Bloomfield Hills Names New Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Wednesday May 31st at 10:30 PM

The Blackhawks have their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Bloomfield Hills has hired Phil Kurajian to replace Mike Maryanski according to a very accurate source.

Kurajian will be the Blackhawks third coach in five seasons.

Kurajian coached the Junior Varsity under Maryanski from 2015-2017. He played at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the early 2000's.

Bloomfield Hills has not been the same team since 2014 when they went to the Class A State Finals when they had Yante Maten whom is now at Georgia under then coach Dwayne Graves, whom currently coaches at Clawson.

Kurajian takes over a team that finished 10-11 last season. They started the season at 8-2 but finished 2-9 down the stretch losing 54-47 to eventual State Quarter-finalist Troy in the district semifinals.

Thoughts.

This is wasn't a surprising hire but I have major concerns surrounding this coaching hire. Kurajian has no Varsity experience, in which when your in a division in which Bloomfield Hills is in, that's a big concern. He is the seventh coach in 12 years dating back to the Lahser and Andover years before they merged to become Bloomfield Hills.

The Blackhawks will be in a very tough division this upcoming season. The Red will be as tough as ever with teams like the defending State Champs Clarkston, Final Four team West Bloomfield, State Quarter-finalist Troy,  2015-2016 State Finalist North Farmington, Hazel Park, and Southfield Arts and Tech.

It could be a long season in Bloomfield Hills especially with what the Blackhawks have to deal with this upcoming season.

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

Gruppen Out at Berkley.

Written Wednesday May 31st at 8:50 PM

First it was football when Chris Sikora stepped down at Berkley, now it's Girls Basketball with Jordan Gruppen stepping down.

Gruppen stepped down on Wednesday afternoon after spending eight seasons behind the Bears bench.

Gruppen wrote on the Berkley Bears Girls Basketball Facebook page his decision to step down. "It is with a heavy heart I am announcing that I am resigning as Head Girls Basketball Coach at Berkley High. I am forever grateful for anyone and everyone that has been a part of this journey. It has been a privilege to lead a great group of young women on and off the court for the last seven to eight years. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into it for everyone. Through the highs and lows we were able to learn life lessons by teaching the game of basketball. I am very proud of what the girls have been able to accomplish both on and off the court in my time here. It may be a good bye but it is not the end. I look forward  to supporting the girls and the program in any way possible going forward. A big thank you goes out to the players both current and former. You have made a great impact on me, I wish you the best and I cannot thank you enough. I will still be one of your biggest fans! Go Bears!"

Gruppen finished the 2016-2017 season at 17-5, which was his best season. The Bears lost to Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. He finished his eight year coaching career in Berkley with a 89-63 record.

The Bears have had some great players come through the program including players such as Celia Somers and Zoe Anderson. Somers was a four year player for Gruppen and is currently playing College Basketball.

Berkley will have Olivia Dicarlo, Marshayla Denham, Natalie Barber, and Savanna Casida back next season.

Thoughts.

I am very sad that Gruppen stepped down from coaching. Berkley was on the way up and rising as a program.

They could still very well be but it will be with a new coach.

Whomever the new coach is will have the some talented players back and they should be one of the favorites in the Blue this upcoming season. The district could be a challenge if they go south then they have to likely deal with Southfield Arts and Tech, Detroit Renaissance, Oak Park, Hazel Park, and Warren Fitzgerald. If they go north then you have to deal with Groves, Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills, or Birmingham Marian.

Berkley is now the third coaching position to open up along with Adams, Groves, and West Bloomfield. Orion and Rochester filled their coaching vacancies with the Falcons selecting Al Poynter while the Dragons chose Mike Griffin.

There have been 12 new Girls Basketball coaches in the past two seasons around the league and 16 in the past three seasons.

This will be interesting to keep an eye on, stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Early State Meet Track Preview.

Written Monday May 29th at 9:10 PM

The final week of the Track Season is upon us.

The Division One and Division Two State Meet will take place this Saturday with Division One taking place at East Kentwood while Division Two will be at Zeeland.

Oak Park and East Kentwood appear to be the favorites heading into the Division One meet for the Boys with Saline being a potential dark horse along with Ann Arbor Pioneer. The Knights are the defending Division One State Champions coming into this meet. On the Girls side of things Oak Park is the favorite heading into the meet as they are the defending three-time State Champions. Ann Arbor Pioneer has the depth to match the Knights and could very well beat them. Oak Park is not a clear cut favorite heading into Saturday's meet.

Avondale Boys could be a player in Division Two with their strong field events and strong relays. Coldwater looks to be the favorite heading into that meet. Girls wise I don't see anyone contending in the OAA in that side of the meet in Zeeland.

We shall see what happens.

 

Sikora Out at Berkley.

Written Thursday May 25th at 11:10 PM

The Berkley Bears will have a new football coach this fall.

Berkley coach Chris Sikora has resigned according to the Berkley Bears Football Facebook Account.

Here is the response from Sikora surrounding his resignation from the football program. "With strong emotions, I am announcing that I am resigning from my position as head football coach at Berkley High School. I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity to guide these young men to victories on and off the field over the past four years. Since the day I was hired, I've done everything I can to make the school proud, to be a role model for our young men, and to provide them the best opportunity to be successful. I plan on guiding my replacement during the transition and will continue to aid in support recruiting for our student athletes. I will continue to be a teacher in the school district so please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier on all parties. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to teach others about football, life, hard work, and responsibility."

Sikora posted a 24-17 record in his four seasons as head coach of the Bears. He led Berkley to their first district title in school history back in 2015 and had a regional final appearance before losing to Livonia Franklin. Sikora was the Junior Varsity Coach under coach Jeff Burnside whom left Berkley for Novi in 2012.

The Bears open up the 2017 season at Hurley Field against Farmington in August.

Thoughts.

This one is a shocker, Sikora is a very good football coach. The Bears were prepared to go to the White this season. This move comes as a surprise. I'm curious whom will be the next coach at Berkley.

I think Ray Ostrowski would be a PERFECT fit to coach this program. He was Sikora's assistant. It would make perfect sense for Ostrowski to take over this football program.

We'll see what happens.

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

Softball District Preview.

Written Thursday May 25th at 9:05 PM

Here are my picks and insight on the 2017 Softball Districts.

District 28 @ Orion

ORION vs OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs Waterford Mott

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is the kiss of death district because you have three teams that had honorable mentions in the State in Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford. The Dragons, Wolves, and Wildcats have beaten each other up in the Red and in tournament play. Waterford Mott has no chance in this district. Whomever wins this district has earned it but looking at it it’s Clarkston that has the upper hand here. PICK: CLARKSTON.

District 27 @ Romeo

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

ROCHESTER/Romeo vs Utica Eisenhower

ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: When I look at this district, Romeo is the best team coming in this district. The Bulldogs haven't had the best of seasons but they are still very talented. Stoney Creek has had a disappointing season but they have a chance to do some damage in this district. Utica Eisenhower is very dangerous as they have the offense to match up with anybody in this district. Rochester is a sleeper but they don't stand a chance to Romeo or against Utica Eisenhower. Adams is nowhere near to the league of Macomb County. At the end of the day it will be the Bulldogs that moves on. PICK: ROMEO.

District 25 @ Troy Athens

BERKLEY vs TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK vs Warren Mott

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: There is one team in this district that can do some damage and that’s the Red Hawks. Berkley, Royal Oak, Warren Mott have no chance. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

District 30 @ Farmington

HARRISON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

HARRISON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district will be interesting but I don’t think anyone is touching the defending State Champs in this district. The Marlins despite having a ton of talent that was lost from their Championship team they still will be a formidable foe. PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.

District 29 @ Walled Lake Central

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

Waterford Kettering vs Walled Lake Central

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district is interesting but it won’t be an OAA team that won’t win this district. Walled Lake Northern is athletic, Waterford Kettering is solid as well. This is a two-team district, a lot of people are high on the Captains bandwagon but I’m not. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 26 @ Troy

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs GROVES

TROY vs SEAHOLM

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district because Groves made a run last season winning the district. I think it’s different this time though, Seaholm is a dark-horse to keep an eye on in this tournament. When in doubt go with the team from the Red. PICK: TROY.

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Detroit Renaissance

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH /Detroit Renaissance vs OAK PARK

FERNDALE vs Redford Thurston

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a very bad district, no one here really impresses me so when in doubt go with a team that has a Detroit name on it. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.

District 60 @ Hazel Park

Center Line vs Warren Fitzgerald

HAZEL PARK vs Warren Lincoln

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district is not the greatest when it comes to talent or teams. Hazel Park has had a down season thus far. Warren Fitzgerald could have a say but at the end of the day it will be Center Line that moves on at Hazel Park. PICK: CENTER LINE.

District 62 @ Avondale

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Armada

PNDP/Armada vs Richmond

AVONDALE vs Macomb Lutheran North

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district looks interesting but there is one favorite is Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Although Richmond could be a player in this district as well as they are State Ranked. This one will be interesting but it will be the Irish that moves on. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

Baseball District Preview.

Written Thursday May 25th at 9:00 PM

Here are my picks and insight for the 2017 Baseball Districts.

District 27 @ Romeo

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

ROCHESTER/Romeo vs Utica Eisenhower

ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: When I look at this district, Rochester went to the State Quarterfinals last season got a real tough draw despite sharing the Red with Orion. The Falcons have to play Romeo on their home field and if they win that then they have to play Utica Eisenhower. Adams and Stoney Creek will be an interesting matchup, both teams are down a bit so this will be an interesting matchup. I can see Rochester coming out of this district but it won’t be easy. PICK: ROCHESTER.

District 25 @ Troy Athens

BERKLEY vs TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK vs Warren Mott

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district is very interesting, Berkley and Troy Athens split their series earlier in the season. Royal Oak is improving and could very well be a sleeper. I don’t know much about Warren Mott. I can see this matchup going either way with the Red Hawks, Bears, and Ravens. I like the home team to move on. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

District 28 @ Orion

ORION vs OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs Waterford Mott

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district, Orion swept Clarkston but took two of three against Oxford on route to sharing the Red with Rochester. Waterford Mott doesn’t stand a chance in this district. It will either be the Dragons, Wildcats, or Wolves coming out of this district. I think it will be Orion that will be moving on. PICK: ORION.

District 26 @ Troy

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs GROVES

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/GROVES vs Birmingham Brother Rice

TROY vs SEAHOLM

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district, all these teams are very good, very solid. Groves is ranked third in Division One for Baseball came out of nowhere to beat Birmingham Brother Rice in the district last season. The Falcons won the White this season. Birmingham Brother Rice is loaded again and should challenge in this district. Seaholm is the wildcard along with Troy both teams will play each other in the district semifinal with the winner seeing either Groves, Bloomfield Hills, or Birmingham Brother Rice in the district final. In this district, I think that the Falcons are no joke but the Warriors are too motivated to watch this opportunity get away. PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE.

District 29 @ Walled Lake Central

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Central

WB/WL Central vs Waterford Kettering

Orchard Lake St. Marys vs Walled Lake Northern

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on because there are some solid teams in this district. I think West Bloomfield and Walled Lake Northern are the two top teams. Orchard Lake St. Marys is a wildcard team as they do compete in the tough Catholic League. I think whomever wins that Eaglets/Knights game will get to the final to meet the Lakers. West Bloomfield is very athletic and disciplined, it will be the Lakers that move on. PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD.

District 30 @ Farmington

FARMINGTON vs HARRISON

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: Farmington wants to right a wrong after they were upset by Harrison last season in the district semifinals. The Falcons are senior heavy so this could be their last chance of doing some damage for a little while. Livonia Stevenson is also a solid contender in this district as well. The Hawks and North Farmington could surprise some folks. I think Farmington will get to the final but lose to the Spartans, I can’t trust the Falcons in the postseason. PICK: LIVONIA STEVENSON.

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/OAK PARK vs Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs Redford Thurston

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district for the OAA teams here. Oak Park is not very strong but Southfield Arts and Tech is solid. The Warriors won the Gold in their first year as one Southfield and they have been rolling. I thought they got a nice draw and should have a clear path to the final. It will be very tough though as they will likely have to deal with the hosts the Detroit University-Detroit Cubs. It will be a tough task for Southfield Arts and Tech but they will have a lot against them being on the road, it will be the Cubs that will move on. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.

District 60 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE vs Center Line

FERNDALE/Center Line vs Warren Fitzgerald

HAZEL PARK vs Warren Lincoln

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a good district when looking at it from a baseball perspective. The best team in this district is Center Line. The next team would be Warren Fitzgerald that could pose a threat to Center Line but at the end of the day Center Line has had an interesting season and will look to move on to the next round. PICK: CENTER LINE.

District 62 @ Avondale

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Armada

PNDP/Armada vs Richmond

AVONDALE vs Macomb Lutheran North

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be a good district, you have Avondale, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Macomb Lutheran North. Any of these three teams can win this district. I think the Irish got a good draw with the Yellow Jackets and Mustangs having to play each other. I’m not sold on Armada and Richmond. I believe this will be an Avondale/Pontiac Notre Dame Prep Final with the Yellow Jackets moving on. PICK: AVONDALE.

Girls Soccer District Preview.

Written Thursday May 25th at 9:00 PM

Here are my preview and picks for the 2017 MHSAA Girls Soccer Districts.

District 14 @ Milford

Waterford Mott vs Waterford Kettering

Milford vs Walled Lake Northern

CLARKSTON vs WEST BLOOMFIELD

Lakeland vs Walled Lake Central

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a pretty balanced district with Walled Lake Northern, Waterford Mott, Walled Lake Central, and Clarkston. I think Walled Lake Northern will earn their way to the district final after a hard earned win over Milford and then Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. I think Clarkston/Walled Lake Central will be a battle but the Vikings have to deal with Lakeland first in the district first round. In this district though, I like the Knights to move on. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 26 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Cranbrook-Kingswood

PONTIAC vs Goodrich

Brandon vs Holly

Brandon/Holly vs AVONDALE

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district will be interesting but looking at it Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is the early favorite but keep an eye on Avondale. We are looking at a Yellow Jackets/Irish final with the hosts moving on. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

District 25 @ Hazel Park

Warren Woods Tower vs East Detroit

FERNDALE vs HAZEL PARK

Warren Regina vs Warren Fitzgerald

Center Line vs Madison Heights Lamphere

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be a pretty competitive district, there are five teams that have a shot at winning this district. I think the Lamphere/Center Line match could be decided via penalties and the winner will have a tough matchup with Warren Regina in the district semifinal. I think Warren Woods Tower has a nice draw despite Hazel Park wanting to win this district. This will be interesting but a Warren Woods Tower/Warren Regina final would be a classic but it will be the Satellites that will move on. PICK: WARREN REGINA.

District 24 @ Harrison

Redford Thurston vs Redford Union

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Detroit Mumford

Birmingham Marian vs HARRISON

FARMINGTON vs Detroit Renaissance

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district on paper, I think Detroit Country Day and Birmingham Marian are the two top teams on paper in this district. Farmington could surprise some folks but the two teams from the Catholic League should meet in the district final and clash with the Mustangs moving on. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.

District 8 @ Northville

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

Northville vs Farmington Hills Mercy

Novi vs South Lyon

Novi/South Lyon vs Walled Lake Western

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is an interesting district but if there is one favorite, it’s Novi. The Wildcats made a deep run last season in the playoffs and this team still has talent. Northville could challenge their neighborhood rival. Novi should have no problem in this district and they could make yet another deep run in the playoffs yet again. PICK: NOVI

District 10 @ Troy Athens

TROY ATHENS vs Fraser

Warren Mott vs Sterling Heights Stevenson

Warren Cousino vs Sterling Heights

Utica Ford vs Utica

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This district has a lot of sub plots heading into this part of the State Tournament. It looks like it will be a three-team district between Troy Athens, Utica, and Utica Ford. The Red Hawks got a really nice draw and should make the district final while Utica has to beat Utica Ford in the first round of districts. Utica Ford is State ranked and has a win over Troy Athens early in the season. It will be a Troy Athens/Utica Ford district final. I think this time it will be the Red Hawks that will move onto the next round because of experience, also home field matters. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

District 9 @ Troy

BERKLEY vs GROVES

BERKLEY/GROVES vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

SEAHOLM vs TROY

SEAHOLM/TROY vs ROYAL OAK

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: Seaholm won the Blue and has had an undefeated season thus far but they will be tested by Troy in the first round. Pending if the Maples get by the Colts then they should ease past Royal Oak and meet most likely Bloomfield Hills in the district final. It will be an interesting game but it will be the Blackhawks that move on in dramatic fashion. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

District 13 @ Stoney Creek

Utica Eisenhower vs Romeo

ROCHESTER vs OXFORD

STONEY CREEK vs ORION

STONEY CREEK/ORION vs ADAMS

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This maybe the toughest district in the entire State with the quality and talent of these programs in northeast Oakland and northwest Macomb Counties. You have the defending State Champs, Adams is a power, Orion had a good season, Oxford is ultra-competitive, Utica Eisenhower is State Ranked, Rochester is a dark-horse, and Romeo is tough all in this district. One of the reasons why Stoney Creek won the State Crown last season was because they were in a tough district with Utica Eisenhower, Utica, and Utica Ford. The Cougars have a tough district once again but they have home field and should move on to the next round. PICK: STONEY CREEK.

Roberts Reversal on Two Players Transfers shows that It's time for a Change.

Written Wednesday May 24th at 10:30 PM

Jack Roberts has to be the Benedict Arnold in sports.

Roberts whom is the Executive Director at the MHSAA reversed a decision that involved two players whom transferred from Clawson to Waterford Mott for football and basketball. He deemed them both eligible for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

According to State Champs Sportswriter Tom Markowski, the same guy whom wrote the transfers ineligibility, Roberts said in his ruling that there was some recent information in regards to the two students in question.

The league suspended the two players earlier this month after it was found that the transfers were athletically motivated. They would had been forced to sit out for 180 days but now Roberts had a change of heart.

Roberts said there were two factors that reversed the league’s decision according to State Champs. The first one regarded that there were factual errors in the reports. The second one was that the transfers go beyond athletics and are practical in nature with regards of transportation to and from a particular school, and the third one was that the appeal registered by (Waterford) Mott administrators provided information to the MHSAA that was not presented earlier in regards to residency.

Thoughts.

This change of heart that Roberts made proves in my opinion that the MHSAA is corrupt and that a new change in leadership is needed. Now I’ve invited Roberts to come on my podcast but he hasn’t responded to my request.

I feel really bad for Clawson, they basically got screwed because of this. I thought the MHSAA got it right by banning these two players for 180 days but with a change of heart and new information, these two will be playing football and basketball next school year.

This is horrible and awful either way when you look at it in a professional and ethical standpoint but for the transfers it gives them an opportunity to play right away and continue their high school playing careers. Now if they moved into Waterford then I don’t have an issue with that but I’m disappointed in Jack Roberts and now I’m calling for him to resign.

Here is the State Champs Article from Tom Markowski.

http://statechampsnetwork.com/index.cfm/news-blog/high-school-sports-news/mhsaa-reverses-ruling-on-waterford-mott-transfers/

Orion Names New Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Tuesday May 23rd at 12:30 PM
Updated Thursday May 25th at 9:00 PM

The Dragons have named their new Girls Basketball coach, but it’s not whom you think it is.

Orion named Mike Griffin as the new Varsity Girls Basketball Coach replacing Kevin Kopec last week.

Griffin brings a ton of Basketball experience, especially from the Boys side of things. He used to coach at Sterling Heights and was an assistant coach at Birmingham Detroit Country Day under coach Mark Bray.

Griffin is a teacher in Sterling Heights, it is not known if he will travel to Orion every day or not.

It will be a new challenge for Griffin coming to Orion as well coaching the Girls instead of the Boys.

The Dragons finished 8-13 last season losing to Waterford Kettering in the pre-district. They were bumped up from the White to the Red and have a ton of experience returning in Tessa Nuss, Paytin Shadaia, Sophie Canine, Sophie Wyborski, Cameron Coltrin, Sydney Strenger, Lauryn Van Loon, and Shannon Falter.

Thoughts.

I don’t know what to think about this move, he has a lot to prove to me. There are a ton of unanswered questions surrounding this coaching hire like how will the Girls respond to him???, Will the turmoil come back???, Can he win with this group now and in the future???, Can he be there for the Girls when they struggle???, How will he be in the community???, Can he make this team a State title contender and go deep into the postseason???

Yes, Griffin brings experience to this team but I have some concerns looking at his record when he was a Sterling Heights. His record when he coached at Sterling Heights is a bit alarming. Also, the division the Dragons will be in will not be easy, heading into the Red and going up against teams like Clarkston, Southfield Arts and Tech, North Farmington, and Stoney Creek.

In his three seasons at Sterling Heights he posted a 25-32 record, and has not necessarily fared well against other big schools when he was in the Macomb Area Conference. Griffin went 0-3 against Chippewa Valley in the postseason.

Now this is a different situation that Griffin has stepped into than the time he spent at Sterling Heights and at Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Orion has suffered a ton of turmoil surrounding this program in recent years. Everyone likes to move on from this, and I expect they will.

Experience matters, I’m not sure if Pandora’s Box has been opened. Could it be a Gene Chizik situation with Auburn for College Football with this hire, I don’t know???

We’ll find out.

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

Steinacker Out at Adams.

Written Monday May 22nd at 9:50 PM

Well there is now another coaching vacancy in Girls Basketball in the OAA and that's at Rochester Adams.

Jackie Steinacker has stepped down from coaching at Adams after leading the Highlanders to their first district title since 2001.

Steinacker took over for Shay Lewis whom stepped down last season after she was named the Director of Operations for Women's Basketball at Oakland University.

Adams finished the season at 8-15 and finished last in the Red. The Highlanders lost 58-47 to Fenton in the regional semifinal this season.

Adams loses Maggie Rogers, Hannah Simard, and Ryian Owusu to graduation but they have Grace Van Pelt and MaKayla Smith returning next season.

Thoughts.

I was surprised that Steinacker spent only one season at Adams as the head coach. She led her team to their first crown since 2001 and then leaves, it's very shocking to say the least.

It will be interesting whom coaches the Highlanders next season but odds are Jeff Castonia and Brad Kuschman are strong candidates but we'll see what happens.

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

Oak Park Sends Four Track Athletes to Division One Schools.

Written Saturday May 20th at 9:30 PM

Oak Park has a great chance of repeating this season as the Division One State Champions in both Boys and Girls Track and Field and these four could be the reason why they could repeat as champions.

The Knights top four athletes in Track and Field signed their National Letter of Intents on Friday at Oak Park.

Cameron Cooper, likely the top Track and Field Athlete in the State of Michigan has signed with Louisiana State. Cooper is the defending 800 meter State champion and competes in the 1600 along with the two relays, the four by two and the four by eight. He also won the New Balance Indoor 800 Meter championship in February.

Bryce Pickett will be heading to Michigan. He is a salutatorian for Oak Park. Pickett competes in the 400 meter dash along with the 200 meter dash along with the four by two and four by four relays.

Tamea McKelvy is heading to Texas. McKelvy is a very strong 200 meter runner, the best in the State so far and is solid in the 100 meter dash. She also competes in the four by one and four by two teams for the Knights.

Carlita Taylor is heading to Columbia. She is a valedictorian for the school. Taylor competes in both the 110 and 300 Hurdles along with the four by one and four by two relays.

These four will be heavily relied upon for Oak Park to repeat as Boys and Girls State Champions this upcoming season for coaches Brandon Giles and Robert Lynch.

The Knights Girls Track team is the three time defending State Champs coming into the State Meet.

We shall see what happens in the State Meet on June 3rd at East Kentwood.

Hazel Park Staying Put.

Written Saturday May 20th at 8:50 PM

It looks like the Hazel Park Vikings will be staying in the OAA after all.

Citing an accurate source, the Macomb Area Conference Principals turned down Hazel Park's request to enter the league. The Athletic Directors approved the move for the Vikings to enter the conference.

Now this rejection by the MAC Principals leaves Hazel Park in a bit of a quagmire. The Vikings were suppose to be leaving the OAA for the MAC in the 2018-2019 School Year but for now they will be staying in the OAA for the time being.

The Vikings reasons why they wanted to leave the league was because of competitive balance, especially in football. In the 2016 season, Hazel Park was not happy that Troy, Rochester, and Bloomfield Hills were in the Blue because those three schools had bigger enrollments (Troy 2,422, Rochester 1,705, Bloomfield Hills 1,842) and the Vikings have one of the smallest enrollments in the league (881 students.)

Hazel Park finished the 2016 season at 2-7 and haven't made the playoffs since 2010.

The Vikings are 10-44 since 2011 but is 3-33 since 2013.

Hazel Park this upcoming football season will be in the Blue with Pontiac, Ferndale, Avondale, and Royal Oak but North Farmington and Farmington come down from the White. Both the Raiders and Falcons have new coaches. It will be interesting for the Vikings in week one when they open up at Warren Fitzgerald in August.

The Vikings will be in Class A next season for Volleyball and Basketball. Hazel Park will possibly be placed in a district with Southfield Arts and Tech, Berkley, Oak Park, Warren Fitzgerald, and Detroit Renaissance.

Hazel Park's Boys Basketball team won their first district title since 1965 but lost a heart-breaker to Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern in the regional semifinal. The Vikings shared the White with Troy last season. Hazel Park will have a tough chore this upcoming season as they are now in the Red division and will play the likes of Clarkston, North Farmington, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Bloomfield Hills.

The Hazel Park Girls Basketball team should be good again this upcoming winter with a ton of experience back after they won 14 games and making the district final last season. The Vikings Volleyball team will also be solid as well next season.

Thoughts.

I was surprised the MAC Principals voted Hazel Park down despite having a close rivalry with Warren Fitzgerald, Clawson, Madison Heights Madison, and Madison Heights Lamphere.

It will be interesting to see what Hazel Park does but the Vikings will be in the league for now.

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

MHSAA makes some changes.

Written Saturday May 20th at 4:00 PM

The MHSAA will use the Division system instead of the Class system starting in the 2018-2019 season for Volleyball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball.

In Soccer, the league will not have overtimes or shootouts during the regular season and instead go with the tie. If there was a conference tournament then they can play two 10 minute overtimes and have a shootout.

In football, the league will be limited even more to just 90 minutes of physical contact during practice for each week after the first week of the season. However blocking, tacking, and technique drills will continue. The league will consider Friday State semifinal games to go along with Saturdays. All semifinal games were usually played on Saturdays but Fridays are now an option to have games.

Thoughts.

I like the MHSAA going to a Division system instead of a Class system for a few reasons, one it will decide which teams are Division One teams. Also it evens up the classes based on enrollment. It will be interesting how things shape up when the Division system takes affect.

In the OAA for Soccer they do have ties in the regular season so there was no need for the MHSAA to take that route but they did it for the entire State.

I don't like the league's decision to be limited more to just 90 minutes of physical contact. Now I did play football and yes it's a physical sport but football is suppose to be a contact sport. I think this rule benefits those teams who are faience and not those who want to be physical teams. Now I know the MHSAA has a concussion policy and new rules put in place but come on, to limit teams to 90 minutes a week for physical contact??? doesn't add up.

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

Wingert named Oxford Wrestling Coach.

Written Thursday May 18th at 11:45 PM

Oxford has their new wrestling coach.

According to the Oxford AD's Twitter Page, the Wildcats have hired Ross Wingert to take over the squad after coach Paul McDevitt stepped down last season.

Wingert was an assistant coach for Oxford under McDevitt for a long time. He was an assistant on the Wildcats 2011 State Championship Wrestling team.

Wingert works as a financial advisor at Edward Jones Finacial. He also coaches football under coach Bud Rowley's program as well.

It will be interesting what Oxford will do under Wingert but it will be different next season for sure.

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

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Thursday May 18th at 10:50 PM

Here are my picks for the Girls Regional for Lacrosse.

D1 Regional 2 at Novi

Novi vs. Canton/Salem

Northville vs. NORTH FARMINGTON

Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Brighton/South Lyon

Plymouth vs. Salem

PREDICTION: This one is interesting, I like the Wildcats of Plymouth making some noise in this regional but Northville could be a team to keep an eye on as well. Ann Arbor Pioneer could be a dark horse team to keep an eye on. I think this will be a Northville vs Plymouth or Ann Arbor Pioneer final with I believe the Pioneers moving on in Novi. PICK: ANN ARBOR PIONEER.

D1 Regional 3 at Troy

Grosse Pointe North at WL Central/WEST BLOOMFIELD

Utica Eisenhower vs. BIRMINGHAM

Grosse Pointe South vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY ATHENS vs. TROY

PREDICTION: This will be an interesting regional, I can see the final being Troy vs Birmingham. Utica Eisenhower will be a dark horse contender along with Grosse Pointe South but end of the day it will be a Bulldogs vs Colts regional final. It will be Birmingham that moves on at Troy. PICK: BIRMINGHAM.

D1 Regional 4 at Orion

Waterford vs. Grand Blanc/Lakeland

Holly vs. OXFORD

Hartland vs. ORION/Fenton

CLARKSTON vs. Midland

The main event will be the Dragons vs the Eagles, whomever wins that matchup will win this regional. I’m not sold on any of the others, maybe Grand Blanc but clearly it will be either Orion or Hartland. I think the Eagles reign supreme. PICK: HARTLAND.

D2 Regional 6 at Farmington

FARMINGTON vs. St. Catherine/Tecumseh

Livonia Ladywood vs. Dexter

Temperance Bedford vs. AA Gabriel Richard/AA Huron

Farmington Hills Mercy vs. AA Skyline/WL Northern

This will be an interesting regional. St. Catherine and Farmington will be interesting teams to keep an eye on along with Livonia Ladywood. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard should have no problem getting to the regional final. This one at Farmington will be St. Catherine vs Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard with Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard winning. PICK: ANN ARBOR GABRIEL RICHARD.

D2 Regional 8 at Cranbrook-Kingswood

Birmingham Marian vs. ADAMS/STONEY CREEK

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Warren Regina vs. GP Liggett/ROCHESTER

ROYAL OAK vs. Sacred Heart/Cranbrook-Kingswood

PREDICTION: This regional will come down too Birmingham Marian vs Warren Regina. The Mustangs and the Satellites. I like Regina to come out of this regional and move on, too much experience. PICK: WARREN REGINA.

Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Thursday May 18th at 10:45 PM

Here are my regional picks for the Boys Lacrosse State tournament.

D1 Regional 4 at North Farmington

1. Detroit Catholic Central vs. Bye

4. Walled Lake Northern vs. 5. Milford/Lakeland

2. Northville vs. 7. Walled Lake Central

3. Novi vs. 6. NORTH FARMINGTON/HARRISON

PREDICTION: The Shamrocks are the favorite to get out of this regional because of their talent. I think the Mustangs will give Novi Detroit Catholic Central everything they can handle but it probably won’t be enough. North Farmington/Harrison has no chance of winning over Novi. End of the day I don’t see anyone beating the Shamrocks. PICK: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL.

D1 Regional 5 at Orion

1. ORION vs. 8. WEST BLOOMFIELD

4. ADAMS vs. 5. STONEY CREEK

2. BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. 7. ROCHESTER

3. CLARKSTON vs. 6. Waterford

PREDICTION: I can see the final being the Dragons vs either the Blackhawks or Wolves. Clarkston was supposed to host the regional but due to its field being renovated the regional was moved to Orion. Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston will be interesting in the semifinal. I don’t see anyone touching Orion until the final. If it’s the Blackhawks then it will be a street fight for the Dragons but it’s the Wolves I can see Orion getting their revenge after what happened last year, either way the Dragons are moving on. PICK: ORION.

D1 Regional 6 at Birmingham (Seaholm)

1. TROY ATHENS vs. Bye

4. BIRMINGHAM vs. 5. Utica Ford

2. TROY vs. 7. Warren Mott

3. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. 6. Sterling Heights Stevenson

PREDICTION: This appears to be Troy Athens best chance of winning the regional but there are plenty of obstacles ahead for the Red Hawks. The first is the Bulldogs of Birmingham, since they are at home, they could pose a threat to Troy Athens in the semifinal and if they get to the final then they could clash with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Cubs have been a traditional powerhouse but oddly they have the third seed in this regional but that’s pending if they can get by Troy. The Colts are an interesting team to keep an eye on. End of the day though, there is a reason why Troy Athens is a number one seed but it will be a dangerous task for the Red Hawks with those two teams mentioned but they will find a way. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

D1 Regional 8 at Oxford

1. Hartland vs. Bye

4. Grand Blanc vs. 5. Davison

2. Midland vs. 7. Holly

3. OXFORD vs. 6. Lapeer

PREDICTION: The Eagles and Chemics are the two top teams in this regional at Oxford. They have both played tough schedules and in tougher leagues. Midland got a big win over Orion last weekend while Hartland has a great draw. Oxford’s lack of playing tough teams will hurt them here and I think they will lose to Midland. I think this will be a Hartland/Midland final with the Chemics taming the Eagles. PICK: MIDLAND.

D2 Regional 14 at Walled Lake Western

1. Cranbrook-Kingswood vs. 8. ROYAL OAK

4. Walled Lake Western vs. 5. Ann Arbor Greenhills

2. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard vs. 7. FARMINGTON

3. Dearborn Divine Child vs. 6. Royal Oak Shrine

PREDICTION: Looking at this regional, Cranbrook-Kingswood is easily favored though Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard could give them some trouble. Walled Lake Western could pose a challenge and Dearborn Divine Child could give trouble to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard. Farmington has no chance getting out of this regional. Cranbrook-Kingswood will show why they are one of the top teams in Oakland County. PICK: CRANBROOK-KINGSWOOD.

D2 Regional 16 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

1. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. 8. Bay City Central

4. Saginaw Heritage vs. 5. Swartz Creek

2. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs. 7. AVONDALE

3. Flint Powers vs. 6. Bay City Western

PREDICTION: Looking at this regional, the favorite is Orchard Lake St. Marys but watch out for Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The Irish are at home and could be a playmaker in this regional. Flint Powers Catholic is the dark horse. I think this will be a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep/Orchard Lake St. Marys regional final but it will be the hosts that move on. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

Track Regional Preview.

Written Thursday May 18th at 10:45 PM

All meets with the exception of the North Farmington Regional is on Friday May 19th.

 (Saturday May 20th) Regional 6.1 @ North Farmington

FARMINGTON

HARRISON

NORTH FARMINGTON

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

ROYAL OAK

WEST BLOOMFIELD

GROVES

SEAHOLM

Birmingham Brother Rice

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

BOYS PICK: When you look at a favorite heading into this meet, you got to look at Oak Park. The Knights won the Gold meet handily and could very well do well in this regional. West Bloomfield will score some points along with Southfield Arts and Tech. Royal Oak should do well in the distance events but end of the day this meet will be with Oak Park. PICK: OAK PARK.

GIRLS PICK: Oak Park is the three-time defending State Champs for a reason and they have athletes. It will be interesting because Seaholm and Royal Oak should battle it out in the distance events. The Knights will be looking to be on a mission and they should have no problem winning this regional but closer than the experts think. PICK: OAK PARK.

Region 8.1 @ Macomb Dakota

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley

Anchor Bay

Macomb Dakota

L’Anse Creuse

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Warren Mott

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

BOYS PICK: This will be an interesting regional with Troy and Macomb Dakota being the two top teams in this regional. I expect Anchor Bay to score in distance events but this meet will come down to the Colts and Cougars, I’ll be shocked if someone comes out of nowhere and shocks everyone. Here I like the hosts. PICK: MACOMB DAKOTA.

GIRLS PICK: Just like the Boys this regional will come down to the Colts and Cougars. Macomb Dakota and Troy are deep and will score a ton of points in this meet. I said Macomb Dakota would win this regional in the Guys while in the Girls I’m going the other way around with Troy winning this regional. PICK: TROY.

Region 9.1 @ Orion

ORION

OXFORD

CLARKSTON

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

PONTIAC

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Brandon

Holly

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

BOYS PICK: This is an interesting regional considering it is one of the toughest in the State. Grand Blanc and Romeo are the early favorites with their sprinting prowess, also the Bulldogs won the regional last season but keep an eye on Orion, Oxford, Adams, and Stoney Creek. Orchard Lake St. Marys will score in bunches as well. This will be a really close meet but I think Grand Blanc has a little bit too much for the field. PICK: GRAND BLANC.

GIRLS PICK: When I look at this regional, this is interesting. Orion, Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills, and Utica Eisenhower will score a ton of points. Waterford Mott will be a player in the distance events. Stoney Creek is a dark horse to watch. I can see this meet also going down to the wire but the Dragons have been red hot lately, hey why not this run will continue. PICK: ORION.

Region 15.2 @ South Lyon East

AVONDALE

FERNDALE

HAZEL PARK

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

South Lyon East

Cranbrook-Kingswood

Birmingham Marian

Clawson

Detroit Communication of Media Arts

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Old Redford

Livonia Claranceville

Madison Heights Lamphere

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Southfield Bradford

Redford Union

BOYS PICK: This regional will be interesting but when I see whom will win this one, it’s pretty clear. Detroit Mumford and Birmingham Detroit Country Day will be challenges to this team but this team has too much in the field events and sprinting events and that’s Avondale. PICK: AVONDALE.

GIRLS PICK: This one is interesting when you look at this regional at South Lyon East. Detroit Mumford will be a challenge along with Birmingham Detroit Country Day and South Lyon East is a wildcard. I think this will be an upset, I can see the Cougars winning this one. PICK: SOUTH LYON EAST.

MHSAA will not go to Flex Seeding Next School Year.

Written Friday May 12th at 3:30 PM

Well the reseeding debate surrounding the Girls and Boys Basketball Districts will have to wait at least another school year.

The MHSAA Representative Council according to the Basketball Coaches Association website voted down the flex seeding and equal division proposal earlier this month meaning that the league will still use the draw from a hat instead of coaches deciding what the district matchups will be for the 2017-2018 School Year.

The Basketball Coaches Association hopes the league will approve the district proposal for the 2018-2019 School Year.

It will be interesting what will happen come in June when the Volleyball and Basketball districts would be released but for the School Year in 2017-2018 the draws will be based out of a hat instead of the coaches deciding how the matchups would be.

Thoughts.

It will be interesting what the MHSAA does when they released the Volleyball and Basketball district matchups in June. I thought personally the league would go this route to flex the seedings and make the district tournament matchups very interesting but instead the league decided to not go with what the regular season records or what the other coaches say should be the matchups and instead left the fate on the pick of the draw.

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

Grand Blanc will join the Saginaw Valley League in 2018.

Written Wednesday May 10th at 11:20 AM

The Grand Blanc Bobcats will have a new conference to join and it’s not the OAA.

The Bobcats were accepted to join the Saginaw Valley League starting in 2018 according to the D-Zone and ESPN 100.9 FM that serves Mid-Michigan. Grand Blanc would be joining their rivals from Genesee County including Davison, Flint Powers Catholic, and Flint Carman Ainsworth.

The Grand Blanc Board of Education will vote on accepting the invitation to join the league on May 22nd. A move in which is expected to be approved.

Grand Blanc was voted out of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association last month because of travel. The league decided that Grand Blanc was too far north (It would had taken 27 minutes from Hartland, 26 miles. The Eagles would had been the closest rival in the league) and the league went further south. 

The Bobcats left the then Big Nine to join the KLAA in 2009 in a surprising move.

The Saginaw Valley League has schools in major cities throughout Mid-Michigan including from Mount Pleasant, Midland (Midland, Midland Dow), Bay City (Bay City Central, Bay City Western, Bay City John Glenn), Saginaw (Saginaw Heritage, Saginaw, Saginaw Arthur Hill), Flint (Merged Southwestern and Northwestern, Flint Powers, Flint Carman-Ainsworth), Davison, and Lapeer.

Thoughts.

This move made plenty of sense for Grand Blanc. They were a perfect fit for this league and they have their arch rivals in Genesee County with them. It reunites them with Davison, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, and Flint Powers from the Big Nine. Also, they will start new rivalries especially with Lapeer.

A lot of people questioned Grand Blanc's enrollment to join the Saginaw Valley as they do have an enrollment of 2260 kids in the school. The next highest is Lapeer with 1837 students and then Davison with 1695 students. Flint Powers Catholic will be the smallest school in the Saginaw Valley with 660 students. Flint Southwestern would had been the smallest enrolled school in the Saginaw Valley with 650 students but they are merging with Flint Northwestern to become Flint.

It would had been really hard for Grand Blanc if they joined the OAA because the southern schools like Farmington, Berkley, Royal Oak, and Ferndale would have to travel an hour and a half just to get to Grand Blanc. Grand Blanc’s closest rival if they would had joined would have been Clarkston but Oxford and Orion aren’t too far behind based on miles. Also enrollment would had been an issue as they are one of the biggest schools in the State.

It would had been the same thing with Lapeer because the southern Oakland County schools would have a difficult time traveling to a place like Lapeer. Lapeer’s closest rival if they joined the OAA would had been Oxford although they have had games against Rochester and Orion, among others.

The Saginaw Valley League is on the way up with schools with different enrollments in the league and in different cities. It also brings competitive balance along with the league and for Grand Blanc, it brings stability. I can only imagine how the league would look in 2018 with some powerhouse schools coming within Mid-Michigan.

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

MHSAA Releases New Locations for Wrestling and Girls Basketball State Finals.

Written Wednesday May 10th at 11:00 AM

The Girls Basketball State semifinals and finals will have a new home along with Wrestling.

Girls Basketball State semifinals and finals will move from the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State to the Van Norrad Arena in Grand Rapids. The Van Norrad Arena is the home of Calvin College.

The Individual Wrestling finals will be held at Ford Field in Detroit while the Team Wrestling finals will be at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, the home of the Michigan Kalamazoo Wings.

The moves to different locations were approved by the MHSAA Representative council. The moves were necessary to accommodate the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament if Michigan State were to host any games of the tournament.

The Palace of Auburn Hills was closing their doors which forced a move to Ford Field.

Thoughts.

I’ve been in Wings Stadium, it’s a beautiful place in Kalamazoo. I always loved seeing the Michigan Kalamazoo Wings when they were the Dallas Stars International Hockey League affiliate.

Ford Field made sense to host the individual wrestling finals.

I’m curious about the Girls Basketball State semifinals and finals being located in Grand Rapids at Calvin College. Well I’ve haven’t been there but I’ve been to Grand Rapids. I thought the Van Andel Arena, home of the Grand Rapids Griffins would have been a better fit to handle the tournament but the MHSAA believed that the Van Norrad Arena was a good location for the MHSAA to handle the tournament.

It will be interesting to see what happens and also if an OAA school gets to either Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Ford Field.

We’ll see what happens.

Hilbers Out at West Bloomfield.

Written Tuesday May 9th at 8:10 PM

West Bloomfield is now looking for a new Girls Basketball Coach.

Zach Hilbers has stepped down from coaching the Lakers Girls Basketball program. He spent six seasons coaching the program taking it over for coach Steve Larkin.

Hilbers also coaches track along with football as an assistant under coach Ronald Bellamy.

West Bloomfield had a tough season in 2016-2017, finishing at 6-15 losing to Farmington Hills Mercy 49-22 in the district semifinal. What didn’t help things was that Hilbers’s team lost center Jamila Elam as she transferred to Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the middle of the season.

Hilbers concludes his six seasons with a 28-49 record. He has coached some great players to come out of the program in Rachel Harnish, Sydney Davis, and Jordan Elam.

West Bloomfield will be very young next season in the White but they will have Mya Bobo, Ellie Soverinsky, and Destiny Monroe returning along with a solid Junior Varsity program.

Thoughts.

I was shocked when I heard Hilbers had stepped down from coaching Girls Basketball but he still will coach football with the Lakers as an assistant and he is a track coach with West Bloomfield.

When I look at West Bloomfield as a program, they don't really need a rebuild but there is talent over at Laker land. If I had to pick the next head coach at West Bloomfield, it’s an easy one for me, in Bert Mosley.

Mosley coached the Junior Varsity team under Hilbers and he has had great teams come out of West Bloomfield. He is a passionate guy whom is committed to getting the Lakers to where they need to be.

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

Track and Field League Meet Preview.

Written Tuesday May 9th at 12:05 PM

Here are some of my insight on the league meets for Track and Field this week so enjoy. The Red meet is on Wednesday, the Gold and Blue meets are on Thursday, and the White meet is on Friday.

Blue @ Farmington

Seaholm

Groves

West Bloomfield

Farmington

Harrison

North Farmington

Boys Insight: This will be an interesting meet because there are four solid teams in Farmington, West Bloomfield, Groves, and Seaholm. Groves and Farmington will be huge in the sprints, Seaholm is expected to do some damage in the field events and distance. There is the West Bloomfield factor, the Lakers are athletic and talented and can-do damage in the sprints and relays. Also, Harrison and North Farmington will score some points as well.

Girls Insight: Seaholm looks to be the favorite but keep an eye on West Bloomfield, they could be the toughest challenger to the Maples. Groves looks to be the Darkhorse along with the hosts Farmington. Harrison and North Farmington could score some points as well in this meet.

Prediction: I like Seaholm in the Girls because of their long and mid distance. In the boys, I like West Bloomfield in a tight race with Farmington, Groves, and Seaholm.

Gold @ Oak Park

Oak Park

Ferndale

Royal Oak

Hazel Park

Southfield Arts and Tech

Berkley

Boys Insight: When looking at this meet, Oak Park is the face of this division. Southfield Arts and Tech will give Oak Park some trouble. Royal Oak is a Darkhorse candidate. I don’t expect much from Ferndale, Berkley, or Hazel Park.

Girls Insight: Oak Park is the face of this meet, they are very talented. Royal Oak is solid in the hurdles and Southfield Arts and Tech in the field events. I don’t expect much from Hazel Park, Ferndale, or Berkley here.

Prediction: No one is touching Oak Park here in both Boys and Girls.

White @ Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills

Troy

Athens

Stoney Creek

Pontiac

Avondale

Boys Insight: There a lot of teams are solid in different areas. Bloomfield Hills is very solid this season but watch out for Stoney Creek they will challenge Bloomfield Hills. Avondale is your Darkhorse team along with Troy Athens. Troy is very improved as well so watch out for them as well.

Girls Insight: Troy and Bloomfield Hills are the best teams in this league. The Colts strength are the distances while the Blackhawks are very athletic and have depth everywhere. This has the makings of a close meet between those two teams. Stoney Creek is your Darkhorse.

Prediction: Girls it will be the hosts Bloomfield Hills, too much depth everywhere else. In Boys I like Bloomfield Hills like the girls, it will be a repeat performance in that area.

Red @ Oxford

Oxford

Orion

Clarkston

Adams

Rochester

Boys Insight: Orion has won the league title in the regular season but Adams will be the team that challenges the Dragons. Oxford is a huge threat in the field events and is expected to do some damage there. Clarkston is deep and Rochester is an interesting team to keep an eye on as well.

Girls Insight: Orion looks really good to take the crown outright but oddly enough it’s not Clarkston that they have to worry about sharing the crown with, it’s Adams. Adams beat Clarkston in the regular season but lost to Orion. Clarkston could do damage to both Adams and Orion.

Prediction: Orion has clinched at least a share of the league title but expect Adams to make a push here in the boys, they could very well win the meet. In the Girls, I’m not sure how Clarkston is going to play this but the Dragons match them depth for depth and I think they will be the ones that win it outright.

MHSAA Rules Two Clawson Players that transfered Ineligible due to Athletic Reasons.

Written Thursday May 4th at 11:30 AM
Updated Thursday May 4th at 6:00 PM

Well it’s a start but it doesn’t fix the problem.

According to State Champs, Tom Markowski, the MHSAA handed down a ruling that two students whom transferred from Clawson to Waterford Mott in March were deemed athletically ineligible for one school year.

The MHSAA decided that the transfers was athletically motivated.

The move means that the two players have to sit out the entire school year (180 Days) meaning that they wouldn’t be able to play sports for one school year at Waterford Mott. It’s to my understanding that both players play football and basketball.

The one year ban will begin in August in which both players will be Juniors next season.

According to Markowski, Clawson administrators filed a complaint with the MHSAA surrounding the transfers of these student athletes. Waterford Mott then send a rebuttal but Clawson responded to the rebuttal believing the students were transferring to Waterford Mott because of athletic reasons.

The league believed Clawson and informed Waterford Mott about their decision to keep the two players sidelined.

Waterford Mott officials were not punished like what happened last season surrounding their football team when they were caught having an illegal gathering and undue influence with student athletes to play at Waterford Mott.

The MHSAA found no evidence of influence surrounding these two student athletes.

Markowski in his blog wrote something really interesting but true. "If the players original school whom they are transferring out of doesn’t speak up and send their case to the MHSAA, then the league can’t do anything about it."

Maybe this is a wake-up call to everyone involved???

I wonder if this decision will get other schools to follow suit what Clawson did???

It's possible.

I know this subject is up for debate but you see schools like Detroit Cass Tech, Detroit Martin Luther King, Walled Lake Western, West Bloomfield, Waterford Mott, Macomb Dakota, Southfield Arts and Tech, among others have brought in transfers in the past. Some of these schools still continue it to do it to this day. The reason why students want to leave their original school is mainly because of these three issues that students and even parents have. The first issue is playing time for the student, they want to play. The second issue is that the student doesn't like the system that the coach has put in. The third issue, and I think this is the main issue why students want to transfer out and that's because the student feels that they have a better opportunity going somewhere else with their parents blessing and at getting looked at for a College Scholarship.

Many of these student athletes have taken advantage of the third issue by using the academic card to hide the belief that the transfer out of the original school is athletically motivated because of the belief that the student would go to a powerhouse school, become a star, and get that College Scholarship along the way.

Sometimes it doesn't work that way.

I’ve said this so many times in my podcast, OAA Now. I don’t have a problem if a student’s family moves in district, they can play right away because they are in district. What I do have a problem with is for example if a kid is from a suburban school in Oakland County and they wanted to transfer to Detroit to play for the likes Detroit Cass Tech and/or Detroit Martin Luther King and they still live in that Oakland County suburb then if the student wants to transfer then they must sit out for 180 days.

I also think that this rule should apply to those who are leaving from a public school for a Catholic League School but that’s for another day and another time.

The MHSAA got this one right, maybe this could be a wake-up call to everyone involved to think twice about transferring out and if they want to transfer out, then they know what the consequences are.

Here is the article written by Tom Markowski here.

http://www.statechampsnetwork.com/index.cfm/news-blog/in-play-with-tom-markowski/two-students-transfer-out-of-clawson-to-waterford-mott-ruled-ineligible-for-entire-junior-year/