Girls Basketball Final Top 23

Girls Basketball Final Top 23

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Final Top 23.

Written Friday March 1st at 5:30 PM

Here is the final top 23 rankings heading into the postseason.

  1. West Bloomfield (20-1): Lakers are ready for the postseason.
  2. Stoney Creek (16-5): Cougars are still vulnerable despite having home court this postseason.
  3. Clarkston (16-6): Wolves have won seven of nine with half of those without Elliana Robak.
  4. Lake Orion (14-8): Dragons have won six of seven is a great sign heading into the postseason.
  5. Berkley (17-5): Bears having their best season in years.
  6. Ferndale (16-3): Eagles are a team that could give anyone in their district problems.
  7. Oxford (10-11): Wildcats could get Sophia Raab back which could be huge.
  8. Bloomfield Hills (11-9): Blackhawks are playing their best basketball, winning four straight.
  9. Troy (14-8): Colts have top seed but they are still vulnerable in the postseason.
  10. Seaholm (14-8): Maples have been an odd team to figure out as of late.
  11. Royal Oak (16-6): Ravens have had a strong week, big test awaits in the postseason.
  12. Rochester (8-14): Falcons have a great chance to do some damage in the postseason.
  13. Groves (8-13): Falcons are 4-2 in their last six games heading into the postseason.
  14. Southfield Arts and Tech (12-9): Warriors defense is a serious concern in the postseason.
  15. Troy Athens (9-13): Red Hawks have been trending downward heading into the postseason.
  16. Adams (6-16): Highlanders are better than their record indicates.
  17. Harper Woods (8-11): Could the Pioneers be prone to an upset???
  18. Avondale (8-14): Yellow Jackets despite injuries are more than capable of pulling an upset.
  19. North Farmington (11-11): Raiders went 4-11 since a 7-0 start.
  20. Oak Park (5-12): Knights offensive issues are a big concern in the postseason.
  21. Pontiac (5-15): Phoenix close out the season with more wins than last season.
  22. Farmington (1-20): Falcons looked better against Garden City.
  23. Ferndale University (0-17): It has been a challenging year for the Eagles.
Girls Basketball Final Top 23

Stoney Creek wins State Crown in Cheerleading

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Stoney Creek wins Division One State Crown in Cheerleading.

Written Saturday March 2nd at 9:10 AM

The city of Rochester has enjoyed years of success holding the Division One or Class A State Crown in cheerleading.

Stoney Creek who hasn’t won the Division One State crown since 2019 took home this season’s title scoring 792.98. Adams who had a three year run as the Division One State Champion was second with 791.56, and powerhouse Rochester was third with 791.36.

The Cougars won the first two rounds while the Highlanders won the third round. Stoney Creek’s first two round scores was just enough to hold off the Highlanders and Falcons earning their first State crown in five years.

The Division One State crown still lives in Rochester, and it might be there for a long while.

Girls Basketball Final Top 23

Boys Basketball Regional Preview

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday March 2nd at 9:20 PM

Here is the Boys Basketball Regional Preview for the three remaining OAA teams left in Boys Basketball.

Region 7 @ Milford

CLARKSTON vs Grand Blanc

Milford vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional. It could most likely be Orchard Lake St. Marys against Grand Blanc in the regional final but Clarkston and Milford might have other plans. The Mavericks don’t match up well with the Eaglets based on talent but they have home court and if they can slow things down and play their style then who knows what will happen in that game. The Wolves match the Bobcats pretty well even though Grand Blanc had a slow start to the season but have picked things up lately. Clarkston is coming off a hard earned district crown after having to win three games in five days which is great for Coach Tim Waslik. Both games are going to be very interesting.

PREDICTION: I see Orchard Lake St. Marys getting by Milford but Clarkston and Grand Blanc could be very tight. The Wolves have found ways to survive close and tight games lately but the Bobcats are a solid team and are riding with a ton of confidence. Either way I don’t see any of the three teams getting by the Eaglets but Clarkston or Grand Blanc could give them a game in the regional finals.

Region 6 @ Detroit Renaissance

NORTH FARMINGTON vs GROVES

Warren De LaSalle vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

THOUGHTS: There is a ton of storylines heading into this regional. North Farmington has a great chance at this regional pending if they can get by a very good Groves team. The Falcons are starting to get healthy again which is a great sign for Coach Marc West. The Raiders won both meetings over the Falcons but it’s always hard to beat a team three times in a season. Whoever wins that game will play a perennial Catholic League program in Warren De LaSalle or Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Cubs and the Pilots split their two regular season meetings.

PREDICTION: I see North Farmington coming out of this regional. The Raiders will have to likely see officials they aren’t familiar with like they did last season when they fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional finals. I think Coach Todd Negoshan will have his team and coaches more prepared this time around.

Girls Basketball Final Top 23

Girls Basketball District Preview

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball District Preview.

Written Sunday February 25th at 10:45 AM

Updated Sunday March 3rd at 10:00 AM

Here are the Girls Basketball District matchups and preview looking ahead.

Here is deeper insight of each district.

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2023/06/written-tuesday-june-20th-at-920-am.html

 

District 60 @ Harper Woods

Eastpointe vs HARPER WOODS

 

Detroit East English Village Prep vs Harper Woods Chandler Park

 

THOUGHTS: This does not look like a very strong district. Harper Woods has some experience despite having a losing record. The Pioneers have played a very difficult schedule based on the MPR but have struggled as of late. Eastpointe has the most wins out of this group but the strength of schedule is not the greatest for the Shamrocks. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the second seed but the Eagles could make amends in the tournament despite their struggles. Detroit East English has really under performed this season but like Harper Woods Chandler Park they could make amends in the postseason. Harper Woods is the favorite in this district but they could get upset by Eastpointe in the district semifinals if they aren’t careful, it happened last week with the Pioneers boys when they fell to the Shamrocks in the same round.

 

District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Lincoln King

Winner plays Birmingham Detroit Country Day in district semifinals

 

Detroit University Prep vs Detroit Henry Ford

Winner plays FERNDALE in district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is shaping up to be a Ferndale vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district final. The Yellow Jackets have had a really strong season and look to keep that momentum going. Detroit Lincoln King could give them some fits in the district semifinals pending if they can get by Ferndale University in the first round. The Eagles have had a strong season winning the Gold and have been battle tested. They edged out Detroit Lincoln King for the second seed and not having to play on Monday is huge for Coach Keith Paris’s team. Detroit Henry Ford could give Ferndale some trouble in the district semifinals. Overall I see this being a district final preview as mentioned between the two seeded teams.

 

District 32 @ Grand Blanc

 

Holly vs Lapeer

Winner plays Grand Blanc in district semifinals

 

Davison vs OXFORD-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district in Genesee County. Grand Blanc looks to be the favorite because of their strength of schedule and home court but keep an eye on Oxford. The Wildcats went to the Red this season just for this moment. Grand Blanc has beaten Oxford three straight years but there are some who believe this is the Wildcats time to break through the Bobcats wall. Oxford will have to get past Davison again if they want to make it back to the district finals. The Wildcats beat the Cardinals 42-34 earlier in the season at Ian Smith Gym but the foot injury to Sophia Rabb will be worth monitoring to see if she comes back for the postseason. Grand Blanc will see the winner of Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. Both teams have really struggled this season but the Lightning have a win over Davison in the regular season. This should be a Wildcats/Bobcats district final on paper but you never know with this district, just look at the boys side of things when Holly upset Davison in the district semifinals.

 

District 29 @ Waterford Mott

 

Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

 

Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

THOUGHTS: This district has the makings of a Lake Orion/Clarkston district finals which seems likely at the moment where both teams won at home in their two Red matchups (Clarkston 60-48, Lake Orion 49-48.) Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott doesn’t really match up well to the Dragons and Wolves respectively. Clarkston has won several games behind their balance attack of Brooklyn Covert, Ellery Hernandez, Ellie Mourner, Marly Mazur, and Emily Valencia. They have been without their best player in Ellianna Robak who has been battling an ankle injury she injured against the Dragons in their regular season meeting at Lake Orion but it is very likely Robak will be playing in the district. Lake Orion has found multiple ways to win after some really tough losses in the middle of the season. The Dragons have relied on Izzy Wotlinski, Ryann Pawalcyzk, Ellie Britt, Lexie Stroschein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Neveah Wood along with some very timely defense in that stretch. Lake Orion has been getting disrespected in the media as well with experts picking Clarkston to win the district. I think both the Dragons and Wolves are evenly matched with each team holding serve at home. This district as I said in June will be colored in green and white or blue and gold.

 

District 28 @ Troy Athens

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs TROY ATHENS

Winner plays TROY in district semifinals

 

AVONDALE vs SEAHOLM- district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting when looking at the teams, it’s anyone’s for the taking. Seaholm got the best part of the draw having to play Avondale in the district semifinals where they won 64-42 in Birmingham earlier in the season. The Maples clinched a share of the White with their win over Harper Woods. The Maples beat Bloomfield Hills 53-37 at Little Caesars Arena earlier in the season but they have not played Troy or Troy Athens this season. The Blackhawks returned the favor winning 56-51 at home over Seaholm last week clinching their share of the White crown with the Maples. The Yellow Jackets have been injury riddled all season but if they can get several players back, they are very dangerous and can be a really tough out for anyone. Troy has really improved since their 3-7 start and have played much better in recent weeks. The Colts have a daunting task awaiting them, they could see Bloomfield Hills or Troy Athens which should be very interesting in the district semifinals. Troy has a 54-51 win at Troy Athens and a 58-57 win over the Red Hawks in the regular season but they haven’t played the Blackhawks this season. Troy Athens has really struggled lately but they are still dangerous. Whoever wins this district would have earned it.

 

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

 

ADAMS vs Utica Eisenhower

Winner plays STONEY CREEK in district semifinals

 

ROCHESTER vs Romeo-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district on Tienken and Sheldon Road. Stoney Creek has beaten everyone in this district at least once this season but they struggled as of late with the rough and tear of the Red. The Cougars will see either Adams or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. The Highlanders are better than their record says (finished 6-16.) Adams gave Stoney Creek everything they could handle in the Crosstown Showdown (38-31.) The Eagles are not an easy team either by any stretch. On the other side of the bracket, this is the worst matchup for Romeo having to play Rochester. The Falcons have two very talented bigs in Alice Max and Kylie Robinson and despite their record, Rochester has been here before. The Bulldogs have had a really good season winning 16 games but playing the Falcons is a very tough chore. This should be a very interesting district, Stoney Creek is the favorite because of home court and proven experience players in Sarah LaPraire, Merrick Schlawbach, and Izzy Ivezaj but they have several roadblocks ahead of them in the postseason.

District 23 @ Warren Cousino

 

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights

Winner plays Warren Cousino in district semifinals

 

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK-district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district in Macomb County. Royal Oak had the top seed all but wrapped up but they fell 46-42 to Groves in Beverly Hills in a very good game. The loss to the Falcons placed the Ravens into the second seed which means they will rematch the Falcons for the third time in the district semifinals (Royal Oak won first meeting 38-31 in Royal Oak.) Warren Cousino benefited from this outcome by getting the top seed and will await Warren Mott or Sterling Heights in the district semifinals. The Patriots have won 15 games this season which included a 50-47 win over Seaholm in Warren and they have home court. It will be very interesting to see what OAA team awaits them in the district final unless they get upset which is unlikely. Warren Cousino is the favorite because of home court and they have a 1,000 career scorer in Kasi Pearson but Royal Oak and Groves have other plans in mind.

District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

 

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

Winner plays West Bloomfield in district semifinals

 

Birmingham Marian vs Farmington Hills Mercy-district semifinals

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with powerhouse names. North Farmington and Farmington will have a rematch in the first round after the Raiders won 59-12 over the Falcons earlier in the season. Whoever wins that game will play West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. The Lakers are the overwhelming favorite in this district with proven experience in Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, and Ava Lord. Whoever wins that side of the district will get a Catholic League power in the district finals. Birmingham Marian or Farmington Hills Mercy in part four of their season series (Catholic League and the Catholic League playoffs) in the district semifinals with the winner likely having to face the Lakers in the district finals. I don’t see how anyone in this district will give West Bloomfield a game.

District 21 @ Berkley

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs OAK PARK

Winner plays Detroit Renaissance in district semifinals

 

BERKLEY vs Redford Thurston

Winner plays Detroit Mumford in district semifinals

THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting on Catalpa Drive. Detroit Renaissance is the favorite and are veteran heavy, talented, and experienced. The Phoenix have rolled to the Detroit Public School League crown and is the defending district champs. Southfield Arts and Tech could give Detroit Renaissance some trouble in the district semifinals with their athleticism and speed pending if they can get by Oak Park in the first round. Berkley and Redford Thurston should be very interesting with both teams winning double digit games this season in the first round. The Bears have been playing really good basketball behind the play of Maeve Nolan, Madi Boswall, Hailey Kirkwood, Nadia Watt, Avery Wintergarden, Kaitlyn Sills, and others. The winner of the Berkley/Redford Thurston game will play Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which should be very interesting. The Mustangs have played a really tough schedule so don’t let their record deceive you, they are well coached and very good. I do remember a few years ago when Berkley upset Detroit Renaissance. This is shaping up to be a very good district at Berkley.

Here is the podcast from that game in 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQho3leMzGM&list=PLauKkgE1CU4hgHmjqHvUxJkEFk6CGicTW&index=85

March 4-8 is School Breakfast Week

March 4-8 is School Breakfast Week

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2024

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 4-8 as School Breakfast Week

Last year’s balanced, bipartisan budget delivered free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students, saving parents $850 a year per kid on groceries and time every morning

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 4-8 as School Breakfast Week and highlighted her administration’s bipartisan collaboration with the Michigan Legislature to deliver free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students.

 

“There’s a reason we tell our kids that breakfast is the most important meal of the day—it helps them focus in class so they can learn and grow,” said Governor Whitmer. “This School Breakfast Week, let’s celebrate our bipartisan work to deliver free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. I am so proud we got it done in last year’s balanced budget, and I am proud to have included funding to feed two free meals at school again in my budget proposal this year. By feeding our students, we can help them concentrate on learning and growing in class instead of worrying about an empty stomach. Let’s also save parents $850 a year on groceries per kid and valuable time every morning.”

 

Free Breakfast and Lunch for Michigan Students

The balanced, bipartisan budget Governor Whitmer signed into law last year delivered free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. Getting this done saves parents an average of $850 a year per kid on groceries and valuable time every morning.

 

To view the full proclamation, click here.

 

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More Than $87 Million to 269 Municipalities and Counties

More Than $87 Million to 269 Municipalities and Counties

by | Feb 29, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 29, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Treasury: Adult-Use Marijuana Payments Being Distributed to Michigan Municipalities and Counties 

More Than $87 Million Going to 269 Municipalities and Counties

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Treasury today announced that more than $87 million is being distributed among 269 municipalities and counties as a part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

Over the next few days, 99 cities, 30 villages, 69 townships and 71 counties will receive payments from the Marihuana Regulation Fund. For the state of Michigan’s 2023 fiscal year, this means each eligible municipality and county will receive more than $59,000 for every licensed retail store and microbusiness located within its jurisdiction.

“This week, many Michigan municipalities and counties will begin seeing their share of adult-use marijuana payments appear in their banking accounts,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Through a partnership, the dollars received from the adult-use marijuana taxes and fees are distributed to our participating communities. These dollars may be spent how our local units deem fit to their needs.”

Revenue was collected from 737 licensees among the state’s cities, villages and townships during the 2023 fiscal year. Some of these municipalities host more than one licensed retail store and microbusiness.

For the 2023 state fiscal year, there was more than $290.3 million available for distribution from the Marihuana Regulation Fund.

State law outlines how much is distributed from the Marihuana Regulation Fund.

Aside from the more than $87 million in disbursements to municipalities and counties, $101.6 million was sent to the School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $101.6 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund.

“The tax funding for municipalities and counties that comes from the marijuana excise tax is a very important benefit of the legal cannabis industry in Michigan,” said Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) Executive Director Brian Hanna. “The CRA is committed to doing our part in supporting our licensees so that they can continue to grow the local economy throughout the state with good-paying jobs and increased revenues for local government budgets.”

For more information about adult-use marijuana tax distributions – including a breakdown of how much municipalities and counties received – go to Michigan.gov/RevenueSharing. To learn more about Michigan’s adult-use marijuana industry, go to Michigan.gov/cra.