Boys Lacrosse Quarterfinal Preview.

Written Thursday May 31st at 10:05 PM

Here are my thoughts heading into the Boys Lacrosse Quarterfinal matchups.

TROY ATHENS vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central

The Red Hawks will have their toughest challenge when they play the Shamrocks at Birmingham Seaholm. Novi Detroit Catholic Central was dominant in their regional with wins over Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Walled Lake Northern, and South Lyon. The Shamrocks are rolling at the right time. Troy Athens went through Macomb and St. Clair Counties with wins over Port Huron, Macomb Dakota, and Utica Eisenhower. It will be an interesting matchup but the odds favor Novi Detroit Catholic Central in this matchup.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Rockford

This will be a tough matchup for the Blackhawks as they will take on a Rockford team that is rising in confidence at Lansing Catholic. Bloomfield Hills had to go through Rochester, Adams, and Lake Orion to get to this round. The Rams went through Kalamazoo Central, Hudsonville, and Zeeland West to get to this matchup. It will be interesting for the Blackhawks if they can get by Rockford but it will be a tough task.

Dawson Out at Avondale.

Written Thursday May 31st at 9:40 PM

The Avondale Yellow Jackets will have a new Girls Basketball coach this winter.

Citing very accurate sources coach Phil Dawson has stepped down from coaching the team last week.

Dawson’s team shared the Blue with Farmington with an 11-1 league record and finished with a 16-3 overall record last season.

Avondale was blown out in the pre-district by Bloomfield Hills in the postseason last year and have moved up to the White next season.

Whoever coaches the Yellow Jackets will have a ton of talent to work with players like Olivia Russell, Keiori Lee, Keziah Buggs, Madelyn Harrod, and Angelis Willis coming back next season. Russell, Lee, and Buggs should be the stars for Avondale.

Thoughts

I'm surprised that Dawson stepped down from coaching the Yellow Jackets. I wonder if internal issues did him in, it's possible.

It will be very interesting who will coach at Avondale next season. We shall see what happens.

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

Here is the Soundcloud from the podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-6518

Baseball/Softball District Previews.

Written Monday May 28th at 7:40 PM

Here is my insight on the Baseball and Softball districts that will take place this week. Happy Memorial Day to you all.

Softball

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

OAK PARK vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Redford Thurston vs Detroit Renaissance

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district at all when you look at the teams. I think that the Phoenix will rise and move on here. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.

District 25 @ Troy

BERKLEY vs TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK vs TROY

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a district where the Colts are favored heavily. Troy has experience and are well coached. I think this will be an all Troy final between the two rival schools but don’t think anyone in this district will touch the Colts. PICK: TROY.

District 26 @ Groves

GROVES vs SEAHOLM

AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting district with the teams that are in play. I think that the Blackhawks will finally get over the hump and move onto the regional but Groves and Seaholm will be tough outs. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

ROCHESTER vs Utica Eisenhower

ROCHESTER/Utica Eisenhower vs STONEY CREEK

ADAMS vs Romeo

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district, I think there are three teams that could win this district in Utica Eisenhower, Romeo, and Stoney Creek. I think with the Cougars being at home they will take this district over the Bulldogs. PICK: STONEY CREEK.

District 28 @ Clarkston

LAKE ORION vs Waterford Mott

LAKE ORION/Waterford Mott vs Waterford Kettering

OXFORD vs CLARKSTON

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: It’s awful that you have three top ten teams in the State in this district as we do with Clarkston, Oxford, and Lake Orion. It really stinks that the Wolves and Wildcats have to play each other in the district semifinals. The Dragons have the best draw and should get to the district final but the problem is that Clarkston will be waiting and will be moving on. PICK: CLARKSTON.

District 29 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

Lakeland vs Walled Lake Central

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district on paper but looking at it from a different perspective, this is looking to be an Eagles/Knights district final. I like Walled Lake Northern to pull through and advance. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 30 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

HARRISON vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting district, the Raiders are at home and have a solid pitcher in the wings. Farmington Hills Mercy lost a ton of talent. Farmington is a darkhorse. Harrison and Livonia Stevenson could have some trouble in this district. I think North Farmington gets by Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson and gets over the hump. PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON.

District 60 @ Livonia Clarenceville

Livonia Clarenceville vs Warren Fitzgerald

Livonia Clarenceville/Warren Fitzgerald vs HAZEL PARK

FERNDALE vs Redford Union

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district on paper. I think this will be a district where everyone is evenly matched. If I had to pick someone to win this district it’s the Spartans over the Eagles. PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD.

Baseball

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Renaissance vs Redford Thurston

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district when I see it. I think whomever wins the Southfield Arts and Tech/Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit match will win the district and move on. I like the Cubs to move on. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.

District 25 @ Troy

Warren Mott vs ROYAL OAK

Warren Mott/ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY

TROY vs TROY ATHENS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an even district when I look at it but end of the day I see the winner of the Colts and Red Hawks moving on in this district over a good Warren Mott team. PICK: TROY.

District 26 @ Groves

GROVES vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

GROVES/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs AVONDALE

SEAHOLM vs Birmingham Brother Rice

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district, the early favorite has to be Birmingham Brother Rice but Groves, Bloomfield Hills, Seaholm, and Avondale will have strong says. This is anyone’s district to win so when in doubt give me the Yellow Jackets in a monster upset over the Warriors. PICK: AVONDALE.

District 28 @ Clarkston

Waterford Mott vs LAKE ORION

Waterford Mott/LAKE ORION vs OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs Waterford Kettering

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Dragons have the talent to make a run in this district although it is not the strongest on paper. Oxford will stand in the way of Lake Orion. The winner will see the hosts in the district finals but end of the day this district will be painted in Dragon green and white. PICK: LAKE ORION.

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

Utica Eisenhower vs ADAMS

Utica Eisenhower/ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK

Romeo vs ROCHESTER

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district when you look at it. I think there are three teams that have a chance to win this district in Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek, and Rochester. The Falcons have the best draw of the teams but keep an eye on the Cougars. I see this being an all Rochester final but it will be the Falcons getting a measure of revenge. PICK: ROCHESTER.

District 29 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central vs Lakeland

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: Could this be the year that the Lakers can win this district???, it's possible West Bloomfield has the talent to make a run at this thing but Walled Lake Central will stand in the way. I think this could be the year an OAA team wins this district. PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD.

District 30 @ North Farmington

FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Novi

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be a tough district when you look at the teams. If there has to be a slight favorite it would be Livonia Stevenson. The Spartans have played a tough schedule in the KLAA but Farmington and Novi will be no pushovers. I think Farmington for sure will give Livonia Stevenson trouble. I see this as a Spartans/Wildcats final with the Spartans moving on. PICK: LIVONIA STEVENSON.

District 60 @ Livonia Clarenceville

Redford Union vs Livonia Clarenceville

Redford Union/Livonia Clarenceville vs Warren Fitzgerald

HAZEL PARK vs FERNDALE

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Vikings came out of nowhere to win the district last season but with the Trojans of Livonia Clarenceville in here and a likely district finals clash it could be a tough chore for Hazel Park to repeat as champions. PICK: LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE.

Girls Soccer District Preview.

Written Thursday May 24th at 10:40 PM

Here is my insight along with district projections for the upcoming State Tournament.

District 8 @ Livonia Stevenson

Farmington Hills Mercy vs Novi

Northville vs NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

FARMINGTON/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: Novi and Northville will be the favorites heading into the district but they will see each other likely in the district semifinals. Farmington will see Livonia Stevenson in the district as well. I think this is a Mustangs/Spartans district final with Northville moving on. PICK: NORTHVILLE.

District 12 @ Berkley

TROY ATHENS vs GROVES

ROYAL OAK vs SEAHOLM

TROY vs BERKLEY

TROY/BERKLEY vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district over at Hurley Field that features some powerhouse programs including the White champions. I expect a Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills rematch after the Maples beat the Blackhawks at Bloomfield Hills early in the season. I think Seaholm will make it two in a row but this time it will be in a shootout. PICK: SEAHOLM.

District 13 @ Rochester

LAKE ORION vs Utica Eisenhower

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

ADAMS vs OXFORD

ADAMS/OXFORD vs STONEY CREEK

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a tough district to say the least with the Red and Blue champions in this district. Rochester vs Utica Eisenhower and Adams vs Stoney Creek are real possibilities but don't count out Lake Orion or Oxford. I think this will be an Eagles/Cougars district final with Stoney Creek moving on. PICK: STONEY CREEK.

District 14 @ Waterford Mott

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott vs Lakeland

Walled Lake Central vs CLARKSTON

CLARKSTON/Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Northern

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district but the favorite has to be Walled Lake Northern because of what they have been doing all year in the Lakes Valley. The Knights should get into the district final against the Lakers but it will be Walled Lake Northern that moves on. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 23 @ Birmingham Marian

FERNDALE vs Birmingham Marian

FERNDALE vs Birmingham Marian vs AVONDALE

Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Redford Union

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not as strong of a district as people think. The Yellow Jackets will battle but end of the day the hosts will move on over Cranbrook-Kingswood. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.

District 24 @ Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK vs Hamtramck

Warren Woods Tower vs Madison Heights Lamphere

Warren Fitzgerald vs Eastpointe

Warren Fitzgerald/Eastpointe vs Center Line

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district but when in doubt go with the Spartans over the Vikings. PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD.

District 30 @ Brandon

Brandon vs Fenton

Holly vs Linden

PONTIAC vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC/Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Goodrich

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Irish got the benefit of a great draw while the Flint Metro teams battle it out to see who goes to the district finals. I think they will see Brandon in the district final and get past them with flying colors. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

Field has been named Hockey Coach at Oakland University.

Written Tuesday May 22nd at 8:05 PM

The Lake Orion Hockey team will have a new leader come next winter.

Nick Field has accepted to coach the Oakland University ACHA team next winter. Field spent eight seasons coaching the Dragons.

“I want to thank former Athletic Director Bill Reiss for giving me the opportunity here at Lake Orion and current Athletic Director Chris Bell for his tremendous support of the Lake Orion hockey program. I want to thank the parents and supporters for all of their commitment to build LO Hockey, without your support the program wouldn’t be where it is today. I also want to thank the student body for giving our players an exciting environment to play in” Field said in a statement.

Field departs Lake Orion with a 103-70-18 record.

“Most of all I want to thank the players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach throughout the years. You are the only people that truly understand how much dedication, effort, and passion to be a successful team and I hope you carry that with you throughout your lives. You provided me with a tremendous experience while at Lake Orion and I thank you for that” Field concluded.

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

Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Tuesday May 15th at 10:10 PM

Here is the insight and projections heading into the Boys Lacrosse side of things around the OAA.

Region 4 @ Walled Lake Northern

8. Madison Heights Bishop Foley vs 1. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

5. Walled Lake Northern vs 4. Novi

7. NORTH FARMINGTON-HARRISON vs 2. South Lyon

6. Walled Lake Central vs 3. Huron Valley

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting regional to say the least. I can see Novi Detroit Catholic Central getting to the final easily in this district, taking on a South Lyon or Huron Valley team that could make some noise. What also has helped the Shamrocks is that they have had Birmingham Brother Rice’s number lately but thankfully for the Warriors they are not in this regional. PICK: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL.

Region 5 @ Clarkston

8. WEST BLOOMFIELD vs 1. LAKE ORION

5. STONEY CREEK vs 4. CLARKSTON

7. ROCHESTER vs 2. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

6. Waterford vs 3. ADAMS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: Could this be the year of the Dragons??? Lake Orion has done really well in the Red this season and has wins over Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston on the road. I think looking at this draw this is the year of the Dragon barring another upset by the host Wolves but don’t see it happening. PICK: LAKE ORION.

Region 6 @ Seaholm

8. Warren Mott vs 1. Birmingham Brother Rice

5. BIRMINGHAM vs 4. Grosse Pointe South

7. Sterling Heights Stevenson vs 2. TROY

6. Utica Ford II vs 3. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Warriors have been human this season but have earned just enough to get a top seed heading into the tournament despite having tough losses to Novi Detroit Catholic Central and Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central. Birmingham Brother Rice is expected to win this regional but keep an eye on Troy. The Colts could make some noise along with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit whom has loomed as a possible contender. It wouldn’t surprise me if an upset is possible here and I think there will be with Troy shocking Birmingham Brother Rice. PICK: TROY.

Region 7 @ Utica Eisenhower

8. Port Huron vs 1. TROY ATHENS

5. L’Anse Creuse North vs 4. Macomb Dakota

7. Anchor Bay vs 2. Utica Eisenhower

6. Utica vs 3. Romeo

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting regional with the Red Hawks going into Macomb County. I think this will be a Troy Athens/Utica Eisenhower regional final at Sweinhart Field with the Red Hawks moving on. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

Region 8 @ Oxford

8. Holly vs 1. Brighton

5. OXFORD vs 4. Saginaw Heritage

7. Lapeer vs 2. Midland

6. Grand Blanc vs 3. Davison

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a tough regional to say the least with Brighton, Midland, Saginaw Heritage, and Davison in here but looking at the long hall of things I see a Brighton/Davison final, sorry to the good folks of Midland with the Bulldogs moving on. PICK: BRIGHTON.

Region 14 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day

5. FARMINGTON vs 4. Ann Arbor Greenhills

5. FARMINGTON/4. Ann Arbor Greenhills vs 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

7. Walled Lake Western vs 2. Dearborn Divine Child

6. Royal Oak Shrine vs 3. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not necessary a strong regional but when in doubt, go with the home team over Dearborn Divine Child and the home team is the Yellow Jackets. PICK: BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY.

Region 15 @ Warren Cousino

5. L’Anse Creuse vs 4. St. Clair

5. L’Anse Creuse/4. St. Clair vs 1. Grosse Pointe North

7. Warren Cousino vs 2. Grosse Pointe University Liggett

6. ROYAL OAK vs 3. Warren DeLaSalle

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This regional is interesting but I think three teams have a shot at winning this regional. I think Grosse Pointe North is a lock to get to the regional final but either Grosse Pointe University Liggett or Warren DeLaSalle will meet them. I like the Norsemen to win this regional. PICK: GROSSE POINTE NORTH.

Region 16 @ Orchard Lake St. Marys

8. Bay City Central vs 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys

5. Bay City Western vs 4. Swartz Creek

7. Lake Fenton vs 2. Flint Powers Catholic

6. AVONDALE vs 3. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: I see a rematch here between Orchard Lake St. Marys and Flint Powers Catholic but this time around I see Flint Powers Catholic pulling off the upset on the red turf. PICK: FLINT POWERS CATHOLIC.

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Tuesday May 15th at 10:00 PM

The Girls Lacrosse tournament starts this week so here is the insight and projections heading into the regionals.

# Pre-Regional

Region 3 @ West Bloomfield

# WEST BLOOMFIELD vs BIRMINGHAM

WEST BLOOMFIELD/BIRMINGHAM vs Utica Ford II

Utica Eisenhower vs Grosse Pointe North

# TROY vs Walled Lake Central

TROY/Walled Lake Central vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY ATHENS vs Grosse Pointe South

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This one is interesting. West Bloomfield is playing well and is on its home field. Birmingham has tradition on its side even though they are very young this season. The winner will likely see either Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe South, Troy Athens, or Troy on the other side. I think this is a wide open regional but it will be a shocker with the Blackhawks advancing. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

Region 2 @ Novi

# Salem vs Canton

Salem/Canton vs Novi

Northville vs Plymouth

# NORTH FARMINGTON-HARRISON vs Ann Arbor Pioneer

NORTH FARMINGTON-HARRISON/Ann Arbor Pioneer vs South Lyon

Ann Arbor Huron vs Brighton

# Ann Arbor Huron/Brighton vs Saline

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This will certainly be one of the toughest regionals in the State. You have Northville, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Novi, Plymouth, Saline and Canton have a shot at winning this regional. The favorite is Ann Arbor Pioneer but Northville is not that far behind. I think this will be an Ann Arbor Pioneer/Saline regional final with the Pioneers moving on. PICK: ANN ARBOR PIONEER.

Region 4 @ Lake Orion

# Huron Valley vs CLARKSTON

Huron Valley/CLARKSTON vs Midland

Holly vs Grand Blanc

# OXFORD vs LAKE ORION

OXFORD/LAKE ORION vs Fenton

Waterford vs Hartland

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting regional at Lake Orion but there is one team that really stands out and that’s the team from Livingston County. I think this will be a Midland vs Hartland final with the Eagles moving on convincingly PICK: HARTLAND.

Region 7 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

# Davison vs ROCHESTER

Davison/ROCHESTER vs Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Cranbrook-Kingswood

# STONEY CREEK vs ADAMS

STONEY CREEK/ADAMS vs Bloomfield Hills Academy of Sacred Heart

# ROYAL OAK vs Warren Regina

ROYAL OAK/Warren Regina vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This will be an interesting regional but its top heavy. Birmingham Marian and Cranbrook-Kingswood are on a collision course to meet in a semifinal matchup. The other side is not the strongest even though I see the host Pontiac Notre Dame Prep coming out of that side and into the regional final. Whomever wins the Birmingham Marian and Cranbrook-Kingswood matchup will win this regional. I think the Cranes move on here. PICK: CRANBROOK-KINGSWOOD.

Region 6 @ Ann Arbor Skyline

# Tecumseh vs Dexter

Tecumseh/Dexter vs Temperance Bedford

Grosse Pointe Woods vs Farmington Hills Mercy

# Ann Arbor Skyline vs Walled Lake Northern

Ann Arbor Skyline/Walled Lake Northern vs Livonia Ladywood

# Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard vs FARMINGTON

Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard/FARMINGTON vs Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting regional with Ann Arbor Skyline, Farmington, and Farmington Hills Mercy having chances to win this regional. I think the Marlins have the easiest path to get to the regional final. Farmington and Ann Arbor Skyline will have to see each other at some point. I think this is Farmington Hills Mercy’s to lose. PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.