Written Monday May 30th at 7:05 PM
Well the Battle of the Big House is set and oddly enough it involves some OAA teams.
Clarkston and Lapeer will be the co-hosts of the Battle of the Big House which is set for August 25-27th at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
The Wolves and Lightning will play each other at 7 PM on August 26th. Lapeer has made the playoffs the last two seasons as One Lapeer while Clarkston recently won back to back State titles before being ousted last season by defending State Champion, Romeo.
Other OAA games involved will be Harrison playing East Kentwood on August 27th at 4 PM in a rematch which the Hawks were stunned by East Kentwood 35-28 last season at home. Farmington playing Walled Lake Western on August 25th at 7 PM. The Falcons and Warriors last played in the playoffs in 2012 with Walled Lake Western winning 31-28. Farmington is 2-9 all time against Walled Lake Western.
We'll see what happens.
Covering all 23 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each school from Northern Oakland County, Southern Oakland County, and one from Wayne County.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Waterford Mott Football Under Investigation.
Written Monday May 30th at 7:00 PM
Waterford Mott football coach Chris Fahr and his coaching staff are under investigation by the MHSAA and the Waterford School District for multiple allegations and rule violations relating to off season workouts and undue influence for athletic purposes.
If Fahr and his staff is found guilty of the undue influence charge, which is the more serious charge here, then he along with some of his staff could be banned from coaching at his school for four years and if also found guilty of violating off season workouts then there could be restrictions there.
According to the Detroit Free Press sportswriter Mick McCabe in which he wrote in his article in the Detroit Free Press. He went to a gathering on May 15th and took a picture of more than 60 athletes participating in some sort of workout with football coaches present. Most of the players doing the workout and receiving instruction were Waterford Mott football players and some of them were from either Pierce or Mason Middle School, both Middle Schools are in the Waterford School District and sends students to either Waterford Mott or Waterford Kettering.
This gathering was held every Sunday from 5-7 PM.
Under MHSAA rule this is not allowed.
MHSAA rules states that football coaches are prohibited from giving instruction to more than four players at a time from season's end until the Sunday after Memorial Day.
Fahr said to McCabe that the gathering was considered to be a camp, not a practice, and that money was collected from 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Also it was open to anyone in the Waterford School District.
Problem with that statement is that the MHSAA prohibits camps and that camps can not occur until after the school year ends in June.
The news of Fahr's gatherings was made public to Waterford head Athletic Director Allison Sartouris. She started her own investigation after hearing the story from McCabe.
There have been complaints to the MHSAA from Pontiac Athletic Director Lee Montgomery whom found out from MIPrepZone that three of Pontiac's football players participated on Waterford Mott's seven on seven team. The players returned and played for Pontiac last season.
Another complaint in which one of Waterford Mott's coaches allegedly tried to recruit a player who ended up playing football at Avondale.
There have also been numerous complaints from other coaches about the recruitment of players involving the Corsairs program.
Eddy Wilson whom played at West Bloomfield and currently plays at Purdue said that he was invited to workouts in Waterford. Fahr asked Wilson to transfer to Waterford Mott but Wilson declined his offer and stayed at West Bloomfield.
Fahr got a chance to respond to McCabe saying that nothing was mandatory even though some players claimed it was mandatory.
If the Detroit Free Press story is true this would be disastrous for Waterford Mott. Fahr and his staff would not be allowed to coach football for four years if the MHSAA chooses to believe the Free Press story.
Several Waterford Mott football players and their families have defended and shown their support to Fahr and his staff using social media, talking about how Fahr and the coaching staff are role models to them, that they treat them like family and many have said the only reason why they are being targeted is because of the Corsairs football success the last two years.
Waterford Mott has made the playoffs the last two seasons finishing with two 6-3 records.
The Corsairs open up the 2016 season with Macomb L'Anse Creuse North on August 26th.
Stay tuned to OAA Now with this developing story.
Waterford Mott football coach Chris Fahr and his coaching staff are under investigation by the MHSAA and the Waterford School District for multiple allegations and rule violations relating to off season workouts and undue influence for athletic purposes.
If Fahr and his staff is found guilty of the undue influence charge, which is the more serious charge here, then he along with some of his staff could be banned from coaching at his school for four years and if also found guilty of violating off season workouts then there could be restrictions there.
According to the Detroit Free Press sportswriter Mick McCabe in which he wrote in his article in the Detroit Free Press. He went to a gathering on May 15th and took a picture of more than 60 athletes participating in some sort of workout with football coaches present. Most of the players doing the workout and receiving instruction were Waterford Mott football players and some of them were from either Pierce or Mason Middle School, both Middle Schools are in the Waterford School District and sends students to either Waterford Mott or Waterford Kettering.
This gathering was held every Sunday from 5-7 PM.
Under MHSAA rule this is not allowed.
MHSAA rules states that football coaches are prohibited from giving instruction to more than four players at a time from season's end until the Sunday after Memorial Day.
Fahr said to McCabe that the gathering was considered to be a camp, not a practice, and that money was collected from 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Also it was open to anyone in the Waterford School District.
Problem with that statement is that the MHSAA prohibits camps and that camps can not occur until after the school year ends in June.
The news of Fahr's gatherings was made public to Waterford head Athletic Director Allison Sartouris. She started her own investigation after hearing the story from McCabe.
There have been complaints to the MHSAA from Pontiac Athletic Director Lee Montgomery whom found out from MIPrepZone that three of Pontiac's football players participated on Waterford Mott's seven on seven team. The players returned and played for Pontiac last season.
Another complaint in which one of Waterford Mott's coaches allegedly tried to recruit a player who ended up playing football at Avondale.
There have also been numerous complaints from other coaches about the recruitment of players involving the Corsairs program.
Eddy Wilson whom played at West Bloomfield and currently plays at Purdue said that he was invited to workouts in Waterford. Fahr asked Wilson to transfer to Waterford Mott but Wilson declined his offer and stayed at West Bloomfield.
Fahr got a chance to respond to McCabe saying that nothing was mandatory even though some players claimed it was mandatory.
If the Detroit Free Press story is true this would be disastrous for Waterford Mott. Fahr and his staff would not be allowed to coach football for four years if the MHSAA chooses to believe the Free Press story.
Several Waterford Mott football players and their families have defended and shown their support to Fahr and his staff using social media, talking about how Fahr and the coaching staff are role models to them, that they treat them like family and many have said the only reason why they are being targeted is because of the Corsairs football success the last two years.
Waterford Mott has made the playoffs the last two seasons finishing with two 6-3 records.
The Corsairs open up the 2016 season with Macomb L'Anse Creuse North on August 26th.
Stay tuned to OAA Now with this developing story.
Baseball/Softball/Girls Soccer Picks.
Written Monday May 30th at 6:00 PM
Well playoff time is here and here are my picks for Baseball, Softball, and Girls Soccer, enjoy folks.
Saturday: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs Southfield-11 AM, Oak Park vs Redford Thurston/Detroit Renaissance-30 minutes after 1st semifinal
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Tuesday: Waterford Mott vs Oxford- 4:30 PM
Saturday: Clarkston vs Orion- 10 AM, Oxford/Waterford Mott vs Adams- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Well playoff time is here and here are my picks for Baseball, Softball, and Girls Soccer, enjoy folks.
Baseball.
District 18 @ Southfield
Tuesday: Detroit Renaissance vs Redford Thurston- 4 PM
Saturday: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs Southfield-11 AM, Oak Park vs Redford Thurston/Detroit Renaissance-30 minutes after 1st semifinal
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: When looking at this district, U-D Jesuit was
beaten up in a tough Central Division of the Catholic League. Southfield
finished third in the Gold. Looking at this matchup this district looks like
this will be the Cubs to lose.
PICK: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
District 25 @ Troy
Tuesday: Troy Athens at Berkley- 4 PM
Saturday: Royal Oak vs Troy- 10 AM, Troy Athens/Berkley
winner vs Warren Mott- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This is an even district besides the fact that
Troy Athens beat Berkley three times this season. Royal Oak could be a sleeper
in this district but the unknown is Troy. This district is at the Colts home
field but I don’t know if the folks from John R Road would be knocked off in
this round.
PICK: Troy Athens.
District 26 @ Seaholm
Tuesday: Lathrup vs Brother Rice- 4:30 PM
Saturday: Lathrup/Brother Rice vs Bloomfield Hills-10 AM,
Seaholm vs Groves- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Brother Rice won the Catholic League Central crown
and is ranked second in Division One while Groves finished second behind
Farmington in the Blue. Seaholm or Bloomfield Hills won’t be easy games either.
While my gut thinks Brother Rice will win this district because of their
pitching staff, the Warriors better be careful of the Falcons.
PICK: Brother Rice.
District 27 @ Stoney Creek
Saturday: Utica Eisenhower vs Romeo-10 AM, Stoney Creek vs
Rochester- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Same matchups as last season but the district is
at a different venue. Stoney Creek won all three meetings with Rochester. Utica
Eisenhower finished second in the MAC Red this season and won the district last
season. All these teams are matched evenly. Oakland Press is picking Utica Eisenhower
to win this district well I’ll go with the Creek.
PICK: Stoney Creek.
District 28 @ Oxford
Tuesday: Waterford Mott vs Oxford- 4:30 PM
Saturday: Waterford Mott/Oxford vs Adams- 10 AM, Clarkston
vs Orion- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This has the makings of an Orion vs Adams final
here. The Highlanders swept the Dragons this season while Adams has struggled a
bit, Orion has had an up and down season. Clarkston is the wildcard as the
Wolves had an up and down season as well. I see Adams moving on because of
experience.
PICK: Adams
District 29 @ Waterford Kettering
Tuesday: Walled Lake Northern vs West Bloomfield- 4 PM
Saturday: Walled Lake Northern/West Bloomfield vs Walled
Lake Central- 10 AM, Waterford Kettering vs Walled Lake Western- 30 minutes
after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: The Lakers play in a tougher league than the KLAA
schools, no offense but Walled Lake Central is very solid. West Bloomfield
should roll on to the regional with its third district crown in three years.
PICK: West Bloomfield
District 30 @ Livonia Stevenson
Saturday: Harrison vs Farmington- 10 AM, Livonia Stevenson
vs North Farmington- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Farmington has a nice path to winning its first
district title since 2007 after winning the White but North Farmington is
solid. Also Livonia Stevenson is very solid as well. This could have the
makings of a good district. The Falcons are solid but the Spartans will reign
supreme.
PICK: Livonia Stevenson
District 60 @ Warren Lincoln
Tuesday: Ferndale vs Hazel Park- 4 PM
Saturday: Ferndale/Hazel Park vs Warren Fitzgerald- 10 AM,
Center Line vs Warren Lincoln- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Ferndale and Hazel Park both struggled this season
but they do have a great chance to get to the district final against a very
good Center Line team. This district has Center Line written all over it.
PICK: Center Line
District 62 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Saturday: Orchard Lake St. Marys vs Cranbrook Kingswood- 10
AM, Avondale vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep- 30 minutes after 1st
semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This has the makings of a classic district final
should Avondale and Orchard Lake St. Marys meet. The Yellow Jackets won the
Blue crown this season while the Eaglets made the Catholic League Finals at
Comerica Park. This will be a good game, Oakland Press going with Orchard Lake
St. Marys, I’ll be going with the Yellow Jackets.
PICK: Avondale
Softball.
District 18 @ Southfield
Saturday: Southfield vs Oak Park- 11 AM, Redford Thurston vs
Detroit Renaissance- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This district though is not a good district at all
but looking at it probably the best team here could be the Phoenix. So Detroit
Renaissance moves on.
PICK: Detroit Renaissance
District 25 @ Troy
Tuesday: Troy Athens vs Berkley- 4:30 PM
Saturday: Troy vs Royal Oak- 10 AM, Troy Athens/Berkley vs
Warren Mott- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This is an interesting district especially with
the Troy schools. Troy Athens split with Troy in the regular season. Both the
Colts and Red Hawks will be in the district title game and Troy has won 12 of
the last 14 district crowns. I have a feeling that Troy Athens could shock the
world again.
PICK: Troy Athens
District 26 @ Seaholm
Saturday: Bloomfield Hills vs Seaholm- 10 AM, Groves vs
Lathrup- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Seaholm and Groves were even in the White this
season, Bloomfield Hills is a darkhorse while they pounded Lathrup during the
season twice. I think the Blackhawks could surprise some folks while the
Falcons will have no problem with Lathrup. I see Bloomfield Hills shocking the
world here.
PICK: Bloomfield Hills
District 27 @ Stoney Creek
Saturday: Stoney Creek vs Rochester- 10 AM, Utica Eisenhower
vs Romeo, 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This district belongs to the Bulldogs and their
solid hitting. Stoney Creek has had a solid season under their first year coach
but end of the day Romeo will move on.
PICK: Romeo
District 28 @ Oxford
Tuesday: Waterford Mott vs Oxford- 4:30 PM
Saturday: Clarkston vs Orion- 10 AM, Oxford/Waterford Mott vs Adams- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: Dragons and Wolves at 10 AM is the game over at
Oxford. Oxford does have some solid pitching but the winner of the
Orion/Clarkston game will move on in this district. The Dragons are a little bit
more balanced than the Wolves though but Clarkston has played better recently.
PICK: Orion
District 29 @ Waterford Kettering
Tuesday: Walled Lake Northern vs West Bloomfield- 4 PM
Saturday: Walled Lake Western vs Waterford Kettering- 10 AM,
Walled Lake Northern/West Bloomfield vs Walled Lake Central- 30 minutes after 1st
semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This is an interesting district when looking at
Walled Lake Northern, Waterford Kettering, and Walled Lake Central got votes in
the State poll. This will be a good one to watch but West Bloomfield likely won’t
make it to Saturday. I like the Knights to come out of this district because of
Courtney Callahan.
PICK: Walled Lake Northern
District 30 @ Livonia Stevenson
Tuesday: Farmington vs Livonia Stevenson- 4 PM
Saturday: Harrison vs Mercy- 10 AM, Livonia
Stevenson/Farmington vs North Farmington- 30 minutes after 1st
semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This district is Mercy’s to lose. They have a girl in Abby Krzyzeki, whom is going to Mobile (South Alabama) next season. She is
likely going to break the State record in Home Runs, and her team is on a mission to get
back to the State Finals but if there is one pitcher that can give her problems
it’s Alexa Cherney. Expect the Raiders to use Samantha Cherney in the district
semifinal with Alexa against Mercy in the district final but either way the
Marlins will prevail.
PICK: Mercy
District 60 @ Center Line
Tuesday: Hazel Park vs Ferndale- 4 PM
Saturday: Warren Lincoln vs Center Line- 10 AM, Hazel
Park/Ferndale vs Warren Fitzgerald- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal.
Final: 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: This is a bad district when looking at the teams
who are in here. Well got to go with Center Line here.
PICK: Center Line
District 62 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Saturday: Avondale vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep- 10 AM, Marian
vs Cranbrook Kingswood- 30 minutes after 1st semifinal
Final 30 minutes after 2nd semifinal.
Thoughts: The Irish are still very upset after getting embarrassed
in the Catholic League title game, this is the perfect way to take out your
anger and frustration.
PICK: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Soccer.
District 9 @ Novi
FAVORITE: Novi
IN HUNT: North Farmington, Mercy, Walled Lake Western
DISTRICT CHAMP: Novi
District 11 @ Orion
FAVORITE: Adams
IN HUNT: Bloomfield Hills, Waterford Mott, West Bloomfield
DISTRICT CHAMP: Bloomfield Hills
District 12 @ Oxford
FAVORITE: Grand Blanc
IN HUNT: Lapeer, Oxford
DISTRICT CHAMP: Grand Blanc
District 13 @ Utica
FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower
IN HUNT: Stoney Creek, Utica Ford, Romeo, Rochester
DISTRICT CHAMP: Utica Eisenhower
District 14 @ Royal Oak
FAVORITE: Troy Athens
IN HUNT: Troy, Seaholm, Berkley, Warren Mott
DISTRICT CHAMP: Troy Athens
District 23 @ Farmington
FAVORITE: South Lyon East
IN HUNT: Farmington, Livonia Ladywood
DISTRICT CHAMP: Farmington
District 24 @ Detroit Country Day
FAVORITE: Detroit Country Day
IN HUNT: Marian
DISTRICT CHAMP: Detroit Country Day
District 25 @ St. Clair Shores Lakeshore
FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
IN HUNT: Regina, Avondale
DISTRICT CHAMP: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
District 41 @ Clawson
FAVORITE: Macomb Lutheran North
IN HUNT: Clawson
DISTRICT CHAMP: Macomb Lutheran North
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Could Novi be a perfect fit into the league???
Written Sunday May 22nd at 11:45 PM
The league could be at an interesting place come this summer when it comes to expansion but an interesting possibility of bringing in one school that has rivalries against OAA Schools.
This school does have a rich athletic tradition and has recently brought hardware into it's school trophy case.
They are the Novi Wildcats.
Novi is an interesting school in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association and with the KLAA in turmoil, the Wildcats could look at a new conference. Novi won the State Championship for Class A in Volleyball last season and is a State Volleyball power.
The Wildcats also pulled off a shocking upset in the State Football Playoffs by taking out undefeated and Red Champion West Bloomfield last season as well.
Novi had a strong Boys Basketball season in 2015-2016 rebounding from a time where the program really had fallen on hard times and also the Girls Basketball program had a strong season as well in the 2015-2016 season.
Novi is interesting because they are located in Oakland County and are geographically close to Farmington, North Farmington, Harrison, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Technology.
It could be possible that Novi could ask the league to bring their southern rivals Northville into play if they want too. The Mustangs however are located in Wayne County and their high school is on Six Mile Road but two and a half miles of the Northville School District is located in Oakland County.
The question I would have involving Northville is does that two and a half miles qualify in making Northville an Oakland County School???
Interesting debate, we'll see what happens.
The league could be at an interesting place come this summer when it comes to expansion but an interesting possibility of bringing in one school that has rivalries against OAA Schools.
This school does have a rich athletic tradition and has recently brought hardware into it's school trophy case.
They are the Novi Wildcats.
Novi is an interesting school in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association and with the KLAA in turmoil, the Wildcats could look at a new conference. Novi won the State Championship for Class A in Volleyball last season and is a State Volleyball power.
The Wildcats also pulled off a shocking upset in the State Football Playoffs by taking out undefeated and Red Champion West Bloomfield last season as well.
Novi had a strong Boys Basketball season in 2015-2016 rebounding from a time where the program really had fallen on hard times and also the Girls Basketball program had a strong season as well in the 2015-2016 season.
Novi is interesting because they are located in Oakland County and are geographically close to Farmington, North Farmington, Harrison, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Technology.
It could be possible that Novi could ask the league to bring their southern rivals Northville into play if they want too. The Mustangs however are located in Wayne County and their high school is on Six Mile Road but two and a half miles of the Northville School District is located in Oakland County.
The question I would have involving Northville is does that two and a half miles qualify in making Northville an Oakland County School???
Interesting debate, we'll see what happens.
Crighton named Adams Boys Basketball Coach.
Written Sunday May 22nd at 11:05 PM
Well it looks like Brad Crighton is coming back to coaching.
Citing an accurate source with inside information, the Highlanders have named Crighton Boys Basketball coach replacing John Hall whom left for Almont a few weeks ago.
Crighton formally played at Adams as a shooting guard in the late 1980's. He was also a former Boys Basketball Junior Varsity Coach at Stoney Creek from 2002 until the 2006-2007 season when the seasons switched.
It is unknown whether Crighton would retain any of Hall's former staff at Adams.
The Highlanders finished third in the Red Divison with a 15-5 regular season record. Adams made some big strides in the playoffs behind Spencer Littleson, David Rinke, and Joey Zinni won their first district title since 2011 beating Stoney Creek. They would beat Brandon in the Regional Semifinals before losing to Macomb Dakota in the Regional Final last season.
Crighton is most known though in the High School ranks by coaching the Stoney Creek Varsity Girls Basketball team when Stoney Creek became a High School in 2002. He coached some really great players that have gone through the Cougars program. Some of which included the likes of Gabby Yurik, Maria Zandi, and Brittney Nelson.
Crighton won three straight district titles before unexpectedly resigning from Stoney Creek in 2016. Kellen James, the longtime assistant to Crighton, took over the Cougars last season posting a 15-5 record.
Stoney Creek hasn't looked back since Crighton left, winning their straight district crown.
James has kept the Cougars tradition going and is expecting to have a solid team led by Emily Solek and Ally Voss heading into next winter in the always tough and difficult Red Division.
Crighton teaches in district at Van Hoosen Middle School and Adams is only next door to where he teaches.
This is a great hire for Adams to bring back one of their own in Crighton. Crighton joins a list of former coaches whom have returned to coach or play at their own school. He joins Jim Manzo and Steve Roberts (Girls) at Orion, Dan Fife at Clarkston, Tom Staton at Ferndale, Tim Morton at Avondale, and Steve Laidlaw at Oxford.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest information on this developing story.
Well it looks like Brad Crighton is coming back to coaching.
Citing an accurate source with inside information, the Highlanders have named Crighton Boys Basketball coach replacing John Hall whom left for Almont a few weeks ago.
Crighton formally played at Adams as a shooting guard in the late 1980's. He was also a former Boys Basketball Junior Varsity Coach at Stoney Creek from 2002 until the 2006-2007 season when the seasons switched.
It is unknown whether Crighton would retain any of Hall's former staff at Adams.
The Highlanders finished third in the Red Divison with a 15-5 regular season record. Adams made some big strides in the playoffs behind Spencer Littleson, David Rinke, and Joey Zinni won their first district title since 2011 beating Stoney Creek. They would beat Brandon in the Regional Semifinals before losing to Macomb Dakota in the Regional Final last season.
Crighton is most known though in the High School ranks by coaching the Stoney Creek Varsity Girls Basketball team when Stoney Creek became a High School in 2002. He coached some really great players that have gone through the Cougars program. Some of which included the likes of Gabby Yurik, Maria Zandi, and Brittney Nelson.
Crighton won three straight district titles before unexpectedly resigning from Stoney Creek in 2016. Kellen James, the longtime assistant to Crighton, took over the Cougars last season posting a 15-5 record.
Stoney Creek hasn't looked back since Crighton left, winning their straight district crown.
James has kept the Cougars tradition going and is expecting to have a solid team led by Emily Solek and Ally Voss heading into next winter in the always tough and difficult Red Division.
Crighton teaches in district at Van Hoosen Middle School and Adams is only next door to where he teaches.
This is a great hire for Adams to bring back one of their own in Crighton. Crighton joins a list of former coaches whom have returned to coach or play at their own school. He joins Jim Manzo and Steve Roberts (Girls) at Orion, Dan Fife at Clarkston, Tom Staton at Ferndale, Tim Morton at Avondale, and Steve Laidlaw at Oxford.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest information on this developing story.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
June is a Big Month for the OAA.
Written Saturday May 21st at 8:40 PM
When looking at past June's life around the OAA is normal with end of the spring season meetings, basketball schedules are filled out for Athletic Directors.
For underclassmen, Football camps and training start, Basketball summer leagues are underway along with Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball camps. Usually people go on their summer break and school is let out and if your a Senior, graduation parties and that opportunity to look ahead into college life.
Usually by June 15th the Volleyball districts are released by the MHSAA, which also leads to the Boys and Girls Basketball districts.
Why this upcoming June is important for the league is because the ten schools that are leaving the Kensington Lakes Activities Association will need to have their plans set to leave the league by this month and also give them a one season notice about why they are leaving.
There has been rumors going around that nine of the ten schools could join the Oakland Activities Association.
The OAA is in need of expanding with Harrison closing in three years and Southfield and Lathrup are merging to become Southfield Arts and Technology. This could be their best opportunity to expand without going into other areas. Nine of the ten schools are in Oakland County so there aren't any bylaws in the OAA charter broken.
Another rumor is the league letting in the remaining 14 schools from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association along with Lapeer. A move that would benefit the league by giving the southern schools what they want and the northern schools what they want. The only issue would be is that the schools are outside of Oakland County with the exception of Novi. This move would make the league into a Super Conference.
Something has to happen in June.
It's all with the OAA right now to see what the league does.
When looking at past June's life around the OAA is normal with end of the spring season meetings, basketball schedules are filled out for Athletic Directors.
For underclassmen, Football camps and training start, Basketball summer leagues are underway along with Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball camps. Usually people go on their summer break and school is let out and if your a Senior, graduation parties and that opportunity to look ahead into college life.
Usually by June 15th the Volleyball districts are released by the MHSAA, which also leads to the Boys and Girls Basketball districts.
Why this upcoming June is important for the league is because the ten schools that are leaving the Kensington Lakes Activities Association will need to have their plans set to leave the league by this month and also give them a one season notice about why they are leaving.
There has been rumors going around that nine of the ten schools could join the Oakland Activities Association.
The OAA is in need of expanding with Harrison closing in three years and Southfield and Lathrup are merging to become Southfield Arts and Technology. This could be their best opportunity to expand without going into other areas. Nine of the ten schools are in Oakland County so there aren't any bylaws in the OAA charter broken.
Another rumor is the league letting in the remaining 14 schools from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association along with Lapeer. A move that would benefit the league by giving the southern schools what they want and the northern schools what they want. The only issue would be is that the schools are outside of Oakland County with the exception of Novi. This move would make the league into a Super Conference.
Something has to happen in June.
It's all with the OAA right now to see what the league does.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Charter Schools in the OAA???
Written Thursday May 19th at 11:14 PM
Well never say never, I always say.
The reason why I say this is according to article written by Tom Markowski in his blog, he covers for State Champs,the Catholic League added two private schools to join it's league and now the Detroit Public School League is now joining in as the league added Detroit Delta Prep and Detroit Edison to join it's ranks for the 2016-2017 school year.
The move would make sense because both charter schools are in the Detroit area. Some would argue that the move would increase enrollment from Detroit to charter schools and not the traditional Detroit Public League schools.
The reason this is interesting is that the Detroit Public School League added charter schools, now I wonder could the OAA look into this possibility???
I don't think it's likely that the OAA would go this route and get charter schools to join the league. I think charter schools have the same privileges as the Catholic schools do when it comes to bringing in students and we know how the league handles Catholic Schools, not very well. I see the league going after the nine Oakland County schools who are leaving the Kensington Lakes Activities Association after the 2017-2018 school year.
We'll see what happens.
Well never say never, I always say.
The reason why I say this is according to article written by Tom Markowski in his blog, he covers for State Champs,the Catholic League added two private schools to join it's league and now the Detroit Public School League is now joining in as the league added Detroit Delta Prep and Detroit Edison to join it's ranks for the 2016-2017 school year.
The move would make sense because both charter schools are in the Detroit area. Some would argue that the move would increase enrollment from Detroit to charter schools and not the traditional Detroit Public League schools.
The reason this is interesting is that the Detroit Public School League added charter schools, now I wonder could the OAA look into this possibility???
I don't think it's likely that the OAA would go this route and get charter schools to join the league. I think charter schools have the same privileges as the Catholic schools do when it comes to bringing in students and we know how the league handles Catholic Schools, not very well. I see the league going after the nine Oakland County schools who are leaving the Kensington Lakes Activities Association after the 2017-2018 school year.
We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Spring Sports-Top 10.
Written Tuesday May 18th at 10:35 PM
I haven't included Girls Lacrosse or Girls Tennis but here are the top ten in each sport heading into the postseason. Stay tuned to OAA Now for updates.
I haven't included Girls Lacrosse or Girls Tennis but here are the top ten in each sport heading into the postseason. Stay tuned to OAA Now for updates.
Softball.
1. Orion- Dragons have young lineup but they have the
hitting and pitching to possibly make a run in June.
2. Clarkston- Solid hitting club led by their Michigan bound
catcher but suspect pitching staff.
3. North Farmington- Cherney sisters are the key to a run
for the Raiders.
4. Troy Athens- Red Hawks are rolling along in the White.
5. Troy- Colts ran into the top two teams in the Red, will
be interesting where they go.
6. Bloomfield Hills- Why is the Blackhawks in the Blue in
Softball for some reason???
7. Oxford- Wildcats are solid against teams not name Orion
or Clarkston.
8. Stoney Creek- Young team with new manager, making
progress.
9. Rochester- Falcons are young but they are making strives
to get better.
10. Adams- Highlanders have taken their lumps but they are
getting better as the season goes along.
Baseball.
1. Adams- Highlanders pitching is solid, could be dangerous
heading to the postseason.
2. Orion-Dragons quietly getting back after a rough April.
3. Farmington- Falcons are a team not a lot of people are
talking about.
4. Rochester- Falcons are not bad, could surprise people in
the postseason.
5. Avondale- Yellow Jackets clinched Blue outright last
week.
6. Troy Athens- Might not be the same team but Red Hawks
have experience.
7. Clarkston- Wolves not a consistent team but when they do
well, look out.
8. West Bloomfield- Lakers could be dangerous heading into
June.
9. Groves- Falcons under a new manager is producing the same
success.
10. Stoney Creek- Cougars playing better lately.
Lacrosse-Boys.
1. Orion- Dragons getting ready for regionals.
2. Clarkston- Wolves playing tough non-league schedule, will
help them in regionals.
3. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks are a sleeper but could be a
force in regionals
4. Birmingham Unified- Haven’t had the best of seasons but
always dangerous once regional comes.
5. Troy- Colts sent big statement with beat down of arch
rival Troy Athens last week.
6. Troy Athens- Red Hawks struggling heading into regional.
7. Stoney Creek- Won the White but didn’t look good against
Orion at all last week.
8. Adams- Highlanders will be an interesting team to keep an
eye on heading toward regional.
9. Oxford- Wildcats are an interesting team to watch come
regionals.
10. West Bloomfield- Surprise team, Lakers could make noise
in postseason.
Girls Soccer.
1. Troy Athens- Red Hawks might be in line for a serious
title run.
2. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks surprising people left and
right.
3. Stoney Creek- Cougars could be dangerous come districts.
4. Adams- Highlanders have solid core back and could be a
force in districts.
5. North Farmington- Raiders could be in line for a possible
long playoff run.
6. Rochester- Falcons were injury prone but they are a dark horse for districts.
7. Clarkston- Wolves quietly going along their business.
8. Berkley- Bears could make some noise in districts.
9. Troy- Colts haven’t been consistent lately which is not
good.
10. Avondale- Yellow Jackets solid but could get better in
some areas.
Boys Track.
1. Oak Park
2. Orion
3. Adams
4. Avondale
5. Bloomfield Hills
6. Clarkston
7. Royal Oak
8. Oxford
9. Southfield
10. West Bloomfield
Girls Track.
1. Oak Park
2. Clarkston
3. Orion
4. Bloomfield Hills
5. Troy
6. West Bloomfield
7. Farmington
8. Adams
9. Royal Oak
10. Seaholm