2016 Girls Volleyball Preview.

Written Monday August 29th at 3:15 PM

INSIDE THE OAA Top 10.

1. Clarkston

2. Orion

3. Oxford

4. Stoney Creek

5. Troy Athens

6. Adams

7. Rochester

8. Bloomfield Hills

9. Seaholm

10. Berkley

Red

Clarkston

Orion

Oxford

Stoney Creek

Bloomfield Hills

Seaholm

West Bloomfield

Harrison

Red Outlook:

There are a lot of top heavy teams in this division and State ranked teams. In the early stages you got to favor Clarkston. The Wolves return a ton of experience from a team that wasn’t themselves last season. Clarkston returns Abby Malanowski along with girls’ basketball players Kayla Luchenbach and Molly Nicholson. Oxford returns a senior heavy team in 2016, led by Nicole Elzerman and Paige Briggs. Expect the Wildcats to be a contender this season. Orion has struggled off the gate early returns Leah Kalugar, Danielle Sargent, Wren McCalluay, Lindsay Wightman, and Mallorie Berriman. The Dragons should be in the mix this season. Stoney Creek brings in new coach Ross Talbott and has Erica Ward leading the charge. Bloomfield Hills made their surprise run last season winning the district crown but they could struggle a bit this season. Seaholm lost nearly everybody from last season’s team but does return Angie Cekauskas. West Bloomfield moved up from the White will have six seniors coming back. Harrison also moved up from the White have Stefanie Jankiewicz back. The Hawks and Lakers will have growing pains this season playing in the always tough Red division.

White

Troy Athens

Adams

Troy

Groves

Avondale

North Farmington

Farmington

Royal Oak

White Outlook:

The White is going to be very competitive this season when looking at this division. Adams and Troy moved down from the Red while North Farmington moved up from the Blue. The early favorite is Troy Athens because of the talent they return. The Red Hawks have Alexa Van Hoef and Nicole Borkish from a team that won their district last season. Adams returns a ton of experience from a team that struggled in the Red and adjusting to their new coach Bridgette Harding. The Highlanders have Jen Harding, Paige Stabaucker, and Madison Tuscany back. Troy will have a new coach but Jessica Robinson returns to lead the Colts. Groves should be more experienced after going through a tough district experience last season. North Farmington returns some experience after winning the Blue last season but can they keep the momentium going. Farmington will be better as they are led by Danielle Petras and Courtney Szymouski. Avondale has a ton of experience back led by Brooke Blanchiatte, Fran Aiello, and Kierra Robinson. Royal Oak has some questions heading into the season.

Blue

Rochester

Berkley

Hazel Park

Ferndale

Southfield Arts and Tech.

Oak Park

Pontiac

Blue Outlook:

When looking at the division, there are some teams that could surprise some folks but one school that shouldn’t be in this division is Rochester. The Falcons have had some tough seasons in the Red and White but moving down to the Blue will help a ton. Rochester returns Maddie Halsey along with some experience. They are expected to have their court redone sometime during the season. Berkley will challenge for the division crown. The Bears have a ton of experience back in Dana McDowell, Natalie Tolverez, Madison Kendrick, Grace Mulchay, Madeline Koster, Paige Allen, and Cara Hill. Hazel Park returns some experience as well in Emma Redmond, Raena Davis, Trinity Benton, and Emily Blajewski. Ferndale returns some experience but chemistry remains a question. Southfield Arts and Tech has plenty of talent but the question will be coaching and team chemistry. Oak Park lost a ton last season and will be young. Pontiac is building a program but could have another down season heading into this season.