Girls Basketball District Preview.

Written Saturday February 24th at 11:30 AM

Here the district previews and projections for Girls Basketball. Districts start on Monday, Semifinals start on Wednesday, and the finals are on Friday.

District 22 @ Detroit Renaissance

HAZEL PARK vs Warren Fitzgerald

HAZEL PARK/Warren Fitzgerald vs Detroit Renaissance

BERKLEY vs OAK PARK

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district when you look at the teams. Detroit Renaissance is the host school and does have the best team here in this district. The Phoenix have played in a much tougher league than the rest of the schools. Berkley, Warren Fitzgerald, Hazel Park, and Oak Park haven’t had the greatest of seasons in their leagues.

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance: The Phoenix are a young but talented basketball team led by MiKyah Findley, Audrianna Hill, Nika Dorsey, and Shannon Wheeler. They also have home court and play in a tough league in the Detroit Public School League.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE FAVORITE: I don’t see anyone challenging the favorite coming out of this district.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Trinity Benton- Hazel Park: Benton it’s her senior season, it’s time to deliver for the Vikings, a team that has been up and down. She could be a difference maker but Benton hasn’t had a strong season thus far.

PREDICTION: I think Detroit Renaissance comes out of this district pretty easily. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.

CONFIDENCE METER: 96 percent.

District 21 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

GROVES vs Farmington Hills Mercy

GROVES/Farmington Hills Mercy vs NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

INSIGHT: This is a tough district to pick from because all of these teams have winning records with a combined 73-18 record but each of these teams have some flaws in their games. Farmington whom shared the Blue title this season has had a revival led by first year coach Laura Guzman and players like Olivia Perkins, Nevada Hargress, Abbey Smentowski, and MaKayla Martin. North Farmington features the best big in this district in Samantha Cherney but they need a guard like Molly Simpson and Maya Kelly to step up. Southfield Arts and Tech features two very talented players in Alexis Johnson and Cheyenne McEvans but they need that third scorer. Groves whom shared the White crown has the best all around athlete in Sha Carter to go along with Kayla Nelson but they need production from their inside game. Farmington Hills Mercy is the host, deep, and talented led by Jenna Schluter, Bella Dugas, Lexi Thomas, Julia Bishop, Isabelle Miner, among others.

FAVORITE: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors whom went 1-5 early but have bounced back in a big way living up to expectations for coach Michelle Marshall to which they shared the Red crown. Southfield Arts and Tech features two very good players in Cheyenne McEvans and Alexis Johnson. They are going to need a third scorer like a D'Layna Hollman or a Shawna Manning if they are going to win this district that features a loaded field.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE FAVORITE: This district has plenty of teams that can win this district. Groves has a ton of talent led by Carter, Lauren Palmer, and Nelson. Farmington Hills Mercy though not their true dominant self but the Marlins have some talent back to go along with home court. Farmington if they can upset Southfield Arts and Tech. North Farmington is a streaky team solid defensibly led by Cherney.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sha Carter- Groves: Carter is a senior, there was rumblings that she would leave Groves and go to North Carolina, that wasn’t the case and she is having a strong season for the Falcons. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase what Carter can do for Groves in this postseason against some very good competition.

PREDICTION: This district could go either way, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if there were an upset. I think Groves is playing really well right now but Southfield Arts and Tech is red hot. Farmington is also red hot as well. North Farmington is very consistent and have played a tough league schedule. Farmington Hills Mercy though has experience back and plays in the Catholic League. The small court at Farmington Hills Mercy will play a factor but at end of the day I like Southfield Arts and Tech to move on because of the schedule they have played. PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH.

CONFIDENCE METER: 52 percent.

District 50 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Algonac vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Algonac/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Macomb Lutheran North

PONTIAC vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district when you look at the teams that are here. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has played a tough schedule and features two very good players in sisters Sterling and Celia Gaynor. Pontiac though has been down most of the season in the Blue features Brala Benton but not a lot of depth for coach Christopher Wright. Algonac has a ton of experience back but have had a rough season in the Blue Water Conference. Macomb Lutheran North has had a rough season but is starting to play better. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood has had a tough season as well.

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: The Irish have the Gaynor sisters in Celia and Sterling and have played a brutal non conference schedule against the likes of Orion, Clarkston, and Bloomfield Hills. Also, home court favors Pontiac Notre Dame Prep as well. Everything looks good for the Irish to win this district.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE THE FAVORITE: Maybe Macomb Lutheran North could challenge but they have had a rough season. Algonac has been disappointing this season despite having a ton of experience.  I’m not sold on Pontiac because the Phoenix lost to the Irish 54-29 on February 7^th. Other than that, no one threatens the Irish here.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Celia Gaynor- Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: Gaynor has missed some time early but she is back now and the Irish are rolling. It’s important for Gaynor to keep playing with

PREDICITION: This district is the Irish’s district to lose, don’t see anyone threating them here. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

CONFIDENCE METER: 85 percent.

District 49 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Center Line

Birmingham Detroit Country Day/Center Line vs Ferndale University

Clawson vs Madison Heights Lamphere

Clawson/Madison Heights Lamphere vs FERNDALE

INSIGHT: I feel bad for Clawson, they have an experienced team back and a winning record but they are placed in a rough district with Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets are the defending Class B champs and are very talented again for coach Frank Orlando led by Kalea Webb. Orlando has really been spoiled when looking at the talent that had transferred in along with the development of star players that have went on to Division One Colleges. Ferndale is very young despite winning five games this season. Center Line, Ferndale University and Madison Heights Lamphere are young teams as well. 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day: The Yellow Jackets are the defending Class B State Champs. They have the talent to possibly repeat as champions and that’s not counting on the fact they are the hosts of this district.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE THE FAVORITE: Could Clawson give the Yellow Jackets problems??? its possible if Birmingham Detroit Country Day plays to the level of their competition other than that no one else will threaten in this district.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Maddie Novak- Birmingham Detroit Country Day: Novak transferred from Orion but hasn’t had the type of season she usually has but Novak hasn’t needed to be a star player like she was at Orion. Although Novak starts, she hasn’t been herself lately and the stats prove it.

PREDICTION: It will be Clawson vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district final. I think this will be close for a half but hosts will be moving on because they have too much talent for the Trojans to overcome. PICK: BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY.

CONFIDENCE METER: 100 percent.

District 14 @ Stoney Creek

STONEY CREEK vs ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK/ROCHESTER vs Romeo

ADAMS vs Utica Eisenhower

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district when you look at it much deeper. The Rochester schools have not had the strongest of seasons but they are going to be the most dangerous especially Stoney Creek and Adams. The Cougars are well coached by Kellen James while the Highlanders feature a young team ready to break out. Rochester is an experienced team led by Tori Hawkins and Jenna Norgrove. Romeo has had a tough season with injuries to key players and enter into this district after being with powers Macomb Dakota and Port Huron Northern. Utica Eisenhower has experience and have been really the only team that has been healthy and it has shown in their win/loss records.

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower: The Eagles have been a different team since their early season loss to Lake Orion. Utica Eisenhower features Lauren DeBeau, Marlyn Kosnik, and Paige Montreuli. Those three could give anyone problems. The early favorite has to be the Eagles even though they haven’t won a district crown in a while.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE THE FAVORITE: Hmm this one is interesting, Romeo could challenge Utica Eisenhower but injuries and lack of scoring have hurt the Bulldogs despite having the McDoungah sisters and Amber Flinn for coach Connie Hernden. Stoney Creek has had issues scoring as of late but they have played a tough schedule led by Emily Eckhout and have home court is a huge factor here. Adams if they can get things figured out has MaKayla Smith, Noelle Dunbar, and a young group that when hot could be dangerous. Rochester has experience led by Tori Hawkins, Paola Barraza, and Jenna Norgrove. Three of these teams could give Utica Eisenhower trouble.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Meghan Solek- Stoney Creek: Solek debuts in her first district but she will need to contribute if the Cougars have a chance to win this district. Expect opposing teams to guard Emily Eckhout tight. Solek will need to get steals and score for coach Kellen James team to move on at home in this district.

PREDICTION: No one thought that Adams would win the district last season but they did. Romeo is back in this district after being with powerhouses Macomb Dakota and Port Huron Northern. Stoney Creek is the darkhorse here because of home court but Adams if they figure things out could upset the Eagles again because of whom they have. I think could be the year Utica Eisenhower gets by that hump. PICK: UTICA EISENHOWER.

CONFIDENCE METER: 56 percent.

District 15 @ Bloomfield Hills

AVONDALE vs WEST BLOOMFIELD

AVONDALE/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Waterford Kettering vs Waterford Mott

INSIGHT: People look at this matchup and say it will be Bloomfield Hills and Waterford Kettering well it could be possible but there are still some solid teams in this district. If Bloomfield Hills three point shooting fails them led by Mariam Hashim, Grace Getz, Becca Hancock, Immani Wright, and Jordan Banks then they are in trouble. Waterford Kettering hasn’t been their normal selves this season despite having size and a ton of talent led by their forwards in Marissa Brady, Clare Broughan to go along with Ashley Watts and Ashley Watson. Avondale is a darkhorse because they are healthy led by Olivia Russell and Keori Lee. They have had a strong season thus far in the Blue. West Bloomfield has had a rough season but ask Adams what they did, had a rough season but won a district last season. Waterford Mott is very young but they have a big win over Waterford Kettering earlier in the season and feature Emily Huff along with a very odd mascot name Lonzo.

FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills: Earlier I would say it would be Waterford Kettering would have been the favorite but the Captains haven't had the strongest of seasons in it's first year in the newly created Lakes Valley League. The early favorite has to be the Blackhawks because of home court and if they are hitting on all cylinders they can be very dangerous but they do have a fatal flaw though if they are not hitting the three point shot then it could be trouble for coach Jeff Rubin's team.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE THE FAVORITE: There are four teams that can challenge Bloomfield Hills here in this district, obviously the team I’m thinking about that could be the most serious to the Blackhawks is Waterford Kettering. The Captains even though have been disappointing still have a great shot to win this district and are well coached in Scott Woodhull. Waterford Kettering has the size led by Broughan and Brady and two solid guards in Watts and Watson. Waterford Mott will also be a serious contender as well led by Huff and Abby Upleger. The other team that could make a run is Avondale. The Yellow Jackets shared the Blue title this season and when healthy are a very dangerous team led by Russell and Lee for coach Phil Dawson. Avondale could give Bloomfield Hills fits pending if they get by West Bloomfield whom is deep and athletic led by Destiny Monroe.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Grace Getz-Bloomfield Hills: Getz has had a nice sophomore season with her three point shooting but in a district with Avondale and Waterford Kettering expect teams to play close to attention to when they play the Blackhawks. Expect opponents to guard Hashim and Banks tight. Getz will need to make herself a threat from three in this district, if she does then Bloomfield Hills has a good shot at getting through in this district.

PREDICTION: Experience matters here in this district with apologies to coach Jeff Rubin, it will be the Captains that move on over the hosts. PICK: WATERFORD KETTERING.

CONFIDENCE METER: 60 percent.

District 13 @ Clarkston

ORION vs Holly

ORION/Holly vs OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs Brandon

INSIGHT: This district might have turned into somewhat of a pick em district. I think four teams have a shot at winning this district. Clarkston has a ton of talent and experience but their motivation should be that they haven’t won a district title in a while and Waterford Kettering, a team that has beaten the Wolves twice is not in the district. Orion has had an injury riddled season under first year coach Mike Griffin feature Sophie Wyborski, Kendall Robertson, Paytin Shadaia, Sydney Strenger, and Shannon Falter. The Dragons do match up well with the Wolves. Holly has been red hot led by Rebecca Fugate, whom has averaged 20 points per game. Oxford features the Methner sisters (Lauren and MaKenzie) and Ashley Herschman, post play could be an issue for coach Rachel Bryer’s team. Brandon won’t contend in this district.

FAVORITE: Clarkston: The Wolves whom shared the Red and have been on a tear lately blowing out opponents left and right. Clarkston has a ton of experience led by Kayla Luchenbach, Maddie Beck, Molly Nicholson, Kianna Aynotte, and Taylor Heaten. The Wolves have home court which will be a bonus. This might be coach Christine Rogers best chance of winning a district title.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE: I can see four teams that could give the Wolves some trouble. Orion could be the most likely of the teams that could give Clarkston because of what happened at Clarkston earlier in the season. The Dragons lost 55-54 in overtime in that one and have the talent that can give the Wolves problems even with an injury riddled team like they have been during most of the season. However the Wolves returned the favor at Orion by humiliating the Dragons 51-19 two weeks ago. Orion will have to get by two teams that have beaten them this season if they want to get another shot at Clarkston in Holly and Oxford. The Bronchos beat the Dragons 39-29 in December feature three very good players in Fugate, whom is a three point shooter, Payton Price, and Emma Tooley. Oxford whom beat Orion 37-35 in overtime has had a strong season in the White is led by both Methner's, and Herschman. This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Paytin Shadaia-Orion: The Dragons only true point guard will be the key to where the team goes in the district tournament, when she plays well Orion plays well but when she doesn’t then the team struggles. Shadaia will be the key to see where the Dragons go in the postseason because of her ability to move the ball around.

PREDICTION: Clarkston should get by Brandon and whomever wins on the other side of the draw between Orion, Holly, and Oxford.Whomever wins the other side of the district would have earned their way to the district final. I don’t know what to think especially in the district final but I don’t think Clarkston will lose twice now here in this district with a senior heavy team now, could they??? PICK: CLARKSTON.

CONFIDENCE METER: 51 percent.

District 16 @ Birmingham Marian

TROY ATHENS vs Birmingham Marian

TROY ATHENS/Birmingham Marian vs TROY

SEAHOLM vs ROYAL OAK

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district because you have two teams that are superior to the rest of the field. Birmingham Marian whom is the Catholic League Champions fatures Olivia Moore. Moore has had a good junior season and could very well be a difference maker once the district starts. Royal Oak is the next challenger led by Samantha Potter, June Donnellon, and Jessica Adams. The Ravens shared the White title this season. Troy has Athena Sampson among others. Troy Athens has the Crumm sisters (Isabelle and Maddie). Seaholm has a young team that has taken a ton of lumps this season.

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian: Being at home in a small gym has it’s advantages in which the Mustangs will have. Birmingham Marian has had a strong season and could very well be Catholic League Champs yet again once the postseason starts. The Mustangs are not a one girl team like most teams think they are, they have others as well in Madeline Laurencelle, Lauren Montalbano, Uche Ike, and Samantha Patterson for coach Mary Cicerone. Everything looks right for Birmingham Marian to win this district.

TEAMS THAT COULD CHALLENGE: Royal Oak by far will challenge in this district because of the talent they have back and whom they played. They have also been to tougher environments as well. Also, the Ravens beat Birmingham Marian 31-30 on February 2^nd at Royal Oak. The Ravens are well coached by Brian Sopota and has Claire Kostiecki, Donnellon, Adams, and Potter that can match the Mustangs. I’m not sure if Troy, Troy Athens, or Seaholm stand a chance against the top two teams in the district despite those three teams having talent as well.

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Claire Kostiecki- Royal Oak: If the Ravens want to win their first district title as a school, they'll need not only Potter and Adams to do their magic but they need a strong game from Claire Kostiecki, their big in the post. It will be key especially against a team like Birmingham Marian to show that she can be that third scorer if they have a chance to pull it out.

PREDICITION: It will be Birmingham Marian vs Royal Oak in the district final to put it out there. Defense will be the key in this matchup, if its an offensive matchup advantage Mustangs but if it’s a defensive matchup like it was at Royal Oak then advantage Ravens. This will be a close game like it was at Royal Oak. Birmingham Marian will make the adjustments needed but so will Royal Oak. Now people say home court is the difference, well it won’t be in this case, give me the Ravens. PICK: ROYAL OAK.

CONFIDENCE METER: 65 percent.