Basketball Way Super Early Top 10.

Written Thursday May 14th at 1:00 PM

Girls.

1. Lathrup: The Chargers return most of their team back from a year ago (Bello Twins, Deja Church, and Antoinette Miller) that lost to Birmingham Marian. They will be a team to keep an eye on for State Championship considerations.

2. Harrison: Hawks will return Amber Stephans back from injury that cost her her season last year. Stephans and Kristen Nelson will be a dangerous duo along with their young cast whom gained experience last season for coach Tim Micklash.

3. Adams: Highlanders lost Amber Jamison and Ravien Owusu but they still have Maggie Rogers, Ryian Owusu, and Olivia Aregros. Adams will still be solid for coach Shay Lewis in the Red.

4. Stoney Creek: Cougars lost Maria Zandi but coach Brad Crighton will have someone ready in the wings to take over.

5. Orion: Dragons return Evelyn Wischmeyer and Lauren Thorne back from a team that won 13 games last season, if they find good guard play and good post play then this team could go places.

6. North Farmington: Raiders did lose Megan Carter from a season ago but return a solid lineup (four starters) led by Kierra Crockett along with the Cherney sisters.

7. Southfield: Blue Jays are the favorite in the Blue and they do return four starters from a team that went 18-2 last season.

8. Bloomfield Hills: Blackhawks should be deadly in their new court led by Immani Wright, Katherine Prinna, Becca Hancock, Victorie Franklin, and Amanda Sape. The question will be the bench for coach Jeff Rubin.

9. Clarkston: Wolves will return Kayla Luncenbach, and bring in Molly Nicholson along with Kayla Russell. The question for Clarkston will be is if Megan Deardoff is ready to lead the team now that Erika Davenport has graduated.

10. West Bloomfield: Lakers return Charlika Stubbs and Taylor Pierce and have a solid freshman class coming up. Expect coach Zach Hilbers team to make some noise next season.

Honorable Mention: Berkley, Troy Athens, Troy, Oxford.

Boys.

1. Clarkston: Wolves return Foster Loyer and might get stronger with the possible arrival of Dylan Alderson from Davison. Clarkston will look poised to make another state title run.

2. North Farmington: Raiders return Billy Thomas back to the fold and North Farmington will still be loaded despite losing Jerome Rogers to graduation last season.

3. West Bloomfield: Tristion Jackson is the best player I think in Oakland County right now, he is that special of a talent and very honest.

4. Adams: Highlanders return Spencer Littleson and will be a contender in the Red this season.

5. Southfield: Blue Jays may have lost their coach but the new coach who comes in will have a lot of talent to work with.

6. Avondale: Tim Morton is back on the sidelines and the upset at Troy Athens last season will make the Yellow Jackets still a dangerous team in November.

7. Oak Park: The Knights have a lot more questions than answers as we head into November, we'll see what they have this upcoming season.

8. Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a lot of young talent last season along with coaching turmoil, could they be back since they are in a lower division now.

9. Orion: Dragons return three starters and a solid JV team for the new coach. Expect Orion to contend in the Blue this season.

10. Rochester: Hunter Stalacher and Ivan Bazzerra maybe the most under appreciated backcourt in the league right now. They could make that next step and bring the Falcons back.

Honorable Mention: Stoney Creek, Groves, Hazel Park, Berkley, Oxford.