Basketball Districts are Out.

Written Thursday June 14th at 10:00 PM
Updated Monday October 8th at 9:40 PM

Hello everybody, the moment is here here is my insight and thoughts about the Basketball districts coming out.

This blog will be updated with the current information.

Here they are.

District 6: Boys/Girls @ Lake Orion

LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

ADAMS

Romeo

Waterford Kettering

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

WILDCARD: Adams, Oxford, Romeo

WHY: This district could be very interesting and competitive when you look at the teams that are in this district. Clarkston will be a much different team than the previous teams that won back to back State Championships in the last two years but the Loyer and Waslik names remain for whomever takes over the basketball program as the Wolves will have a new coach since Dan Fife has retired after 36 years behind the bench as they have named well known assistant Tim Waslik as the team's new head coach. Clarkston will have Flecther Loyer, Keegan and Jaiden Waslik come in to the fold and join the likes of Matt Nicholson, Jake Jenson, Desmond Mills-Bradley, Cole Donchez, Blake Kosin, Garrett Dellinger, among others. Lake Orion will be an interesting team to keep an eye on as coach Jim Manzo has a ton of talent coming back in Nate Talbot, Kyle Loken, Hunter Sites, Jack Cummings, Drew Van Heck, Jake Rydquist, among others. Adams whom should be the favorite in the White has the majority returning from winning the district last season in Ethan Emerzian, Jake Schuler, Jake Emerzian, Carter Farris, Peyton Prieskorn, and Austin Urusay for coach Brad Crighton. The Highlanders welcome in Gunner Walters to the basketball program. Walters is the son of former Detroit Pistons assistant coach Rex Walters and he is very talented. Romeo will be very competitive not only in this district but also in the Macomb Area White division after winning the crown last season. The Bulldogs will be led by Blake McRae, Ryan Heimbuch, Brock Horne, Joe Gamache, Marcus Kreuger, Chris Riley, and Brandon Owens for coach Marv Cushingberry. Oxford will have a ton of talent that will be coming back this season led by Grant Kornberger, Michael Raisch, Tre Townsend, Nolan Hiller, Zach Townsend, D’Wayney Turner, among others for coach Steve Laidlaw. The Wildcats are expected to be a tough competitor in the Blue as well this year. Waterford Kettering will bring an experienced team into this district and will look to be competitive in the tough Lakes Valley Conference as the Captains will be led by Travis Frazier and company for new coach Anthony Phifer whom brings an AAU background in Southfield. This district will be interesting and fun to watch to say the least.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Waterford Kettering

NEXT: Lake Orion

WILDCARD: Clarkston, Oxford, Romeo

WHY: This could be a very competitive district to say the least. Waterford Kettering should be the favorite heading into this district. The Captains have a ton of experience returning in Irene Schoof, Ashley Watson, Clare Broghagn, Izzy Dugal, Biana Kaiser, and Kate Frazier for new coach Corey Hightower. Hightower comes to Waterford Kettering after coaching Boys Basketball for the Flint Jaguars. He also coaches the girls basketball AAU team "The Mystics." The Captains will also be in contention as well for the Lakes Valley Conference crown with Walled Lake Western in that league. Romeo will be in a transition as coach Connie Hernaden has stepped down to be an assistant coach at Rochester College but whomever the new coach is will have some experience back led by Olivia Medaugh, Aubrey Medaugh, Karen Brown, Natalie Nowak, and Rachel Baumann. Oxford will have a ton of experience back for coach Rachel Bryer led by Ashley Hershmann, Lauren Methner, Mackenzie Methner, Hayla Cato, Emma Van Loon, Sarah Terrell, among others. Clarkston has a new coach in John Meyer whom coaches the AAU team "Pr1DE." The Wolves have one returning starter in Taylor Heaten from a team that went to the State Quarterfinals last season but has Lexi Linton, Kaitlyn Kaul, Piper Bosart, Sam Aris, Olivia Toderian, among others in the fold as well. Adams could be a factor as they have some talent back after a 4-16 season last year. The Highlanders have Lauren Petersmark, Amelia Drahnak, Maggie Dogehna, Grace Van Pelt, Nicole Clarehout, Sydney Reed, among others coming back for coach Shay Lewis. Lake Orion is in a very interesting spot, they host the district and could be a serious contender. The Dragons went 4-16 last year but they will have their fourth coach in four seasons but a familiar face in Bob Brydges whom takes over the team and could be a serious factor in the district. Lake Orion should have a boatload of experience back in Paytin Shadaia, Sophie Wyborski, Kylie Anderson, Meghan Marshall, and Kendall Robertson. This will be an interesting district to watch to say the least.

District 7 Boys @ Bloomfield Hills, Girls @ West Bloomfield # Girls

AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

WEST BLOOMFIELD

NORTH FARMINGTON #

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Waterford Mott

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Avondale

WILDCARD: Orchard Lake St. Marys, Waterford Mott

WHY: This district at Bloomfield Hills has a ton of variety heading into the postseason in middle Oakland County. The favorite should be West Bloomfield because of program strength. The Lakers should be hungry after getting to the Final Four two years ago but was upset by the Blackhawks at home in the pre-district last season. West Bloomfield is loaded with talent as they were last season. They will be led by Tre Mosley, Shameer Matthews, Donovan Moore, Donovan Edwards, among others for coach Jeremy Dehna. Avondale will be senior heavy this season for coach Tim Morton and will look to contend not only in this district but also in the White as well. The Yellow Jackets are led by Ezekiel Ringstaff, Derrick Hinton, and Kobe Anthony. Bloomfield Hills will have a young team that will be led by Mason Canfield, Colin Hecker, Alec Ward, and Alex Higley for coach Phil Kurajian. Waterford Mott whom should be talented as well will have Keimonnie Fields back for coach Dave McGlown but concerns in the interior looms for them as well. The Corsairs could be in the discussion for a Lakes Valley Crown again this season. Orchard Lake St. Marys will have some talent back led by Lorne Bowman, Peter Nwoke, and Kareem Rozier for coach Todd Covert but they have some questions in the interior. This district could be interesting as mentioned, it’s anyone’s ball game whom wins this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills

NEXT: West Bloomfield

WILDCARD: North Farmington,Waterford Mott

WHY: This could be an interesting district to keep an eye on heading into March. Bloomfield Hills should be the favorite heading into this district at West Bloomfield because of whom they have back and if they are clicking especially from three point range then look out. The Blackhawks will be led by Jordan Banks, Grace Getz, Angelina Savaya, and Maryiam Hashim for coach Jeff Rubin. North Farmington is in an interesting spot as they will be a different team this season. Coach Jeff Simpson will have a team that won't feature a dominant post presence as in years past but the Raiders still have some very talented guards in Molly Simpson and Maya Kelly whom will have to do more for North Farmington to make some noise. Avondale has Keori Lee, Olivia Russell, Meleisha Rodriguez, Brila Benion, and Reigan Lawerence leading the Yellow Jackets for new coach Bob Lees whom comes from Troy coaching in the Boys Basketball ranks under legendary coach Gary Fralick. West Bloomfield could be a factor in this district because of home court and experience. The Lakers have everyone back for coach Bert Mosley led by Destiny Monroe, Mya Bobo, and crew. Waterford Mott will be very young once again but have added size to their core group. The Corsairs will be led by Morgan Fuerest, and Makayla Procter for coach Michelle Sklar. I see this district painted in purple and black or in brown and yellow.

District 18 Boys/Girls @ Novi # Boys

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON #

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Stevenson

Novi

Northville

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Novi Detroit Catholic Central

NEXT: Farmington

WILDCARD: Livonia Stevenson, North Farmington, Northville

WHY: This district has plenty of storylines. Brandon Sinawi whom took Novi to the Final Four last season was named the new Varsity Basketball coach at Novi Detroit Catholic Central. His new team has a ton of talent coming back. There is a likelihood that Sinawi he could see his former team in the district at his former gym. The Shamrocks are the early favorite because of Sinawi and the talent they have back led by Brenden Downs, Davis Lukomski, Austin Braun, and Justin Rikat. Farmington will be interesting to keep an eye on as coach Terrance Porter has Jared Atkins and Terrick Humes coming back for a team that won a district title last season. The Falcons added Detroit East English Village Prep transfer Tariq Shepperd to a team that could make some noise. Northville was senior heavy last season will have a ton of juniors coming back to fill the void. The Mustangs will be led by Zach Shoemaker, Ryan Pumper, and Steven Morrisey for coach Todd Sandler. Livonia Stevenson returns a ton of talent from a team that won 17 games last season for coach Kareem Smart led by Devin Dunn. Novi will be a team to watch in this district led by Giovanni Miles for new coach Chris Housey. North Farmington is always well coached under Todd Negoshian. The Raiders return a boatload of talent that is led by Justice Sallaam, Yusuf Jihad, Eddie Lenton (transferred from Harrison,) and Jamal Hayes. It’s anyone’s ball game whom can win this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

WILDCARD: Northville

WHY: Farmington Hills Mercy should be the favorite heading into this district because of whom coach Gary Morris has coming back. The Marlins have five sophomores that were very productive last season led by Julia Bishop and Ellie Tisko. Farmington Hills Mercy expects to be in the Catholic League championship hunt this season and could make a long playoff run if they get by this district. Northville whom won a district crown last season could be a darkhorse candidate to keep an eye on with Elle Duckworth back for coach Todd Gudith. Novi will be rebuilding a bit after losing a ton of players to graduation but the Wildcats will have Anna Biberstein coming back for coach Bill Kelp and home court. Livonia Stevenson whom is one of the favorites in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association could be the team that could give Farmington Hills Mercy the most trouble because the Spartans have a boatload of talent returning for coach Jen Knoch. Farmington is very young but they will be competitive led by Iasia Rimpson, Cecelia Norris, and Hailey Walker for coach Laura Guzman. This district will be interesting but this one looks like this is the Marlins to lose.

District 28 Boys @ Groves, Girls @ Birmingham Marian

BERKLEY

GROVES

SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK

Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Brother Rice

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Brother Rice

NEXT: Groves

WILDCARD: Berkley, Royal Oak

WHY: This district is interesting because this is a basically new district and a couple of teams have new coaches. Birmingham Brother Rice has the majority of their team returning after a disappointing loss to Troy in the district semifinals last season. The Warriors have a new coach in Ricky Palmer whom is well known around the basketball world. Palmer was an assistant on Kirk Keener’s staff at Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Warriors are big and relentless led by Jon Brantley and incoming Rochester Adams transfer Zach Maynard. Groves whom is the district host named Benny White the team's new head coach after Mark West left to be an assistant coach at Detroit Henry Ford Community College. The Falcons are very athletic and talented led by Daniel Lee, Grant Gilbert, and Rogers Motley. Seaholm is an interesting team to keep an eye on because of whom they lost last season. The Maples will have a blend of young and experience for coach Mike DeGeeter but they have some questions on several occasions. Royal Oak should be better this season for coach Aaron Smith and is a darkhorse candidate not only in the district but in the Blue as well. The Ravens will be led by Jonvan Martin, Joe Binkowski, and Toby Adensyna. Berkley is in an interesting spot as they are trying to rebound from a second half collapse to which they finished 1-11 after a 9-0 start last season. What helps the Bears and coach Joe Sermo is that they have experience led by Christian Talley and company. This district is Birmingham Brother Rice's to lose but the Falcons could give them a fight.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Royal Oak

WILDCARD: Groves

WHY: This district could be a two team race like it was last season. Birmingham Marian whom is one of the Catholic League championship favorites but is also the favorite to win this district because of home court and Olivia Moore. Also they are well coached by Mary Ciercerone. Royal Oak whom is one of the favorites in the Red should be the main challenger to the Mustangs reign as champions. The Ravens return Samantha Potter and Jessica Adams for coach Brian Sopota among others. Groves is the wildcard even though they are different this season because they lost a ton to graduation last year but the Falcons still have Ellie Ruprich and Emily Felix returning for coach Jessica Wiesler and her team. Seaholm will have a ton of experience back and will be one of the favorites for the Blue crown this season for interim coach Chris Manchester after former coach January Hlaski became an assistant principal for the school. Berkley will be very competitive in the Blue and a change in scenery should help after being in a district that was in the Detroit area for years but the thing that worries me about them is their non conference schedule, I don't think it is tough enough for them to get better. The Bears have Olivia DiCarlo and Savannah Casida for coach Kirk Carolan. This district will either be painted in black or in blue and yellow.

District 25 Boys/Girls @ Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Redford Union

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

NEXT: Oak Park

WILDCARD: Detroit Renaissance 

WHY: This district will feature plenty of firepower. The early favorite has to be Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit because of three guys that are expected to make some noise in Daniel Friday, J.T Moran, Southfield Christian transfer Caleb Hunter, and especially Jalen Thomas. The Cubs are the favorite in the Catholic League and the favorite heading into this district as well. Thomas transferred back from Nevada to play for coach Pat Donnelly last season. He was a difference maker especially in the postseason and will look to have an encore year this season. Detroit Renaissance has a lot of talent coming back for them led by Kylin Grant, and Chandler Turner. The Phoenix were caught off guard with the sudden departure of coach Vito Jordan. The school has named John White as the team's new coach. White comes from Detroit Old Redford and was an assistant at Southfield Christian for a while. Jordan had filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in Detroit against the school's new principal Verynda Stroughter and the Detroit Public Schools Community district but was denied an opportunity to coach the team. Detroit Renaissance's top player Carlington McCaskill has transferred out to Ohio. Oak Park is in an interesting spot with what has went on with the Phoenix situation. The Knights have the talent to not only win this district but also the Red as well. Oak Park has Maliq Carr, Dovante Edwards, among others coming back for coach Bobby Thompson. Southfield Arts and Tech is in an interesting spot as they have a ton of talent coming back led by Terrell Humes and Cameron McEvans for new coach Darryle Buchanan. Detroit Mumford whom is young led by Alan Gee and Detroit Old Redford transfer Jamar Jenkins could make some noise. Redford Union could be in line for short district run even though they will be led by Nathaniel Brown. Three teams have a great shot at winning this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Southfield Arts and Tech

WILDCARD: Detroit Mumford

WHY: This will be a competitive district that could surprise people in Detroit. I went back and fourth thinking whom should be the favorite in this district. Detroit Renaissance should the favorite in this district because they have nearly everyone back. The Phoenix are loaded again and posed to make the next step with it’s young team (led by Kailee Davis, MiKyah Finley, Nika Dorsey, and Shannon Wheeler) not only in this district but in the Detroit Public School League as well for coach Kiwan Ward. Detroit Mumford is making the jump up from Class B (Division Two) after winning their first Detroit Public School league title since 1978 and getting to the regional last season. The Mustangs will be led by Adoreya Williams and Shanea Dinwiddle for coach Kareem Hogan. Southfield Arts and Tech under coach Michelle Marshall whom should be the favorite in the Red features the three best players in this district in Alexis Johnson, Keonia Willis, and Cheyenne McEvans. These three players also has a ton of playoff experience which will help the Warriors going forward. They did add an incoming transfer whom is committed to Toledo in Soleil Barnes. Barnes was an honorable mention for Nordonia, Ohio last season. Oak Park has some experience back led by Kyla Wilson but questions in the interior and depth concern me for coach Deidra Hines team. Redford Union really doesn't stand much of a chance especially with the teams they are dealing with. This district looks to be a Phoenix/Warriors final but Detroit Mumford is lurking.

District 29 Boys/Girls @ Utica

STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER

TROY

Utica Eisenhower

Utica

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Stoney Creek

WILDCARD: Utica Eisenhower

WHY: This district could be wide open, there is really no clear favorite heading to the small gym of Utica. Stoney Creek has some questions heading into this season for coach Steve Norgrove. The big question for the Cougars is can they score??? Stoney Creek lost a ton of talent to graduation in Nate Davis and Mike Melgarni but they have two solid guards in Griffin Beears, Alex Reiter, and Trevor Smith coming back which should help the Cougars but the interior will be a question mark even though they have Pat Galy to fill the void there. Rochester has the same questions as Stoney Creek when it comes to scoring. The Falcons lost two very good players whom graduated last season in Hunter Schlatter and LaMarko Gulledge whom both averaged 20 points a game. The Falcons will feature Corey Gulledge, Cameron Caggins, and Drake Reid for coach Vance Kirkwood's team. Troy will be very young this season but they are always well coached and will have Brody Parker back for coach Gary Fralick. Utica will have a senior heavy team for coach David Hinkle led by Nik Gjonaj. Utica Eisenhower whom struggled in the Macomb Area Red division last season had a young nucleus but they did upset of Rochester last season in the district semifinals which should aid them heading into this season. The Eagles have a lot of talent coming back led by Anthony Cukaj along with Lorenzo Dilisio, Steve Selmani, Nik Gjonaj, Massimo D'aristotle, and JaiJavante Reed for coach Dave Schwesinger. I see three maybe four teams that have great shots at winning this district on the small gym of Utica.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

WILDCARD: Troy

WHY: When I look at this district, I wonder if this could be the revenge tour for “Team Finebaum?” The favorite should be Stoney Creek and when healthy coach Kellen James’s team could be as dangerous as anyone. The Cougars will have Emily Ekhout, Meghan Solek, Lily DiPani, Maria St. Louis, Devin Vowels, among others. Utica Eisenhower will be very young for coach Mike Satawa but Lauren DeBeau returns which should provide them veteran leadership. Utica comes back into this district after one year in a different district could make things interesting. Not to mention that the district is on their small home court for coach Tom McDonald and they have Cayley Ebeling and Mone Knowles returning as well for the Chieftains. Troy is a darkhorse candidate as the Colts return a boatload of talent for coach Simon Bato in Athena Sampson, Emily Olson, Nisha Bhargava, Riya Chakravity, Delaney Witz, Jessica Chen, and Elena Rinke. Rochester will have it's third coach in three seasons as Jeff Haney returns to the head coaching position taking over for Al Poynter. The Falcons will look to get its glory back will have Tori Hawkins, Sam Thessian, Payton Johnson, Maddie Perkins, and Alyssa Miller. This district with the magic of Paul Finebaum’s eye could see it paint in navy blue and gold this season.

District 30 Boys @ Utica Ford, Girls @ Troy Athens

TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Chippewa Valley

WILDCARD: Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights Stevenson

WHY: This district could be competitive despite a ton of differences heading into this district. Utica Ford has nowhere to go but up after going 0-20 last season. Sterling Heights could have a say in this district. The Stallions went 9-12 last season but they have plenty of experience coming back for new coach Mike Griffin in Joseph Davis, Trennel Payne (honorable mention all Macomb County, Tyler Shaba (all defense Macomb County), Andrew Dalal, Ben Jarnot, among others but they will have a new coach this season as Ryan Kay has stepped down from coaching the team. Chippewa Valley returns Tommy Schuster, among others for coach Kevin Voss. Sterling Heights Stevenson returns a ton of talent for coach Mark LaCombe from a team that struggled last year. Troy Athens will be very young this season for coach Dave Scott as they will rely on Alex Sidorowicz, Andrei Tipuria, Josh Seifert, Ethan Labay, and Dylan Mantos but the Red Hawks have a strong Junior Varsity team coming up which should help them in the future and beyond. I think Troy Athens, Chippewa Valley, Sterling Heights, and Sterling Heights Stevenson have great shots to win this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Chippewa Valley

WILDCARD: Utica Ford

WHY: The favorite in this district has to be Troy Athens because of home court and experience. The Red Hawks have a ton of talent coming back for coach Stacie Klumpp in Isabelle Crumm, Grace Bright, and Abby Bright. Chippewa Valley has a ton of talent coming back led by Abby Wochaski for coach Jackie Maurer. The Big Reds could not only challenge Troy Athens in the district but they can also contend for the Macomb Area Conference White crown this season. Utica Ford whom had an unusual 4-16 season last year under coach Matt Joseph should be better this year led by Olivia Kubik. Sterling Heights have some talent coming back but they will have a new coach as Dan Kreps stepped down from coaching the team. Sterling Heights Stevenson was a 500 team last season but they could be mentioned this year. This district should be interesting to watch with the Red Hawks right now the early favorite but Chippewa Valley isn't that far behind.

District 61 Boys TBA, Girls @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep # Boys

HARRISON #

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Clawson

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Pontiac

WILDCARD: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

WHY: This is an interesting district to keep an eye on heading into March. The favorite in this district should be Birmingham Detroit Country Day with whom coach Mike Bray has coming back and the talent the program possesses. The Yellow Jackets will be led by Mac Manciel, Demetriess Champion, and Julian Roper. The trio will help a lot this season for the Yellow Jackets. Pontiac whom not only is a contender in the Blue but could possibly be Birmingham Detroit Country Day's top challenger in this district. The Phoenix have a ton of talent returning for coach Josh Schroeder, led by D'Quarion Cole, Daveaun Cole, Keyshawn Shelmonson-Bay, Kenyatta Green, William Avarex, Devonta Glenn, Ernesto Simpson, and Dominique Stovall. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood whom won 21 games last season could be a darkhorse candidate for coach Shane Finney along with being the favorite in the Catholic League. The Cranes have Alex Finney, Clark Doman, Terrell Williams, Jordan Benson, Kobi Russell, Jack Fairman, Jake Bousmara, and Jake Gorwicz all returning. Clawson has a ton of talent returning for new coach Alan Walker. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has some experience coming back as well this season. Harrison in it’s final season as a school should have some talent back for coach Jareel Hogan. The Hawks depth will be a concern heading into the season. Birmingham Detroit Country Day should be the favorite in this district because of the experience but Pontiac and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood will give the favorites the most trouble in this district.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Clawson

WILDCARD: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

WHY: This district could get ugly at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep as the defending State Champs in this district. The favorite has to be coach Frank Orlando’s team at Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets have Jasmine Powell and Maddie Novak returning for them and could be in line for a three peat. St. Catherine Sienna Academy returns a boatload of talent despite only winning ten games last season. Pontiac whom won five games last season has improved recently for coach Christopher Wright. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep despite not having a coach will have Sarah Stuart, Justiana Gaynor, and Mary Bonema coming back. If there is one team I feel for it’s Clawson. The Trojans can’t seem to catch a break but they are here in this district. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood won’t compete in this district. Until anyone upsets Birmingham Detroit Country Day this is the Yellow Jackets district to lose.

District 58: Boys @ Warren Lincoln, Girls TBA

FERNDALE

HAZEL PARK

Center Line

Madison Heights Lamphere

Warren Lincoln

Ferndale University

Boys Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Warren Lincoln

WILDCARD: Center Line

WHY: This is an interesting district that might not be as strong as people think. The favorite has to be Ferndale with what they have coming back for first year coach Juan Rickman. The Eagles have Brian Polozo, Keelan Lucas, and Teonah McKeithen all returning from a team that wasn't consistent as times under then coach Tom Staten and could very well be a serious contender in the Blue as well. Rickman also brought in several transfers from Detroit East English Village Prep in Jayshawn Moore, Collin Gholson, Simon Wheeler, and DeAnthony Hamilton. They played considerable minutes last season for Detroit East English Village Prep. The question for them will be eligibility and if they are eligible or not for the season. Hazel Park is rebuilding under new coach Stefan Wilson but moving down from Division One to Division Two makes things interesting for the Vikings as they will be in their final season in the OAA. Warren Lincoln appears to be the top challenger to Ferndale in this district because of the experience they have coming back. The Abes won 15 games last season for coach Jeff McGavin, including a few games were they scored over 80 points. They will have home court heading into the district as well. Center Line is coming off a disappointing 4-18 season will be very young next season led by Jashaun Houston (scored 30 points in a district final last season), DeShawn Walton, and Nick Hastings for new and former Clawson and Bloomfield Hills coach Dwayne Graves. Coach Josh Thelen will have his hands full at Madison Heights Lamphere after the Rams won two games last season. Ferndale University will also have some struggles as well this season. I can see this being an Eagles/Abes district final with Ferndale moving on.

Girls Basketball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Madison Heights Lamphere

NEXT: Center Line

WILDCARD: Warren Lincoln, Ferndale

WHY: This district should be very competitive and wide open. There is a ton of different styles that are in this Oakland County-Macomb County district. Madison Heights Lamphere should be the early favorite by the slimmest of margins in this tough district. The Rams whom won 11 games last season are experienced enough that they could win this district and Birmingham Detroit Country Day is in a different district which helps their cause. Center Line could be a possible sleeper because of whom they have coming back even though they went 7-13 last season. The Panthers return a key amount of talent for coach Laura Miskelly in Camryn Gibbs, Emma Hastings, Janae Smith, and Brittney Barnett. Hazel Park will be very young for coach Chad Ossman after losing a ton of talent from last season. The Vikings come down from Division One to Division Two and will be in their final season in the OAA before departing for the Macomb Area Conference next season. Ferndale could surprise some folks under coach Christina Nagle as they have three girls in Jaliyah Love, Kenshia Williams, and Kyra Newman coming back. Ferndale University will have a very tough time in this district. This district as mentioned is wide open.

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