Harwood, and Blake Leidell coming back for Coach Jose Andreadas. This is a very interesting district as mentioned, anything is possible.

 

District 4 @ Grand Blanc

OXFORD

Grand Blanc

Davison

Lapeer

Flint Kearsley

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison

 

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Davison

DARKHORSE: Oxford

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Lawson-Davison

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Grand Blanc has a ton of storylines. They have a new coach in Tory Jackson. Jackson has a ton of coaching experience at Bay City John Glenn. He takes over for Mike Thomas whom left to take the East Kentwood coaching job. Thomas led the Bobcats to two State Final appearances, winning the title in 2021 but they fell to Warren De LaSalle in the Division One State Finals last season. It will be very interesting to see how the transition goes at Grand Blanc but they will have home court. The Bobcats have Robert Williams, Tae Boyd, Amonte Allen-Johnson, Micah Welch, Anthony Perdue, RJ Taylor, Bryce O’Mara,Trevon Johnson, Jake Lindquist, Joe Nemeck, and Donnine Huddleston coming back for Jackson. Lapeer should be very interesting. They had a hot start but a cold finish last season. The Lightning have Owen Boyle, Matt Sierakowski, Alex Wells, and Matthew Smith coming back for Coach Greg McGeary. Davison has a very young core that had a ton of ups and downs last season. They have made a ton of strides this offseason. The Cardinals have Greg Lawson, Teon Armstrong, Buddy Williams, Zach Papadakis, Henry Carstaphen, and Braylen Himmelin coming back for Coach Mike Williams. Flint Kearsley should be very interesting. They relied heavily on the three point shot. The Hornets have Neely Dakari, Donovan Harrington, and Julienne Brandt coming back for Coach Joe Corkan. Oxford is a sleeper in this district. I wonder what Chicago Brothers Pizza Owner Dan Brown has to say about this district??? The Wildcats have Dominic Cassisse, Logan Rozanski, Lucas Botette, Jake Champagne, Kyle DiMalanta, Keaton Lynn, and Dylan Stone coming back for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Grand Blanc right now is the favorite but watch for Oxford and Davison as both teams could give the Bobcats some fits.

 

District 25 @ Berkley

BERKLEY

ROYAL OAK

OAK PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Detroit Renaissance

 

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Oak Park

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sonny Wilson-Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is the early favorite in this district because of their recent history and playing in the tough Catholic League will get you better for sure. They won the district and made the regional finals last season falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Cubs have Sonny Wilson, Tarrance Reed, Juilan Robinson, David Herron, Xavier Johnson, Zavier Banks, Sebestian Randolph, and Branden Walker coming back for Coach Tim Connely. They have Leroy Blyden waiting in the wings as well. Detroit Mumford had a really rough season last year. The Mustangs should be better for Coach Anthony Woods. Detroit Renaissance should be Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit’s toughest challenger in this district. They won 15 games but fell to the Cubs in the district semifinals last season. The Phoenix have Lance Stone, Dion Stinson, Jayson Gamblin, Jacob White, and Jayden Savoury coming back for Coach John White. Berkley can’t seem to get a break with the district despite having home court for the district. They are a possible sleeper in this district. The Bears have David Rolands, Tamir Runekvich, Riley Shafritz, Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, and Ian Smith coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Oak Park is a sleeper in this district. They will be looking to get that elusive district crown after falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the past two years (district semifinals in double overtime and in the district finals last season.) The Knights have Jason Harns, Robert Smith, Geon Hutchins, Kevin Tolliver, Soloman White, and LuJuan Holliday coming back for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak is another sleeper. They won the Gold last season and are looking for more. The Ravens have Camden Clark, Dylan Hoffman, Davis Arbeiter, Brady Schrem, Rashad Wilson, and Nick Hoffman coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. This district has the makings of very similar to last season.

 

District 26 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Henry Ford

Livonia Stevenson

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Detroit Henry Ford

 

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford

DARKHORSE: Livonia Stevenson

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Landon Williams-North Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Detroit Henry Ford comes into this district while Redford Thurston got moved to a different district. North Farmington should be the favorite in the district. They could be a possible State title contender with the proven experience they have coming back and they have home court for the second straight year. The Raiders have Landon Willams, Prince Jackson, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Ryan Hurst, Tyler Spratt, Donovan Williams, Dwayne Ray, Daemon Eubanks, Connor Childress, and Lamar Walls coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Farmington should be improved. The Falcons have DeAndre Green, Tony Tobert, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, Logan Robinson, Jaden Turner, and Luke Donehue coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Southfield Arts and Tech has a lot of proven experience in Greg Davis, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Bryce Hewins, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey coming back. They don’t have a coach yet. Detroit Henry Ford won 11 games last season under Coach Ken Flowers. The Trojans should be North Farmington’s toughest challenger in the district. Livonia Stevenson won 12 games last season should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Bailey Way, Dominick Jentzer, Nate Curtis, Maek Stein, Dylan McGlinch, Lucas Young, John Toth, and Chuck Davidek coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. The Raiders won this district last season but Detroit Henry Ford could give them fits, something to watch.

 

District 27 @ Bloomfield Hills

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

GROVES

SEAHOLM

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Birmingham Brother Rice

Orchard Lake St. Marys

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. Birmingham Brother Rice

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice

DARKHORSE: West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district with all six very proven teams. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded after winning the district and making the State Quarterfinals where they were upset on a buzzer beater against Warren De LaSalle last season. They should be the favorite in this district for the second straight season. The Eaglets have Trey McKenny, Chase Tonnies, and Aidan Hanks coming back for Coach Todd Cobert. They have several players to watch in Brandon Thomas, Devon Lewis, Sharad Barnes, Geno Seets and Jack Janda as well. Birmingham Brother Rice has a ton of proven experience. They should be motivated after falling to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals last season. The Warriors have Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, John Blackwell, Luke Salkowski, Warren Marshall, Quincy Twymon, Tom Labruzzy, Curtis Williams, Keithan Gilmore, and Chasr Van Ameyde coming back for Coach Ricky Palmer. They also have Logan Hamana as well. Bloomfield Hills is the wildcard in this district. They have the district’s best shooter. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, DJ Lee, CJ Jackson, Brandon Newland, Ahmad Taylor, and Henry Jackson coming back for new Coach Brian Canfield. Groves is very interesting. They have had a ton of ups and downs and they have a new coach whom is very familiar with the program. The Falcons have Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Elijah Yelder, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Josh Gibson coming back for returning Coach Marc West. They also have Josh Simpson as well. Seaholm is always scrappy and mentally tough. The Maples have Ben Diskin, Findlay Sparby, Rishi Thota, Abe Miller, and Jeff Sheldon coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. West Bloomfield should be much improved after a rough year last season. They have a ton of proven experience. The Lakers have Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Andrew Shewcraft, Terrance Curry, Isiaiah Bryant, Tory James, Louis Johnson, and Mitchell Seay coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. They have Cory Pittman as well in the program. This will be a very interesting district as mentioned but the Catholic League stands out but watch for West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.

 

District 28 @ Sterling Heights Stevenson

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

Utica

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson

 

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Sterling Heights Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Zach Penoza-Troy

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Troy is the early favorite in this district. The Colts have Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Nate Liberty, Carter Cusmano, Kyle Parker, Bryce Parker, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens should be very interesting. The Red Hawks has Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proefkee, Kyree Harper, Emmanuel Robinson, and Brogan Withun coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Sterling Heights Stevenson has a ton of proven experience and home court. The Titans have Austin Akrawi, Joesph Sotto, Justin James, Sam Kashat, Graham James, Caden Bollinger, Amuwha Mazino, Ronaldo Yaldo, Kryan Ross, Alex Moratalla, Daron Bobbitt, Joseph Malak, and Luke Sesi coming back for Coach Jeff Becker. Utica really struggled last season. The Cheiftans have Logan Davis, Mason Brodi, Trent McFarland, Sebastian Soriano, Jack Malone, Nick Bosilkovski, Nathan Silver and Austin Lemerise coming back for Coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II should be much improved. The Falcons have Dakari Rogers, Aaron Johnson, Diego Harden, Carson Strumn, Eli Miller, Gavin Gugliemetti, and Maid Kurjakovic coming back for former West Bloomfield coach Jeremy Dehna. Troy should be the favorite but Sterling Heights Stevenson and Troy Athens should have strong says.

 

District 59 @ TBA

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Old Redford

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Lincoln King Academy

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE Detroit Old Redford

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Chris Williams-Ferndale

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very difficult district to say the least when looking at the teams that are here. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years. They have a pretty strong team and program despite losing their two top players. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Caleb Renfroe, Maurice Booth, and Trenton Ruth coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Detroit Old Redford won 11 games last season. The Ravens have really toughened up their schedule for Coach Rashad Reeves. Ferndale University is a sleeper in this district. They have really improved winning seven games and will look to take the next step as a program. The Eagles have Chris Kendrix, Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Semaj Clark, Cordae McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Jonathan King, Zakaria Smith, Antione Owens, and Damir Orr coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Hazel Park is the weakest team in this district. They won three games last season. The Vikings should be better under Coach DeAndre Thomas. Detroit Lincoln King Academy won 14 games last season. The Wolves have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Chris Covington. This is a really tough district. Whoever wins this district and gets home court will be in line for a very competitive district.

 

District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North

HARPER WOODS

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Roseville

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Roseville, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview

 

FAVORITE: Roseville

NEXT: St. Clair Shores Lakeview

DARKHORSE: Harper Woods

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which saw four teams that are in the district that won more than 10 games last season. Roseville is the early favorite coming into this district. They won 13 games but fell to Warren De LaSalle in the district finals last season. The Panthers have Brian Hunter, Amonti Greene, AJ Scott, Todario Payne and Isiah Mays coming back for Coach Greg Boler. Grosse Pointe North started off very well early but they went 1-10 in their last 11 games including falling to Hamtramck in the first round last season. The Norseman has Adam Ayrault coming back for Coach Andrew Ayrault. Grosse Pointe South won 11 games last season. The Blue Devils have Donovan Moody, Noah Stiyer, Karter Richards, Tommy Maccagnone, Griffin Adams, Brady Kennedy, and Alex English coming back for Coach Stephen Benard. St. Clair Shores Lakeview won 11 games last season. They should be in the mix in this district after falling in a heartbreaker to St. Clair Shores LakeShore in the first round last season. The Huskies has Matthew Ritter, Austin Stockett, Keonte Woolf, Tyler Griffin, Charrone Gordon, Bryce Ong, Easton Demeulenarere, and Zavier Hassan coming back for Coach John Carr. Harper Woods comes up from Division Two this offseason. They won a district crown in their first season in the OAA last season. The Pioneers have Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams coming back for Coach TuJuan Porter. This should be a very interesting district as mentioned but three teams really stand out for now.

Here is the Boys Basketball Districts from the MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2023-Districts