Royal Oak has new Girls Volleyball Coach.

Written Thursday June 29th at 7:10 AM
Updated Thursday June 29th at 8:30 PM

The Royal Oak Ravens have a new Girls Volleyball Coach.

The Ravens named Emily Burwinkle head coach replacing Bridgette Sanborn. Royal Oak lost to Troy Athens in the district semifinal last season.

Burwinkle has had numerous successful runs in the AAU circuit and will look to use her experience and expertise to get Royal Oak back on track after they have had some struggling seasons.

The Ravens will be very young this upcoming season. There are a ton of questions surrounding the Royal Oak Varsity Program. They are in the Blue this season and will be in a tough district at Troy Athens with the Red Hawks, Troy, and Seaholm.

Thoughts.

This is an interesting hire, the Ravens are a program that has struggled lately. Burwinkle brings that AAU experience but there are some questions like how will her program be at Royal Oak, also can the Girls adjust and get on board with her system???

Royal Oak will be in the Blue division this season but they aren't the favorite. Farmington returns a ton back and have experience playing in the White. Ferndale has had a solid program despite the low numbers, Southfield Arts and Tech has some questions, Oak Park and Pontiac will both struggle with numbers, and Hazel Park is improving. It will be interesting what Burwinkle does with the program. Also the district will be difficult for the Ravens as they are in the Troy Athens district with Troy whom will be very good, along with Seaholm whom has been very consistent under coach Heather Lippert and Troy Athens whom lost ten seniors last season but coach Christine Stainchuk has done a very good job at reloading teams.

We shall see what happens.

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

Football-Week One Non Conference Games.

Written Saturday June 24th at 1:45 PM
Updated Sunday July 30th at 3:00 PM

The OAA in the last two seasons has not fared well heading into their week one games. Sometimes the losses have cost the league vital playoff points and have kept teams from not getting into the postseason at 5-4. Orion and West Bloomfield got in at 5-4 while Harrison was left out of the fold last season.

Here are some key week one non-conference games the league needs to win this upcoming season, not counting OAA vs OAA matchups.

Orion at Chippewa Valley: Perhaps this is the biggest of the games that the OAA needs. The Dragons have a new coach in John Blackstock along with a ton of talent back from a team that sneaked into the playoffs last season but they have lost three straight meetings to Chippewa Valley. This will be a big test for Orion as the Big Reds are a veteran group whom will have 40 players back along with 16 projected starters from a team that went 6-3 last season. Chippewa Valley will be led by linebacker Brian Schieweck, defensive back/running back Javon Kimpson, wide receiver Jacob Rybicki, and linebacker Marcel Lewis.

Oak Park vs Utica Eisenhower at Wayne State: This is another game the OAA needs. The Knights have their fair share of talent and athletes but it will be the Oak Park defense that will be tested against quarterback Max Whitmir along with the Eagles read-option offense. If the Knights can figure out the zone-read of Whitmir and the rest of Utica Eisenhower squad then they can win this game. The Eagles are still solid but they lost some talent from a team that went to the State Semifinal a season ago where they lost to Detroit Cass Tech on a heartbreaking touchdown by Donovan Peoples-Jones whom is now at Michigan.

West Bloomfield vs Walled Lake Western at Wayne State: This will be the most interesting game in the State and also will be the first game of the MHSAA docket. Both teams have athletes and are State title contenders in their respective divisions. Walled Lake Western brought in quarterback Sam Johnson III from Southfield Arts and Tech and lineman Spencer Brown from Walled Lake Northern to go along with four returning offensive starters in receivers Abdur Rahmaan-Yaseen, and Justin Thomas. Brown will join Joey George, Jake Dean, Zach Fodal, and Ryan Dickinson. The Lakers have brought in their own set of transfers to the fold including Wisconsin commit AJ Abbott, Collin Heard, and Bryce Thompson. They also have two transfers whom transferred in from Lathrup two seasons ago in quarterback Bryce Veasley (Bowling Green commit) to go along with receiver Taj Mustapha whom recently committed to Wisconsin. West Bloomfield also has a stout defense but line play will be a major concern for the Lakers in this game despite having Central Michigan commit Javon Foster. For the OAA to make a statement, they need West Bloomfield to win this game.

Southfield Arts and Tech vs Davison at Wayne State: The Warriors had an interesting first season that saw a ton of twist and turns in 2016. This season Southfield Arts and Tech went through a ton of defections but they still are very talented. The Warriors open up the year with Davison and their star  running back Tariq Reid. Reid was a force for the Cardinals all of last season in the Saginaw Valley League, that was until he and Davison met Clarkston in the District Final in which the Wolves shut Reid down on route to a 31-14 win in Genesee County. Reid will look to have a big game against a very athletic and talented Southfield Arts and Tech defense that is used to being at Wayne State. This will be a tough game for Davison, the Warriors are very athletic and will look to make a statement in this game.

Oxford vs Romeo at Michigan: The Wildcats sent a statement when they shocked Romeo 27-26 on the blue turf last season. Oxford and the Bulldogs will head to Ann Arbor to renew their rivalry this season. The Bulldogs have won nine of their last 12 since that game which led to their second straight State Semifinal appearance after winning a State title in 2015. Romeo has Nathan Goraliski returning. He was huge in their Regional Final win over Clarkston. They also have quarterback Brandon Hicks along with wide receivers Evan Smith, Brooke Horne, and Ronnie Wood back as well. This will be an interesting matchup for the Wildcats as they play the Bulldogs in the Big House.

Harrison at East Grand Rapids: The Hawks season last season was a game of inches, unfortunately they didn't make the playoffs for the first time since 2008. This will be the third all time meeting between Harrison and the Pioneers, both teams split the two previous meetings. East Grand Rapids plays in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Gold Division. This is a big game for both teams especially for the Hawks. This will test Harrison's depth and also the travel will be interesting as well.

Groves vs Novi: The Falcons have been 21-3 in the last two seasons but Groves was hit hard this off-season with recent graduation losses and the shocking departure of Collin Heard whom went to West Bloomfield. Novi has been 12-10 in the last two seasons but they have won some big games since eliminating an undefeated West Bloomfield squad from the postseason in 2015. The Falcons do not match up well with the Wildcats heading into this matchup but if they can play well, maybe they can pose a big upset in this matchup and a huge win for the OAA.

Hazel Park at Warren Fitzgerald: The Spartans and Vikings have something called the Battle of Nine Mile in which Nine Mile Road and Dequindre Road divide both schools, only by a mile. However, the rivalry has not fared well for one side of the rivalry, the east siders of Nine Mile have dominated the last three meetings against the west siders in the Battle of Nine Mile, outscoring them 157-18 in those games, including a 65-6 beat-down at Hazel Park last season. Warren Fitzgerald is going to be very good again with their strength being both lines up front despite losing a ton of play makers last season. The Spartans opened up a new facility last season. The Vikings has experience coming back but can they compete against their east side rivals??? If the west siders can put up a fight, maybe there is a chance.

North Farmington vs Greenville at Grand Valley State: The coach Bob Chiesa era will start at North Farmington. He’ll have a tough task turning around a team that went 0-9 last season. The Raiders will be tested against the Yellow Jackets at Grand Valley State. (Grand Valley State is in Allendale and is 44 miles from Greenville.) Greenville will be led by wide receiver Kyle Lorenz and lineman Jacob Gladding. The Raiders have to improve on a ton of things on both sides of the football. If North Farmington can get things figured out then it will be interesting at Grand Valley State.

Clarkston vs Lapeer at Michigan:  Clarkston will once again be back at the Big House against a team they have dominated in the past against Lapeer. The Lightning have fared well as a merged school, only losing five games in their history but three of them were to Clarkston. Lapeer will be solid again this season as they have quarterback Brady Apple and lineman Will Sollie. If the Wolves can beat the Lightning again, then it proves something.

Ferndale vs Madison Heights Lamphere: The Eagles made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 after winning seven games, one of those wins came against the Rams where Ferndale won 42-7 in Madison Heights. The Eagles are part of a MHSAA CoOp program with Ferndale University and have done well with the program. Madison Heights Lamphere has a new coach in Jeff Glynn and a ton of experience coming back, so this will be interesting in Ferndale.

Troy Athens at Warren Mott: I wonder why the Red Hawks are playing Warren Mott on a yearly basis??? The last three times these two teams played the Marauders have won by outscoring Troy Athens 116-20 in that span. I know that Red Hawks coach Josh Heppner and Warren Mott coach Tom Mulanov are good friends but you got to wonder what is going on with Troy Athens with their recent struggles. Also, Heppner lost his offensive coordinator in Billy Keenest whom is now the head coach at Berkley. This is a tough game for sure for the Red Hawks, whom is 13-33 since their heartbreaking playoff loss to Romeo in 2011.

Pontiac at Detroit Old Redford Academy: This will be a rematch of a week one game that happened at Wisner Stadium. The Phoenix lost a tough one 21-15 to the Ravens. Detroit Old Redford Academy finished 2-7 while Pontiac went 0-9 last season. The Phoenix haven't won a game since 2014 when they beat Hazel Park 17-0. Pontiac is 2-43 since their last playoff loss to Clarkston in 2011. If coach Charles Talley wants to change the culture and turn things around this is a game they need bad.

Royal Oak vs St. Clair Shores Lakeview: This will be a rematch after the Ravens were shutout 21-0 by the Huskies in St. Clair Shores. Royal Oak is an unknown heading into the season for coach Ray McMann. I thought personally that the Ravens were making the right step since they finished 4-5 in 2015, instead they finished 2-7 and was a disappointment last season. Royal Oak is 6-21 since 2014, something they got to fix. St Clair Shores Lakeview made the playoffs last season winning six games and they look to get back once again. This will be interesting in Royal Oak.

Stoney Creek at Utica Ford II: The Cougars and Falcons have met in a ton of other sports but this will be the first time these two teams will meet in football. Stoney Creek will be traveling to Runkel Field to play Utica Ford II. Cougars coach Bob Lantzy has a ton of experience with the Falcons being at one of their rivals Utica Eisenhower. Utica Ford II is 12-34 in five seasons, went 2-7 last season, and have had one playoff appearance since 2011. This is a perfect opportunity for Stoney Creek to get off to a strong start.

MIPrepZone Making Changes.

Written Friday June 23rd at 3:00 PM

MIPrepZone has made a ton of changes.

The owners of the newspapers that covers MIPrepZone like the Oakland Press, Macomb Daily, Daily Tribune, Mount Pleasant, and Wayne County areas made numerous layoffs on Tuesday and Wednesday impacting several well-known journalists around Oakland County and the State that covers High School Sports.

MIPrepZone has been in existence since 2007 has provided numerous State Championships throughout the OAA and well-known writers like Drew Ellis, Keith Dunlap, Matt Mowery, Dan Stickradt, Scott Burnstein, and Dan Fenner.

I don’t know how much coverage MIPrepZone will provide now that they have downsized but it will be interesting to see what happens.

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

Andrews Out as Athletic Director at Oxford.

Written Thursday June 15th at 8:00 PM

The Oxford Wildcats are looking for a new Athletic Director.

Citing accurate sources, last month Cole Andrews stepped down from Athletic Director duties. There will be a new Athletic Director coming at Oxford.

It is unknown what happened to Andrews and where he will be at next season.

Andrews took over as Athletic Director in 2015 for Mike Watson and served two seasons in that role. Oxford High School is getting a new scoreboard on their blue turf field for the fall for football and boys soccer along with girls soccer, lacrosse, and track and field in the spring.

Oxford is one of the premier jobs in the State. The Wildcats are always competitive in sports and is a very passionate community.

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

Lewis Back at Adams.

Written Wednesday June 14th at 11:45 AM

Well that didn’t take long, Shay Lewis is back in the game.

Lewis was rehired as the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at Rochester Adams succeeding Jackie Steinacker. She is Adams fourth coach in six seasons.

Steinacker was Lewis’s assistant led Adams to a district crown last season.

Lewis was at Oakland University as the Director of Operations for the Women’s Basketball team. She then stepped down after the season making a return to Adams a real possibility.

She also worked for a group called Detroit Pal as well.

Lewis played under legendary coach Fran Scislowicz and when Scislowicz stepped down from coaching, Lewis took over the team in 2013.

Lewis takes over a team that finished 8-15 and was last place in the Red but she has two key players returning in MaKayla Smith and Grace Van Pelt. Lewis has had the luxury to have players like Amber Jamison, Raiven Owusu, Taylor Smith, Ryian Owusu, Maggie Rogers, and Hannah Simard that she coached in the past.

Thoughts

This is an interesting that Lewis is back in the game but this is a different Highlanders team than she is accustomed too. She will have talent back with Smith and Van Pelt but her team will be a bit inexperienced this upcoming season.

It is unknown if Steinacker returns to Adams as an assistant, she and Lewis are close friends.

The schedule is difficult as well when you have to play Farmington Hills Mercy to open up the season along with Utica Eisenhower and that’s not league play yet in which they are in the Red in which they will have to deal with Bloomfield Hills, Stoney Creek, Southfield Arts and Tech, North Farmington, Clarkston, and Orion. Adams is in a tough district at Stoney Creek with the Cougars, Utica Eisenhower, Rochester, and Romeo.

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

State Softball Semifinal Preview.

Written Tuesday June 13th at 6:40 PM

The Wolves are on their way to their first ever State Semifinal matchup.

Clarkston will play Grandville on Thursday on the Michigan State Softball field in East Lansing.

The Wolves took out Walled Lake Northern 1-0 at Wayne State on Tuesday. Grandville took out Midland 2-1 in the State Quarterfinal over at Central Michigan on Tuesday.

On the other side of the bracket you have the defending runner up Macomb Dakota taking on Mattawan.

This will be an interesting game. It will more likely this will be a pitcher’s duel between the Wolves and Grandville.

We’ll see what happens.

Volleyball and Basketball Districts Are Out.

Written Monday June 12th at 3:30 PM
Updated Friday November 3rd at 11:00 AM

This blog entry will be updated with future information surrounding the teams in these districts. Also stay up to date by watching OAA Now on Orion Neighborhood Television, Oxford Community Television, and also on YouTube.

Well it's that time again, here are the districts that were released by the MHSAA along with some insight surrounding each district for Volleyball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball.

Class A.

District 13

ORION

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

Brandon

Holly

This is a district that covers northern Oakland County. Holly and Brandon, whom both are in the Flint Metro League enter this district to deal with the three big OAA schools in Orion, Clarkston, and Oxford. I’m not sure if the Bronchos or Blackhawks can compete with the Dragons, Wildcats, or Wolves in this district in all three sports. Odd that Orion has fared much better in district play being on the road in all three sports. In Boys Basketball, Clarkston has to be the favorite, they are the defending State Champs and have four returners back and added a big transfer to their group. Orion has a ton back, and Oxford is a dark horse team. In Girls Basketball, Clarkston is the favorite but if Orion whom has a new coach can gel with his team than this team could threaten the Wolves. In Volleyball, you have three teams that are either State ranked or could be honorable mentions by the end of the season.

VB/GBB/BBB @ Clarkston

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Orion
DARK-HORSE: Oxford

Let’s see you got two teams that could be highly ranked or get an honorable mention in the State in this district. The favorite has to be Clarkston because of home court and experience. The Wolves are led by Abbey Malinowski, Jennifer Chupinsky, and Kayla Luchenbach. Orion last season beat the Wolves in an epic five game thriller in the regular season however Clarkston returned the favor as they went into Orion and took the Dragons out in five games of the district final last season. Orion will be very good again led by Danielle Sargent, Illyra Kalaj, Erin Collins,Wren MaCaulay. The Dragons added two transfers in the offseason, one was Sydney Smith from Avondale while the other  was Paige Briggs from Oxford. Speaking of Oxford, the Wildcats are a dark horse to keep an eye on because they have a new coach in Brian Kim. I don’t think Holly or Brandon will contend in this district. This district will either be painted in Green or in Blue.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Orion
DARK-HORSE: Holly
MYSTERY: Oxford

This is an interesting district for a few reasons. Clarkston is the favorite because of talent in home court. The Wolves have Maddie Beck, Molly Nicholson, and Kayla Luchenbach along with rising star Taylor Heaton for coach Christine Rogers. If there is a team that could stand in Clarkston's way it’s Orion. The Dragons will have their third coach in three seasons in Mike Griffin. Orion will have a ton of an experience led by Cameron Coltrin, Tessa Nuss, Sydney Strenger, Shannon Falter, Sophie Wyborski, Sophie Canine, and Paytin Shadaia. The key for the Dragons will be that the players and coaches have to be on the same page, if they are and build that trust then look out. Oxford will be competitive despite being inexperienced from a Varsity perspective for coach Rachel Bryer. Holly will be interesting, they have a star in Rebecca Fugate along with Payton Price but depth will be a big concern for the Bronchos. Brandon will be very young this season and it could be a long season for them. I can see this district will either be painted in Blue or in Green.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Orion
DARK-HORSE: Oxford
MYSTERY: Holly

Clarkston is the overwhelming favorite in this district. The Wolves are the defending Class A State Champs and will be Senior heavy this season. Clarkston has four Division One players on their roster, led by Foster Loyer, Thomas Kitchener, CJ Robinson, Taylor Currie, Kip Wells, Tristen Mysen, Hank Schemmel, and they have a deep bench for coach Dan Fife. Orion will be a team to keep an eye on in this tournament. They are a veteran laden team, led by Jamie Lewis, Pierce Burke, Casey Strionek, and Nate Talbot. The Dragons are well coached under Jim Manzo. Oxford should be solid with whom they have back in Michael Rasich and Nolan Harding to go along with a solid group of Juniors. The Wildcats are well coached under coach Steve Laidlaw. Holly could have a say, they have been solid in the past and is very competitive under coach Lance Baylis but I don’t know if the Bronchos get past the Dragons, Wildcats, or Wolves. Brandon has no shot against the top four teams. This district is all Clarkston.

District 14

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

ADAMS (GBB/BBB)

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

Waterford Kettering (VB)

This district could not have gone as worse for Stoney Creek in Volleyball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Basketball and here is why. In Volleyball, the Cougars are looking at Romeo and Utica Eisenhower they are going to have to get by. In Boys Basketball, they will have to deal with Rochester, Adams, Utica Eisenhower, and Romeo. In Girls Basketball, it will be Utica Eisenhower and Romeo that Stoney Creek could have to deal with. The Eagles and Bulldogs compete out of the Macomb Area Conference while Waterford Kettering is in the Lakes Valley Conference. It will not be an easy ride for the Cougars, that’s for sure.

VB/GBB/BBB @ Stoney Creek

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower
NEXT: Stoney Creek
DARK-HORSE: Romeo
MYSTERY: Rochester

Stoney Creek will have to deal with one team they are familiar with while the other they aren't so much. The good news for the Cougars and coach Ross Talbott is that they are at home. Stoney Creek will have the Stration sisters (Kate and Lindsey) along with Stephanie Smith, and Molly Asmus but the bad news is that Utica Eisenhower is in their district. The Eagles took out the Cougars in five games in the district final last season at Stoney Creek. Utica Eisenhower has a ton of talent returning in Hailey Barden, Marissa Durand, Luciana Arena, Megan Dombrowski, and Sam Palazzolo for coach Catlin LaPratt. Romeo enters the district after being paired with Macomb Dakota, New Baltimore Anchor Bay, Port Huron, and Port Huron Northern for the last three seasons. The Bulldogs have a solid Volleyball program under coach Stacy Williams and they have some talent coming back led by Alexandra Konarzewski, Kamryn Duffield, and Jennifer Phillips. Rochester could be interesting to keep an eye on as they have some experience back in Sydney Jones, Jenna Norgrove, Helena Rowland, Kaitlyn Kennedy, and Alexsandra Malaj. I don't expect much from Waterford Kettering in this district. Anyway end of the day this is a three team district with the Cougars, Eagles, and Bulldogs having great shots at winning this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Romeo
NEXT: Utica Eisenhower
DARK-HORSE: Stoney Creek
MYSTERY: Adams

This is an interesting district to say the least. The early favorite is Romeo because of coaching and experience. The Bulldogs are well coached by Connie Hernden and have a solid core of players back led by Amber Flinn. Utica Eisenhower is next in line because of whom they have back in Maryln Kosnik, Lauren DeBeau, and Paige Montreuil. Stoney Creek is in an interesting spot, they had their five year long district championship streak snapped last season losing to Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinal. The Cougars will be back in the mix despite having only one senior with Varsity experience back in Emily Eckhout but when you have a coach like Kellen James whom is a proven winner and a mad scientist, he will have the Cougars ready once the postseason comes. Rochester is in full rebuild mode but they will have Tori Hawkins and Jenna Norgrove back for new coach Al Poynter. Adams has MaKayla Smith and Grace Van Pelt back for coach Shay Lewis whom is making her return behind the bench. I think three teams have a chance to win this district while one is a big time question mark.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Romeo
DARK-HORSE: Rochester
MYSTERY: Adams

This is an interesting district because you have Stoney Creek, Romeo, Rochester, Adams, and Utica Eisenhower. The Cougars are the favorite because of experience led by Nate Davis, Jericho Barr-Redmond, and Mike Melagarni. Adams should be a lot better after what they suffered last season when they went 0-21. Rochester is a veteran laden team led by Hunter Schlatter, LaMarco Gulledge, and his brother Corey but the Falcons have a new head coach Vance Kirkwood but they have a ton of questions surrounding them. Romeo is always going to be a tough out, they play a hard and physical. The Bulldogs have always been solid under Marve Cushingberry and they will be once again led by sharpshooter Blake McRae. Utica Eisenhower has a new basketball coach as Tom Antishin moves from the Junior Varsity to the Varsity ranks but the Eagles will have to go through an interesting transition period under Antishin. This district is interesting because of the teams that are here. There are a ton of different styles here. If I had to give an edge to someone here, it’s Stoney Creek because of home court and experience but the others are not that far off.

District 15

AVONDALE

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Waterford Mott

ADAMS (VB)

Waterford Kettering (GBB/BBB)

Birmingham Marian (VB)/Orchard Lake St. Marys (BBB)

This is an interesting district to say the least based on the teams that are here. Adams in Volleyball only and Waterford Mott enters this district. I don’t know if I see the Corsairs doing well in this district for all three sports. West Bloomfield enters this district and could be a major player in Boys Basketball. Avondale, Birmingham Marian/Orchard Lake St. Marys, and Bloomfield Hills should know each other very well. Birmingham Marian and Bloomfield Hills will be favored in Volleyball. In Girls Basketball, it will be interesting because you have Waterford Kettering entering in this district and will be the overwhelming favorite. Avondale and Bloomfield Hills could challenge the Captains in this district. In Boys Basketball, West Bloomfield will be favored heading into the district but Orchard Lake St. Marys wants revenge after what happened to them in the district final last season. Waterford Mott whom has a new coach could play a role in this district. The Eaglets and Mustangs compete in the Catholic League while Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering competes in the Lakes Valley Conference.

VB/BBB @ West Bloomfield

GBB @ Bloomfield Hills

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Bloomfield Hills
DARK-HORSE: Adams
MYSTERY: Avondale

This district will likely have two State ranked teams in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs beat the Blackhawks in four games last season in the district final on their home court but this season the district will be at West Bloomfield, home court is neutralized here. Both the Blackhawks and Mustangs are loaded with talent this season. Bloomfield Hills has Alexia Rousseau and Juila Caravis for coach Bob Hurdle. Birmingham Marian will be led by Lauren Wenzel, Margeret DePorre, and Madison Dowd for new coach Lauren Duquette whom comes from Rochester. Adams has a ton of experience back led by Annabelle White, Paige Hedlund, Ashley Rill, among others for coach Bridgette Harding. Avondale is veteran heavy this season for coach Joe Podvin and could surprise some people. I don’t see Waterford Mott or West Bloomfield threatening the two top teams in this district even though the Highlanders and Yellow Jackets could make things interesting for the two top teams. This district has the makings of a rematch between the Blackhawks and the Mustangs.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Waterford Kettering
NEXT: Avondale
DARK-HORSE: Bloomfield Hills
MYSTERY: West Bloomfield

This is an interesting group because there is Waterford Kettering, Avondale, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills in this district. The Captains are the early favorite as they are talented and deep. Waterford Kettering will have Ashley Watts, Marissa Brady, Claire Broughan, and a deep bench for coach Scott Woodhall. The Blackhawks will be a tough out, led by Becca Hancock, Immani Wright, and Maryam Hashim along with home court for coach Jeff Rubin. The Yellow Jackets could be very dangerous and they have a ton of motivation. Avondale had a ton of injuries last season and it cost coach Phil Dawson's team in the district semifinal against Troy. If the Yellow Jackets are healthy, as they are led by Olivia Russell and Keiori Lee, among others, they could possibly be a major factor once the districts start. Waterford Mott could have a long season despite being competitive for coach Michelle Sklar. West Bloomfield will be very solid under new coach Bert Mosley led by Destiny Monroe. This will be a district to keep an eye on.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield
NEXT: Orchard Lake St. Marys
DARK-HORSE: Waterford Mott
MYSTERY: Avondale

Could a possible rematch happen between West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake St. Marys???, that would be the interesting question. Last season, the Lakers beat the Eaglets in the district final at Farmington to eventually get to the Final Four and now these two teams are back at it again but with different opponents in the way. Avondale could be a team to keep an eye on, along with Waterford Mott. The Yellow Jackets will be very young but you can never count out a coach Tim Morton team, they will compete and play hard. The Corsairs have a new coach in Dave McGlown whom should know these teams very well from his days at Berkley with the exception of Orchard Lake St. Marys. West Bloomfield has Tre Harvey back along with plenty of talent for coach Jeremy Dehna. The Lakers added Donovan Moore, whom transferred into West Bloomfield from Illinois. Moore is the grandson of legendary Lakers coach Larry Moore. The Eaglets will rely on Caiden Prieskorn to lead a very talented Orchard Lake St Mary's team. Bloomfield Hills is a team in deep mystery under new coach Phil Kurajian but they have Brent Bosart and Joe Hecker back for a Blackhawks team that  could be in for a long season, not only in the Red but in the district as well. Waterford Kettering is a veteran team for coach Damion O'Neil. This district though is setting up to be either West Bloomfield or Orchard Lake St. Marys moving on.

District 16

SEAHOLM

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

Birmingham Brother Rice (BBB)/Birmingham Marian (GBB)

This is interesting, four teams in the Volleyball side of things while you add the Catholic league duo of Birmingham Marian and Birmingham Brother Rice for the Basketball districts. In Volleyball, you got to look at the Colts and the Maples as a possible district clash. In Boys Basketball, Troy is the team to beat despite Troy Athens, Royal Oak, and Seaholm have experience coming back. In Girls Basketball, Birmingham Marian is the favorite with home court and some talented players but the Ravens could have a strong say now that Warren Cousino is not in their way however the Mustangs are in their way now. Birmingham Marian and Birmingham Brother Rice both play in the Catholic League.

VB @ Troy Athens

GBB @ Birmingham Marian

BBB @ Troy

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Seaholm
DARK-HORSE: Troy Athens
MYSTERY: Royal Oak

This is an interesting district over at Troy Athens with only four teams here. Troy has a star player in Jessica Robinson and two very solid players in Kelsey Moeller and Fran McBride for coach Tom Vigilant. Seaholm is an established program, they are always talented, led by Molly Ligon, and they are well coached under the coaching tandem of Jason Gambone and Heather Lippert. The Red Hawks have had a ton of success but is very young this season for coach Christine Stanichuk. Royal Oak could be a factor despite not having a lot of tournament success and they have a new coach in Emily Burwinkle. Looking at this district, any of these teams when they are playing well could have a chance to win this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Royal Oak
DARK-HORSE: Troy Athens
MYSTERY: Seaholm

Well this district interesting to say the least with Birmingham Marian hosting in the small gym. The Mustangs are the early favorites coming into this district. Birmingham Marian will be led by Olivia Moore, Madeline Laurencelle, Lauren Montalbano, Uche Ike, and Samantha Patterson for coach Mary Cicerone. Royal Oak whom can't seem to get a break the last few seasons, the Ravens have had to deal with Warren Cousino and Kierra Flecther and Kate McArthur and now they will have to deal with another traditional State power. Royal Oak could be the biggest threat to the Mustangs winning this district behind their two stars in Samantha Potter and Jessica Adams for coach Brian Sopota. If the Ravens can get good guard play in this district then there is no reason why the Ravens can challenge Birmingham Marian. Seaholm will be tough despite losing a ton of talent last season for coach January Hladki but the Maples have Audrey Anton, Riley Annear, and Caroline Wineman back. Troy Athens has the Crumm sisters Isabelle and Maddie for coach Stacy Klumpp. Troy is always scrappy for coach Simon Bato and they have a talented player in Athena Sampson. This will be a good district but the early edge has to go to the Mustangs because of experience and home court.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Troy Athens
DARK-HORSE: Seaholm
MYSTERY: Birmingham Brother Rice

Well this is an interesting district. Troy gets to host a district with their arch rivals (Troy Athens and Royal Oak) and Birmingham Brother Rice enters this district. The Colts have Jason Dietz along with Leon Ayers and Danny Sully that make up an experienced Troy team for coach Gary Fralick. Troy Athens is veteran laden led by Taylor McCaskill. Seaholm has Brady Flynn, Zach Ziegler, Carson Stachelski, and Cooper Mixon back for coach Mike DeGeeter. Royal Oak is mentally tough and well coached under coach Aaron Smith. The Ravens could sneak up on someone. Birmingham Brother Rice is another team to keep an eye on as the Warriors are led by Cal Ruprich, Michael Laurencelle, Jack Moran, and James Mackenzie for coach Ed Shaffer. Until I see otherwise, Troy is the team to beat.

District 21

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

GROVES

NORTH FARMINGTON

HARRISON (BBB)

FARMINGTON

Farmington Hills Mercy

If there was one team that didn't get any favors in this district in Girls Basketball and Volleyball, it’s North Farmington. The Raiders in Girls Basketball will have to either see Southfield Arts and Tech and or a team they are familiar to seeing it’s Farmington Hills Mercy. I would have put Groves in this category but they lost a ton of talent in the off-season or they would had been a major factor. Harrison could have a very tough time along with Farmington in this district on the Girls Basketball side of things. The Warriors are heavily favored in this district. In Volleyball, the Marlins are the favorite but Groves and North Farmington could be major players. In Boys Basketball, North Farmington is the favorite to come out of this district. Southfield Arts and Tech is solid and could have a strong say whom win this district. Farmington is a dark horse candidate that is capable of surprising someone. Farmington Hills Mercy compete in the Catholic League.

VB/BBB @ Southfield Arts and Tech

GBB @ Farmington Hills Mercy

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: North Farmington
DARK-HORSE: Groves
MYSTERY: Farmington

In this district, you got Farmington Hills Mercy being the early favorite because of their experience. The Marlins are well coached led by Loretta Vogel and they will be led by Jessica Mruzik, Lauren Hunter, Emily Susitko, Mallory Conrad, Logan Beyer, and Grace Kane. North Farmington could have a strong say and have a chance to derail Farmington Hills Mercy reign as champs. The Raiders have a ton of experience coming back led by Dayla Hill, Katy Cangmei, Tessa Moran, Hailey Collin, and Emily Lum. Groves could surprise some people this season. The Falcons had a disappointing year and will look to make amends for what happened last season. Harrison is the wildcard, you don’t know what to expect from the Hawks and coach Michael Love's team even though Jenna Khoury, Kristen Hankins, Olivia Perkins, Julia Trautman, and Kaylee O'Keefe are back. Harrison lost a ton of talent, including Stefanie Jankiewicz whom is now at Illinois State. Farmington will be very young led by Courtney Szykowski, Jenny Cameron, Sydney Eggleton, and Kimberly Whatley for coach Katie Drews team. Southfield Arts and Tech is interesting to see this season in the second year as a merged school for coach William Reed but I'm not sure if they will contend especially with the amount of good teams in this district. This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Southfield Arts and Tech
NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy
DARK-HORSE: North Farmington
MYSTERY: Groves

This is setting up to be a Southfield Arts and Tech against Farmington Hills Mercy future matchup but the Warriors beat Detroit Renaissance in the district final, which was in Detroit on route to the State Final Four last season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be led by Cheyenne McEvans and Alexis Johnson for coach Michelle Jackson-Marshall’s team. Farmington Hills Mercy is the host for this district will bring their fair share of talent led by Jessica Mruzik and Jenna Schluter for coach Gary Morris. North Farmington is led by Samantha Cherney, Molly Simpson, and Patti Tzchokian. The Raiders are well coached by Jeff Simpson and could pose some problems to either the Warriors or Marlins if they see them Groves will be interesting to keep an eye on as they will have to go through a transition period. The Falcons will have talent back led by Kayla Nelson, Jasmine Worthy, and Emilie Fox back for new coach Jessica Wiesler. Farmington has Micayla Martin, Abbey Smentowski added Olivia Perkins and Nevada Hargraves coming over from Harrison for first year coach Laura Guzman. Southfield Arts and Tech is the favorite but Farmington Hills Mercy, Groves, and North Farmington are big time threats in this district.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: North Farmington
NEXT: Southfield Arts and Tech
DARK-HORSE: Groves
MYSTERY: Farmington

This is an interesting district because you have North Farmington, whom should be experienced and Southfield Arts and Tech. Farmington is your wildcard while Groves is your dark-horse. I’m curious how the Negoshain’s famous pressure trap defense will work on a big court. North Farmington lost Amauri Hardy whom was the balk of their offense as he is now at the University of Las Vegas. The Warriors are down a bit after they lost their star player Michael Flowers whom is now at Western Michigan but they have home court and have Cameron McEvans back for coach Mike Avery. The Falcons have a solid team coming back for coach Mark West despite being a little inexperienced but Mitchell Pitts, Isiah Davis, Adolphus Cast, and Cristion Williams will be back. Farmington will be interesting to keep an eye on for coach Terrance Porter as they will be led by Rey Bryant. Harrison has Brandon Cotton whom transferred in from Troy Athens and Alex Kreiske back for coach Stephan Wilson but can they defend??? This edge has to go to the Raiders because of experience.

District 22

OAK PARK

BERKLEY

HAZEL PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Warren Fitzgerald

This district will be interesting now that Southfield Arts and Tech got moved out of this district for Girls Basketball. Hazel Park moved up from Class B to Class A and is expected to compete in all three districts. The team that benefits from this district is Detroit Renaissance. The Phoenix could be favorites in Girls Basketball and Volleyball while in Boys Basketball they could be a threat to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Oak Park will also be a dark horse in Boys Basketball along with Hazel Park. In Boys Basketball, this is a dark horse district loaded with good teams. Detroit Renaissance competes in the Detroit Public School League, Warren Fitzgerald competes in the Macomb Area Conference, and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit competes in the Catholic League.

VB/GBB/BBB @ Detroit Renaissance

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Berkley
DARK-HORSE: Hazel Park
MYSTERY: Warren Fitzgerald

Well there is not really a true dominant team here in this district. There are four teams that could win this district. The four teams mentioned here are Berkley, Detroit Renaissance, Warren Fitzgerald, and Hazel Park. The Vikings have improved each season and have turned things around led by Trinity Benton. The Spartans are always solid in the Macomb Area Conference. The Bears are always good and solid. The Phoenix have home court and is the best team in the Detroit Public School League. This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on for sure.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance
NEXT: Hazel Park
DARK-HORSE:Warren Fitzgerald
MYSTERY: Berkley

The path for Detroit Renaissance might have gotten easier with Southfield Arts and Tech up north in a different district. Hazel Park could threaten despite being moved up from Class B. The Vikings are experienced with ten seniors on the team that is led by Catera Clark, Liz Sternor, and Trinity Benton for first year coach Chad Ossman. Berkley is an interesting team to keep an eye on. They have a new coach Kirk Carolan. What will help the Bears is that they have Olivia Dicarlo back to provide scoring and leadership. Warren Fitzgerald is interesting to keep an eye on, the Spartans have some experience back in Amari McCoy, Shaela Lockhart, Rachel Fitzgerald, Juliana Ridky, Juliana Shellnut, Malytta Brown, and Nikoia Logan for coach JuWan Shakesphere. Oak Park will be very young this season, they lost a lot of talent to graduation. The Knights will be led by Kiya Wilson and Ariel Kennedy. The edge has to go to the Phoenix, home court, and a solid team led by Kaylee Davis and emerging freshman in MiKyah Findley, Audrianna Hill, Nika Dorsey, and Shannon Wheeler.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
NEXT: Hazel Park
DARK-HORSE: Detroit Renaissance
MYSTERY: Oak Park

This district will be very competitive and intense with four teams that will be tops or near the top of their leagues. Hazel Park, Oak Park, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, and Detroit Renaissance are very solid teams. Berkley is a wildcard team here. Warren Fitzgerald is a team to keep an eye on. The favorite has to be the Cubs as they have a lot of things in their favor. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has a ton of experience led by Zach Winston, Jalen Thomas, and Julian Dozier. The Phoenix have home court and a ton of athleticism but keep an eye on the Vikings and Knights. Hazel Park is a veteran laden team led by Carl Bow for coach Brandon Barrett. Oak Park is expected to be solid as well for coach Bobby Thompson as they will be led by Jerimah Pettiway, Maliq Carr, and Jalen Knight. The Bears are a wildcard because they have a solid team coming back for coach Joe Sermo. The Spartans will be interesting as they have some talent. This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on.

Class B

District 49

FERNDALE

Ferndale University

Clawson

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Madison Heights Lamphere

Center Line

This is a new district when you look at it. Ferndale and Ferndale University come to this district and will travel north along with Center Line. Those three teams are used to being in districts involving the Detroit schools. Clawson, Madison Heights Lamphere, and Birmingham Detroit Country Day are paired in this district and are very well accustom to each other. In Volleyball, Clawson is the early favorite but watch out for Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Ferndale. In Girls Basketball, no one is touching Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district. In Boys Basketball, Detroit Country Day and Ferndale are the teams to beat in this district. Clawson, Center Line, and Madison Heights Lamphere compete in the Macomb Area Conference. Birmingham Detroit Country Day competes in the Catholic League, and Ferndale University competes as an Independent.

VB/GBB/BBB @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Clawson
NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
DARK-HORSE: Ferndale

This district could be the year of the Trojan, in the form of Clawson. The Trojans have to be the favorite now that Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is in a different district but they have to deal with Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Ferndale. The Eagles have improved each season and could play a factor in this district. The Yellow Jackets could play a factor as well with the home court advantage so this will be an interesting district to watch.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
NEXT: Clawson
DARK-HORSE: No One

This is going to be a rough district for anyone that has to play Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets are solid and are the defending Class B State Champions. Clawson could compete with them but I don't know for an entire game's worth. Ferndale is in a complete rebuild for coach Christina Nagle. I don’t think anyone in this district will touch Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
NEXT: Ferndale
DARK-HORSE: Clawson
MYSTERY: Madison Heights Lamphere

This is an interesting district where five teams have a shot at winning this district. The favorite has to be Birmingham Detroit Country Day because they host and they have talent for coach Mike Bray. What helps the Yellow Jackets is that Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is in a different district. Ferndale University had it rough last season, so they would like to get back on track this season. Ferndale will be Birmingham Detroit Country Day's toughest challenger. The Eagles return all five starters and a deep bench. Ferndale coach Tom Stanton lost a tough one in the district final last season to Detroit Mumford, knowing the Eagles they like to get that bad taste out of their system. Clawson will be very competitive under coach Dwayne Graves. The Trojans have plenty of talent back to compete in this district in Dominique Stevens, Nate Vesmar, Trent Graves, Omari Johnson, Keyontte Turner, and James Glenn. Madison Heights Lamphere will be very experienced as they return the balk of their team that went 4-16 last season. The Rams have Zach Hillard, Ryan Barnett, Nate Thomas, Wally Grabowski, Jayson Whitley, Stevie Marson, Howard Shields, Andrew Shenouda, Cal Terry, Brent Berger, and Chris Grantling back for coach Josh Thelen. Center Line could also have a say as they have some talent back from a team that won 14 games in 2016-2017. The Panthers have Nicholas Hastings, Adam Jones, Tory Hinton, Lantz Barton, Jashun Houston, Jailian Houston, LaNeal Billingshea, and Zak Seyno are back for coach Chris Manchester. The early favorite has to be Birmingham Detroit Country Day but Ferndale, Madison Heights Lamphere, Center Line, and Clawson are going to have strong says.

District 50

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Algonac

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Macomb Lutheran North

New Haven (BBB)

This district is interesting because there are some new teams in this district. Pontiac comes down from Class A to Class B. The Phoenix will bring a Boys Basketball threat to this district despite looking at possibility dealing with New Haven. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will be a threat in all three sports. Macomb Lutheran North could make an impact. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood could be a dark horse candidate in all three sports. Algonac could pose a Girls Basketball threat. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep competes as an Independent. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood competes in the Catholic League. New Haven competes in the Macomb Area Conference. Macomb Lutheran North competes in the Catholic League while Algonac competes in the Blue Water Conference.

VB/GBB/BBB @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
NEXT: Macomb Lutheran North
DARK-HORSE: Algonac

Looking at this district, the favorite has to be Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, they have home court to boot as well. The Irish are hungry and wanting another shot at North Branch after they took them out last season in the playoffs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will have experience back as well. I don’t know if anybody in this district, maybe Macomb Lutheran North or Algonac will threaten the Irish but at the end of the day no one is touching coach Becky Wroubel's team.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
NEXT: Macomb Lutheran North
DARK-HORSE:Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
MYSTERY: Pontiac

This district could be the best chance for Pontiac Notre Dame Prep to win it. They are talented and  host this district. The Irish will benefit that Birmingham Detroit Country Day is not in their district and it could give coach Kathleen Offer that district crown this season. Macomb Lutheran North could be a team that gives Pontiac Notre Dame Prep fits. Algonac was horrible last season but the Muskrats return led by Alyssa Semaan, Emily Kochan, Abby Kochan, Olivia Blaszczak, Madisyn Wilson, and Emily Nugent for coach Al Latosz. Cranbrook Kingswood returns Liz Huang, Olivia Bowden, and Phylicia Hall. Pontiac could be competitive dropping to Class B from Class A for coach Christopher Wright. The Phoenix will have Brala Benton along with Nashlala McDonald. Looking at this district, it is made for Pontiac Notre Dame Prep to get to the next round.

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: New Haven
NEXT: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
DARK-HORSE: Pontiac
MYSTERY: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

This is as bad of a situation for Pontiac as it is already coming from Class A to Class B. You got New Haven, whom is a newcomer to this district but they have a strong reputation coming into this district. They are the defending Class B State Champs and have Romeo Weems coming back. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will be solid and will be a tough out. Pontiac is a dark horse team and is well coached by coach Josh Schroeder. The Phoenix have Dominique Stovall, Cleonati Brown, and Dorian Kellem all back . Macomb Luthern North is going to be very young after going 18-5 but the Mustangs will have Christian Burkheiser, Josh Kurlinski, Connor Cavanagh, Carter Moldenhauer, and Ethan Deng back for coach Jeff DeMasse's team. Cranbrook Kingswood could have a say led by Tim Hauxwell, Alex Finney, Kobi Russell, and Christopher Smith if they are given the right matchup. Looking at this district, this is New Haven’s to lose.

Baseball/Softball Quarterfinal Previews.

Written Saturday June 10th at 6:10 PM

The last week of the 2016-2017 school year is here and Baseball and Softball are left to play around the league. Here are my projections and early insight heading into Tuesday's State Quarterfinal matchups.

Softball.

The Clarkston Wolves are back in the State Quarterfinals.

The Wolves won their regional by a combined score of 18-3 and will now face Walled Lake Northern at Wayne State on Tuesday.

Clarkston took out Birmingham Seaholm 14-0 in the regional semifinal and Utica Eisenhower 4-3 in the regional final.

Walled Lake Northern beat Lakeland 7-0 in the regional final at Novi. The Knights bring a solid offense that was dominant against the Eagles and Northville beating both teams by a combined 18-0.

Both teams bring strong offenses into this game as mentioned but they have good pitching staffs as well. This one will be a good one to watch.

PREDICTION:  It’s the OAA vs the KLAA and these two teams are solid teams. Both teams have strong offenses and solid pitching. I like Clarkston to win this matchup, closer than the experts think. PICK: CLARKSTON.

Baseball.

The Rochester Falcons are back in the State Quarterfinals but it won’t be the rematch with Hartland with whom they lost to last season.

Instead it will be the Falcons that will play Northville at Wayne State in the State Quarterfinal on Tuesday.

The Mustangs eliminated the Eagles from the regional final 6-3. In the regional semifinal, Northville ousted Orchard Lake St. Marys 12-2.

Rochester took out Royal Oak 8-1 in the regional semifinal and then took out Birmingham Brother Rice whom was ranked fifth in the State 10-2 in the regional final behind an eight run seventh inning.

PREDICTION: This is another matchup between the OAA and the KLAA, both teams are very solid. Rochester has a boatload of experience. Northville brings experience as well. In this matchup, I think the Falcons Senior experience gets them to East Lansing. PICK: ROCHESTER.

Berkley has their New Football Coach.

Written Friday June 9th at 2:10 PM

The Berkley Bears have hired their new football coach in Billy Keenist.

Keenist has been named as the new head coach of the Bears. He takes over for coach Chris Sikora whom stepped down a few weeks ago.

Keenist was known for his days at Oxford where he played and coached for the Wildcats as an assistant. He was the offensive coordinator at Troy Athens for the last two seasons.

Berkley under Sikora has turned the program around, going 21-11 the last three seasons including a 9-3 stretch in 2015 where the Bears went to the Regional final that season. Berkley finished 6-4 last season losing to Groves in the pre-district.

Berkley moved up from the Blue to the White and will open up the season at Hurley Field against Farmington in August. They will be in a division in which they will face Oak Park, Harrison, Seaholm, Groves, Stoney Creek, Rochester, and Troy.

Keenist should have a good group of players coming back in the form of quarterback Drake Monroe, running back Keder Browning, fullback and tight end Evan Payne, defensive end Anthony Maris, and lineman Babacar Diop.

Keenist can run any type of offense but according to a source he would like to run a veer offense this season, which is very unlike Keenist. At Troy Athens, the Red Hawks were normally a spread team under coach Josh Heppener while at Oxford under Rowley, it’s pound the rock, power football. Defensibly expect his team to play a ton of quarters coverage.

Thoughts

Keenist is a good coach and a good person but is walking into a hornets nest at Berkley. I’ve been hearing from sources that it has been rough in the last few weeks over at Berkley with some changes affecting the players. The upcoming schedule is tough enough along with the league. Let alone change something that was successful, putting in a whole new offense, a whole new defense, and a whole new culture.

It could very well get ugly over there in the short term. Long term it could be a good move but he has to win and produce results.

It will be interesting how Keenist does over at Berkley. How the players will respond to his system is a big question mark. We shall see what happens.

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

Way Too Early Top Ten Volleyball Rankings.

Written Friday June 9th at 1:00 AM

Here are my way too early top ten Volleyball rankings. These aren't the official Volleyball rankings, that comes later.

1. Clarkston: The Wolves have Abbey Malanowski back but the question will be Kayla Luchenbach. Luchenbach has a scholarship to play basketball at Oakland, does she play volleyball or not, that’s the question.

2. Orion: The Dragons have Wren McCauley and Danielle Sargent back but question will be whom fills the rest of the roles for coach Tony Scarvada’s team.

3. Bloomfield Hills: Alexa Rousseau may be on the verge of a breakout season for coach Bob Hurdle’s team. Also Julia Caravias and Olivia Smith are expected to have big seasons as well.

4. Stoney Creek: Probably the most underappreciated team in the State. Coach Ross Talbot will have the Stration sisters (Kate and Lindsay), along with Stephanie Smith, and Molly Asmus all back.

5. Troy: Jessica Robinson may very well on her way to being one of the top players in the State and with the Colts back in the Red, it will be interesting how coach Tom Vigilant handles the league this time around.

6. Oxford: The Wildcats have a new coach in Brian Kim and he will have the luxury of coaching Paige Briggs for two seasons.

7. Ferndale: The Eagles have made the district final, time and time again. They could make another run this upcoming fall.

8. Seaholm: Never ever count out coach Heather Lippert’s crew, not for one second. The Maples are solid year in and year out.

9. Royal Oak: The Ravens return a bunch of experience including Sierra Randle and Ally Roberts for coach Bridgette Sanborn.

10. North Farmington: The Raiders could be a sleeping giant to keep an eye on this upcoming fall, don’t ask me why but I’m high on this team.

Volleyball Watch.

Written Friday June 9th at 12:30 AM

Hello all, this is my first Volleyball post of 2017. Anyway the Michigan High School Volleyball Insider released their top teams. Some of the teams ranked here, I agree with while others I don't agree with. Anyway here is the poll and insight on the poll. There are no OAA teams ranked in Class B, the balk of them are in Class A.

The Michigan High School Volleyball Insider Way Too Early Top 25.

1. ORION

2. Novi

3. Rockford

4. CLARKSTON

5. Farmington Hills Mercy

6. Birmingham Marian

7. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern

8. Portage Central

9. Macomb Dakota

10. Grand Haven

11. New Baltimore Anchor Bay

12. East Grand Rapids

13. Grand Rapids Christian

14. Mattawan

15. Saline

16. Richland Gull Lake

17. Utica Eisenhower

18. DeWitt

19. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

20. Temperance Bedford

21. Midland

22. Northville

23. Mount Morris

24. Monroe

25. TROY

Thoughts.

I’m not sure why Orion is ranked number one in this poll. The Dragons have Danielle Sargent and Wren McCauley coming back but they have questions everywhere else.

Novi is the back to back State Champs and have the balk of their team back led by Erin O’Leary, whom will be heading to Michigan next season. I would have had them ranked number one to start the season because of whom they have back and a quote from Ric Flair “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”

Right now, I would rank Clarkston ahead of Orion because of whom the Wolves have back. If Kayla Luchenbach comes back and not focus solely on basketball then she along with Abbey Malanowski could form a solid one-two punch.

I think Bloomfield Hills should be ranked higher, they return a ton of talent for coach Bob Hurdle’s team led by Alexa Rousseau and Julia Caravias,.

Troy is an interesting team and coach Tom Vigilant has Jessica Robinson back along with Fran McBride, and Kelsey Moeller but they will be moving back up from the White to the Red this season.

I’m not sure why coach Ross Talbot’s Cougars are not in this poll. They gave Utica Eisenhower everything they had in the District final last season. Stoney Creek will be very good this season with Stephanie Smith, Kate Stration, Lindsay Stration, and Molly Asmus. The Cougars should be ranked on here.

Another team to keep an eye on is Oxford, the Wildcats have a new coach and they could surprise some folks.

Girls State Lacrosse Final Preview.

Written Thursday June 8th at 9:20 AM

The Birmingham Bulldogs are back in a familiar place this Saturday.

The State Final and a rematch with Rockford.

It was the Rams that won the State Final match last season over the Bulldogs 12-9.

Rockford destroyed Northville 22-4 in the State Semifinal while Bloomfield Hills took out unbeaten Hartland 13-11 in Overtime in the State Semifinal.

Birmingham will need another balanced performance from their crew if they want to avenge last season’s loss to Rockford. Sofia Johnson scored four goals, while Grace Murray and Meryl Feys scored three times each, and Kathryn Wujciak and Danielle Augier had goals each in their State Semifinal win.

PREDICTION: It will be a really tough matchup for the Bulldogs but I think this one will be closer than people think. I think Rockford sadly takes this matchup.

The MHSAA Needs to Change Qualification Standards.

Written Monday June 5th at 3:30 PM

The MHSAA Track and Field State Meet ended this upcoming season. I thought about some things during the season, what if there were more athletes competing in the State Meet.

The league should possibly think about giving more opportunities to compete at the State Meet in Track and Field.

Currently the league states that only you can take the top two teams or individuals and those who met a qualifying standard to get to the State Meet at the Regional. It can ONLY be done at the Regional.

That’s not right.

You see all these athletes training just to get an opportunity to represent their school, just to get to the State Meet. There are times that they do get the qualifying standard but it’s not during the Regional, it could be at an invitational or a dual meet but just a Regional, it’s not right.

The MHSAA needs to include the qualifications at ALL meets not just the Regional. Invitationals, dual meets, league meets, county meets, should count as well.

It would increase the stakes a little bit.

In Middle School Track, you can qualify for the County Meet if you meet the qualification mark during the season. It’s the same for High School when it comes to the County Meet along with the Freshman for their County Meet.

There are some around the State that does not have that luxury to have a County Meet. If you open it up to qualify during the season then it makes sense. It gives an athlete more opportunities to compete to get to the State Meet.

It’s time for the State to make things fair and give everyone a chance to compete at the State Meet not just qualify at the Regional.

Possible District Thoughts and Ideas.

Written Monday June 5th at 2:30 PM

We know the MHSAA will release their Volleyball districts later this month and they also include the Basketball districts as well. Now these aren't the official districts they will be released later this month as mentioned. Once the districts come out I will write a different column on how the districts will go and also watch OAA Now for a District Preview once they come out. Anyway here are my thoughts of how the districts could look like.

Class A.

District One

ORION

OXFORD

CLARKSTON

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Clarkston: Boys Basketball @ Orion

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: There are no changes in this district with the exception that Pontiac would be heading into Class B. I thought hard about Lapeer coming into this district but with them close to Davison, I left it as is. Romeo was another team that I thought about bringing in but if they were to do that then Clarkston would have to go northwest toward the Genesee County area.

District Two

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

ROCHESTER

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Stoney Creek: Boys Basketball @ Utica

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: There is no change with the exception of bringing in Romeo into this district. I thought about leaving this district at five teams but Romeo with their geographic location makes sense here. Romeo is in a district that has Macomb Dakota, Port Huron, and Port Huron Northern in there, makes no sense.

District Three

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

GROVES

SEAHOLM

Birmingham Marian/Birmingham Brother Rice

AVONDALE

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Bloomfield Hills: Boys Basketball @ Avondale

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: Avondale looks like they are the outlier in this district but with only five teams, it would make sense to leave them in this district. These teams are close to each other and could make for a great district if the MHSAA goes this route.

District Four

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren De LaSalle/Warren Regina

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Warren Cousino: @ Boys Basketball @ Troy Athens

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: I thought about this district long and hard and thought you got to bring Troy and Troy Athens back together in a district. I took Sterling Heights out and put them with Chippewa Valley, Utica Ford, and Sterling Heights Stevenson. The Colts would be favored in Volleyball if they were put in this district setup.

District Five

FARMINGTON

HARRISON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Farmington Hills Mercy/Orchard Lake St. Marys

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ West Bloomfield: Boys Basketball @ North Farmington

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: I don’t see really any changes in this district now the league could send West Bloomfield back west to Milford, Lakeland, and the Walled Lake’s but I don’t see that happening. It will be interesting to see what happens with this district.

District Six

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

OAK PARK

HAZEL PARK

BERKLEY

Warren Fitzgerald

Detroit Renaissance

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Southfield Arts and Tech: Boys Basketball @ Detroit Renaissance

WHY I SEE THIS DISTRICT POSSIBLE: Hazel Park reenters Class A from Class B so this district pretty much makes sense now wondering if the MHSAA would take Detroit Renaissance out of this district but likely they won’t do that. I can see this being a district once the parings come out.

Class B.

District Seven

FERNDALE

Ferndale University

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Henry Ford for Creative Studies

Detroit University Prep

Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Detroit Mumford: Boys Basketball @ Ferndale

With Hazel Park moving to Class A I thought about moving a team up here to make it a six-team district and needed a team to add so it would be Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern. It would be interesting if the MHSAA went this route and they very well could with this route.

District Eight

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Clinton Township Clintondale

Clawson

Madison Heights Lamphere

Madison Heights Madison

Projected Location: Volleyball/Girls Basketball @ Clawson: Boys Basketball @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

With Pontiac moving into Class B, the Phoenix need a district, too bad it will be with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Birmingham Detroit Country Day. It will be a tough go for Pontiac in this district if the MHSAA puts them here.

Like I said before, stay tuned to OAA Now for updates once the districts come out.

Rochester Names New Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Monday June 5th at 11:00 AM

The Rochester Falcons have their new Boys Basketball Coach and they not necessarily had to look within their athletic program to get their new head coach.

The Falcons named Vance Kirkwood whom takes over the program from John Pleasent whom led Rochester to the State Quarterfinal in 2013.

Kirkwood whom took over the program last week also coaches Golf at Rochester. He previously was at Royal Oak for three seasons coaching the Junior Varsity program.

Kirkwood was a player under Gary Fralick at Troy averaging 23 points per game and was tutored by not only Fralick but also Aaron Smith whom coaches Varsity Boys Basketball at Royal Oak. He has gotten  praise surrounding this hire according to Rochester Athletic Director Luke Beach. "Every individual we spoke to in regards of Vance all echoed that you're getting a coach who truly has a passion for kids, and will help guide them to becoming better players and better people" said Beach in the press release.

Kirkwood takes over a Rochester team that has improved year after year since going 0-21 in 2014. They went 9-12 in 2015 and last season finished a very disappointing 11-11, losing in the district final to Stoney Creek. He will have Hunter Schattler, LaMarko Gullridge, and Corey Gullridge back. Also they had a solid Junior Varsity program under Jeff Haney that will be coming up to Varsity.

The Falcons will be in the Blue next season with Orion, Pontiac, Farmington, Harrison, Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Berkley. They will also be in a district with their city rivals Adams, Stoney Creek, along with Utica Eisenhower.

Thoughts.

This is an interesting hire for Rochester for a few reasons. They went inside and out with this hire. Kirkwood coaches Golf at Rochester but his first love was basketball. Kirkwood played for Gary Fralick and was tutored by both Fralick and Smith, so he knows the Troy way of things.

I'm curious to see what direction the Falcons will head. Kirkwood brings a ton of energy and passion when he was at Royal Oak. He had success with the Ravens program but this will be his first Varsity job.

There are other questions like how will the players buy in to Kirkwood's system and especially the experienced players like Schlatter and both Gullridge's. If they buy into the system then Rochester could be a very good Boys Basketball team this season, if they don't then it could be a long season.

It will also be interesting how his staff will be, will Haney be on staff and coach the Junior Varsity, will Lima Pereira be on staff  and coach Freshman, there are a ton of questions surrounding the direction the Falcons are heading.

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

Girls Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:45 PM

Well there is one team in the league left representing and that's Birmingham. Here is their outlook heading into the State Semifinal matchup with Hartland.

BIRMINGHAM vs Hartland @ Novi

The Bulldogs won a tough game with Bloomfield Hills in the regional final and now they move onto the State Semifinals to play an undefeated Eagles team. Hartland beat Huron Valley 21-5 at Orion and now both teams will be at Novi. This will be a tough matchup for Birmingham but they have seen and played Hartland before. I’m not sure if the Bulldogs can matchup with the Eagles with the way they are playing right now but you never know. The winner of this matchup will see Rockford or Northville.

Girls Soccer Regional Preview.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:45 PM

Well there is one OAA team left and it's the Troy Colts. Here is my insight and projection surrounding their regional at Sweinhart Field in Utica this week.

Region 3 @ Utica

TROY vs Utica Ford II

The Colts are the last OAA team representing the league. Troy though not as strong but they beat Bloomfield Hills in penalties in the district final at home. This will be a tough matchup for the Colts though because Utica Ford is State Ranked and talented. It will be interesting for sure.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: The Falcons will have no problem with the Colts despite the matchup being at Sweinhart Field. Utica Ford II is very good and they took out the hosts Troy Athens on the road. On the other side of the draw will be St. Clair Shores Lakeview and New Baltimore Anchor Bay. I like the Tars over the Shorians in that matchup. I think this will be an all Macomb County final with Utica Ford II getting to the State Semifinals. PICK: UTICA FORD II.

Softball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:40 PM

Well here is the regional for Girls Softball that will be taking place at Clarkston on Saturday.

Region Seven @ Clarkston

CLARKSTON vs SEAHOLM

This one will be interesting because the Wolves are now at home and are primed to do some damage. Clarkston shut out Oxford in the district final at Orion which featured three teams that had honorable mentions in the State. The Maples offense really showed up in the district round, outscoring both Troy and Bloomfield Hills by a combined 30-12 in that stretch of games. Seaholm is riding a ton of confidence heading into this matchup. The Maples though will have a lot going against them in this regional considering that Clarkston is the opponent and it’s on their home field.

TROY ATHENS vs Utica Eisenhower

The Eagles will bring a prolific offense into this regional in Clarkston. They pounded Adams and Romeo by a combined 22-5 score in the district round. The Red Hawks have cruised in their district destroying the competition by a combined 24-0. This matchup it will be much different for Troy Athens because Utica Eisenhower is a much different team and they are much better defensibly then their two previously teams.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This looks like it will be a Clarkston/Utica Eisenhower Regional Final shaping up. Both teams will have no problem winning their semifinal matchups to play each other. The Wolves have played a tough schedule but so has the Eagles playing Macomb Dakota and Utica Ford in the Macomb Area Conference. Home Field matters in this matchup so that’s whom I’m going with to win this regional. PICK: CLARKSTON.

Baseball Regional Preview.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:40 PM

Well there are two regionals at involve OAA Teams from Division's One and Two. Here are the previews and insight to each of those regionals taking place.

 Region Seven @ Clarkston

ORION vs Birmingham Brother Rice

This will be an interesting matchup between the Catholic League Champs and a Co-Red Champs. There is also another odd subplot to this matchup and no it's not that the fact that Birmingham Brother Rice is ranked fifth in the State. The Dragons will see three Orion residents that play for the Warriors. The first is Birmingham Brother Rice’s ace pitcher Alex Kuster. Kuster led the Warriors to the Catholic League crown and their district title win over Troy. Kuster’s brother Roman went to Orion and was part of the Dragons baseball and basketball teams. Birmingham Brother Rice has Kyle Livingway, who’s sister’s Rachel whom played and Cierra whom currently plays Volleyball at Orion. JD Allen is another Orion resident that plays for the Warriors. All three of them are very good players. The Dragons are solid as well and have been playing better as of late. This will be a good game for sure at Clarkston.

ROCHESTER vs ROYAL OAK

The Ravens pulled off the shocker of the district tournament by beating Troy Athens on the road 9-3 in the district final. Royal Oak whom played in the Gold this season will be tested when they take on an experienced Rochester team that has started to put things together. The Falcons shared the Red this season with Orion and have seemed to be peaking at the right time.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: The Orion/Birmingham Brother Rice game will be nuts but I’m wondering how the emotion for the three Orion residents in Kuster, Allen, and Livingway will respond against their friends who play on the Dragons. That game will be insane. I don’t think Rochester will have any problem with Royal Oak in their matchup. I think the Dragons/Warriors game is a pitcher’s duel but Orion does just enough to get by Birmingham Brother Rice and plays the Falcons where they get their revenge. PICK: ORION.

Region 15 @ Madonna University

HAZEL PARK vs Livonia Clarenceville

The Vikings shocked me and the baseball world by beating Center Line 6-5 and winning their district. Now it was at home, which made it even more special. Hazel Park now has to take on a solid Livonia Clarenceville team that overcame a loss earlier in the season to Redford Union. The Trojans eliminated the Panthers 5-4 in the district finals to get to this game.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: I think the pressure is off Hazel Park and here’s why. They were supposed to lose to Center Line but came back and won that one, even though it was at home. The Vikings have been battled tested so they won’t be intimated of Livonia Clarenceville. The OAA is a strong baseball league so I think Hazel Park will be in this one with the Trojans I think they can beat them. In the other matchup, it will be interesting between St. Clair Shores South Lake and Dearborn Divine Child. St. Clair Shores South Lake had no problem cruising by their competition in their district. The Cavaliers won their two games by a combined 21-0 score. One of those games, included a no hitter by Justin Baatz whom no hit Harper Woods in the district semifinal. They would take out Detroit Osborn in the district final. Dearborn Divine Child is solid and plays in that always difficult Catholic League. The Falcons had no problem with Melvindale in the district final beating them 9-0. They have a good offense that can score with anyone. I think the Falcons will win over the Cavaliers. It could be a Falcons/Cavs final or a Falcons/Vikings final. I think Hazel Park will compete but in the end of the day it is Dearborn Divine Child that wins out. PICK: DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD.

Avondale Softball Coach Retiring.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:30 PM

The Yellow Jackets will have a new softball coach next season.

Avondale coach Lisa Allian will be retiring after spending 17 seasons as coach of the Yellow Jackets.

Allian concluded her team’s season losing 10-3 in the district final to State ranked Richmond at home on Saturday afternoon. Avondale finished the season at 13-10.

It will be interesting whom coaches the Yellow Jackets next season for Softball. Avondale will lose five seniors. They will be an experienced team next season.

We’ll see what happens.

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

Basketball Teams to Keep an Eye On During the Summer Leagues.

Written Friday June 2nd at 11:30 AM

Here are the top five basketball teams from Boys and Girls that have my eye this summer. There are some interesting story-lines surrounding these five teams as we head to the Summer League season.

Orion (Girls Basketball): When you have a new coach, a new style of play, transitioning to a new system is hard. That’s what the Dragons have to deal with, in coach Mike Griffin. Griffin will be the team’s third coach in three seasons. Griffin comes from Birmingham Detroit Country Day and has had coaching experience at Sterling Heights. He will have an experienced team but there are a ton of questions how this team will gel under his watch???

Hazel Park (Boys Basketball): The Vikings won their first district title since 1965 but had a tough loss to Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern last season in the regional semifinal. The loss to the Colts led to one parent going off on Twitter about the team. If Hazel Park can keep the team together, in which they will be an experienced team then this team could do something come November.

Adams (Girls Basketball): The Highlanders fresh off winning a district championship last season will be interesting to keep an eye on. Adams will be looking for their third coach in three seasons. The Highlanders will be a young team next season so this team bears watching.

Groves (Girls Basketball): The Falcons are looking for a new coach but they lost their best player in Shea Carter whom left the State to go to North Carolina. Kayla Nelson will be back for Groves but they also will have a new coach next season so that adds some intrigue to the summer league slate.

Rochester (Girls Basketball): The Falcons have a new coach in Al Poynter and he will turn around the Rochester basketball program. The Falcons are in need of a different direction surrounding the program after a few seasons of unrest. If Poynter can get on the same page with Tori Hawkins then the Falcons will be a team to watch come November.