Basketball Districts Midway Point.

Written Sunday January 20th at 11:00 PM

We are at the halfway point of the season for both boys and girls basketball. Here are my insights and thoughts heading into the Basketball Districts which will be played in late February and early March.

These aren’t my official predictions but it gives an idea where everyone is at and whom to look at heading toward districts.

Boys

District 5 at Lake Orion

OXFORD vs. Romeo

ADAMS vs. CLARKSTON

OXFORD/Romeo vs. Waterford Kettering

ADAMS/CLARKSTON vs. LAKE ORION

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Adams

WILDCARD: Lake Orion

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Oxford

INSIGHT: Heading into the mid-season, nothing has really changed when you look at the teams. Oxford is leading the Blue and is unbeaten. The Wildcats are deep as they are led by Trey Townsend and Michael Rasich. Adams who is leading the White has won 10 straight since starting 0-2 has Gunner Walters and Ethan Emerzian. Clarkston who leads the Red has also won 10 straight since starting 0-2 has a boatload of young talent led by Fletcher Loyer, Keegan Waslik, and Matt Nicholson. Lake Orion has struggled recently but home court is always important. The Dragons have the talent to win this district led by Nate Talbot, Drew Van Heck, Isiah Harris, Kyle Loken, Jake Rydquist, Shayne Barkley, and Jack Cummings. Romeo has struggled this season in the tough Macomb Area White with the likes of Grosse Pointe North and New Haven but they will be a tough out led by Blake McRae, Ryan Heimbuch, and Brock Horne. Waterford Kettering right now looks to be the weakest team in this district but they have Drew Gerwails and Travis Frasier. This will be a tough district for sure to come out of.

District 7 at Bloomfield Hills

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. AVONDALE

Orchard Lake St. Marys vs. Waterford Mott

WEST BLOOMFIELD/AVONDALE vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Orchard Lake St. Marys

WILDCARD: Waterford Mott

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: West Bloomfield

INSIGHT: Heading into the midseason, there are a few surprised and a few head scratchers right now. West Bloomfield has Donovan Moore, Robert Johnson, and Chase Glover-Rogers. The Lakers have played a tough schedule and the injury to Moore has not helped their cause. Bloomfield Hills has been an inconsistent team picking up big wins over West Bloomfield and North Farmington but bad losses to Rochester and Novi feature Collin Hecker, Mason Canfield, and Alec Ward. Avondale has been my biggest disappointment thus far but the postseason can change things and they have very talented guards in Kobe Anthony, Derrick Hinton, and Zeke Ringstaff. Orchard Lake St. Marys has had a good season thus far has some loaded talent as well led by Kareem Rosier, Lorne Bowman, and Peter Nwoke. Waterford Mott is an athletic team that is making noise in the Lakes Valley Conference led by Kamariell Manley, Azion Price, Damarion Bonds, Trayale Soloman, and Kemonnie Fields. The Corsairs will be a team to watch come playoff time. This will be an interesting district that is for sure.

District 18 at Novi

FARMINGTON vs. Novi

NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON/Novi vs. Detroit Catholic Central

NORTH FARMINGTON/Livonia Stevenson vs. Northville

FAVORITE: Novi Detroit Catholic Central

NEXT: North Farmington

WILDCARD: Northville

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Northville

INSIGHT: This will be an interesting district over at Novi. North Farmington has had a rebirth a little bit this season with their record midway through the season. The Raiders are a junior heavy team that features Yusif Jihad, Justice Sallam, and Eddie Linton. Farmington who has been up and down lately when it comes to consistency when on has the best three guards in this district led by Tariq Humes, Tariq Sheppard, and Jared Atkins. The interior is a question for the Falcons. Livonia Stevenson has a ton of experience back but have been around 500 recently. Novi has Giovanni Miles back and has been at 500 midway through. Novi Detroit Catholic Central has had a strong start to the season and has played a tough schedule. Northville is off to a really good start led by a ton of experience led by Zach Shoemaker, Steven Morrisey, and Ryan Pumper. This district will be an interesting one to watch as mentioned.

District 28 at Groves

GROVES vs. Birmingham Brother Rice

BERKLEY vs. ROYAL OAK

GROVES/Brother Rice vs. SEAHOLM

FAVORITE: Groves

NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice

WILDCARD: Royal Oak

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Groves/Birmingham Brother Rice winner.

INSIGHT: This district is not as strong as I first thought when I saw it at the midway point. There are some teams here that are really struggling. Seaholm is very young and it’s showing with their record thus far even though they do have wins over Berkley and Rochester but a bad loss to Harrison. Berkley whom is around 500 has a nice blend of youth and experience as well but they do have a bad loss to Seaholm on their record. Royal Oak has been a disappointment to me thus far, thought they would make some noise but they have not despite having Jonvan Martin, Toby Adensyna, and Joe Binkowski. Groves has had a strong start to the season and has a ton of close games. The Falcons are led by Rogers Motley, Daniel Lee, and Grant Gilbert. Birmingham Brother Rice has played a tough schedule in the Catholic League and their record has showed it. The Warriors are led by Jon Brantley and Zach Maynard. The way I see this district right now, this is a two team district.

District 25 at Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK vs. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Redford Union

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit/OAK PARK vs. Detroit Renaissance

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/Redford Union vs. Detroit Mumford

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

NEXT: Detroit Mumford

WILDCARD: Oak Park

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Southfield Arts and Tech

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district at the midway point of the season with where each of these teams are at thus far. Oak Park has had an inconsistent season despite having a ton of talent led by Fred Garland, Jaylen Mines, Maliq Carr, and Dovonate Edwards. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down but they are talented led by Cameron McEvans and Terrell Humes. Detroit Renaissance has had a strong season this far despite having Chandler Turner and Kylin Grant despite all the turmoil that has surrounded them in the offseason. Detroit Mumford has had a 500 season thus far. Redford Union has had a good season thus far led by Nathanial Brown. Detroit University Detroit Jesuit has had injuries but when healthy they could be the best team in the State of Michigan led by Jalen Thomas along with Caleb Hunter, Daniel Friday, and J.T. Morgan. This will be an interesting district that will be for sure.

District 29 at Utica

Utica Eisenhower vs. ROCHESTER

Utica vs. STONEY CREEK

Utica Eisenhower/ROCHESTER vs. TROY

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Troy

WILDCARD: Stoney Creek

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Stoney Creek

INSIGHT: This looks to be a pick-em district midway into the season with how these teams are playing. Stoney Creek has been around 500 despite playing better lately led by the likes of Griffin Beears, Pat Ghaly, Trevor Smith, and Alex Reiter. Troy has been in the same boat as Stoney Creek battling around 500 and has a talented backcourt of Brody Parker and Clay Sebestian. Rochester has had a tough season but they could spoil someone’s dreams led by Corey Gulledge, Ryan Noble, Drake Reid, and Cameron Caggins. Utica Eisenhower who is having a better season is loaded with talent led by Anthony Cukaj, Lorenzo Dilusio, Steve Selmani, Massimo D;Aristolle, and JaiJavante Reid. Utica has had a tough season thus far but they do have homecourt which should help them out. Like I said earier in June and it still holds true, I see four teams having a shot at winning this district.

District 30 at Utica Ford

TROY ATHENS vs. Chippewa Valley

Utica Ford vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson

TROY ATHENS/Chippewa Valley vs. Sterling Heights

FAVORITE: Sterling Heights Stevenson

NEXT: Troy Athens

WILDCARD: Chippewa Valley

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Sterling Heights Stevenson

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district when you look at the record of these teams thus far. Troy Athens has not had the greatest of seasons but they do have a lot of young talent heading into this district. Chippewa Valley has been around 500 looking to figure things out led by Tommy Schuster, whom led their football team to a Division One State title. Sterling Heights Stevenson has had a great start with a ton of experience back. Sterling Heights has had a rough start thus far but anything is possible with them. Utica Ford has had a tough season thus far as well. Right now until things change, I don’t see anyone getting pass the Titans.

District 61 at Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Clawson vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

PONTIAC vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Clawson/ Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

PONTIAC/Notre Dame Prep vs. HARRISON

FAVORITE: Pontiac

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

WILDCARD: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Pontiac

INSIGHT: This could be an interesting district with four teams having winning records. Pontiac is off to a fantastic start thus far and they are senior heavy. Harrison has been around 500 in their final season as a school. Birmingham Detroit Country Day has home court but hasn’t had the strongest of seasons thus far despite having Julian Roper. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood has had a great start thus far in the Catholic League and they have a boatload of talent back. Clawson has struggled thus far. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has been around 500 thus far but have played a tough schedule. I see three teams having a shot at winning this district.

District 60 at Warren Lincoln

FERNDALE vs. Madison Heights Lamphere

HAZEL PARK vs. Ferndale University

FERNDALE/Madison Heights Lamphere vs. Center Line

HAZEL PARK/Ferndale University vs. Warren Lincoln

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Warren Lincoln

WILDCARD: Madison Heights Lamphere

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Warren Lincoln

INSIGHT: This is not as strong of a district as people think when looking at it. Ferndale has had a strong season thus far led by Teonah McKeithen, Keelan Lucas, Brian Polozo but only two of the five transfers are currently playing right now. Hazel Park has not had a good season in its final year in the OAA. Warren Lincoln whom won 15 games last season is off to a good start thus far and has home court in the district. Ferndale University has had a tough season thus far. Center Line has struggled thus far. Lamphere is struggling as well. This is a two team district with both teams meeting in the district finals.

Girls

District 5 at Lake Orion

Waterford Kettering vs. OXFORD

LAKE ORION vs. Romeo

Waterford Kettering/OXFORD vs. CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION/Romeo vs. ADAMS

FAVORITE: Waterford Kettering

NEXT: Romeo

WILDCARD: Clarkston

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Adams

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district when you look at it. Oxford is having a good season and they have experience led by Ashley Hershmann, Hayla Cato, Sarah Terryll, and Mackenzie Methner. Clarkston had a tough start to the season but is playing better. The Wolves are led by Taylor Heaten and has gotten big contributions from Lexi Linton, Kaitlyn Kaul, Olivia Toderian, and Piper Bosart. Adams is loaded with young talent and is having a better season. The Highlanders have Maddie Dogehna, Lauren Petersmark, Amelia Drahnak, and Nicole Clarehout, and Sydney Reed. Lake Orion whom is the host has been on the upward swing lately and they feature some talent in Paytin Shadaia, Sophie Wyborski, Kylie Anderson, Katie Janoss, Grace Berger, and Melissa Normand. Waterford Kettering has not had the best of seasons thus far but they have a ton of talent back led by Ashley Watson, Clare Braghahn, Markayla Holland, Bianca Kaiser, Kate Frazier, Izzy Dugal, and Irene Schoff. Romeo has had a good start thus far in the Macomb Area Conference White. The Bulldogs are led by Olivia Medaugh and Aubrey Medaugh. This should be an interesting district to keep an eye on as we go later in the season.

District 7 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD/AVONDALE vs. Waterford Mott

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills

WILDCARD: Waterford Mott

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Bloomfield Hills

INSIGHT: This is a mostly OAA district with one Lakes Valley Conference team. West Bloomfield has is having a strong year thus far leading the White and gaining momentum. The Lakers are led by Mya Bobo, Jada Grady, Logan Lewis, Mikayla Duncan, Lola Chambers, and Ikia Elam. Avondale has had a strong start especially in the White. The Yellow Jackets are loaded led by Keori Lee, Olivia Russell, Reigan Lawrence, Brila Benion, and Meisha Rodriguez. North Farmington has had a disappointing start even though they have Molly Simpson and Mya Kelly. It hasn’t been an easy road for the Raiders. Bloomfield Hills when hot is very good to go along with playing in the Red. The Blackhawks are led by Maryiam Hashim, Grace Getz, Angelina Savaya, and Jordan Banks. Waterford Mott is a physical team and also a very good team led by Abby Unleger, Kelly Willy, and Aleea Austin. This district will be interesting to see what happens at West Bloomfield later in the year.

District 18 at Novi

Northville vs. Livonia Stevenson

Novi vs. FARMINGTON

Northville/Livonia Stevenson vs. Farmington Hills Mercy

FAVORITE: Northville

NEXT: Farmington Hills Mercy

WILDCARD: Farmington

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Farmington

INSIGHT: This could be an interesting district when you look at the teams here thus far. Farmington has had a tough season thus far even though they have Iasia Rimpson, Cecila Norris, and Hailey Walker. Livonia Stevenson has been around 500 which has been disappointing with a ton of experience back. Northville has a ton of experience back and is off to a strong start thus far. Novi has struggled thus far. Farmington Hills Mercy is off to a strong start led by Ellie Tisko and Julia Bishop and a young but talented core along with playing in the always tough Catholic League. This will be a very competitive district that is for sure.

District 28 at Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs. GROVES

BERKLEY vs. Birmingham Marian

GROVES/SEAHOLM vs. ROYAL OAK

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Royal Oak

WILDCARD: Berkley

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Royal Oak

INSIGHT: We could be on a collision course between Royal Oak and Birmingham Marian in this district. Royal Oak is undefeated and features Samantha Potter, Jessica Adams, and gotten some guard play from Nila Conley. Groves has really struggled in the Red but has Ellie Ruprich and Emily Felix. Seaholm has struggled with consistency. Berkley has a ton of experience led by Savannah Casida, Olivia DiCarlo along with 10 seniors but their non conference schedule has not been that impressive even though they have a winning record. Birmingham Marian is improved then they were last season and is currently unbeaten. The Mustangs are led by Olivia Moore and the emergence of Shannon Kennedy, Megan Kraus, Sophia Mancini, Sarah Sylvester, and Lauren Licari. This district has Royal Oak vs Birmingham Marian all over it.

District 25 at Detroit Mumford

Detroit Mumford vs. Redford Union

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford/Redford Union vs. OAK PARK

FAVORITE: Southfield Arts and Tech

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

WILDCARD: Detroit Mumford

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Detroit Mumford

INSIGHT: This is a loaded district right now when looking at the teams in this district. Southfield Arts and Tech is loaded led by Cheyenne McEvans, Alexis Johnson, Soldeil Barnes, Keonia Willis, and Jasmine Worthy. Oak Park has had a tough season and is the weakest team in this district. Detroit Renaissance is also loaded with young talent and is having a great year thus far led by Kailee Davis, Shannon Wheeler, MiKyah Finley, and Nika Dorsey. Detroit Mumford is having a great season thus far as well led by Adoreya Williams and Shanea Dinwiddle and home court as well. Redford Union is also having a good year thus far as well. All these teams have at least eight wins thus far. This will be a fun district.

District 29 at Utica

STONEY CREEK vs. Utica

TROY vs. Utica Eisenhower

STONEY CREEK/Utica vs. ROCHESTER

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Stoney Creek

WILDCARD: Troy

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Stoney Creek

INSIGHT: This is an interesting district when you look at the teams. Stoney Creek is a team of mystery thus far led by Lily DiPani, Emily Eckhout, and Meghan Solek. The Cougars beat Waterford Kettering, Adams, and Troy but had a bad loss to Bloomfield Hills. Troy has had a bounce back thus far led by freshman Kendal Zeiter along with the experience of Emily Olson, Athena Sampson, Nishya Bhargava, and Riya Chakravity. Rochester has had a bounce back in the Blue but they have not fared well outside of the league even though they have Tori Hawkins among others back. Utica Eisenhower is gaining confidence which included a win at Macomb Dakota and features Lauren DeBeau. Utica has not had a strong season but they can turn it around and they have homecourt. This will be an interesting district that is for sure.

District 30 at Troy Athens

Chippewa Valley vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson

TROY ATHENS vs. Utica Ford

Chippewa Valley/Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. Sterling Heights

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Utica Ford

WILDCARD: Chippewa Valley

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Chippewa Valley

INSIGHT: This is not a strong district but it could be an interesting one when looking at the teams. Troy Athens has struggled a little bit but might be the favorite in this district, they host and they have three players in Izzy Crum, Grace Bright, and Abby Bright back. Sterling Heights is winless thus far. Chippewa Valley has struggled thus far even though they have Abby Wochalski back. Sterling Heights Stevenson has been around 500. Utica Ford has been around 500 and has arguably the best player in this district led by Olivia Kubik. This will be an interesting district to keep an eye on.

District 61 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs. Clawson

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep/Clawson vs. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

Detroit Country Day/Pontiac vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Wixom St Catherine Sienna Academy

WILDCARD: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

INSIGHT: This will be an interesting district but the favorite has to be Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Pontiac has been around 500 thus far and the road could get tougher for them. Birmingham Detroit Country Day has not had the strongest of seasons thus far but they have a ton of talent led by Jasmine Powell and Maddie Novak. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy has a ton of experience back which has got them back on track. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep hasn’t had the strongest of seasons thus far but they have home court and two solid players back in Sarah Stuart and Mary Bonema. Clawson has been around 500 thus far. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood is off to a strong start with playing in the Catholic League. I think this will be a competitive district but end of the day no one is beating the Yellow Jackets.

District 60 at Hazel Park

Warren Lincoln vs. Ferndale University

HAZEL PARK vs. Center Line

Warren Lincoln/Ferndale University vs. FERNDALE

HAZEL PARK/Center Line vs. Lamphere

FAVORITE: Center Line

NEXT: Warren Lincoln

WILDCARD: Madison Heights Lamphere

TEAM THAT GOT THE BEST DRAW: Warren Lincoln

INSIGHT: This will be an interesting district. Ferndale has been around 500 but they have talent back led by Kenshia Williams, Jayiah Love, and Kyra Newman. Hazel Park has had a long season but they have two bigs that could make some noise in their final season in the OAA. Center Line is off to a solid start thus far and has a lot of experience back. Madison Heights Lamphere has been around 500 despite having an experienced team. Ferndale University has been struggling thus far. Warren Lincoln is off to a good start thus far. I think three teams have a shot to win this district.