Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, Public Health Advisory Council, Michigan Health Information Technology Commission, Human Trafficking Commission, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children’s Trust Fund), Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Council on Climate Solutions, Statewide Housing Partnership, and MI STEM Council.

 

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice

 

Nancy Bennett, of Okemos, is the division director of the grants and community services division for the Michigan Department of State Police. Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of Michigan and her Master of Science in justice from American University.  Nancy Bennett is reappointed to represent public agencies concerned with delinquency prevention or treatment for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring August 2, 2027.

 

The Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2022-7 which abolished the committee restructured by Executive Order No. 2017-12 and recreates this Committee in alignment with the requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Under the executive order, the Committee is tasked with the development and review of the state’s juvenile justice plan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Public Health Advisory Council

 

Nicholas Derusha, of Newberry, is the director and health officer of the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department. He also serves as the vice president of the Michigan Center for Rural Health Board of Directors, member of the Northern Health Foundation Board of Directors, and treasurer for the Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. Derusha received his Bachelor of Science in environmental health and safety management from Ferris State University and his Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Nicohlas Derusha is appointed to represent local public health officials for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring November 1, 2024. He succeeds Linda Vail who has resigned.

 

The Public Health Advisory Council was created within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at the recommendation of the Public Health Advisory Commission. The Council will develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations of the Commission and is tasked with providing advice about emerging issues in public health, monitoring the effectiveness of Michigan’s public health response system, and reviewing multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Health Information Technology Commission

 

Ninah Sasy, of Okemos, is the policy and planning director with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  She is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Department’s Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Strategy across state agencies and throughout Michigan. Previously, she served as executive director for the Michigan Department of Treasury and as the chief clean water public advocate for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Sasy received her Bachelor of Science in medical laboratory science from Michigan State University and her Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University.  Ninah Sasy is designated to serve as the representative of the Department of Health and Human Services for a term commencing March 14, 2024, expiring August 3, 2027. She succeeds Beth Nagel.

 

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission’s mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Human Trafficking Commission

 

Tiffany Martinez, of Okemos, is the project director for the victims’ services division for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Previously, she worked as the supervised parenting time program director for HAVEN and as a therapist for Ennis Center for Children in Flint. Martinez received her Bachelor of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Tiffany Martinez is designated to serve as the representative of the Department of Health and Human Services until a successor is appointed.

 

The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (Children’s Trust Fund)

 

Kristin Totten, of Kalamazoo, is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Kalamazoo County. Ms. Totten is reappointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 19, 2026.

 

Angela Dudley, of Owosso, is the founder of Millstone Ministry, an organization that partners with local law enforcement across the county to provide world-class cyber resources and training to dismantle sex trafficking on the front lines. Dudley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 19, 2026. Angela Dudley succeeds Sharif Hussein whose term has expired.

 

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

 

Jacob Moon, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and clinical director at Clarity Therapy and Consulting. Moon earned his Bachelor of Science in human services and a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from the University of Phoenix. Jacob Moon is appointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Jacob Moon succeeds Silvia Leija whose term has expired.

 

Dr. Gavin Beckford, of Canton, is an economic development manager and DDA manager for the Charter Township of Canton. Beckford earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing at Howard University, a Master of Business Administration at Babson College, and a Doctor of Philosophy at the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid, Spain.  Dr. Gavin Beckford is appointed to represent general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Dr. Gavin Beckford succeeds Karol Ross whose term has expired.

 

Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis, of Detroit, is a practicing marriage and family therapist and owner of the Focus Therapy Clinic. She works with minority individuals, blended families, and groups. Spencer-Ardis has earned a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in marriage and family therapy at Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis is appointed to represent marriage and family therapists for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027. Dr. Siedah Spencer-Ardis succeeds Amy Campbell whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy was created to license and regulate the practice of marriage and family therapy in Michigan, which is the provision of guidance, testing, discussions, therapy, instruction, or advice that is intended to avoid, eliminate, relieve, manage, or resolve marital or family conflict or discord, to create, improve, or restore marital or family harmony, or to prepare couples for marriage. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission

 

Courtney Pendleton, of St. Johns, is the deputy director for the Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Courtney Pendleton has over 25 years of experience with the department and has also served as assistant director, investigator, and departmental specialist. Pendleton received her associate degree in business from Lansing Community College and her Bachelor of Science in management from the University of Phoenix. Courtney Pendleton is appointed to represent the designee of the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 14, 2026.

 

Angela Hood, of Flint, is the executive director of Educare Flint and the Flint Early Childhood Collaborative at the Flint Center for Education Excellence.  She is also a Ph.D. student studying Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. Hood received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration in accounting from Northwood University. Angela Hood is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring December 14, 2027.

 

The Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission focuses on implementing the recommendations of the former Child Lead Poisoning Elimination Board and monitoring the state’s efforts to eliminate lead exposure in children. The Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Governor and department director to coordinate and collaborate with all levels of government and stakeholders regarding programs and policies related to the elimination of child lead exposure.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

 

Mark Evans, of Beluah, is the manager of the Evans Brothers Fruit Company in Frankfort. Evans holds an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.  Mark Evans is reappointed to represent district 1 growers for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring March 1, 2027.

 

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission was created pursuant to the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act for the purpose of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority

 

Krista Flynn, of Grand Rapids, is a sales executive for the Midwest region of commercial banking at PNC Bank. Flynn holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College. Krista Flynn is appointed to represent a resident of the qualified county appointed by the governor for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 28, 2028. Krista Flynn succeeds Scott Bowen who has resigned.

 

The Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) is the seven-member board that administers Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, and DeVos Performance Hall. The mission of the CAA is to encourage economic development within the West Michigan region, create jobs, and provide facilities for the entertainment, enjoyment, and/or benefit of the citizens in an economical manner by developing and operating convention, entertainment, and sports facilities within Kent County.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Council on Climate Solutions

 

William F. Beaver, of Manistee, is the director of the natural resources department for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Beaver holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Michigan Technological University. William F. Beaver is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Marnese Jackson, of Pontiac, is the executive director of Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations and African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in social justice from Marygrove College. Marnese Jackson is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Cynthia Williams, of Farmington Hills, is the global director of sustainability, homologation, and compliance for Ford Motor Company. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. Williams is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

Grace Michienzi, of Grand Rapids, is the senior director of policy at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and Institute for Energy Innovation. Previously she served as a policy advisor to Governor Whitmer. Michienzi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. Grace Michienzi is reappointed for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring February 3, 2028.

 

The Council on Climate Solutions was created by Executive Order 182 of 2020 and acts in an advisory capacity to the governor and the department’s Office of Climate and Energy in formulating and overseeing the implementation of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Statewide Housing Partnership

 

Stephan Currie, of East Lansing, is currently the executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties. He serves as a member of the Horizon Bank Advisory Board of Directors, Citizens Research Council of Michigan Board of Directors, and is a member of the Michigan State University Green and White PAC Board of Directors. Currie earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Hope College and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Currie is appointed to represent local government, which might include representatives from county or municipal government associations, for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring September 6, 2024.

 

Kaitlynn Lamie, of Shelby Township, is the interim president and CEO of the Michigan Association of United Ways. Lamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. Kaitlynn Lamie is appointed to represent organizations that advocate in support of access to resources and services for marginalized individuals and families, for a term commencing March 14, 2024, and expiring September 6, 2024. Kaitlynn Lamie succeeds Nancy Lindeman.

 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Partnership addresses Michigan’s complex housing challenges that require coordinated action and new approaches. The Statewide Housing Plan presents opportunities for organizations to partner on common goals, including housing rehabilitation and stabilization, reducing equity gaps, reducing homelessness, and increas
States Urge FTC to Strengthen Protections for Children

States Urge FTC to Strengthen Protections for Children

by | Mar 13, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 12, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel, Coalition of 43 States Urge FTC to Strengthen Online Privacy and Safety Protections for Children

LANSING – In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 43 state attorneys general to urge the federal government to update and strengthen the rules technology companies must follow under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

The rules governing online privacy protections for children up to age 13 have not been updated in over a decade. At the same time, the digital world has evolved rapidly — with smartphones, social networks, and connected devices becoming an even greater part of our lives.

Congress enacted COPPA in 1998 for the purpose of giving parents more control over information collected online from their children. The legislation directed the FTC to establish regulations for operators of websites or online services regarding how they collect, use, and share personal information of children under 13 years of age.

The FTC is proposing changes to the COPPA Rule that would place new restrictions on the use and disclosure of children’s personal information and further limit the ability of companies to condition access to services on monetizing children’s data.

Among other things, the attorneys general are urging the FTC to expand the definition of “personal information” to include biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retina and iris patterns, a DNA sequence, and data derived from voice data, gait data, and facial data, as well as avatars generated from a child’s image and likeness.

The attorneys general also ask the FTC to adopt a comprehensive framework for determining whether services qualify for a proposed parental consent exception and to prohibit operators from abusing the multiple-contact exception in COPPA with engagement-maximizing push notifications.

“I remain committed to doing all we can to protect the online safety and privacy of children,” Nessel said. “We must have more robust rules under the COPPA to ensure that technology companies comply with stringent data protection standards to safeguard the well-being of children. I wholeheartedly join with my colleagues in urging the FTC to take decisive action to enhance COPPA regulations.”

By statute, both the FTC and state attorneys general are empowered to enforce COPPA. Since the COPPA Rule became effective, state attorneys general, on their own and in partnership with the FTC, have pursued multiple actions for violations of the COPPA Rule.

Late last year, state attorneys general sued Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for violations of state consumer protection laws and COPPA. The complaint alleges Meta knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and its other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens. All the while, Meta falsely assured the public that these features are safe and suitable for young users. The case is ongoing.

Led by the attorneys general of Oregon, Illinois, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with assistance from Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Carolina, the comment letter to the FTC regarding amendments to COPPA was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

by | Mar 12, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day

March 12th marks the number of days into the year that women would need to work to match what men made last year

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 12th as Equal Pay Day to bring attention to the Michigan women who experience unequal pay at all levels of work.

 

“Women in Michigan and across the nation deserve equal pay for equal work,” said Governor Whitmer. “Women who work full-time are paid 84 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts, and women of color make even less. This discrepancy has ripple effects across our economy and impacts nearly every Michigan family. Fair pay is about making sure Michigan is place where anyone can work hard and build a good life. I’m proud of every Michigan woman working hard to provide for themselves and their families. I want you to know that I’m going to keep fighting for you.”

 

Women in the U.S. who work full-time, year-round are typically paid only 84 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. Based on today’s wage gap, a woman who works full-time, year-round could lose $399,600 over a 40-year career, a gap that only grows when examined by race and ethnicity. Nationally, for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women are paid only 93 cents, Black women are paid only 69 cents, Native women are paid only 59 cents, and Latinas are paid only 57 cents. This wage gap typically means an annual loss of $22,120 for Black women, $30,450 for Latinas, $28,747 for Native women, and $4,690 for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women.

 

Governor Whitmer’s Record to Support Women

In 2023, Governor Whitmer increased the Working Families Tax Credit to put an average of $3,150 into Michiganders’ pockets and assisting more than 700,000 Michigan households. She has also proposed statewide paid family and medical leave to help workers, especially women, care for loved ones, bond with newborns, and recover when they’re sick. During her first term, Governor Whitmer awarded grants to community-based organizations that help women understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace. Governor Whitmer has appointed more than 1,280 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions.

 

Last year, Governor Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act to decriminalize abortions and ensure access to reproductive healthcare. This helped to build on the momentum in expanding abortion access across the state. Through Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Initiative, Michigan became one of the first states to support expecting mothers by covering doula services, so that they receive the care they need for a healthy pregnancy and support for interventions that are proven to increase health outcomes for women and their children.

 

To view the full proclamation, click here.
OAA Swim and Dive Results

OAA Swim and Dive Results

by | Mar 11, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Swim and Dive Results. Groves Repeats as Division Two State Champs.

Written Sunday March 10th at 9:35 AM

The Falcons had to earn this one.

Groves won the Division Two State title by seven points last season. They had to endure a disqualification in the 200 medley only to come back score 245 points holding off arch rival Seaholm and Farmington by a point at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

Groves, Seaholm, and Farmington were ranked in that order in the standings.

In Division One at Oakland University, Stoney Creek finished seventh with 107 points, Rochester was eighth with 95.5 points, Oxford was 12th with 64 points, Troy was 16th with 49 points, and West Bloomfield was 26th with 15 points, and Lake Orion was 30th with five points in team scoring. Ann Arbor Pioneer won the meet with 275 points.

The OAA proved again its domination in boys swim and diving with the Falcons repeating as State Champs in Division Two while Seaholm and Farmington both had dominating performances as well each scoring 244 points.

OAA Swim and Dive Results

Girls Basketball Regional and Boys State Quarterfinal Preview

by | Mar 11, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Regional and Boys State Quarterfinal Preview.

Written Saturday March 9th at 10:00 AM

Here is the early thoughts about the Girls Regional and Boys State Quarterfinals.

Girls Regionals Preview

Region Eight at Milford

 

CLARKSTON vs Lakeland

Howell vs Grand Blanc

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Milford. Clarkston had to survive an emotional 41-40 district final win over Lake Orion where they trailed all game until the final second. The Wolves will take on a Lakeland team that can play any style. The Eagles are coming off a 24-22 win over Milford in the district finals. It should be a very interesting first game. In the second game, Howell is coming off an emotional 43-42 overtime win over Hartland in the district finals, it’s the second time in two years that the Highlanders have knocked out their bitter rivals from Hartland in the district finals. Grand Blanc has had a solid year, they won 60-38 over Oxford in the district finals but this should be a test for the Bobcats. When looking at this district, Clarkston does have a win over Howell in the regular season and is very familiar with Lakeland but they are not to well familiar with Grand Blanc.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I think the winner of Howell and Grand Blanc wins over Clarkston in this regional. The Wolves should have no issue with Lakeland in the regional semifinals because of Elliana Robak and Brooklyn Covert. The lack of size could hurt especially if Clarkston has to play the Bobcats. The Highlanders should be motivated after what happened in Clarkston against them if they were to play them in the regional final. Grand Blanc is well coached and too experienced but Howell is a very tricky game.

 

Region Seven at Macomb Dakota

 

STONEY CREEK vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Macomb Dakota vs Chippewa Valley

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This should be a very interesting regional at Macomb Dakota. Macomb Dakota has to be the favorite on paper but they had to survive New Baltimore Anchor Bay 47-45 in the district finals. Chippewa Valley is riding a ton of confidence after winning 63-53 over Utica in their district final. Stoney Creek has lived on the edge lately which included a 37-32 win over Rochester in their district final. Bloomfield Hills is in their first regional after winning 49-46 over Seaholm in overtime in their district final. Looking at this regional, Macomb Dakota is favored as mentioned because of home court. Stoney Creek beat Bloomfield Hills earlier in the season but both teams are different now. Chippewa Valley is very dangerous in this regional and is playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I see Stoney Creek vs Macomb Dakota in the regional final but Bloomfield Hills could beat Stoney Creek in the regional semifinals especially with their size in the interior but Stoney Creek has played a much tougher schedule. Macomb Dakota should get by Chippewa Valley. Home court looks to be the difference in this regional.

 

Region Six at Birmingham Marian

 

ROYAL OAK vs Grosse Pointe North

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Renaissance

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional in Birmingham. Both regional semifinal games are very interesting. Royal Oak is coming off their first district title with a 43-41 win at Warren Cousino in the district finals behind a winning layup from Emmy Walden. They will see Grosse Pointe North who is a regional juggernaut. The Norsemen won 56-35 over Roseville in their district final and they feature a proven player in Natalie Babcock. In the second regional semifinal, you have two teams that are very similar in West Bloomfield and Detroit Renaissance. Both teams have proven experience, love to go up and down, and beat you in different ways. The Phoenix is coming off a 60-29 win over Berkley in their district final, they put 91 on Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinal while the Lakers won 68-39 over Farmington Hills Mercy in their district final and put 97 on the same Warriors team in the regular season.

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: I think both games are tight and close. Royal Oak is playing with house money in this regional, with apologies to Coach Brian Sopota and the Ravens, I think Grosse Pointe North’s experience gets them to the regional final. In the second game, it will be high scoring and tight, the Lakers move on because of the Davis sisters. West Bloomfield wins this regional and moves onto the State Quarterfinals.

 

Region Fifteen at Hazel Park

 

HARPER WOODS vs Warren Fitzgerald

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Detroit Edison

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Hazel Park. Harper Woods had no issue winning 64-14 over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the district finals but they have a really difficult regional ahead of them. The Pioneers play Warren Fitzgerald who is also coming off two blowout wins including a 48-15 blowout win over Center Line in the district finals. The other side is not easy either with Detroit Edison and Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets beat Ferndale 67-43 in the district finals. Detroit Edison had a 2-0 forfeit win over Detroit University Prep in their district finals.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: This should be a Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Warren Fitzgerald regional final, going with the Yellow Jackets to move on, too much experience.

 

Boys State Quarterfinal Preview

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs River Rouge at Callahan Hall on the campus of Detroit Mercy

 

THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: The Raiders have been riding an emotional high behind the play of Landon Williams, Tyler Spratt, and Robert Smith. North Farmington needed two free throws from Avi Meltser free throws to beat Warren DeLaSalle 54-53 in the regional finals. Coach Todd Negoshian’s team has been tested in the postseason by Groves and the Pilots. They get to face the Panthers of River Rouge. River Rouge is coming off a dramatic 59-58 win over Dearborn in the district finals where senior Keshawn Fisher hit three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt to spring the upset of the Pioneers. He had 27 points in their 66-60 upset win over defending Division One State Champion Detroit Cass Tech in the regional semifinals and was a huge catalyst in their regional final win over Brownstown Woodhaven. It should be very interesting to see how Negoshian plays Fisher and the Panthers in this matchup at Detroit Mercy. Whoever wins will see Muskegon or Zeeland West at the Breslin Center on Friday.

 

EARLY PROJECTION: I don’t think River Rouge has seen the pressure that North Farmington will put on them in this tournament. I think Negoshian gets the Raiders to the Breslin Center.