Do Not Fall For Rental Payment Assistance Scam

Do Not Fall For Rental Payment Assistance Scam

by | Feb 8, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Feb. 8, 2021

Attorney General Nessel: Do Not Fall For Rental Payment Assistance Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of a new scam aimed at those struggling to pay rent.

While the Attorney General’s office has not yet received complaints of the scam occurring in Michigan, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a notice recently to raise awareness of the scheme, which involves scammers offering tenants help paying rent — while stealing their personal and financial information.

Many Michigan residents are finding it difficult to pay rent during COVID-19 because the pandemic has caused economic hardship for countless families and individuals. Scammers looking to capitalize on that hardship may offer to provide assistance in the form of rent and utility payments or legal aid to avoid eviction, the FTC warns. To get help, residents must first provide personal information or money.

“Those facing eviction are more likely to fall victim to this scam, as they may have limited resources and nowhere else to turn,” said Nessel. “This pandemic has caused financial hardship for many Michiganders, and provided scammers with an opportunity to use that desperate set of circumstances to their advantage. Do not fall victim to their schemes. Always protect your personal and financial information unless you are absolutely certain it is being provided to a legitimate organization.”

Echoing suggestions from the FTC, Attorney General Nessel offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

  • Never give your bank account, debit card, credit card or Social Security numbers to anyone who contacts you without first independently verifying that person’s identity.
  • Do your research on any organization that requests personal information or money.
  • Investigate the company you are considering using online with the words “scam,” “fraud” or “complaint” to see what others are saying. Do this prior to making contact.
  • Avoid companies that tell you to stop paying rent or require an up-front fee.

Anyone struggling to make rent payments should discuss it with their landlord and look into local programs that offer rental assistance and other help.

Those who are facing eviction or need help paying rent may soon find assistance through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). For those who qualify, there may be help available for past due rent and utilities.

“Once the Legislature appropriates the emergency rental assistance funds, we are ready and will move swiftly to assist renters and landlords in need,” said Kelly Rose, MSHDA chief housing solutions officer. “Renters should avoid further financial risk by falling for scams. A legitimate program that can help is on the way.”

Visit the Attorney General Landlord/Tenant site for more information on Michigan’s eviction process and renters’ rights.

Attorney General Nessel is committed to making Michigan residents aware of deceptive scams designed to defraud them of money or personal information. The Department of Attorney General has a library of consumer alerts to educate and protect Michiganders.

To report fraud or file a general consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team. Filing a complaint online is the best way to make Your Connection to Consumer Protection and provide a comprehensive report to the Attorney General’s office to ensure investigators have the information they need. If a consumer is unable to fill out an online complaint, they can call the toll-free Consumer Protection hotline at 877-765-8388 and staff will provide a hard copy form to fill out and return.

Forms may be returned via fax (517-241-3771) or via U.S. mail, by sending to:

Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
food assistance approved for 810,000 children

food assistance approved for 810,000 children

by | Feb 8, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 5, 2021 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov 

Michigan approved for food assistance for 810,000 children whose access to free or reduced-cost school meals is affected by COVID-19 

More than $741 million in federal dollars will help families put food on the table

LANSING, Mich. – Approximately 810,000 Michigan children whose access to nutritious school meals has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive $741.6 million in assistance benefits that their families can use to pay for food at stores or online.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are announcing that the state has gained federal approval for a second round of Pandemic-EBT benefits.

“The last thing that families should have to worry about during a pandemic is feeding their children,” Gov. Whitmer said. “I am happy that Michigan families will be able to count on this additional support to help them access nutritious meals during the ongoing pandemic. That’s why it’s so important that the legislature passes the COVID recovery plan I put forward that provides an additional $2.1 billion in food assistance as well as the much-needed support for vaccine distribution, small businesses, and getting our kids back in the classroom safely.”

Students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 are eligible if they qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school and in-person learning is not available at their school or is not available on a full-time basis. Pandemic-EBT will provide another way for students who do not have in-person classes to access food – along with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) programs that provide meals to students at mobile and stationary locations.

Families will receive an estimated $127.53 monthly for each eligible child who has no in-person classes and attends a school that is fully virtual and about $77.06 for each eligible child who attends a school with a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote learning. Monthly benefits will vary based on the number of school days in each month.

Benefits are retroactive to September and will be paid through June. Payments will be paid automatically, so families do not need to apply to receive the assistance. Households that already receive food assistance will receive the Pandemic-EBT payments on their Bridge Cards. Families that do not already receive food assistance will receive Pandemic-EBT cards in the mail that they can use to purchase food.

Payments are expected to begin in late March. MDHHS is working in partnership with the MDE to collect information from local school districts that’s needed to issue the benefits.

Last school year, Michigan was the first state in the nation to gain approval of and distribute Pandemic-EBT benefits. New federal rules for approval of Round 2 funding for this school year delayed Michigan’s approval. President Joe Biden’s administration provided increased flexibility that allowed Michigan to be approved.

“Throughout the pandemic, MDHHS has been committed to providing easy access to food to families who have been impacted by the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Approval of the second round of Pandemic-EBT payments is the latest example of how we can work with our federal partners to ease the burden on families who are in need.”

The food assistance benefits will go to Michigan families with students ages 5-18 who are enrolled in the MDE program for students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

“With waivers from USDA initiated by MDE, school districts across the state have distributed tens of millions of meals to children in approximately 2,000 mobile and stationary feeding operations since the pandemic began. Children need to be healthy and fed to be able to focus on learning,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “The P-EBT program supplements these school meals and helps enormously to feed our children across the state during this difficult time.” 

The food assistance benefits will go to Michigan families with students ages 5-18 who are enrolled in the MDE program for students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services received authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services to provide the additional food assistance.

Prior to receiving their EBT card, families will receive a letter from MDHHS describing how to use the card, how to set up a PIN and other information about food assistance benefits. The cards can be used much like a debit card for food purchased from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers.

You can find a list of SNAP retailers on the SNAP Retailers website. They also can use their benefits online to purchase food from Amazon, Walmart or Aldi.

Information around coronavirus outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  
Winter Contact Sports Are Back

Winter Contact Sports Are Back

by | Feb 8, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Winter Contact Sports Are Back.

Written Thursday February 4th at 4:30 PM

Winter contact sports are back.

During her press conference on Thursday afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was going to allow contact Winter Sports to start practicing and competing Monday with safeguards in place.

Participants including players, coaches, and staff are required to wear a mask during in play and on the bench. Those sports without masks, particularly wrestling will be required to go through COVID-19 testing.

The MDHHS recommended that players only allow two per player for spectators or 250 for smaller venues, 500 for bigger venues.

The five contact sports include Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Hockey, and Competitive Cheer

Contact sports were banned on November 18th when Whitmer and then director Robert Gordon announced “the pause.” The remaining fall sports were paused played a few weeks ago because the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that there was an antigen testing program that tested the remaining fall sports athletes that were still playing.

Today was a great day for everyone involved, players, parents, coaches, staff, athletic directors, superintendents.

Important Dates.

Basketball/hockey: Monday Feb 8th (Practices/Competitions)

Cheer/Wrestling: Friday Feb 12th (Practices/Competitions)

MHSAA Tournaments remain in place

Cheer/Hockey March 27th

Wrestling April 2nd/3rd

Basketball (will run together) Girls M/W/F Boys T/R/S Girls April 9th, Boys April 10th

Face masks worn at all times (Basketball/Hockey/Cheer)

Wrestling- MDHHS (rapid testing on days of meets) compete One to Two times a week

Cheer- masks (only time masks come off when tumbling/stumbling), without an opponent, physical contact.

Basketball six weeks of regular season, three games a week. (Can play when teams are eliminated.)

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

Oakland County Veterans May Be Eligible For $2,500

Oakland County Veterans May Be Eligible For $2,500

by | Feb 4, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Veterans May Be Eligible For $2,500 Through COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program

Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for up to $2,500 in assistance through the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.

A total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. Applications can be made at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants.

“There are more than 60,000 veterans in Oakland County and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Some veterans have lost jobs or income, while others may be faced with higher food bills and other increased expenses. These grants are designed to help those who sacrificed for our country in the past get some much-needed help today.”

Applicants must be an Oakland County resident and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, reserves or women’s auxiliaries. Eligibility documentation is required.

Those without access to the internet should contact the Oakland County Veterans’ Services Division in Pontiac at 248-858-0785 for assistance.

“We expect strong interest in this new program,” said Garth Wootten, division manager. “The need is there, for the day-to-day living expenses for our veterans have not gone away during the pandemic. We hope these grants make life easier for them as they live through these challenging times.”

Oakland County has used $219 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in support of its pandemic response, including more than $145 million in grants to help stabilize and support small businesses, residents, and communities in every part of the county. The grants were awarded to more than 15,000 local businesses, which employ 65,000 people; 22 local chambers of commerce; 57 cities, villages, and townships, 278 non-profit and 31 veterans services organizations; 28 local school districts as well as retailers, restaurants and community centers.

Whitmer Creates the Student Recovery Advisory Council

Whitmer Creates the Student Recovery Advisory Council

by | Feb 4, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2021

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Creates the Student Recovery Advisory Council

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2021-02, to create the Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan. As Michigan continues to work around the clock to eliminate COVID-19, the Student Recovery Council will provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan hard, and our students, families, teachers, and school staff have all felt the strain. Still, our educators have worked tirelessly to teach our children during this pandemic under the most stressful conditions, and for that our state is forever indebted to them for their service,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is important to remember that schools also provide other services that students need to succeed including reliable access to the internet, nutritious meals, and mental health supports. COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our education system, and we know more work is needed to address the significant impact this pandemic has had on our children. This Council will be integral to ensuring our students and educators are equipped with everything they need to thrive.”

 

Last summer, the governor launched the Return to School Advisory Council which developed a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year. This past month, the governor’s administration prioritized educators for vaccine distribution in Michigan, in order to get kids back in school and put our state on a path to recovery.

 

“It is an honor to serve as the chairperson of the Student Recovery Advisory Council,” said Kevin Polston, chair of the Student Recovery Advisory Council. “Last summer, this collaborative group of engaged citizens developed the MI Safe School Roadmap, which was vital to supporting in-person learning.  We look forward to ‘fixing the road ahead’ for the state of Michigan through a safe, equitable, and high-performance educational system that provides access and opportunity for each child to reach their full potential.”

 

“While the pandemic has underscored the critical importance of face-to-face learning for our society, it also has spotlighted vast differences in the challenges that students, families, and communities face,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in Flint and a philanthropic representative to the Advisory Council. “Instead of thinking of going back to school, I hope we can focus on moving education forward in Michigan and ensuring that educators have the resources they need to meet all students where they are.”

 

Housed within the Department of Technology Management and Budget, the council will be composed of 29 members from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the governor. The Council is tasked with:

  • Developing and submitting recommendations to the governor, state superintendent, and state budget director regarding student recovery.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for academic support for students who experienced learning loss due to COVID-19.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for mental and physical health for students impacted by COVID-19.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve systems to support high school students transitioning into postsecondary education.
  • Recommending actions to develop and improve out-of-school time supports, including, but not limited to, summer school, before and after school programs, and extended school years.
  • Assembling critical voices from the education and public health communities to assist in identifying key challenges students face due to the pandemic.
  • Providing other information or advice or take other actions as requested by the governor.
  • Reporting regularly to the governor on its activities and make recommendations on an ongoing basis.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us how important our education system is to the success of our children. As a pediatrician, I provide comprehensive care to my patients and their families, of which school success is an important component,” said Dr. Gwen Reyes, Director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Hurley’s Children’s Hospital in Flint. “Being part of the Return to School Advisory Council is a perfect example of the collaborative and interdisciplinary approach we must take in order to understand the diverse impact of the pandemic and move forward. I am honored to be part of the ongoing work and recovery for our children and hope the Student Recovery Advisory Council serves as a foundation to ongoing collaborative work in the future.”

 

The governor has appointed the following individuals reflecting the diverse geographic and demographic composition of this state and representing parents, students, school leaders, educators, individuals with expertise in public health, pediatrics, mental health, and community members:

 

Kevin Polston, of Grand Haven, is the superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. He holds a Master of Education and a Specialist in Education from Grand Valley State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Studies from Michigan State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree at Central Michigan University. Mr. Polston is appointed to represent school leaders and is designated to serve as Chair of the Council.

 

Angela M. Blood Starr, of Kalamazoo, is the regional school health coordinator for the Calhoun Intermediate School District. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Blood Starr is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Nicole Britten, of Saint Joseph, is the health officer for the Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University. Mrs. Britten is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in public health.

 

Craig D. Carmoney, of Sanford, is the superintendent of Meridian Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Mr. Carmoney is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Johanna L. Clark, of Frankenmuth, is the principal of Frankenmuth High School. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Master of Education in Leadership and Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Saginaw Valley State University. Mrs. Clark is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Mary R. Gebara, of Okemos, is a trustee with the Okemos Public Schools Board of Education and chairperson of staff outreach for the Okemos Education Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Child Development from Michigan State University. Ms. Gebara is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Dominic A. Gonzales, of Lincoln Park, is a current high school senior in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Mr. Gonzales is appointed to represent students.

 

David Hecker, Ph.D., of Huntington Woods, is the president of AFT Michigan. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior from SUNY at Binghamton. Dr. Hecker is appointed to represent community members.

 

Paula J. Herbart, of Lansing, is the president of the Michigan Education Association. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan. Ms. Herbart is appointed to represent community members.

 

Melissa Isaac, of Mount Pleasant, is the director of education for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Ms. Isaac is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Elizabeth S. Koschmann, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is a licensed psychologist and an assistant research scientist in psychiatry at the University of Michigan. She earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesleyan University. Dr. Koschmann is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in mental health.

 

Stephen McNew, Ed.D., of Monroe, is the superintendent of the Monroe County Intermediate School District. He holds a Master of Education in Career and Technical Education and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from The University of Toledo. Dr. McNew is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Vic Michaels, of Detroit, is the assistant superintendent of student services and athletics for the Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Schools and director of the Catholic High School League. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Detroit. Mr. Michaels is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Justin S. Michalak, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the assistant superintendent for special education for the Macomb Intermediate School District. He holds a Master of Education and an Educational Specialist from Saginaw Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. Mr. Michalak is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Faye Nelson, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the director of Michigan programs for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mercy College of Detroit and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. Ms. Nelson is appointed to represent community members.

 

Nicholas J. Paradiso, III, of Grand Rapids, is the vice president of government relations for National Heritage Academies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Syracuse University and a Master of Public Administration from the University at Albany. Mr. Paradiso is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Lisa M. Peacock, of Traverse City, is the health officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Peacock is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in public health.

 

Angelique N. Peterson-Mayberry, of Detroit, is the president of the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education, vice chair of Detroit Youth Sports Commission, and a member of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Administration from the Detroit College of Business. Mrs. Peterson-Mayberry is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Bill Pink, Ph.D., of Ada, is the president of Grand Rapids Community College. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum from the University of Oklahoma, Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and Bachelor of Science in Education from Oklahoma Christian University. Dr. Pink is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Gwendolyn R. Reyes, M.D., of Grand Blanc, is the assistant clinic director at the Hurley Children’s Clinic, director of the pediatric residency program at the Hurley Children’s Hospital, medical director for the Flint Community Schools Wellness Program, and a clinical assistant professor in the Michigan State University Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University and Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Reyes is appointed to represent individuals with expertise in pediatrics.

 

Robert Shaner, Ph.D., of Shelby Township, is the superintendent of Rochester Community Schools. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, Educational Specialist in Administration from Wayne State University, Master of Arts in Education from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit. Dr. Shaner is appointed to represent school leaders.

 

Anupam Chugh Sidhu, of Canton, is the instructional technology manager for Wayne RESA and president of the Plymouth-Canton School Board. She holds a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Sidhu is appointed to represent parents.

 

Erin Skene-Pratt, of Haslett, is the interim network lead for the Michigan After-School Partnership. She ho
…
Winter Contact Sports Are Back

2021 Girls Basketball Preview

by | Feb 4, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Friday, January 8, 2021

 

2021 Girls Basketball Preview.

Written Friday January 8th at 5:50 PM

Here are the 2021 previews for Girls Basketball in the OAA along with the top ten and outlooks heading into the season. If anything new comes up let me know at samsdragons@yahoo.com.

Here is the Top Ten and projected finish in order in each division to start the season. If you want to check the district page it is updated and I will have a link to that column.

Girls Basketball District page

https://sammy-taormina.blogspot.com/2020/09/girls-basketball-districts-are-out-2020.html

INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN

  1. West Bloomfield
  2. Clarkston
  3. Troy
  4. Royal Oak
  5. Lake Orion
  6. Rochester
  7. Stoney Creek
  8. Adams
  9. Groves
  10. Oxford

 

Red

West Bloomfield: The Lakers have the most upside heading into the season and they have gotten a ton of attention. Coach Burt Mosley has turned West Bloomfield into a Girls Basketball power especially in the Red. The Lakers will be loaded with a ton of experience in Logan Lewis, Logan Chambers, Sydney Hendrix, and Myonna Hooper returning from a team that won the Red and a district title last season. West Bloomfield also added three impactful freshman in Kendall Hendrix, Indya, and Summer Davis. Hendrix has had a very strong summer in the AAU circuit as had both Davis sisters. They have made a ton of noise on the AAU circuit with the Michigan Storm during the summer. The Lakers have a lot to like in 2021. They took Hartland to the limit in the regional semifinals last season. West Bloomfield has the experience, youth, and drive to go along with program strength to be something special. The Lakers should be a force to be known.

Clarkston: The Wolves had a very successful year under Coach John Weyer last season getting to the regional semifinals before falling to Walled Lake Western. Weyer has done a wonderful job with the program building them up just like his PR1DE teams in the AAU world in his two seasons coaching at Flemings Lake Road. Clarkston will rely on their proven experience in 2021. The majority of his team has played on PR1DE which helps a ton. The Wolves will have Maddy Skourpski, Olivia Toderan, Izzy Hadley, Kaitlyn Kaul, Morgan Hunter, Megan Tolmie, Lena Eblenkamp, and Ryan Bordogna back. Clarkston lost one senior in Taylor Heaten to graduation. The wildcard is combo guard Ava Hernandez. Hernandez was solid last season in the junior varsity ranks. She is ready to prove that she can make an impact on varsity. The Wolves expect to make some noise this season and could threaten West Bloomfield in the Red.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have always been a defensive first program under Coach Brian Sopota. Royal Oak shocked Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals after being blown out twice by the Warriors and their star player in Cheyenne McEvans in the regular season. They fell to Birmingham Marian in the district finals last season. There is a ton of optimism and questions heading into 2021 for Royal Oak. The Ravens are the classic “Batman and Robin.” Royal Oak will rely on three proven experienced players to carry them this season in combo guard/forward Sarah Soraghan. Soraghan is a pure scorer, can score in different ways basically playing the role of Batman. The Robin role is the question mark for Sopota and the Ravens. There are some talented players that could handle the role of Robin in Rexi Losemberg and Sarah Ammon. Program strength is very solid for Sopota despite having a ton of varsity inexperience this season. Royal Oak will need Soraghan to play well on a nightly basis and find someone like a Losemberg or an Ammon to play that Robin role. If they can do that with the defensive first mindset than there is no reason that the Ravens could be in the conversation.

Groves: The Falcons have made a ton of changes this offseason after falling to Southfield Arts and Tech in the pre-district. They made a huge splash by hiring AntJuan Simpkins to take over a program that has been up and down. Simpkins is well known for his run and gun at River Rouge and with the Michigan Storm AAU 2024 team. Groves has a ton of experience coming back in Kaitlyn Quinn, Rachel Sample, Destiny McCurdy, Loryn Middlebrooks, Peyton Blanford, Nevaeh Otis, Jordan Peterson, Ciara Racco, Alyssa Durrell, and Anaya Bracy-Robinson. The interior will be a huge question mark for the Falcons. Program strength is also a major concern going forward for Groves. If Simpkins can bring long term stability including in the sub-varsity with in the program then the Falcons could surprise some folks.

Southfield Arts and Tech: It has been a very surreal offseason for the Warriors. Southfield Arts and Tech lost Cheyenne McEvans and Jasmine Worthy to graduation. They were upset by Royal Oak in the district semifinals last season. It will be a new era for Warriors Girls Basketball in 2021. They have a new coach in Shaquita Coltrane. She takes over for Michelle Marshall whom retired this offseason. Coltrane comes to Southfield Arts and Tech from Southfield Bradford Academy and will look to make impact within the program. The Warriors have two proven starters in forward Jalyn Austin and point guard Kayonia Willis. Austin made some noise in 2019-2020 but now she will have a heavier workload. Willis had a very rough year in 2019-2020 but hopes a fresh start could help her gain some confidence this season. It looks like it’s going to be a very challenging season for Southfield Arts and Tech. It will take some time to adjust to life on both sides.

 

White

Troy: It was a very odd offseason for the Colts but there are some problems that the program needs to address. The big problem for Troy in the last two years has been in the postseason where they haven’t gotten past the district rounds despite earning the top seed in the district last season and also ironically both losses came to Utica. Bottom is that they haven’t gotten the job done in the postseason. The Colts hired Julius Porter as their new coach in May taking over for Simon Bato. Bato had a great career at Troy turning the program into a consistent power. Porter was an assistant coach under legendary Clarkston Boys Basketball coach Dan Fife. What helps Porter is that he has a program ready to prove themselves. He has a ton of proven experience in Kendall Zeiter, Kayla Rutledge, Charlotte Soboka, Alyssa Matuza, Lauren Gumma, Riya Chakravity, and Calen Knight. Program strength is very solid for the Colts as well. Porter walks into a great situation with program strength and proven returners. Just got to get some playoff success and Troy should be solid and ready to go.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot heading into 2021. They had an up and down season which included a pre-district victory over Troy Athens but they had a very disappointing loss to Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals last season. Coach Kellen James needs to replace Lily DiPanni as she has graduated from the program but he has a point guard who’s ready to take over for DiPanni in Mia Carson. Carson had an interesting year in a much lesser role last season but now she becomes the top guard for “Team Finebalm.” James has a ton of proven experience that is back in Sydney LaPrairie, Devin Vowels, Milana Skoric, Kendall Kahl, Jaiden Drake, Ella Demetral, Kierra Hall, and Paris Cramer. The Cougars will be very experienced heading into 2021. Program strength looks to be solid for “Team Finebalm.” Stoney Creek should be in the mix in the White.

Adams: The Highlanders are going to be an interesting team to watch in 2021. Adams was above 500 in the regular season winning 12 games. They had postseason wins over Waterford Kettering and Oxford but they are coming off a very tough loss to Clarkston in the district finals last season. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Maggie Dolegina, Madison Kessman, Lauren Petersmark, Elizabeth Blaine, Abbey Drahnak, Snigdha Tenneri, Emma Klott, and Kate Elliot. The wildcard could be Anjayna Howard whom had a great year last season in the sub varsities as a freshman. Coach Shay Lewis has a ton of experience which helps things moving forward. Program strength is a concern though for Lewis. Adams should be in the mix for the White this season.

North Farmington: The Raiders had an interesting year last season getting to the district finals before falling to Farmington Hills Mercy. Coach Jeff Simpson will be very young in 2021. North Farmington will rely on four key player in Sela Lefler, Kelsey Newton, Penelope Creary, and Heaven Rogers. Rogers will be a key player in the interior. Lefler is a very solid combo guard. Creary is a solid defender and can score. Newton can shoot the ball and play point guard from time to time. Program strength is a huge question mark for Simpson and his team. The Raiders look like they are going to be your perfect Jekyll and Hyde squad this season.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks should be an interesting team to watch in 2021. Bloomfield Hills made a program change late and there are several unknowns to keep an eye on when it comes to the Blackhawks named Kristen Massey the new coach of the program. Massey brings a ton of experience as a player to the program. There are several questions for Bloomfield Hills heading into the season. It could be a challenging season for the program.

 

Blue

Lake Orion: The Dragons have been through a lot but there is a lot of upside surrounding this team and program. It was a trial by fire last season for them. They fell to Clarkston in the district semifinals last season. Lake Orion has a ton of proven experience and young talent that is back and ready to prove they belong. Coach Bob Brydges has done a great job building this program back up in his two seasons back behind the varsity bench. Brydges will have Meghan Marshall, Sydney Maddox, and Kierra Tierney as that veteran core along with proven young experience players in Maddie Ebbert and Kylie Heck. Katie Van Heck returns from an ACL injury and gives them a huge physical presence inside. The Dragons have a young sophomore class that made a ton of noise last season. Ebbert and Heck are sophomores along with newcomers Taylor Dinda and Regan Greene. Lake Orion has a nice blend of youth and experience that is ready to break out. There are not a lot of people talking or taking notice of this program on the rise.

Rochester: The Falcons are a very interesting program to keep an eye on this season and in the future. I give credit to coaches Bill Thurston and Jeff Haney for turning the program around. What Rochester did was schedule quality sub varsity programs when they went three division Blue and it seems to be paying off. The Falcons made a surprising run in the postseason out of nowhere. They upset Utica in the district semifinals before falling to Utica Eisenhower in the district final Thurston has stabilized everything from a coaching standpoint and has brought stability. Rochester has a ton of experience that returns from last season in Megan Lorenzo, Jackie Hurst, Anaya Rangarjian, and Brooke Gordon. The Falcons also have program strength. Rochester is a team that is built for the long hall and certainly a team to keep an eye on.

Oxford: It will be very interesting for the Wildcats and not because they are going to be in a different district by going north to Genesee and Lapeer counties. Oxford has several key returners coming back from a team that struggled last season because of inexperience. The big one returning is combo guard Mackenzie Methner. Methner got injured in the second half of the season and is back fully healthy. She will be alongside shooting guard Emma Morris. Morris is as talented as a shooter anyone in the league. Coach Rachel Bryer has Jordan Hung, Charlotte McClenaghan, Payton Szymanski, Brooke Zeiter, Miranda Wyneimeko, and Erianna Hubbard to go along with Methner and Morris. The Wildcats are going to be a pure Jekyll and Hyde team. Program strength is strong as well especially with a strong sophomore class. Oxford should be a team to watch.

Berkley: The Bears are going to be a very interesting team to watch this season. Coach Kirk Carolan has done a wonderful job turning Berkley into a contender. The Bears did beat Royal Oak last season which was a huge step in the right direction. Berkley returns several key players in Ashley Loon, Jillian Gomes, Sammi Withrow, Orgley Kreugel, Cassidy Gifford, Brooklyn Weems, and Tessa Voss. Program strength is a question mark though. They have had proven success in the sub varsity level. If Carolan can strengthen the sub varsity levels and add a freshman program, the program would be much better off in the future. The Bears should be in the mix for the Blue.

Avondale: It’s going to be very interesting for the Yellow Jackets in 2021. Avondale has had to deal with some demons especially in the postseason when it comes to one team in West Bloomfield. They have four times to the Lakers in the last two years even though they the White last season. The Yellow Jackets have three starters back for Coach Roy Christmon in Reigan Lawrence, Tanah Jackson, and Savannah Schmidt. These three players are going to need to be at their best every night for them to win games. Program strength is very suspect at best. Avondale is going to be very young and there are a ton of questions surrounding this program. It could be a very bumpy ride for Christmon and his Yellow Jackets this season.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were the second seed in the pre-district but fell to Stoney Creek last season. There are a ton of questions and some regrouping for Coach Stacie Klumpp’s program in 2021. They will need to replace 11 seniors from a squad that won 11 games in 2019-2020. Troy Athens has Nitaya Balusu, Ciara Shoales, and Gillian Clark back for what should be a very young team. The Red Hawks will need to get off to a fast start as they get adjusted to their new teammates. Troy Athens got off to a hot start early but they cooled off down the stretch. Program strength is a question mark for Troy Athens even though the Red Hawks will field three programs which adds to program strength. They have great coaches in the program. It could be a very challenging ride for Troy Athens this season.

 

Gold

Farmington: This could be the Falcons best team they have had in a while but there are some questions for the program that needs to be answered. Farmington has had great years and impactful players like Aaron Howell whom made noise in the past. They have done well in the lower divisions but once they get moved up they struggle. This is something that needs to be addressed along with program strength. The Falcons have a ton of proven experience back for Coach Lauren Guzman in Autumn Barnett, Sophia Holdwick, Lily Morrisette, Kenndi Jones, Val Pallett, Alyssa Simmons, Brielle Burns, Kaitlyn Carnac, and Madelyn Beckwitch. The Falcons were in the mix last season in the Gold. Farmington on paper is the favorite in the Gold but there will be some challengers. They will need to toughen up the non-league slate if they want to make some noise this season.

Seaholm: The Maples are going to be an interesting team to keep an eye on from a team that was in the Gold conversation last season. Seaholm has a ton of experience back for Coach Chris Manchester in Kate Sullivan, Kate Keifer, Gwyn Wiseman, Megan Blake, and Emily Jacoby. The wildcard is guard/forward Shay Manchester. Manchester is expected to make an impact for her father’s team. Seaholm has a ton of questions especially when it comes to program strength. They expect to be very competitive in the Gold this season.

Oak Park: The Knights had a very good regular season winning 13 games for Coach Peggy Evans-Carr but they ran into a very good Detroit Renaissance program in the pre-district last season. It could be very interesting how they can sustain it this season. Oak Park lost Kyla Wilson to graduation but Tamiya Todd is back and is expected to carry more of the load for the Knights. Program strength is a big concern for Evans-Carr but wonder if last season’s success could have an effect on the program. Oak Park will be a team to keep an eye on for sure.

Ferndale: The Eagles saw some improvement last season under Coach Keith Paris and program strength will certainly be tested again this season. Ferndale will have Zoe Rogers back for a team looking to take the next step building a program. Rogers will need to step up and take on more of a leading role for the Eagles. If Paris wants to take that next step he will certainly need to improve on things like the schedule and program development to be competitive.

Ferndale University: It will be a challenge by fire for the Golden Eagles and Coach Desdan Hester going into the OAA in 2021. Ferndale University won 11 games and beat Detroit Osborn from the postseason last season. The Golden Eagles don’t expect to be in the league mix this season but they could play the role of spoiler. It’s going to be a trial by fire for Hester and Ferndale University.