Girls Basketball District Preview.

Written Friday March 1st at 11:10 AM

Hello to all and a happy March which means March Madness. Anyway here is my insight and storylines heading into the Girls Basketball districts which starts on Monday. Also hear the podcast on OAA Now next week previewing the Girls Basketball districts.

District 6 at Lake Orion

OXFORD vs. Waterford Kettering

LAKE ORION vs. Romeo

OXFORD/Waterford Kettering vs. CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION/Romeo vs. ADAMS

FAVORITE: Waterford Kettering

NEXT: Romeo

DARKHORSE: Clarkston

PLAYER TO WATCH: Claire Braghahn-Waterford Kettering

Top Storylines:

It’s time to believe in Oxford.

The Wildcats have had a strong season thus far finishing at 15-5. Oxford has wins over Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, Troy, and Adams. Coach Rachel Bryer has experience which is a huge bonus in Ashley Hershman, Hayla Cato, Gabby Dinges, Mackenzie Methner, among others. Could the Wildcats beat Waterford Kettering in the predistrict??? Absolutely, the Captains have not had the usual strong seasons they have had despite playing a tough non conference schedule and have a first year coach in Cory Hightower. Waterford Kettering has proven talented players in Ashley Watson, Claire Braghan, Markayla Holland, Irene Schoof, Izzy Dugal, Kate Frasier, and Bianca Kaiser but in districts anything is possible.

Clarkston has improved dramatically.

I give coach John Weyer a ton of credit for trusting the process with his young team. Clarkston started the season at 0-5 and finished 11-9 this season. The Wolves are gaining confidence despite playing a really brutal schedule which included the likes of Ypsilanti Arbor Prep, Chandler Park Academy, Warren Cousino, and Walled Lake Western. Clarkston has one starter back in Taylor Heaten from the team that went to the State quarterfinals last season. The Wolves have wins over proven programs in Stoney Creek, Bloomfield Hills, North Farmington. Win or lose in this district, they are built for the future and is getting better each day.

Lake Orion has questions.

The Dragons have doubled their win total from a year ago going 8-12 but questions remain for coach Bob Brydges and his team. Lake Orion does not have a go to scorer which helps and hinders a team at the same time and they are playing the Macomb Area White division champions Romeo in the pre-district. If Paytin Shadaia and Sophie Wyborski can make their names in this tournament then maybe the Dragons could make an impact. It has been rough for Lake Orion with Brydges being the team’s fourth coach in four years but changing a culture is not easy. The Dragons need Wyborski and Shadaia to be at their best if they want to contend in this district.

Adams is a team to watch.

The Highlanders are a young team for coach Shay Lewis despite finishing 9-11 this season features a young nucleus in Maddie Dolengia, Lauren Petersmark, Abbey Draghnak, Nicole Clarehout, Aniah Howard, and Amelia Draghnak. Adams has been an interesting team to figure out as they have wins over Lake Orion, Troy, Waterford Mott, and Groves but they have some head scratching losses to Troy Athens and Utica. It will be interesting to see which Highlanders team shows up in this district.

District 7 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD/AVONDALE vs. Waterford Mott

FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills

NEXT: West Bloomfield

DARKHORSE: Avondale

PLAYER TO WATCH: Maryiam Hashim-Bloomfield Hills

Top Storylines:

West Bloomfield has some questions.

The Lakers have the talent to make a run at the district along with home court but what bothers me with West Bloomfield is that they didn’t look good against Oxford where they lost 54-38 despite winning the White finishing at 17-2 on the season. The Lakers have Mya Bobo, Jada Grady, Logan Lewis, MiKayla Duncan, Ikia Elam, and Lola Chambers. It’s important for coach Bert Mosley to let that loss go and focus on districts. It will be interesting to see where West Bloomfield is at heading into the tournament.

Bloomfield Hills will be a tough out.

The Blackhawks have been an odd team to figure out. They are not consistent which is something that bothers coach Jeff Rubin (Groves, lost 44-34) finishing with a 10-10 record. Maryiam Hashim, Jordan Banks, Angelina Savaya, and Grace Getz will carry Bloomfield Hills into the district tournament and they have a great draw drawing North Farmington who has had a rough season. The Blackhawks will be a team to watch and which team shows up.

Avondale could spoil things???

The Yellow Jackets are an interesting team to keep an eye on in this district. Avondale whom went 18-2 this season has the talent to compete in this district led by Reigan Lawrence, Keori Lee, and McDonalds All American Olivia Russell. What should be interesting for coach Bob Lees is can they go on the road and beat West Bloomfield. The Lakers have beaten the Yellow Jackets twice and it’s always hard to beat a team three times in one season. Avondale is in an interesting spot because they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Where does North Farmington go from here???

The Raiders have had a rough season going 2-18, not winning a game in the Red but the postseason could bring a clean slate for coach Jeff Simpson and his team. North Farmington has some talented players in Maya Kelly and Molly Simpson but as mentioned post play has been a challenge for this team. The Raiders play Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinal and it's always hard to beat a team three times in one season. North Farmington has lost twice to the Blackhawks so that will be interesting to see what happens.

District 18 at Novi

Northville vs. Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON vs. Novi

Northville/Livonia Stevenson vs. Farmington Hills Mercy

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Northville

DARKHORSE: Farmington

PLAYER TO WATCH: Iasia Rampson-Farmington

Top Storylines:

Does Farmington have a chance???

It could be a tough chore for the Falcons if they want to make some noise in this district despite finishing at 2-18 this season with basically a young group. Farmington Hills Mercy is very good and has experience for coach Gary Morris. Northville has had a nice season as well and the Mustangs figure to be a tough out. Coach Laura Guzman’s team got a good draw drawing a very young Novi team but the Wildcats did beat Northville during the season. It will be interesting to see if the Falcons have a shot in this district.

District 28 at Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs. GROVES

BERKLEY vs. Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM/GROVES vs. ROYAL OAK

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Royal Oak

DARKHORSE: Berkley

PLAYER TO WATCH: Sarah Soraghan-Royal Oak

Top Storylines:

Can Royal Oak win this district without Jessica Adams???

The Ravens have had a strong season for coach Brian Sopota going 18-2 this year with a veteran heavy team. Things were looking smooth until Jessica Adams injured her knee against Stoney Creek. They have overcame her injury thus far but can they get by Birmingham Marian on the road likely in the district final pending if both teams win their respective matchups. Royal Oak lost to the Mustangs last season in the district final at Birmingham Marian and without Adams it will be very tough. The Ravens still have Samantha Potter in the post but if they can get guard play from Nila Conley and Sarah Soraghan then it could be interesting.

Can Birmingham Marian keep this up???

The Mustangs literally went with a young lineup that has grown up which has pleased coach Mary Cicerone and that’s not mentioning Olivia Moore either whom is an outstanding talent in her part. Birmingham Marian whom is ranked second in the State is the favorite in this district because of home court and they won the Catholic League crown this season.  It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate and challenges the Mustangs district reign.

Can Berkley pull of the upset???

The Bears shared the Blue title with Rochester with an 35-33 upset of the Falcons on the road and went 16-4 this season. Coach Kirk Carolan has a veteran laden team which is a bonus. If things go right they could upset Birmingham Marian in the district semifinal but it will be a tough chore especially with the experience that the Mustangs have and the league they play in the Catholic League along with home court to boot. It’s going to be a tough one for Berkley.

Can Seaholm turn it around???

The Maples have had an interesting season under first year coach Chris Manchester but Seaholm has lost four straight games and they face a Groves team that has won two straight including an upset of Bloomfield Hills. The Maples finished at 8-11 but have lost four straight as mentioned heading into this matchup. I remember two seasons ago Seaholm upset Groves when the Falcons went 18-2, could an upset happen in this district???

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 Mumford

DARKHORSE: Detroit Renaissance

PLAYER TO WATCH: Tiera Earnest-Detroit Mumford

Top Storylines:

Southfield Arts and Tech gaining confidence each game.

The Warriors have earned the State's top ranking and for good reason. Southfield Arts and Tech has played a tough schedule which included the likes of State powers Saginaw Heritage, Flint Carman Ainsworth, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Ypsilanti Arbor Prep and league foes Stoney Creek, Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak. They are loaded with future college talent in Soldel Barnes, Cheyenne McEvans, Alexis Johnson, and Kaynoia Willis. Coach Michelle Marshall has said that her team is playing the best basketball right now which helps heading into this very tough district at Detroit Mumford.

Detroit Mumford a different team right now.

The Mustangs are the two time defending Detroit Public School League champions and have been a different team lately. Detroit Mumford has home court and some very talented players led by Tiera Earnest, Aujane Horton, and Adoreya Williams for coach Kareem Hogan. The Mustangs have a great draw as well either meeting Southfield Arts and Tech or Detroit Renaissance in the district final. They have things heading in the right direction.

Detroit Renaissance a trap game for Southfield Arts and Tech???

The Phoenix have had a good season but they did not win the Detroit Public School League this season but they will be a tough out and a tough matchup for Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinal. Detroit Renaissance has their own fair share of talent led by Kaliee Davis among others. The Phoenix is a team that no one wants to see especially if they have a good night shooting.

Does Oak Park have a chance???

The Knights have had a tough season finishing at 8-9 this year but coach Peggy Evans and her team has nothing to lose in this tough district. Oak Park picked up a huge win over Seaholm 69-61 but lost a tough one to Berkley 48-47 last week. The Knights can score as they have shown in their last two games but can they defend is the question and especially in this tough district where they are likely to see Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals. It will be tough for the Knights.

District 29 at Utica

STONEY CREEK vs. Utica

TROY vs. Utica Eisenhower

STONEY CREEK/Utica vs. ROCHESTER

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

DARKHORSE: Troy

PLAYER TO WATCH: Lily DiPani-Stoney Creek

Top Storylines:

Can Stoney Creek snap out of their funk???

The Cougars have been in a rut lately trying to fix things before the postseason starts. Stoney Creek has lost lost five of their last seven games finishing with a 10-9 record. It’s a major concern heading into this district for coach Kellen James with his team reeling a bit but if there is a team that can get out a rut it's this one. The Cougars have the talent to break out of this funk in Lily DiPani, Emily Eckhout, Devin Vowels, Meghan Solek, and Maria St. Louis. Stoney Creek has a tough predistrict matchup looming with Utica whom has been playing better and has home court in their small gym. If the Cougars can snap out of this funk then they will be dangerous heading into this district.

Troy a player???

The Colts are a team worth watching in this tournament. Troy went 11-9 this season and have been around 500 which isn't good but not bad either. Coach Simon Bato's team features some key players in Kendal Zeiter, Athena Sampson, and Emily Olson. The Colts have a tough matchup with Utica Eisenhower in the small gym of Utica in the district semifinal. I’m curious how Troy responds to playing in a small gym so we’ll see if they are for real or not.

Utica Eisenhower is dangerous.

The Eagles were district champs last season and has Lauren DeBeau back for coach Mike Satawa but it hasn’t been easy this season for Utica Eisenhower. The Eagles went 13-7 and was near the bottom of the Macomb Area Red this season but the postseason is a different animal and a new season makes Utica Eisenhower a very good darkhorse candidate.

Where does Rochester stand???

The Falcons have had a rebirth in the Blue sharing the crown with Berkley despite starting the season at 1-5 before going 11-3 the rest of the way finishing at 12-8. Rochester is in an interesting spot with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Coach Jeff Haney has this team heading in the right direction even with the very talented Tori Hawkins. It will be interesting to see where the Falcons are at heading into this district.

District 30 at Troy Athens

Chippewa Valley vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson

TROY ATHENS vs. Utica Ford II

Chippewa Valley/Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. Sterling Heights

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Utica Ford II

DARKHORSE: Chippewa Valley

PLAYER TO WATCH: Izzy Krumm-Troy Athens

Top Storylines:

Could this be Troy Athens best shot at district crown???

The Red Hawks have had a rough season finishing at 5-14 this year. There are some advantages though competing in the White against the likes of West Bloomfield, Avondale, Lake Orion, Oxford, Troy, and Adams along with playing Farmington Hills Mercy to open up the season should help coach Stacie Klumpp’s team heading into the tournament. Troy Athens also hosts this district which is a huge bonus as well. The Red Hawks have a tough matchup in the district semifinals against Utica Ford II but it will be interesting to see what happens but they have a shot to win this district.

Utica Ford II should challenge.

The Falcons should challenge for the district crown despite finishing at 9-11 this season. Utica Ford II has played a tough schedule playing the likes of Romeo, Utica, and Port Huron in the Macomb Area White division. Coach Matt Joseph has a solid player in Olivia Kubik that could do some damage. Out of the teams in this district the Falcons stand the best chance to beat Troy Athens.

District 61 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs. Clawson

PONTIAC vs. Birmingham Detroit Country Day

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

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

FAVORITE: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

NEXT: Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

DARKHORSE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PLAYER TO WATCH: Sarah Stuart-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Top Storylines:

Can anyone beat Birmingham Detroit Country Day???

The Yellow Jackets have had a season of ups and downs finishing around 500 (8-8 this season) but the postseason brings different challenges which should be a bonus. Birmingham Detroit Country Day has played a very tough schedule going up against well known State powers in Detroit Edison, Saginaw Heritage, Pewamo-Westphalia, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Midland Dow. The Yellow Jackets have the talent to make a run. It will be a tough challenge past the district round as coach Frank Orlando’s team will have to deal with Detroit Edison sooner than later.

Where does Pontiac stand???

The Phoenix are an interesting team but they have been competitive recently which is a bonus for coach Christopher Wright and his team. Pontiac finished the season at 10-8 heading into their tough matchup with Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Phoenix though haven’t played the strongest of schedules so that does hurt them. Pontiac will be an interesting team to keep an eye on in this district.

Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy is a wildcard???

The Stars have had a great season going 15-5 which included a major victory in the Catholic League tournament over Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes. They have a boatload of talent and have been very successful thus far. The experience and tough schedule could pose problems for teams they face in this district including possibly Birmingham Detroit Country if they see them. It will be interesting to see where Wixom St. Catherine Sienna is at but they are a team to take notice.

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. Madison Heights Lamphere

FAVORITE: Center Line

NEXT: Warren Lincoln

DARKHORSE: Madison Heights Lamphere

PLAYER TO WATCH: Camryn Gibbs-Center Line

Top Storylines:

Will Hazel Park contend???

It’s been a tough year for the Vikings. Hazel Park is in their final season in the OAA is not deep and have been giving up a ton of points, that’s been a big reason why coach Chad Ossman's team went 3-16 this season but they beat Madison Heights Lamphere 35-34 in their last game of the regular season and has home court which could help the Vikings in the district despite having a tough matchup looming with Center Line in the predistrict. 

Will Ferndale also contend???

The Eagles have had a rough way to close out the season for coach Christina Nagle and her team. Ferndale has lost eight of their last 10 games (both wins came against Hazel Park) heading into the tournament and finishing at 5-14. It could be a rough ride for both the Eagles as they are likely to see Warren Lincoln in this district and that one could be interesting.

Center Line a favorite???

The Panthers have had an odd season going 11-9 this season for coach Laura Miskelly but 3-6 in the Macomb Area Gold division. They had a ton of experience back and are stout defensively but the offense could be better despite averaging 40 points per game. Center Line will need to score more in this district if they want to win it.

Warren Lincoln is in an interesting spot.

The Abes have had an up and down season finishing at 10-8 but there have been some concerns surrounding this team particularly on the defensive end. Warren Lincoln has allowed 42 points per game which is a concern coming into the tournament but they did get a good draw which should help them. The Abes had a good league record (played in the Macomb Area Conference Bronze division) with both of their losses to New Haven. Warren Lincoln will be a team to watch in this tournament.