Record-Breaking Year for Health Insurance Enrollments 

Record-Breaking Year for Health Insurance Enrollments 

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollments

2024 enrollment up approximately 30% over 2023, both in Michigan and nationally

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox announced that more than 418,000 Michiganders purchased health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the recent open enrollment period. This is the highest number of Michiganders to enroll in affordable Marketplace coverage in history and represents an increase of nearly 30% over 2023.

 

“Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes with having comprehensive, affordable health insurance, and I am grateful for the work we’ve done in Michigan and with our partners in the Biden-Harris administration to reach that goal,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, we celebrate this new record but recognize that there is more work to be done. Our administration will continue to do everything possible to help people stay healthy, save money, and thrive right here in Michigan.”

 

“In Michigan and across the country, record numbers of people enrolled in high quality, comprehensive health plans. We celebrate this important achievement and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every Michigander who needs health insurance has the information they need to get covered,” said Director Fox. “If you still need health insurance for 2024 but missed the open enrollment deadline, you may still qualify for a special enrollment period if you have experienced a qualifying life event. You can find more information by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

 

Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance ran between November 1, 2023 and January 16, 2024. During that time, 418,100 Michiganders signed up for a new health plan on HealthCare.gov. This represents a nearly 30% increase over enrollment numbers for 2023.

 

Contributing to the record enrollment period was federal legislation that extended savings to millions of consumers and helped many Michiganders find a plan for less than $10 per month. In addition, the Governor continued her ongoing commitment to helping Michiganders understand their options and secure the health insurance they need for themselves and their families, including recent action to protect preventive health care for millions of Michiganders.

 

For most Michiganders, the next opportunity to enroll in or change a Marketplace health plan will be the open enrollment period for 2025 coverage, which is set to begin on November 1, 2024. Consumers who missed the opportunity to enroll in a 2024 plan may qualify for a special enrollment period if they experience a qualifying life event, such as a birth, job loss, or divorce. In addition, Michiganders who qualify for the state’s Medicaid or MIChild programs can apply at any time by visiting the MI Bridges website.

 

For questions or concerns about health insurance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442. For more information about special enrollment periods, and to figure out for which programs they may qualify, consumers should visit Healthcare.gov/lower-costs.

 
MI educators seek increased access to driver’s education

MI educators seek increased access to driver’s education

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Secretary Benson, Michigan educators seek increased access to driver’s education for high school students, support for school-based instruction

FLINT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined educators at Kearsley High School, one of just 38 Michigan schools that provide driver’s education, to call for improved access to driver’s education for high school students across the state and support for public schools looking to provide driver’s training.

 

Secretary Benson and Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi announced they are working to remove barriers to driver’s education through two voluntary grant programs:

 

  • A need-based grant to cover the costs of Graduated Driver License (GDL) Segments 1 & 2 and road testing.

 

  • A voluntary grant program for public schools, particularly those in underserved geographic areas, to offset expenses associated with becoming a driver’s education provider, including vehicle purchases and hiring instructors.

 

“Twenty years ago, the state of Michigan shifted the cost burden for driver’s education directly onto teens and their families,” Secretary Benson said. “Most private providers deliver quality instruction, but with the first segment of driver’s ed costing as much as $650, many families simply can’t afford it. As a result, fewer teens are getting trained and licensed – especially those who are Black, Hispanic, or from low-income families. This year, we will work with educators and partners in state government to help more families afford driver’s education and connect public schools with resources to offer programs for high school students.”

 

In 2004, the State of Michigan eliminated the Driver Education Fund, putting an end to most school-based driver’s education programs. An analysis of Department of State records shows that in 2000, 66% of eligible Michigan teens had driver’s licenses. By 2021, that number had dropped to 56%.

 

The move to private instruction has contributed to racial and income inequities. A 2012 nationwide study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reported that only 29 percent of Hispanic teens and 37 percent of non-Hispanic Black teens had their driver’s licenses by the age of 18, compared to 67 percent of non-Hispanic white teens. The same study found that only one in four teens in households with total incomes under $20,000 a year had their driver’s licenses before their 18th birthday. But where household income exceeded $100,000, 79 percent of teens were licensed by the time they turned 18.

 

“Schools are an ideal place to provide driver’s education – we know our students, we provide exceptional instruction, and are accountable to state standards,” said MEA President Chandra Madafferi, a veteran teacher from Oakland County. “Overwhelmingly, Michigan educators and administrators I’ve spoken to want to see driver’s education return to the schools as much as possible. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Benson and lawmakers to implement programs that shift the cost burden away from families and eliminate some of the inequities keeping Michigan students out of the driver’s seat.”

 

“Kearsley Community Schools’ comprehensive driver’s education program is an important public service that helps our students learn the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed for safe driving,’ said Andy Nester, a driver’s education instructor at Kearsley High School. “Our students are taught by experienced, qualified teachers they know and trust in their familiar school environment. My experience tells me that investing in public school driver’s education programs is an investment in safety and responsible behavior.”

 

“I recently embarked on the exciting journey of getting my driver’s license only to be confronted by the substantial financial burden that comes with driver’s education,” said Julian Morris, a junior at Saginaw High School. “It’s an issue that not only affects me but affects teenagers all across the state. I recall sharing my experience with some of my peers only to hear ‘at least you can afford to learn to drive.’ Learning to drive should not be determined by affordability. It is a rite of passage and a fundamental step towards independence and responsibility. It opens the doors to education, employment, and essential life experience. Driving should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it – access to driver’s training ensures opportunities for teenagers regardless of their economic background.”

 

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) currently oversees 281 active driver’s education providers, 38 of which are educational institutions. In 2023, just two of the school-based sites had a complaint or potential violation MDOS had to investigate, compared to 30 private driving schools that had violations. Secretary Benson shared that when there are complaints or violations at school-based sites, they are less severe and are resolved more quickly once identified.

 

# # #

Secretary Benson at podium  

Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference on the need to make driver’s education more accessible and equitable.

 

Secretary Benson with Kearsley High School driver's ed students  

Secretary Benson hears from Kearsley High School students Lucas Groulx and Josie Juniga about their experience taking driver’s education at their school. Most public schools in Michigan do not offer driver’s education to students.

 

Speakers at Kearsley High School driver's education press conference  

Participants at today’s news conference from L to R: Julian Morris, Saginaw High School student; Lucas Groulx, Kearsley High School student; Josie Juniga, Kearsley High School student; Secretary Benson; MEA President Chandra Madafferi; Andy Nester, Kearsley High School driver’s education instructor; Kearsley Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gaudard.

 

Julian Morris family with Secretary Benson  

Saginaw High School junior Julian Morris sent a message to Secretary Benson earlier this month calling for free driver’s education for public school students. He and his parents attended today’s news conference in Flint. L to R: Nathaniel Morris, Julian Morris, Secretary Benson, Denita Dorsey.

 
Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 29, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

Federal and State Individual Income Tax Season Opens Today

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that both the federal and state individual income tax season has begun and urged Michiganders to check out two important state tax changes that could put more money into the pockets of eligible taxpayers.

 

“Working families and retirees will save and get more money back when they file their taxes this year,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, we rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders money on their taxes. I am so proud our new legislative majority delivered over $1 billion in tax relief to help Michiganders care for their families, pay the bills, or save for a rainy day. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

Starting today Michiganders can file their 2023 tax year state individual income tax returns electronically through commercial software or by mailing paper forms through the U.S. Postal Service. All individual income tax returns must be e-filed or postmarked by Monday, April 15, 2024.

 

For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service.

 

“Working families and retirees have substantial benefits and options to consider when filing their taxes this year,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “These taxpayers have a lot to gain from the increased Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, ‘Retirement Tax’ rollback or other available tax credits. I encourage taxpayers to seek out a reputable tax preparer or use tax preparation software. We don’t want eligible taxpayers to miss out on these important benefits.”

 

Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (Michigan EITC) for Working Families

Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms, and instructions reflect the expansion of Michigan EITC for Working Families from 6% to 30% under the Lowering MI Costs Plan.

 

Although the law will not take effect until Feb. 13, 2024, taxpayers eligible for the Michigan EITC should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the expanded credit.

 

The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect.

 

Tax Year 2022 Michigan EITC for Working Families Supplemental Checks

On Feb. 13, 2024, Treasury will begin issuing supplemental check payments over a 5-to-6-week period to provide eligible taxpayers with the remaining 24% portion of the Michigan EITC for Working Families for the 2022 tax year. The additional 24% adjustment checks for tax year 2022 will average $618 per recipient.

 

These paper check payments will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings, so your address should be up to date. However, if you have moved frequently or recently and have concerns about your address accuracy, you can manually update it through IIT eService. Visit how to change your address with Treasury for more information.

 

Do not file an amended 2022 individual income tax return to change your address or claim the increased Michigan EITC for Working Families.

 

“Retirement Tax” Rollback

The Lowering MI Costs Plan provides taxpayers with more options so they can choose the best taxing situation for their retirement benefits for the 2023 tax year.

 

Over a four-year phase-in, this new law restores the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for most taxpayers in Michigan beginning in 2026. The change will benefit more retirees in Michigan while ensuring taxpayers in unique circumstances are not harmed.

 

Retirees can file and take advantage of the expanded retirement and pension subtraction options at the start of tax season, which saves taxpayers time and eliminates the need or expense of filing an amended return after the law takes effect. For that reason, eligible retirees should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the most advantageous pension and retirement benefit subtraction.

 

Treasury will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect on Feb. 13, 2024.

 

How to File

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, around 4.7 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 90% of state individual income tax filers.

For more information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org.

 

Individuals with low income, disabilities or are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1.

 

Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Wednesday January 24th at 4:00 PM

The Cougars have their new varsity football coach.

Stoney Creek will name Rick Powell as their new varsity football coach. Powell replaces Nick Merlo who left to be the offensive coordinator at Orchard Lake St. Marys.

The move was confirmed on Powell’s personal Twitter Page.

Powell became the defensive coordinator at Lake Orion in 2018 coming over from New Baltimore Anchor Bay. He is a math teacher at Lake Orion.

Powell is an Warren Cousino alumni. He will be tasked of turning around a Cougars program that went 3-6 last season. Stoney Creek has made the postseason three of the last five years but are 12-16 in the last three years.

Stoney Creek will be in the White next season after being in the Red for three years.

Powell will have to replace a ton of talent from this past season. It will be very interesting to see what changes he brings with the Cougars for next fall.

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

 

Here’s Powell’s twitter page confirming the hire.

https://twitter.com/coach_powell2

Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

Basketball Top 23

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday January 27th at 1:15 AM

Updated Saturday January 27th at 10:25 PM

Here is the Top 23.

Boys

  1. North Farmington (13-1): Raiders had a surprisingly blowout win at Clarkston which is mind boggling but lost a tough one to Grand Rapids Northview.
  2. Troy (12-1): The Big Three is at it again.
  3. West Bloomfield (10-5): Lakers have been hanging by the moment.
  4. Ferndale (9-5): Eagles have been hanging by the moment.
  5. Adams (10-4): The Highlanders three point barrage broke out in a big way.
  6. Lake Orion (10-5): Dragons are finally back home after three weeks on the road.
  7. Troy Athens (10-4): When Emmanuel Robinson gets going the Red Hawks are tough to beat.
  8. Farmington (7-6): Don’t look now here comes the Falcons.
  9. Clarkston (6-8): Wolves have lost six straight including a humbling loss to North Farmington.
  10. Groves (4-10): Life in the Red has been very tough for the Falcons but they’re very competitive.
  11. Avondale (9-5): Yellow Jackets still control their destiny in the Blue.
  12. Berkley (10-4): Bears have been a really odd team to figure out.
  13. Oxford (9-5): When Wildcats have a Robin they are tough to beat.
  14. Harper Woods (4-8): Pioneers have played Troy really tough.
  15. Pontiac (7-7): Phoenix have been up and down lately.
  16. Oak Park (3-8): Hard to trust the Knights right now.
  17. Royal Oak (9-6): Ravens have been up and down lately.
  18. Seaholm (4-9): Maples defense will be key for the rest of the season.
  19. Bloomfield Hills (2-10): Blackhawks are improving despite record.
  20. Stoney Creek (4-9): Cougars were playing well until they got to Oxford.
  21. Rochester (3-12): Falcons have struggled to score 40 the last two games.
  22. Ferndale University (2-11): Eagles are really struggling right now.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-12): Warriors are really struggling right now.

 

 

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (11-0): Lakers are rolling over everyone.
  2. Stoney Creek (10-0): Good luck against West Bloomfield, Cougars.
  3. Clarkston (10-4): Wolves had a rough outing like everyone will be against West Bloomfield.
  4. Ferndale (8-3): Eagles underclassmen are performing at a high level.
  5. Southfield Arts and Tech (8-2): Warriors have been rolling lately.
  6. Royal Oak (8-3): Ravens have lost two of three which is very unusual.
  7. Oxford (7-5): Wildcats have been up and down lately.
  8. Rochester (4-6): Falcons grinded out a confidence boosting win over Lake Orion.
  9. Lake Orion (7-3): Dragons need to clean a lot of things up and quick.
  10. Seaholm (7-4): Maples control their own destiny in the White.
  11. Troy Athens (6-6): Red Hawks are 5-2 in their last seven games.
  12. Bloomfield Hills (5-6): Blackhawks might be back to being themselves.
  13. Troy (6-7): Diamond Prince is something special.
  14. Berkley (7-4): Bears can’t let Diamond Prince score 40 points, that’s a concern.
  15. Groves (4-7): Falcons have been up and down lately.
  16. Harper Woods (5-3): Pioneers have a ton of games ahead of them.
  17. Avondale (3-8): Yellow Jackets have been up and down lately.
  18. Adams (3-10): Highlanders have been very competitive despite record.
  19. North Farmington (7-6): Raiders have a ton of problems right now.
  20. Pontiac (4-8): Phoenix looked good against Ferndale University but what happened against Waterford Mott???
  21. Oak Park (1-6): Knights got their first win of the season over Ferndale University.
  22. Farmington (1-10): Falcons are really struggling right now.
  23. Ferndale University (0-11): Eagles are really struggling right now.
Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

Girls Basketball Districts Are Out-2024

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Districts Are Out-2024.

Written Tuesday June 20th at 9:20 AM

Updated Sunday January 28th at 10:40 AM

This article will be updated very often. Coaches including those are not in the OAA, if you want your thoughts on your district for the blog, please DM me on Twitter or email me.

Here is the districts.

District 60 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park

HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park

Eastpointe

Detroit Denby Tech

Detroit East English Village Prep

 

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

 

FAVORITE: Harper Woods

NEXT: Harper Woods Chandler Park

DARKHORSE: Detroit East English Village Prep

PLAYER ON SPOT: Clearia Peterson-Harper Woods

 

THOUGHTS: This district should be much easier for the Pioneers coming back from Division One to Division Two this season. The familiarity should help Harper Woods knowing the district is in the city of Harper Woods even though it’s not at Harper Woods High School. The Pioneers won 12 games last season and will look for more this season. They have Clearia Peterson, Laniaya West, Mikyra Kelly, Tamina Montgomery, Autumn Trotter, and Kendall Kelsey coming back for new coach LaTonya Tate. Detroit East English Village Prep won 13 games last season for Coach Michelle Goodwin. Detroit Denby really struggled last season. They will have a new coach in Quintelle Foster taking over the program. Eastpointe won four games last season for Coach Deon Woods. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy won 14 games last season for Coach Omar Ahart. This district looks like it should be a two team race between the Pioneers and the Eagles but Detroit East English Village Prep could be a sleeper in this district.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: I don’t really see any changes. Harper Woods is the top seed in this district despite playing eight games. Harper Woods Chandler Park has the best shot to overcome the Pioneers. Detroit East English Village Prep, Eastpointe, and Detroit Denby look like they have locked the seeds up for now. Overall as mentioned no changes.

 

District 58 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Henry Ford

 

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

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Ferndale

DARKHORSE: Detroit Henry Ford

PLAYER ON SPOT: Ariyanna Wiggins-Birmingham Detroit Country Day

 

THOUGHTS: This is not a really strong district on paper. Birmingham Detroit Country Day won 18 games last season and is the favorite in this district. The Yellow Jackets have Ariyanna Wiggins, Ayaana Hai, Julia Younes, Sadie Rifkin, Jaidyn Elam, Peja Liles, Emma Arico, Jayla Jackson, and Naiya Krispin coming back for Coach Amber Deane. Detroit Henry Ford went from Division One to Division Two. The Trojans won four games for Coach Chevelle O’Brien last season. Detroit Lincoln King won six games for Coach Eric Boyles last season. Ferndale made a ton of strides winning eight games last season. They will look to have more success this season. The Eagles have Trinity Bennett, Jada Buchanan, Madiah Clark, Alia Herron, Ja’Nyia Larry, Jayla Jackson, Lily Bowson, Iyanna Davis, Demi Bolton, Aaliyah Frost, Jai’la Martin, Isabella Mendoza, and Jayla Pouncy coming back for Coach Keith Paris. Ferndale University really struggled last season. The Eagles have Laressa Brogdon, Lemia Butler, Terrionna Davis, Brooklyn Gray, Tyla Jacon-Parish, JonNae Kitchen, Kayla Lewis, Nakyra Montgomery, and Leanna Spencer coming back for Coach Brianna Rowe. This district overall looks like its Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s district to lose.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: This district has a ton of changes. Birmingham Detroit Country Day has locked up the top seed in the district but the two seed looks very tight. Detroit Henry Ford is off to a torrid start and hasn’t lost yet, they hold the two seed for now. Ferndale has played a brutal schedule and despite all their success they have the three seed. Detroit Lincoln King Academy has won nine games and is the four seed. Out of these three teams, I think Ferndale has the best chance to get the two seed in this district. Ferndale University is out of it right now when it comes to seeding. Overall this district hasn’t changed but it has gotten much tighter for the two seed.

 

District 32 @ Grand Blanc

OXFORD

Davison

Grand Blanc

Lapeer

Holly

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford

 

FAVORITE: Oxford

NEXT: Grand Blanc

DARKHORSE: Lapeer

PLAYER ON SPOT: Alison Hufstedler-Oxford

 

THOUGHTS: This district might be the best chance for Oxford to make some noise. The Wildcats are in the Red and have proven talent in Peyton Richter, Allison Hufstedler, Sophia Rabb, Emma Beggs, Braydee Elling, and Lexi Yankee coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Grand Blanc has beaten the Wildcats the last three years in the postseason. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Lauren Piscopink, Raven McQueen, and Mayla Brown coming back for new coach Bob Taylor. Davison really struggled winning seven games last season but there has been some hype surrounding the Cardinals with the proven experience and what they have done this summer. The Cardinals have Paige Allis, Mayae Carradine, Grace Little, Lillian Kish, Gracie Wright, Marionna Dixon, Samantha Beller, Brooke Pizzala, and Lily Morey coming back for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Lapeer won seven games last season. The Lightning have Sephora Miller, Madison White, Lilly Young, Carley Hoover, Hannah Dennis, Alexis Norman, and Madison Spanicciatti coming back for Coach Evan Bell. Holly really struggled winning three games last season. The Bronchos have Mallory Hall and Adel Hoglund coming back for Coach Ben Varner. Overall this district looks like a two maybe three team district but this could be the Wildcats best chance as mentioned.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: This district has no changes. Grand Blanc holds the top seed while Oxford is locked at the two seed. Davison, Holly, and Lapeer have really struggled this season also the Wildcats own a win over the Cardinals. The Lightning also have a win over Davison as well. Overall as mentioned no need to change anything.

 

 

District 29 @ Waterford Mott

LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON

PONTIAC

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion

 

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Clarkston

DARKHORSE: No One

PLAYER ON SPOT: Izzy Wotlinski-Lake Orion

 

THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season when Lake Orion won the district crown at Clarkston 54-52 last season. This district could have the same story but different venue. Waterford Kettering really struggled last season. The Captains have Avery Topinka, Elle Dropps, Lourdes Hale, Jaiden Brady, Isabella Labo, Kylee Nickerson, and Nora Hernandez coming back for new coach and former Oakland University mens basketball standout Rawle Marshall. Waterford Mott will be a very interesting team. The Corsairs have Marissa Trevino, Karli Koskinen, Kate Saunders, Natalia Santia, Ahmya Gulley, and Julianna Lemus coming back for new coach Andy Wellman. Pontiac was very young last season with seven freshmen now sophomores led by Aniyah Shaw, Isisas Shaw, and Carroll Hunt coming back. The Phoenix should be better for Coach Corray Lett. Clarkston is a very interesting team with some proven talent despite being young and not having a ton of size. The Wolves have Elliana Robak, Emily Valencia, Claire Walker, Marley Mazur, Kierra Zorski, Lauren Fishtaller, Ellery Hernandez, and Ella Morgner coming back while Brooklyn Covert and Lexi Fry could make their names known as freshmen for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Lake Orion graduated nine seniors from a team that went to the regional final last season but four players remain from the team that won the district crown either last season or two years ago. They could be very interesting to watch this season. The Dragons have Izzy Wotlinski, Lexi Stroschein, Charlotte Peplowski, and Ryann Pawlacyzk coming back. They added a transfer in Neveah Wood and Ellie Britt returned this offseason for Coach Bob Brydges. Wood and Wotlinski are coming back from ACL injuries. If Brydges can put the pieces together then the Dragons could be right where they need to be. Overall not a ton of changes, this district still looks like it should be a blue and gold vs green and white district final.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: This district has no changes in the favorite and next column although did make a change for MPR purposes to accommodate Clarkston’s win over Lake Orion. The story in that game was the first quarter when the Wolves blitzkrieg the Dragons. Clarkston has the top seed because of that win over Lake Orion and their non conference wins look stronger at the moment but Lake Orion still has a chance to catch them if they can get off of this rut they’re in. Looking at the eyeball test between the Wolves and the Dragons, Lake Orion won the remaining quarters of that game against Clarkston which is why there are no changes to the favorite and next lines. The Dragons has not been clicking on all cylinders which is why they are the two seed right now. A lot can change between now and March, Clarkston still has to go to Lake Orion which should be very interesting. I would take the Dragons over the Wolves despite their issues on a neutral site. Waterford Mott, Waterford Kettering, and Pontiac have no shot at overtaking the big two. No changes as mentioned to this district, I still think when clicking on all cylinders, Lake Orion’s is still the team to beat despite their rut. Overall no changes.

 

 

District 28 @ Troy Athens

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY

TROY ATHENS

AVONDALE

SEAHOLM

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Seaholm

 

FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills

NEXT: Seaholm

DARKHORSE: Troy

PLAYER ON SPOT: Olivia Sprangler-Troy

 

THOUGHTS: This should be a wide open district at Troy Athens. Bloomfield Hills has been rising each year winning the Blue last season. This might be the best chance for the Blackhawks to win a district.”Bloomfield Hills will be the team to beat” said new Troy Girls Basketball Coach Laura Guzman. The Blackhawks have Ruby Smith, Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, and Michelle Barnett coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. Troy was very young last season. “I think the girls at Troy are eager to learn” said Guzman. The Colts have Diamond Prince, Reagan Zeiter, Olivia Sprangler, Aly Matuza, Kelsey Block, Victoria Siegan, Carly Blair, Sophia Kaltsounis, and Carly Higginbottom coming back for Guzman. “I think sleeper is the best way to describe the girls” Guzman added. Avondale was very young last season but they made a splash this offseason with Morgan McPherson transferring from Adams. The Yellow Jackets have Madison Manyweathers, Amaria Daniel, Trenitee Carroll, Sasha McClellan, Khalia Bradley, and Arielle Dudley coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens has been an up and down team with injuries really derailing them last season. The Red Hawks have Abby Malone, Katy Keller, Ava Laurer, Kayci Mercier, and Alex Link coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Seaholm has been a team that has had their ups and downs. The Maples have a ton of proven experience in Mary Wiltgen, Mary Gumbis, Clara Guffey, Addy Kitzman, Emma Weber, Taylor Hartwig, and Addy Flynn coming back for Coach Shay Manchester. Overall this is a wide open district, anyone can take this district that is for sure.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: The MPR in this district looks very tight at the moment. Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills are neck and neck for the top two seeds and these two play each other twice. Troy and Troy Athens are right there in the mix and they play each other twice as well. Troy is playing their best basketball right now which has to please Coach Laura Guzman. Troy Athens has also played very well. Seaholm is coming off two monster wins and controls it’s destiny. Bloomfield Hills has finally snapped out of it’s rut. Avondale has really struggled but when healthy they are dangerous. This should be a fun district, overall no changes but this district could have a ton of movement between now and March.

 

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek. 2. Rochester

 

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Rochester

DARKHORSE: Romeo

PLAYER ON SPOT: Merrick Schlawbach-Stoney Creek

 

THOUGHTS: This district should be very interesting when looking at the teams. It is the same as last season when Rochester won the district crown. Utica Eisenhower has Devyn Raymond, Brooke Nicholson, Ava Gojcaj, Mariana Stojcevski, Gabriella Gojcaj, Paige Hays, Abby Nezich, and Abby Klaft coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo won 12 games last season. The Bulldogs have Clare Carmody, Abigail Ganfield, Lydia Hall, Anna Iwanicki, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Mya Muschong, Emily Reynolds, and Allison Schoenherr coming back for Coach Ronald LeBlanc. Adams had a very young team last season. The Highlanders have a ton of proven experience in Samantha Blaine, Layla Tomezak, Raegan Jarrell, and Faith Zoldos coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Rochester is coming off their first district crown since 2016. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kylie Robinson, Kaitlyn Guiola, Kayla Parsons, and Lucy Cook coming back and Angela Cichowski could make some noise for Coach Bill Thurston. Stoney Creek has been a contender each year in this district and this season is no other. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Merrick Schlawbach, Taylor Fulkerson, and Izzy Ivezaj coming back but Coach Kellen James stepped down and Columbus Williams was named the new coach. Overall the Falcons are the slight favorite because of Max but the Cougars are right there as well as the Eagles but never count out the Highlanders or the Bulldogs by any means in this district.

Adams Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC1SlkaSIfs

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: This district has some surprises. Romeo is the two seed over Rochester but I don’t expect that to last for long, I would be shocked if the Falcons doesn’t overtake the Bulldogs. Romeo has had a very strong year thus far. Stoney Creek is locked into the top seed and has home court. Utica Eisenhower has surprisingly have had a down season. Adams has been struggling but they are still a tough out. Overall I put Romeo as the darkhorse and Stoney Creek has beaten both Rochester and Romeo on the road during the season. I don’t see any changes to the projections or anything at this time.

 

District 23 @ Warren Cousino

GROVES

ROYAL OAK

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Sterling Heights

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Royal Oak, 2. Warren Cousino

 

FAVORITE: Royal Oak

NEXT: Warren Cousino

DARKHORSE: Groves

PLAYER ON SPOT: Jacey Roy-Groves

 

THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district which has a ton of different dynamics. Warren Cousino won 14 games last season and has home court. The Patriots have a ton of proven experience in DeMaya Asberry, Bailey Bainbridge, Laela Bendert, Sara Kozel, Nina Williamson, Alex Pfeiffer, Marleen Marooki, and Nevaeh Porter coming back for Coach Amy Mitchell. Warren Mott won 11 games last season. The Marauders have Leajah Ferguson, Claira Taylor, Addison Brown, and Conamora Ndana coming back for Coach Patrick Schmidt. Sterling Heights won 12 games last season for Coach Michael Gurney. Groves is a very interesting team. They lost a ton of talent but they have some proven players back from a team that should have beat Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons have Jacey Roy, Neveah Cochran-McCay, Cameron Little, and Cira Racco coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Royal Oak may be the most dangerous team in this district because they have everyone from last season coming back. The Ravens have a ton of proven experience with Emilee Austin, Ceci Irwin, Meghan Hahn, Maddie Lawerence, Anna Waterstredt, Lydia Dickens, and Lucy Freytag coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. A player who could make some noise for Royal Oak is Katie Roelofs. She has made some noise during the summer and could be a key player for Sopota. “We’re east again with Groves there and several MAC schools, we’ve been south with Detroit Renaissance, north with Birmingham Marian, and the last time we went east Warren Cousino went onto win a State title, we’ll see different teams and compete in that district” Sopota said at Media Day. This should be a very interesting district to watch that is for sure.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: The MPR race is starting to get a little tighter especially for the two top seeds. Royal Oak still holds the edge despite some struggles lately. The Ravens have the top seed for now but that win over Rochester might loom large especially if the Falcons keep improving. Warren Cousino is going to try to make a charge at Royal Oak. The Patriots are locked into the two seed right now. Groves has really struggled which is very surprising. Warren Mott has been unexpectedly better than thought. Sterling Heights has really struggled. Overall I don’t see any changes at this time and the MPR proves it right now.

 

District 22 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Farmington Hills Mercy

Birmingham Marian

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Farmington Hills Mercy

 

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy

DARKHORSE: Birmingham Marian

PLAYER ON SPOT: Sheridan Beal-West Bloomfield

 

THOUGHTS: This district is deemed the “Group of Death” with three proven schools that are in this district. West Bloomfield is a slight favorite in this district and I mean slight very lightly. The Lakers have Kendall Hendrix, Sheridan Beal, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Gabrielle Hale, Summer Davis and Indya Davis coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Farmington Hills Mercy is going to be a serious player in this district after winning 22 games last season. The Marlins have Aizlyn Albanese, Owynn Evans, Emily Walker, Allison Smiley, Ava Lorriane, Jessica Heath, and Abby Bores coming back for Coach Gary Morris. It was un Birmingham Marian like last season winning 10 games but they won a district. The Mustangs should be much better this season. They have Mackenzie Swanson, Molly McLeod, Ella Swanson, Charlie Bingham, Charlotte Quaine, Katelyn Morgan, Scarlett Bouschet, Abby Landa, Annalisa Bortolotti, and Ruby Jansen coming back for Coach Michelle Lindsey. They also have incoming freshmen Mack Reid who could make an impact this season. Farmington is a very interesting team with EdiMari King, Anna Tornachuk, and Jayla Silver coming back. They will have a new coach Natalie Nowak. North Farmington is in complete rebuild mode. The Raiders have Hannah Hart and Asiyah Jihad coming back along with transfer Anaiah Bowers for new Coach Michael Allin. Three teams have a shot to win this district as mentioned. Whoever wins this district would have earned it..

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: West Bloomfield is locked for the top seed in this district. The battle is for the second seed between Farmington Hills Mercy and Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs have not been the same team since beating the Marlins in overtime. Farmington Hills Mercy just got Albanese back from injury but they haven’t been consistent. What helps both teams is the Catholic League is tough, it’s possible they could meet one more time in the Catholic League playoffs. North Farmington has completely fallen apart, they have not been the same since the Lake Orion game. Farmington has really struggled this season. Overall no changes, I don’t see any of the Catholic League teams really challenging West Bloomfield at this time.

 

District 21 @ Berkley

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Redford Thurston

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Southfield Arts and Tech

 

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Southfield Arts and Tech

DARKHORSE: Berkley

PLAYER ON SPOT: Maeve Nolan-Berkley

 

THOUGHTS: This district looks very interesting on paper. Detroit Renaissance is the early favorite because they went to the Division One Final Four last season. The Phoenix have the majority of their roster in Alehia Wade, Anaya Hardy, Harmonie Bolton, Nyana Pharr, Victoria Gambles, Makayla Johnson, Christian Sanders, Sterling Gooden, Jaebrian Autry, Nevaeh Otis, Imani Johnson, and Marhea Bradshaw coming back for Coach DeShawn Wood. Detroit Mumford lost some talent from a team that won 10 games last season but they could be a sleeper. The Mustangs have Cherish Jefferson, CeNiyah Williams, Alaijah Thomas, and Kamira Bragg coming back for Coach Kareem Hogan. Redford Thurston won nine games last season but they will have a new coach in Sydney Droughins this season. Oak Park was up and down last season. The Knights should have some more experience for new coach Tyler Washington. Southfield Arts and Tech has been very good offensively but just awful defensibly. The Warriors have some proven talent in Kamara Paige, Christen Banks, Jordan Ushery, and Jamyra Fritz coming back for Coach Shaquita Coltrane. Berkley has a ton of proven experience after a very tough year last season. The Bears have Avery Wintergarden, Maeve Nolan, Haley Kirkwood, Katelin Sillis, Kate McAllister, Madi Boswell, and Nadia Watt coming back for new Coach Clay Shaver. Early on, this district looks like it’s Detroit Renaissance’s but Berkley and Southfield Arts and Tech could have says and maybe Detroit Mumford although it’s not likely with the Mustangs.

LATE JANUARY UPDATE: This district really has no changes. Detroit Renaissance has locked up the top seed in the district. The two seed could be very interesting between Southfield Arts and Tech and Berkley. The Warriors have been rolling while the Bears have a win over Rochester which is huge at the moment. Detroit Mumford has really struggled but they have played a really tough schedule. Redford Thurston could be a player as well. Overall no changes to the seeding or placement of the teams right now but there could be in February.

 

Here is the districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2024-Districts