Plans To Vaccinate College Students For Fall

Plans To Vaccinate College Students For Fall

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Offers COVID-19 Vaccine At Popular Destinations Health Division Making Plans To Vaccinate College Students For Fall

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics at upcoming popular community events and destinations with the hopes of soon reaching the state and national goal of vaccinating 70 percent of residents ages 16 years and older. They include :

  • Oakland County Farmers Market in Waterford on July 24
  • Orchard Lake Fine Art Show in West Bloomfield on July 24 and 25
  • Best Western Premier Hotel in Southfield on July 28, August 19, August 31, September 16, and September 29
  • New Birth International Church/Church in the Park in Pontiac on July 30
  • Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield on July 31
  • Berkley CruiseFest in Berkley on August 20
  • Berkley Art Bash in Berkley on September 11

All these locations will take walk-up appointments. For more information on these community and event-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics, go to OaklandCountyVaccine.com. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information.

Meanwhile, Oakland County is turning its attention to immunizing college students against COVID-19 for the fall semester. The Health Division is working with local universities and colleges to schedule on-campus vaccination clinics for students who return later this summer. The county will announce details soon. Only 56 percent of Oakland County residents between the ages of 16 and 29 have received their first dose.

About 2,500 Oakland County residents ages 16 years and older remain to get their COVID-19 immunization for the county to reach the state and national goal of 70 percent vaccine coverage. As of Monday, July 19, 69.8 percent of Oakland County residents 16 and up have received their first dose. Oakland County will not stop at 70 percent, however, because of the COVID-19 variants in the community.

“With the presence of Delta and other variants of COVID-19 among our population, we need more and more residents to opt into getting the vaccine to protect each other,” Oakland County Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. “It’s become clear most of our recent cases involve unvaccinated individuals.”

The Health Division continues to offer its $50 gift card COVID-19 vaccine incentive for Oakland County residents who receive their first dose between June 24 and the day the county reaches 70 percent vaccine coverage for residents 16 years and older. Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.

Oakland County residents may visit any Health Division vaccine clinic or enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider in Michigan to qualify for the incentive while supplies last. The Health Division is holding daily vaccine clinics from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at both its North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac and South Oakland Health Center in Southfield. Oakland County residents who receive their first dose at a provider other than Oakland County Health Division may claim the incentive by:

  • Visiting OaklandCountyVaccine.com to complete a survey. The gift card will be mailed after the Health Division has verified vaccination status.
  • Individuals who do not have access to the Internet, may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to claim their gift card.

Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.

The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of July 19, 2021:

Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737

  • Number of residents 16 and older necessary to reach 70 percent coverage: 720,816
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 718,322
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 669,251
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 69.8 percent

Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389

  • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 745,512
  • Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 692,726
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 68.3 percent

Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676

  • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 184,175
  • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 172,265
  • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 84.6 percent

Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,353,015

  • Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,389,873
  • Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A
Historic $26 Billion Proposed National Opioid Settlement

Historic $26 Billion Proposed National Opioid Settlement

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, July 21, 2021

AG Nessel and Colleagues Reveal Historic $26 Billion Proposed National Opioid Settlement

Michigan Expected To Receive Up To Nearly $800 Million 

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and state attorneys general across the country today revealed the details of a proposed multibillion-dollar national opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson and the three largest pharmaceutical distributors in the country: Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. The attorneys general have been engaged in ongoing efforts to hold these companies responsible for their roles in contributing to the opioid epidemic gripping this country.

The historic agreement would resolve the claims of both state and local governments across the country, including the nearly 4,000 that have filed lawsuits in federal and state courts. The agreement also requires significant industry changes that will help prevent this type of crisis from ever happening again.

Depending on the allocation metrics and participation of local units of government, Michigan stands to receive up to nearly $800 million from these defendants over the life of the settlement. Only the 1998 national tobacco settlement has involved more dollars than this proposed settlement.

Since taking office, AG Nessel has focused diligently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis. Most recently, in February, Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general to secure a $573 million settlement with one of the world’s largest consulting firms, McKinsey & Co. Michigan is on the receiving end of $19.5 million in that settlement. Michigan has already received approximately $16 million of this money.

Additionally, Michigan became the first state in the country to sue major opioid distributors as drug dealers under Nessel’s leadership in December 2019. That case remains in active litigation. However, the historic settlement announced today would resolve the claims against three of the four defendants in the case. The litigation against Walgreens will continue.

“When I ran for Attorney General, I made a commitment to do everything possible to assist our state residents whose lives have been torn apart by the opioid epidemic. I am thrilled to be delivering on that promise,” Nessel said. “This historic settlement will help save lives and further combat the ongoing crisis, while also ensuring those who created this catastrophe pay for our collective recovery. For far too long, local communities have carried the burden of fighting against the opioid epidemic and felt those in a position to advocate for them weren’t listening. This settlement will bring much-needed financial support for ongoing intervention, services and treatment efforts statewide, and eventual healing for Michigan families.”

Funding Overview: 

  • The three distributors collectively will pay up to $21 billion over 18 years.
  • Johnson & Johnson will pay up to $5 billion over nine years with up to $3.7 billion paid during the first three years.
  • The total funding distributed will be determined by the overall degree of participation by both litigating and non-litigating state and local governments.
  • The substantial majority of the money is to be spent on opioid treatment and prevention.
  • Each state’s share of the funding has been determined by agreement among the states using a formula that takes into account the population of the state along with the impact of the crisis on the state – the number of overdose deaths, the number of residents with substance use disorder, and the number of opioids prescribed.

Injunctive Relief Overview: 

  • Requires Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen, through court orders, to:
    • Establish a centralized independent clearinghouse to provide all three distributors and state regulators with aggregated data and analytics about where drugs are going and how often, eliminating blind spots in the current systems used by distributors.
    • Use data-driven systems to detect suspicious opioid orders from customer pharmacies.
    • Terminate customer pharmacies’ ability to receive shipments, and report those companies to state regulators, when they show certain signs of diversion.
    • Prohibit shipping of and report suspicious opioid orders.
    • Prohibit sales staff from influencing decisions related to identifying suspicious opioid orders.
    • Require senior corporate officials to engage in regular oversight of anti-diversion efforts.
  • Requires Johnson & Johnson, through court orders, to:
    • Stop selling opioids.
    • Not fund or provide grants to third parties for promoting opioids.
    • Not lobby on activities related to opioids.
    • Share clinical trial data under the Yale University Open Data Access Project.

State negotiations were led by Attorneys General Josh Stein (NC), Herbert Slatery (TN) and the attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

This settlement comes as a result of investigations by state attorneys general into whether the three distributors fulfilled their legal duty to refuse to ship opioids to pharmacies that submitted suspicious drug orders and whether Johnson & Johnson misled patients and doctors about the addictive nature of opioid drugs.

The agreement in principle was reached by all parties in October of 2019 and the parties have been working on the particulars of the settlement since then.  Under the arrangement, the states will have 30 days to review the documents and then make a sign-on decision. After that, local units of government will have 150 days to do the same.

In addition to her legal actions against companies, AG Nessel serves on the Michigan Opioids Task Force. The group released its 2020 Annual Report in May, which noted opioid overdoses killed 1,768 Michiganders in 2019 – an average of almost five people every single day. If you or a loved one are in need of opioid addiction treatment, there are resources to help.
Grant to Advance Cleantech, Sustainability Technologies 

Grant to Advance Cleantech, Sustainability Technologies 

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2021

Nick Assendelft, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant to Advance Cleantech, Sustainability Technologies

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer today announced that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will grant $1.55 million to the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) to support the development and scaling of Cleantech, Climatech and Circular Economy technologies in Michigan.

 

LTU’s C3 Accelerator program is a key element in the state’s goal to foster a more energy efficient and sustainable circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move industry toward a low-carbon future.

 

“The transition to alternative energy and a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 will open new opportunities for Michiganders seeking jobs in the clean energy sector and for expanded business investments,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Under the MI Healthy Climate Plan, in conjunction with initiatives such as the C3 Accelerator, Michigan will become an incubator for economic innovation that will create good-paying jobs for hard-working Michiganders across the state in the clean energy, climate technology and recycling sectors.”

 

The C3 Accelerator identifies best-in-class proven global technologies and connects them to Michigan partners that can benefit by deploying innovations and supporting the scaling of businesses in Michigan. The C3 Accelerator funds the commercialization and demonstration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, emission reduction, clean air and water, recycling and upcycling technologies.

 

“EGLE is supporting the C3 Accelerator with a substantial seed fund as it supports our mission on a number of fronts,” said Robert Jackson, assistant division director and energy ombudsman in EGLE’s Materials Management Division. “One, the C3 Accelerator nurtures new cleantech product launches and manufacturing companies here in the Michigan. Second, it drives the demonstration and adoption of cleantech and circular economy products that provide impact to our state’s improved energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. This is of critical importance to our goals of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent below 1999 levels by 2025 as well as tripling our recycling rate to 45 percent.”

 

Accelerator services include product design, engineering, prototyping, testing and validation, along with pilot and demonstration project cost sharing; assistance from experts-in-residence; design for manufacturability assessments; supply chain development support; and go-to-market support services. The program offers equity-free, zero-interest $50,000 investments to support commercialization efforts.

 

“The C3 Accelerator is focused on identifying the best-in-class Cleantech, Climatech and Circular Economy technologies, no matter where they reside in the world, and finding pathways for these promising innovations into Michigan to support our state’s goals of reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency and recycling rates,” said Dan Radomski, executive director of the Centrepolis Accelerator. “We want these companies to come here to Michigan to manufacture their products, as well as demonstrate and scale their technologies with local partners. We are grateful to have the support of EGLE, Wells Fargo, New Economy Initiative and others to support cleantech ventures led by women, people of color, veterans and other underrepresented entrepreneurs.”

 

Funding partners in the C3 Accelerator include EGLE, Lawrence Technological University, the city of Southfield, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, New Economy Initiative and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2). The program also has dedicated funding to support underrepresented entrepreneurs including companies led by women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities and firms located in distressed communities.

 

Centrepolis Accelerator was recently named an Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize winner by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Under this initiative, Centrepolis is partnering with Clean Energy Trust, a Midwest cleantech investment fund, mHub, TN Spark, Oakridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and others to advance cleantech hardware technology.

 

You can register to attend the C3 Accelerator Showcase, from 12-2 p.m. Aug. 26 on LTU’s campus in Southfield, to learn more about the companies C3 Accelerator is investing in along with details on the changing landscape of cleantech innovation and funding opportunities.

 

Sign up to receive updates about EGLE’s climate, recycling and clean energy programs and Catalyst Communities Initiative at Michigan.gov/EGLEConnect.

 
Apprenticeship Grants to Support Career Opportunities 

Apprenticeship Grants to Support Career Opportunities 

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 20, 2021

Contact: Elyse Walter, [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Registered Apprenticeship Grants to Support Career Opportunities 

Funding will support on-the-job learning and related technical instruction for more than 1,400 Michiganders

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of grants totaling $3.1 million to help support the development of 1,417 Registered Apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state. The State Apprenticeship Expansion grants have been awarded to three Regional Implementation Consortia to expand the development of new registered apprenticeship opportunities.

 

“As we put Michigan back to work, expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs help Michiganders enter high-demand, high-skill careers and get a good-paying job,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Increasing access to education and training opportunities will help us achieve our 60 by 30 goal to have 60% of Michigan’s adult with post-secondary education or skills training by 2030, boost quality of life, help more Michiganders get good-paying jobs, and ensure businesses have the talented workforce they need to succeed. Apprenticeships benefit workers, employers, and the state as we continue jumpstarting our economy.”

 

Funds provided by the awards will help support costs for employer sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, including on-the-job learning and related technical instruction for new Registered Apprentices.

 

“Registered Apprenticeship programs allow job seekers to earn while they learn, gaining in-demand skills and a nationally recognized credential in a critical industry,” said LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin. “Expanding Registered Apprenticeship means expanding opportunities for Michiganders. The result is a better-prepared workforce in higher paying jobs to support Michigan employers.

 

Lead partners receiving awards are:

  • Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! (300 new Registered Apprentices; $900,000 award)
  • Michigan Pipe Trades (367 new Registered Apprentices; $1,100,000 award)
  • Healthcare Association of Michigan (750 new Registered Apprentices; $1,100,000 award)

 

“Michigan Pipe Trades is grateful to Governor Whitmer for her commitment to increasing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across Michigan and for recognizing the value that piping and other skilled trades offer to our state,” said Price Dobernick, President of the Michigan Pipe Trades Association.

 

Earlier this year, LEO announced the first round of State Apprenticeship Expansion grant awards, with nine Regional Implementation Consortia recipients receiving a total of more than $5 million to accelerate the growth of more than 2,500 apprentices. All the awards will focus on inclusion of underrepresented populations – minorities, females, youth and veterans – in high-skill, high-wage, in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology and mobility sectors to help secure Michigan’s future.

 

“Between the first round of grant awards and this second round, we’ll be supporting the development of meaningful career opportunities for nearly 4,000 Michiganders,” said LEO’s Office of Employment and Training Director Stephanie Beckhorn. “Registered apprenticeship expansion also provides Michigan businesses with a stream of qualified candidates who are trained and certified based on the employer’s needs.”

 

Partners in the Regional Implementation Consortia include employers, labor, Michigan Works! Agencies, secondary educational partners, postsecondary institutions and others. Employers interested in sponsoring new Registered Apprenticeship Programs or expanding existing programs may be able to work with Regional Implementation Consortia to become part of the expansion efforts.

 

To learn more about registered apprenticeship in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
Boys Basketball Districts are Out 2022

Boys Basketball Districts are Out 2022

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Boys Basketball Districts are Out 2022.

Written Monday July 19th at 6:00 PM

Hello everyone these are the Boys Basketball districts. Just like the girls coaches if you want to email me or DM me on Twitter feel free. Here are the districts. This blog will be updated often.

District 4 at Davison

OXFORD

Davison

Lapeer

Grand Blanc

Flint Kearsley

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison.

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Davison

DARKHORSE: Lapeer, Oxford.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Logan Rozanski-Oxford.

INSIGHT: This is as bad as it for Oxford. The Wildcats despite having Bryce Essman, Logan Rozanski, Alec Brown, and Mitchell Vivano coming back for Coach Steve Laidlaw and being a strong contender in the Blue this season. Looking at this district that features the defending Division One State Champs and the hosts whom should be very good after an offseason coaching transition. The Saginaw Valley League is going to be as tough as ever especially the Blue (South.) Grand Blanc has RJ Taylor and Ty Rogers, among others coming back for Coach Michael Thomas. Davison has a ton of talent coming back themselves for Coach Mike Williams comes to Davison from Flint Beecher led the Bucs to three State titles in Class C or Division Three. Lapeer had a strong year with a very young group in 2021. The Lightning should be solid again for Coach Greg McGeary. Flint Kearsley won five games last season for Coach Paul Adas. The Hornets could be in the Flint Metro League title picture. It will be very interesting but it’s going to be a tough chore for Oxford especially with Davison and Grand Blanc having very strong teams and Lapeer is right in the mix with them.

 

 

District 5 at Romeo

LAKE ORION

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Lake Orion, 2. Rochester.

FAVORITE: Adams

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Rochester, Romeo.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Matt Stone-Rochester.

INSIGHT: This is a very interesting district when looking at the teams. The early favorite is Adams with the move to play in the very tough Red this season. The Highlanders have Justice Mims, Brady Prieskorn, Jon Ursuy, Peter Kardasis, Nick Paterra, and Jacob Durand for Coach Jaret Thomas. Lake Orion is in an interesting spot being a strong contender in the White. The Dragons have Alden Ritt, Malachi Grandberry, CJ Witt, Trevor Witt, Jeff Perkowski, Blake Leidell, Nate Harvilla, and Brendan Smiley coming back for Coach Joel Schroeder. Rochester should contend in the Blue this season. The Falcons are loaded in talent with Matt Stone, Preyston Schroyer, Connor Cracium, Aarman Hussaini, Gabe Mendoza, and Louis Bowes coming back for new Coach Nick Evola. Stoney Creek lost a ton of talent last season but they have always been solid under Coach Steve Norgrove. The Cougars have Calvin Becker and Gage Beers that are back. Utica Eisenhower whom moves back to the Macomb Area Red will be very interesting to watch. The Eagles have Braden Buza, Preston Crum, Jackson McHale, Ethan Barker, Matthew Elias, Kyle O’Reily, and Ethan Mychajulk for Coach Thomas Antishin. Romeo should be interesting to watch. They have two proven veterans for Coach Marv Cushingberry in Tim Kewley and Logan Rolfs but the Bulldogs have a young core in Matthew Plotz, Luke Rolfs, Aiden Tague, Josef Modlinski, Maxxium Quinn, and MaxQuire Quinn. This district should very interesting to say the least.

 

 

District 6 at Waterford Mott

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

PONTIAC

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Mott.

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Waterford Mott

DARKHORSE: Pontiac

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mike DePillo-Clarkston.

INSIGHT: This is a complete mismatch on paper when looking at this district. Waterford Mott is very interesting where they could be in the mix in the Lakes Valley Conference and have home court. The Corsairs have Eric Davis, Dajuantie Warren, Davon Warren, Juan Claudio, Kaleb Osborn, and Jake Konieczka for Coach Sean Moore. Waterford Kettering has a ton questions this season. They lost Bennie Krenshaw to graduation. The Captains have Tommy Knibbs, Joe Acha, Brandon Wall, Trevor Donahue, Will Campbell, Zarek Zelinski, Chris Sanford, and Noah Khanuja back for Coach Michael Marek. Pontiac is very interesting. The Phoenix could be in the mix in the Gold and they have some experience that returns in Dioante Harris and Tyree Long for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Avondale should be improved this season and could be a darkhorse in the Gold. The Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Abe Herra, Anthony Howard, Marshall Dennis, Aaris Gordon, Issac Gordon, and Darren Pagel coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. Clarkston is the favorite in this district. The Wolves are in the Red and have a ton of experience coming back in Keegan Waslik, Mike DePillo, Nathan Steinman, Desman Stephens, Zach Austin, and Brody Kosin for Coach Tim Waslik. This district has blue and gold written all over it.

 

 

District 26 at Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

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, Berkley.

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

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Royal Oak. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has to be the favorite and for good reason as they have experience and play in the always tough Catholic League. The Cubs have Sonny Wilson,  Charles Turner, among others coming back for Coach Pat Donnelly. Detroit Renaissance struggled a bit in the Detroit Public School League despite making the district finals. The Phoenix should be in the mix for Coach John White this season. Oak Park is an interesting team as they could be a darkhorse in the Red and in the district. The Knights have proven experience in Bwada Miller, Ashton Henderson, and Derald Blackmon for Coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak whom has struggled recently. They should have high expectations despite being in the Gold this season. The Ravens have Dylan Hoffman, Camden Clark, Jackson Gilbert, Jessie Hoisington, and Colton Champion coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Detroit Mumford should be interesting. The Mustangs won eight games for Coach Anthony White last season. Berkley lost a ton of experience last season. The Bears have program strength which is why they could be one of the favorites in the Blue this season for Coach Joe Sermo. This should be very interesting as mentioned to watch.

 

 

District 27 at TBA

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. North Farmington, 2. Livonia Stevenson.

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Farmington

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jasper Beeler-North Farmington

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district whomever hosts it. North Farmington should be the early favorite but keep a close eye on Livonia Stevenson who won 13 games last season. The Spartans lost a ton of talent last season but they have Joey Harper, Kenoly Jones, Zack Mikoncyzk, and Charles Asamoah coming back for Coach Eoghann Stephens. Redford Thurston won five games last season but they should be improved for Coach Brian Bates. Southfield Arts and Tech is very young this season and going to the Blue should help things. The Warriors have Craig Hayes coming back for Coach Darreyle Buchanan. Farmington which took another offseason hit for the second straight season could be in for a long season. The Falcons have Prince Jackson and Robert Davis coming back but they don’t have a new coach yet and to make things worse they are in the Red. North Farmington is very interesting. They could surprise some people in the Red and with the famous trap defense they could make some noise. The Raiders have Jasper Beeler, Landon Williams, PJ Gardner, and Aaron Rice for Coach Todd Negoshian. This district should be very interesting to watch no matter whom hosts the district.

 

 

District 28 at West Bloomfield

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Birmingham Brother Rice

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Blackwell-Birmingham Brother Rice

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at West Bloomfield. There are two Catholic League teams, a Red, two White, and a Blue program in this district. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the early favorite because of experience and the two players that were added, one via transfer while the other is coming as a freshman. They made the Division One State Quarterfinals however falling to Grand Blanc this is a program that needs to bounce back in the worst way. The Eaglets have Kareem Rozier, Jack Crighton, Armon Rollins, Daniel Smythe, and DeCorion Temple, along with newcomers Javaughn Hannah, Trey McKenny for Coach Todd Covert. Birmingham Brother Rice had a resurgence but lost a tough one in the regional semifinals to Warren DeLaSalle last season. The Warriors have a really talented team in Curtis Blackwell, Xavier Thomas, Henry Garrity, and John Blackwell coming back for Coach Ricky Palmer. Bloomfield Hills is the X Factor as they are one of the favorites in the White and a spoiler. The Blackhawks have Noah Adamcyzk, Derrick Lee, Carson Brodsky, Mohammad Farhani, and Nash Gilbert among others for Coach Phil Kurajian. West Bloomfield whom is in the Red has a talented squad led by Mitchell Seay and Ryan Hurst for Coach Jeremy Dehna. Groves should be interesting not only in the district but in the White as well. The Falcons have Aaron DuBose and Nick Lutz coming back for Coach Benny White. Seaholm whom could have some struggles in the Blue this season. The Maples have John Chinonis coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. This district has fun written all over it.

 

 

District 29 at Troy

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Warren DeLaSalle

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren Woods Tower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Warren DeLaSalle, 2. Troy Athens.

FAVORITE: Warren DeLaSalle

NEXT: Troy

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Darius Whiteside-Troy.

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district at Troy. The Colts lost a ton of talent from last season. Troy has Darrius Whiteside coming back which should help things for Coach Gary Fralick. Warren DeLaSalle is the favorite coming into this district and a possible sleeper in the Catholic League. The Pilots are loaded and talented after making the Division One State Semifinals falling to Ann Arbor Huron They have Triston Nicols, Nino Smith, and Caleb Reese coming back for Coach Gjon Djokaj. Troy Athens is in an interesting spot being a sleeper in the Blue and the district. The Red Hawks have Jonah Botardo, Christian Jemmona, Andre Shelton, and Jordan Sebaugh coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Warren Cousino had it rough last season in which they won two games last season. The Patriots have Kobe Armstrong, Carson Dych, Julian Rice, Sha Preme Maki, Jacob Lifshay, Nick Rosati, and Justin Lifshay coming back for Coach Joe Kohl. Warren Woods Tower won six games last season. The Titans have Xzavion Allen, Corey Charleston, Christopher Kyles, Antuan Marsh, Cartier Whitaker, Jermaine Woods, and Stephen Young coming back for Coach Jason Henshaw. Warren Mott really struggled winning one game last season for Coach Jeffery Olind. As mentioned, I think this is a three team district as we speak.

 

 

District 58 at TBD

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

Detroit Old Redford Academy

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DARKHORSE: Ferndale University

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jason Drake-Ferndale

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district when looking at the teams even though the host hasn’t been decided yet. Ferndale went to the Division Two State Semifinals only to fall to Grand Rapids Catholic Central last season. The Eagles should have a really strong season in the Red and could have a deep postseason run again this season. Ferndale has Treyvon Lewis, Chris Williams, and Jason Drake for Coach Juan Rickman. Ferndale University had a rough year despite not winning a game in the OAA last season. The Eagles have a nice blend of talent in Semaj McGhee, Zach Sillah, Rasheed Jones, Aaron Tucker, Javon Sanders, and John King but they do not have a coach as of yet. It was a down year for Birmingham Detroit Country Day winning four games but they should be competitive for Coach Mike Bray. Detroit Old Redford didn’t field a team last season. Detroit Jalen Rose won four games last season for Coach Eugene North. This is looking like a three team district but Ferndale looks very good.

 

 

District 60 at Eastpointe

HARPER WOODS

Detroit Denby

Detroit Osborn

Eastpointe

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

St. Clair Shores South Lake

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy, 2. Harper Woods.

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: Eastpointe

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Julian Young-Harper Woods

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams at Eastpointe. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy is loaded after winning 13 games but COVID-19 derailed their team last season and they are going through a ton of changes. Detroit Osborn really struggled last season winning one game for Coach Laurence Stewart. Eastpointe won 11 games last season. The Shamrocks will have a new coach this season. St. Clair Shores South Lake will be very interesting. The Cavaliers won seven games last season for Coach Kurt Wilson. Detroit Denby should be improved. The Tars won five games last season for Coach Kevin Woodmore. Harper Woods is in a very interesting spot especially coming into the OAA and being a contender in the Gold. The Pioneers have the majority of their team in Julian Young, DeAndre Williams, Marquise Kelly, Rozell Mathews, Isiah Lewis, and Quincy Dickinson coming back even though they will have a new coach. I think the Pioneers and the Eagles are going the teams to beat in this district.

Boys Basketball Districts are Out 2022

Girls Basketball Districts are Out 2022

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Girls Basketball Districts are Out 2022.

Written Monday July 19th at 4:20 PM

Hello everyone these are the Girls Basketball Districts that are being released with insight. If coaches want their comments on the blog please DM me on Twitter or go on my email. This blog will be updated often.

District 4 at Davison

OXFORD

Davison

Flint Kearsley

Grand Blanc

Lapeer

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison.

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Davison

DARKHORSE: Oxford

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Taylor Thompson-Grand Blanc.

INSIGHT: This is going to be a tough district for Oxford going back into Genesee County after having an interesting experience last season. The Wildcats whom is one of the favorites in the White have Miranda Wymenkio, Peyton Richter, Kayla Casper, Lily Morris, Brady Elling, and Lexie Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. The Saginaw Valley League is one of the most toughest leagues in the state and three of those teams should be solid again. Davison is the host of the district and they bring with them a talented team although depth will be a question mark. The Cardinals should be solid led by Olivia Dirkse and Jasmine Hadley for Coach Craig Hitchcock. Grand Blanc whom won 12 games last season is the favorite in the district. The Bobcats are loaded despite falling to Flushing in the regional semifinals last season. Grand Blanc has Taylor Thompson, Anayah Small, Rachel Gaydos, and Chelsea Bishop coming back for Coach Mike Thomas. Lapeer had a very young team last season but should be improved led by Paige Erla for Coach Mike Butterfield. Flint Kearsley should be interesting as they could be a contender in the Flint Metro League. The Hornets ha a young team last season for Coach Traci Pigott. This district looks to be a three team district but it’s anyone’s to take.

 

 

District 5 at Lake Orion

LAKE ORION

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Lake Orion.

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sydney LaPrarie-Stoney Creek.

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at Lake Orion. Utica Eisenhower should be interesting to watch in the Macomb Area Red division this season. The Eagles has three solid players in Ava Stack, Jennifer McWerty, and Kaitlyn Woodcox coming back for Coach Clint Piper. Romeo should be interesting to watch in the Macomb Area Conference White. The Bulldogs have Cassidy Banich, Reese Carmondy, Amanda Kitchen, Sarah Ross, Nicole Mazur, and Megan Doyle for Coach Katy Bosheers. Rochester lost a ton of talent from last season but they have always been a solid program. The Falcons have Natalie Rayce, Melina Troy, and Abbey Pleasant coming back for Coach Bill Thurston. Adams which had a coaching change this offseason should be interesting to watch. The Highlanders have Madison Kessman, Abby Drahnak, AnJuyna Howard, Emma Klott, Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, and Abby Skiff coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Stoney Creek has a ton of proven experience along with Red experience. The Cougars have Sydney LaPrarie, Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, Emily Flynn, Milana Skoric, Riley Binfet, Lily Solek, Ella Demertal, and Paris Kramer for Coach Kellen James. Lake Orion is an interesting team and is one of the favorites in the White. They are also loaded with Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Chloe Wiegers, Reagan Greene, Olivia Peplowski, and Audrey Wischmeyer for Coach Bob Brydges. The Dragons are without Katie Van Heck as she is out for the season with a torn ACL. This is shaping up for now being a three team district but two in reality but you never know.

 

 

District 6 at Waterford Kettering

AVONDALE

CLARKSTON

PONTIAC

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Waterford Kettering

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Waterford Kettering

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Reigan Lawrence-Avondale.

INSIGHT: This district looks to be a mismatch on paper in Waterford. Waterford Kettering is going to be very interesting. The Captains have a ton of experience coming back in Markayla Holland, Amalia Vamvakitis, Savanagh Labo, Malayna Schoof, Graciela Lovett, Ellianna Ball, and Abby Hayward for Coach George Yarberry. Waterford Mott had things very rough but they should be better with more experience. The Corsairs have Makyah Henderson, Abby Trombly, Kelsey Palmer, Madison Winters, among others for Coach Michelle Sklar. Avondale should be very interesting to watch all season long as they could be a contender in the Gold. The Yellow Jackets really struggled last season however they should be better this season despite having major concerns. Avondale has two transfers from Dayton, Ohio along with Reigan Lawrence, and Savannah Schmidt for Coach Roy Christmon. Pontiac did not field a team last season for Coach Christopher Wright so it will be interesting to see what they have. The favorite is Clarkston and it’s not even close. The Wolves had an interesting offseason which saw a coaching change. Clarkston has Maddy Skourpski, Izzy Hadley, Ava Hernandez, Kierra Tomlie, Sophia Walker, Emerson Wood, Mia Zorski, Emily Valenca, and Lena Eblencamp for Coach Aaron Goodnough. This district is the Wolves to lose.

 

 

District 26 at Detroit Renaissance

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Detroit Mumford.

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Berkley

DARKHORSE: Royal Oak

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ashley Loon-Berkley.

INSIGHT: It was a great year for Detroit Renaissance getting back to the Division One State Finals before losing to Hudsonville. The Phoenix should be solid again not only in this district but in the Detroit Public School League as well. They have Azaria Huggins, Kiyla Brooks, Nevaeh Wood, Harmonie Bolton, Makayla Coleman, Marhea Bradshaw, Makayla Johnson, Christian Sanders, Imani Johnson, Nyana Pharr, and Aubrey Johnson coming back for Coach Shane Lawal. Detroit Mumford should be very interesting to see. The Mustangs had a strong team last season for Coach Kareem Hogan. Royal Oak lost a ton of talent last season. The Ravens Maddie Hines and Danica Schmidt coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. Both of them saw postseason experience after the entire varsity team was out because of COVID-19 last season. Berkley made the district finals last season and will look to have a repeat performance again. The Bears have Ashley Loon, Ava Beard, Aurora Sousanis, and Sammi Withrow coming back for Coach Kirk Carolan. Oak Park made the district finals last season but the Knights will have something in the works for Coach Peggy Evans-Carr. This district has Detroit Renaissance written all over it but keep an eye on Berkley and Royal Oak.

 

 

District 27 at Farmington Hills Mercy

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson.

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

DARKHORSE: Southfield Arts and Tech

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Maya White-Farmington Hills Mercy.

INSIGHT: This should be an interesting district to watch. Farmington lost a ton of talent from last season but Coach Laura Guzman has Autumn Bartlett coming back which should help. Southfield Arts and Tech is an interesting team to keep an eye on as they have Jalyn Austin coming back for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Livonia Stevenson is an interesting team to keep a close eye on. The Spartans won 11 games last season. The Spartans have Kerry Donehue, Aubrie Ickes, Kaitlyn Wilmonth, Rachel Schornack, Gracie Shahu, Kalaia Jackson, Shea Hannigan, Jenna McWilliams, and Scarlett Webster coming back for Coach Kareem Smart. Redford Thurston should be interesting to watch. They won six games last season. The Eagles have Skylar Tulloss and Marionna Greene coming back for Coach Bob Ostrowski. Farmington Hills Mercy won 14 games last season falling to Detroit Renaissance in the regional finals. The Marlins have Francesca DeNardo, Grace Knittel, Carley Goebel, Sarah Cunnigham, Ava Lorraine, Lauren Smiley, Maya White, and Sophia Dugas coming back for Coach Gary Morris. This is shaping up to be an interesting district to  see.

 

 

District 28 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

NORTH FARMINGTON

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Birmingham Marian

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. West Bloomfield.

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: West Bloomfield

DARKHORSE: North Farmington

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: McKenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian.

INSIGHT: This is going to be the toughest district in the State in my opinion especially with the teams that are in here at West Bloomfield. Birmingham Marian is the favorite in the Catholic League. The Mustangs are very talented as well with Sarah Sylvester, McKenzie Swanson, Isabella Prezzato, Anna Herberholz, Maria Hesano, Abigail Luchessi, Ellie Ervin, and Grace Rotter coming back for Coach Mary Ciceronne. West Bloomfield has a talented group which should be the favorite in the Red for Coach Bert Mosley. The Lakers have Sydney Hendrix, Kendall Hendrix, Mya Hooper, Indya Davis, and Summer Davis coming back after missing out on the postseason because of COVID-19 protocols last season. Bloomfield Hills will be very interesting to watch. The Blackhawks should be improved with Amelia McCourt, Grace Main, Jessica Finney, and Ashley Forner coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. North Farmington is going to be very interesting as their boys and girls teams are in different districts and they should be improved. The Raiders have Sela Lefler, and Penelope Creary coming back for Coach Jeff Simpson. Seaholm should be interesting to watch not only in the Gold but in the district as well. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Kate Sullivan, Clara Guffey, and Annie Boogren coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Groves has gone through a ton of changes this offseason. They have Jordan Peterson, Lily Gallagher, and Cira Racco coming back for Coach Allison Hidey. This should be a fun district as mentioned, there are plenty of good teams that are here in this district that’s for sure.

 

 

District 29 at Troy

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Warren Cousino

Warren Woods Tower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Warren Cousino.

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Troy Athens

DARKHORSE: Warren Cousino

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Charlotte Sobotka-Troy.

INSIGHT: Are the Colts for real, this district looks very winnable for them after three disappointing postseason exits they have this district made for them to get to the regionals. Troy has home court and are loaded with talent in Kendal Zeiter, Charlotte Sobotka, Alyssa Matuza (even though she’s out for the season-ACL,) and Mia Valiotis coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Troy Athens should be the Colts biggest challenger in this district. The Red Hawks are loaded with Gillian Ciak, Ellie Musko, CeCe Fey, Aarushi Lockdale, Jordyn Doyle, and Skylar Emerson coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp.  Warren Woods Tower really struggled last season winning four games despite being in the Macomb Area Conference Silver division. The Titans have Nikki Lavely, Corissa McCain, Arianna Jordan, and Delliah Mathews coming back for Coach Brian Socia. Warren Cousino is a darkhorse to watch in this district. They won 11 games last season and is in the Macomb Area Conference Red division. The Patriots have some proven experience in Kiara Williams, Twyla Parker, Ra’lyja Bridges, Julia Hopkins, Sydney Dixon, Mia Mixon, Emily Stevenson, Chloe Sakalas, and Jenna Smith coming back for Coach Amy Mitchell. Troy has things made but better be careful of the Red Hawks and Patriots.

 

 

District 58 at TBA

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

Detroit Old Redford Academy

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Ferndale University.

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Ferndale University

DARKHORSE: Detroit Old Redford Academy

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jaidyn Elam-Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district as people think. Birmingham Detroit Country Day had a great season going 17-3 last season and making it to the MHSAA Division Two Semifinals before falling to Newaygo. The Yellow Jackets have Jaidyn Elam, Emma Arico, and Aysia Yokely coming back for second year coach Jerica Williams. Ferndale did not field a team last season and are looking for a new coach. Detroit Old Redford Academy didn’t field a team last season. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy didn’t field a team last season. Ferndale University should be very interesting to watch. The Eagles have some talent coming back for Coach Desdan Hester. This district looks to be a mismatch on paper.

 

 

District 60 at TBA

HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

Detroit Denby

Detroit Osborn

Eastpointe

St. Clair Shores South Lake

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy, 2. Harper Woods.

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: Eastpointe

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Kendall Kelly-Harper Woods

INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be an interesting district with whomever hosts this district. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 11 games last season and is deemed the favorite in this district for Coach David Mann. Detroit Osborn really struggled last season only winning two games for Coach Tenetia Pulliam. St. Clair Shores South Lake really struggled going 3-8 last season for Coach Wilbur Jones. Eastpointe won 10 games last season for Coach Daniel Kirkland. Detroit Denby won six games last season. The Tars have the majority of their team coming back for Coach Marnina Sullivan. Harper Woods won seven games last season. They are entering a new league being one of the favorites in the Gold. The Pioneers have Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Shatyra Harris, Clarita Childs, Clearia Peterson, and Destiny Bealey coming back for Coach Paul Allen. This should be an interesting district to say the least.