Ferndale is a Rising Giant.

Written Friday July 26th at 5:30 PM

A lot of people ask me why the Ferndale Eagles are still in the OAA.

A lot of smaller schools like Hazel Park, Madison Heights Madison, Madison Heights Lamphere, and Clawson have left the OAA because they couldn’t compete against the bigger schools.

Ferndale is the smallest school in the league with 717 students but yet this program has been successful.

And continues to be.

It’s not just the boys sports that they are successful but it’s the girls sports as well.

A lot of credit goes to Ferndale Athletic Director Shaun Butler. Butler has done a wonderful job in hiring coaches and getting the Eagles in the right direction.

Usually in the postseason the Eagles compete in Division Two because of their enrollment but in football they have a Co-Op merger with Ferndale University. The MHSAA combines the enrollment of both Ferndale and Ferndale University which is why when they make the playoffs they are in Division Two and not Division Three.

In football, this is a program that has went 22-8 which includes three postseason appearances. Ferndale under coach Eric Royal has built the program into a competitive powerhouse. The Eagles aren’t afraid to play powerhouse programs like Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Allen Park, Oak Park, Warren De LaSalle, and Detroit Martin Luther King. Now they don’t have the numbers but this program competes at a high level each night and the numbers prove it.

In volleyball, they had a renaissance under second year coach Stella Johnstone taking home a district title at Hazel Park last season. Ferndale is loaded again this season behind a young core that is built to win not only now but in the future.

In boys basketball, the Eagles made a big splash by hiring Juan Rickman from Detroit East English Village Prep to take over the program. Ferndale won 16 games before falling to Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the Division Two regional final last season. The Eagles earned their first district title since 2012 by beating Warren Lincoln on the road. Ferndale made the move to the Red this season and is loaded with a ton of Division One talent along with experience in Rickman’s second season. The Eagles have been in the Red/OAA Division One before so this is nothing new to them.

In softball, the Eagles took home their first district title since 2005 by beating Warren Fitzgerald. Ferndale fell in a heartbreaker to St. Clair Shores South Lake 4-3 in the Division Two regional finals. Ferndale only loses one senior next season for second year coach Pat McNally. McNally who also coaches swimming and diving at Ferndale has a loaded team returning next season.

In baseball, the Eagles won their first district title since 2011 on a winning single. Ferndale had lost three of the last four years in the district finals prior to last season. The Eagles would lose a heartbreaker in the Division Two regional semifinal to Livonia Clarencevile 3-2. Ferndale coach Chris Bailey has quietly turned this program into a sleeping giant.

A big reason for their playoff success has been competing in the OAA against bigger schools night in and night out. Their coaches also have said that they are happy to be in the OAA. Playing those bigger OAA schools prepares them for the postseason.

The Eagles recently named Keith Paris to coach the Girls Basketball team. Paris was an assistant last season for Ferndale. The Eagles have been a Girls basketball power but has struggled mostly with numbers in past years.

Ferndale is expected to compete for a division title in Boys soccer. They won the Gold last season in Girls soccer.

There is a lot of upside for Ferndale athletics.

The future is bright for the Eagles.

Volleyball Thoughts.

Written Friday July 26th at 4:15 PM

Here are my early Volleyball thoughts on each team heading into the season.

EARLY INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN.

1. Stoney Creek

2. Clarkston

3. Troy

4. Lake Orion

5. Adams

6. Bloomfield Hills

7. Groves

8. West Bloomfield

9. Seaholm

10. Ferndale

Blue:

In the Blue this division looks to be a two team race right now with a possible dark horse.

Ferndale: The Eagles are built for right now and the future, fresh off a district title last season. Emily Foster returns for coach Stella Johnstone among others. Ferndale has a favorable district as well. This program is on the rise.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors lost three seniors from last season’s team but they should be better this season for coach Alicia Love. Division championship should be the goal this season for Southfield Arts and Tech.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have a new coach in Ciara Schultz and it should take her some time to get her system into play. Royal Oak will have to adjust to Schultz’s new system. It will be interesting to see where the Ravens are at this season.

Pontiac: It could be a long season for the Phoenix and coach Kyrie Holloman. Pontiac should be competitive but moving up from Division Two to Division One will certainly bring challenges for this program. It will be interesting to see what happens with Pontiac.

Oak Park: It could be a long season for the Knights. Oak Park has struggled in volleyball recently. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Knights.

White:

In the White, I see this division being a two team race but there is a darkhorse candidate in this division.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks moved down from the Red to the White should be the early favorite in this division. Bloomfield Hills will have Alexa Rousseau, Ava Pertuchi, among other back for second year coach Larry Wyatt. Wyatt should have his system in full swing early into the season. If his team are on the same page then they could make a run.

Seaholm: It feels odd not to see the Maples in the Red after moving down to the White. Maddy Ligon returns for coach Heather Gambone from a team that lost two seniors last season. Seaholm is a team that I’m watching closely not only in the division but also in the postseason as well.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks under coach Stacy Mueller should be better this season after making the district finals a year ago. Troy Athens will be an interesting team to watch this season. The Red Hawks have the talent to be competitive this season.

North Farmington: The Raiders made a complete change in their coaching staff bringing in Michael Love from Harrison. Love will have a tough task for adjusting with his new team. It will be interesting how he handles it. If his new team is not on the same page they are in trouble.

Rochester: The Falcons lost a ton of talent from last season however coach Kirk Gibbs is hoping that his younger players learned from last season which should carry them onto this season. Rochester will have to rely on Molly Rogers to carry them this season. The Falcons season will depend on progress and right now this team is heading in an upward direction.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets should be better heading into the 2019 season. Avondale has a lot of unproven players heading into the season. Could the Yellow Jackets surprise me and some folks this season???

Berkley: The Bears moved up to the White this season but last season was very disappointing for Berkley but there is hope. There is no reason that the Bears should be better and improved. They are also in a favorable district as well. This will be a team to keep an eye on this season.

Farmington: It could be a challenge for the Falcons this season. Farmington will have to replace a lot for coach Kate Drews. It could be a long season for the Falcons.

Red:

In the Red, I see this division being a dog fight.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars looks to be the early favorite especially with Kate Stration, Ainsley Guse, and Sydney Tomlak back for coach Ross Talbot. Stoney Creek is a serious State title contender this season.

Clarkston: The Wolves have a ton of proven division one talents in Clare Nowicki, Abby Tomlie, Ali Warrington, Hannah Cady, and Jordan Newblatt. This current senior class that coach Kelly Pinner has went undefeated when they were freshman. The Wolves have a ton to prove this season.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are fresh off a State title run will be different in 2019 for coach Tony Scavarda. Lake Orion will be very young this season with two returning players who saw significant playing time in Kendall Robinson, and Reagen Goeke. If the Dragons can develop the young players then who knows what will happen with this team. Lake Orion has a ton of questions heading into the season.

Troy: The Colts are loaded when you look at this team. They have Fran McBride, Alexis Morse, Julia Armstrong, and Athena Sampson back for coach Tom Vigilant. Troy should be in the thick of the race this season.

Adams: The Highlanders made the home run hire of hiring Terry Baughman. They were around 500 last season has the majority of their team returning including Alexis Wolas, Laura Sebestian, and Emanuela Gjokaj. Adams will go through an early transition to adjust to Baughman’s system but I wouldn’t want to see this team come in late October, early November.

Groves: The Falcons have the majority of their team back for second year coach Jessica Prepolec but they could have a difficult time making the adjustment to playing in the Red. They have Ellie Ruprich back but this team will need to step their game up if they want to make some noise in the Red.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers are pretty much in the same boat as Groves with the move to the Red after winning the White last season. They have Laura King, Grace Allread, and Delaney Lambert back for coach Lauren DeLuyck-Forbes. West Bloomfield has a great shot to win their district in November and the experience in the Red should help them moving forward.

Oxford: The Wildcats have a lot of questions this season for third year coach Bryan Kim. They have managed to compete in a high level but struggled last season. Oxford should be better this season but being in the Red could make things that much tougher for the Wildcats this season.

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Get to Know the 2019 OAA Football Non League Opponents.

Written Wednesday July 24th at 12:15 PM

These are the OAA non league opponents. I did not include all matchups that are OAA vs OAA.

Romeo (Macomb Area Conference-Red) (Oxford-Week One): This is the 31^st meeting between the Bulldogs and Wildcats. Romeo is 23-7 against Oxford. This is the sixth straight year both teams are playing each other. The Wildcats have won the games in Oxford which were 28-20 in 2014, 27-26 in 2016, and 24-21 last season. The Bulldogs have won elsewhere besides Oxford which included 30-17 at Michigan Stadium in 2017 and a 47-0 blowout at Dan Barnabo Field in 2015. Romeo has made the playoffs 17 of the last 18 years. Oxford made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2014. This one sets up to be an interesting matchup back at Dan Barnabo Field.

Lapeer (Saginaw Valley League- Blue) (Lake Orion-Week One): This is the second meeting between the Lightning and the Dragons. Lapeer won 17-7 at Michigan Stadium last season. They return one of the best players in the Saginaw Valley League in Phoenix Dickson. Lake Orion should be better this season. Both teams have tough schedules going forward so this game in Lapeer is very important for both teams.

Utica (Macomb Area Conference-White) (Bloomfield Hills-Week One): This should be a very interesting matchup for the Blackhawks as they travel to Swienhart Field to take on the Chieftains. This is the second meeting between these two teams. Bloomfield Hills won 39-14 over Utica last season at home. It is a big game for both teams to see where they are at heading into a very tough conference slate.

Grosse Pointe South (Macomb Area Conference-White) (Groves @ Wayne State-Week One): This is the second meeting between the Blue Devils and Falcons. Groves beat Grosse Pointe South 44-10 in the 2016 regional final. The Falcons have made the playoffs five straight years (52-16 since 2013.) The Blue Devils have made the playoffs nine of the last ten years  (28-15 since 2015.) This has the makings of an interesting one at Wayne State.

Utica Ford II (Macomb Area Conference-White) (Stoney Creek-Week One): This is the third meeting between the Falcons and the Cougars. Stoney Creek has won both meetings in the season series by a combined 43-17. The Cougars won 24-5 at Stoney Creek last season and 19-12 at Runkel Field in 2017. Utica Ford II is 7-20 since 2016 and will look to have a bounce back year at the Cougars expense.

Detroit Old Redford Academy (Charter School Conference) (@ Troy Athens-Week One, @ Farmington-Week Nine): The Ravens have really struggled going 11-24 since 2015 which included going 1-8 last season. This will be the first meeting between the Red Hawks and Detroit Old Redford Academy. Farmington will also play this same program as well. It's the first meeting between the Falcons and the Ravens. It should be interesting for both teams when they clash with Detroit Old Redford Academy.

Detroit Henry Ford (Detroit Public School League-Third) (Farmington-Week One): The Trojans have been a hot and cold team similar to Farmington. Detroit Henry Ford has not been the same program since 2009, only making the playoffs twice in that span. This is the third meeting between the teams with the Falcons holding a 2-1 season series with all the meetings being in the playoffs. Farmington beat Detroit Henry Ford 49-19 in 2011 and 21-14 in 2002. The Trojans blew out the Falcons 38-0 in 2006. Farmington has a lot of experience back which helps them on their journey to Detroit.

St. Clair Shores Lakeview (Macomb Area Conference-Blue) (@ Royal Oak-Week One): This game usually decides who goes on to bigger and brighter things. The Huskies and their Wing T offense has beaten the Ravens twice in St. Clair Shores while Royal Oak won the only meeting at home. Oddly enough the scores in the earlier meetings have been 21-0 but last season’s game was 21-9 in St Clair Shores. This game kept the Ravens from making the playoffs for a second straight year. Expect this one to be really close.

Waterford Kettering (Lakes Valley Conference) (@ North Farmington-Week One): This will be the ninth meeting between the Raiders and Captains. It will also be the coaching debut for coach Jon Herstein. North Farmington has owned Waterford Kettering which included a 38-0 blowout in 2011. The Raiders will look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 (14-31 since the last time they made the playoffs.) Waterford Kettering has really struggled as a football program. The Captains went 1-8 last season and is 46-135 since 1999. It should be an interesting test for Herstein’s team heading into this matchup.

Brandon (Flint Metro League-Stripes) (@ Berkley-Week One): The Blackhawks have been turned into a football powerhouse since coach Brad Zube came to Ortonville from Stoney Creek. Brandon is 29-12 since 2015 which each season they made the playoffs. This is the second ever meeting between the Bears and Blackhawks. Berkley beat Brandon 53-14 in 1995 however the times have changed, these two teams are in different stratospheres right now. This is going to be a tough matchup for coach Sean Shields and his Bears at Hurley Field.

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood (Catholic League AA) (@ Pontiac-Week One): I’m really feeling bad for Pontiac, having to take on a Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood team that has been rolling on all cylinders. The Cranes have been a dominant powerhouse in the Catholic League going 38-15 since 2014. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood will have a young team this season and they will head to Wisner Stadium to take on a Phoenix team that has been in turmoil this offseason and is 5-48 since 2011. This is the first meeting between the teams.

Detroit Renaissance (Detroit Public School League-First) (@ Avondale-Week Two): This is the first meeting between the two teams. The Phoenix have been around 500 lately going 18-20 since 2015. Avondale has made the playoffs two of the last three years. Should be a good test for new coach Corey Bell to get on the right boat.

Ypsilanti Lincoln (Southeastern Conference-White) (Farmington-Week Three, North Farmington-Week Nine): The Railsplitters are an interesting team. They have missed the playoffs three of the last four years which included three 4-5 seasons. Ypsilanti Lincoln made the postseason in 2017 after starting 0-2 that season. The Railsplitters are an inconsistent team either they are on or they are not. They lost four straight games to close out the season last year. It will be the first meetings for the Farmington schools when they both will travel to Ypsilanti and their new turf field.

Allen Park (Downriver) (Ferndale-Week Six): This will be the first meeting between the Jaguars and the Eagles. Allen Park has made the playoffs eight of the last nine years including last season which they won nine games. The Jaguars are 70-19 since 2010. Ferndale has made the playoffs three straight years with a 22-8 record. This should be an interesting matchup in Allen Park.

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (Independent) (Berkley-Week Four, @ Troy Athens-Week Nine): Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will get to see two OAA opponents this season just like Ypsilanti Lincoln and Detroit Old Redford Academy. The Fighting Irish had been a playoff team for seven straight years Pontiac Notre Dame Prep missed out last season going 4-5. This will be the second meeting between the Bears and the Fighting Irish. Berkley fell 26-3 in 2014 at Hurley Field to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. It will be the first meeting between the Fighting Irish and the Red Hawks which makes things really interesting. I expect the Fighting Irish to rebound quickly. It will be a tough matchup for both Berkley and Troy Athens.

Southgate Anderson (Downriver) (@ Royal Oak-Week Five): This will be the first meeting between these two teams. The Titans are 23-43 since 2012 which includes four straight 3-6 seasons while the Ravens are 11-8 in the last two seasons. It should be an interesting matchup between these two teams in Royal Oak.

Okemos (Capital Area Conference-Blue) (@ North Farmington-Week Seven): This will be the first meeting between the Raiders and Chieftains. Okemos was a playoff team last season winning seven games. They should have experience heading into this game. The North Farmington coaching staff should know Okemos very well as the majority of coach Jon Herstein’s staff was at Harrison. The Hawks went 1-1 against the Chieftains. This will be a very interesting matchup between these two teams at North Farmington.

Detroit Leadership Academy (Independent) (@ Pontiac-Week Eight): The Cougars are in their third year as a Varsity Football program. This should be an interesting matchup with the Phoenix at Wisner Stadium between these two teams. Detroit Leadership Academy has eight wins as a school, three of them being forfeits. Pontiac on the other hand is 5-48 since 2011. Something has to give in the first meeting between the teams.

4^th Place Catholic League Central Team (West Bloomfield-Week Nine): This has been an interesting concept. Whoever the Catholic League opponent is will be interesting for the Lakers. Orchard Lake St. Marys played their neighborhood rival for the first time in the Swamp. West Bloomfield had to survive 13-10 last season. The Lakers are 1-0 all against both the Eaglets and Novi Detroit Catholic Central whom they took down 20-17 in overtime in the district finals. West Bloomfield has never played Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit or Birmingham Brother Rice, could that change, it’s possible.

Monroe (Southeastern Conference-Red) (@ Lake Orion-Week Nine): This is the third meeting between the Trojans and the Dragons. Lake Orion is 2-0 in this series. They won at Monroe 31-24 last season and 41-22 at home in the postseason in 1998. The Trojans will be an interesting team to keep an eye on as they replace a ton of talent but they have some back. The Dragons will also be an interesting team to keep an eye on. This one should be an interesting game at Lake Orion.

River Rouge (Independent) (@ Southfield Arts and Tech-Week Nine): The Warriors have struggled (7-11 and missing the playoffs in two straight seasons.) This will be the second meeting between the Panthers and Southfield Arts and Tech. River Rouge blew out the Warriors 45-0 last season in River Rouge. Southfield Arts and Tech has not forgotten that game. The Warriors are really going to need to turn things around heading into this matchup but it will be at home this time which helps.

Brownstown Woodhaven (Downriver) (Groves-Week Nine): This will be the first meeting between the Warriors and Falcons. Brownstown Woodhaven has made the playoffs four of the last five years. The Warriors have scored over 300 points in that stretch but they gave up 62 points last year in a playoff loss to Monroe. This should be an interesting matchup of high scoring offenses on the turf field of Brownstown.

Birmingham Detroit Country Day (Independent) (Ferndale-Week Nine): This will be the third meeting between the Yellow Jackets and the Eagles. Ferndale won both meetings 17-7 victory in Birmingham in 2017 and 27-14 at Ferndale last season. The Eagles have a tough schedule, got to wonder if a playoff spot could be on the line heading into this matchup.

Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (Catholic League-AA) (Pontiac-Week Nine): This is a rematch of a 48-6 blowout that the Fighting Irish gave the Phoenix at Wisner Stadium last season.The 2019 game is in Ann Arbor. Pontiac has really struggled while Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard had made the playoffs nine of the last 11 years but missed out after going 2-7 last season. We don’t know where the Phoenix mindset will be at heading into this matchup but this looks real bleak for Pontiac.

Flint Kearsley (Flint Metro League-Stars) (Royal Oak-Week Nine): This is the first meeting between these two teams. The Hornets have not made the playoffs since 1998 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2003. Flint Kearsley is 34-101 since 2003. The Hornets were better on the offensive side of the football last season and with the Flint Metro League expanding, it should help them. The Ravens will have to travel to Flint. It will be an adjustment for coach Ray McMann’s team as Flint Kearsley has grass and not field turf.

Pontiac has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Monday July 22nd at 4:20 PM

The Phoenix has their new Boys Basketball coach.

Pontiac according to MIPrepZone's Scott Burnstein named Dameon Odneal the team's new boys basketball coach replacing Joel Schroeder.

Schroeder left Pontiac for Lake Orion in April.

Odneal was the long time assistant and junior varsity coach for the Phoenix. He served as an assistant under Schroeder and longtime Pontiac and Pontiac Northern coach Robert Rogers.

Odneal does have some varsity coaching experience when he was at Waterford Kettering from 2013-2015.

Pontiac finished 22-3 getting to the Division Two regional finals before falling to New Haven last season. The Phoenix lost ten seniors from that team and has Tariah Hazard returning. Pontiac stayed in the Blue for this season and will have to deal with the likes of Berkley, Rochester, and Troy Athens.

Pontiac moved up to Division One after being in Division Two last season. They are in a tough district at West Bloomfield. They will see the likes of West Bloomfield, Waterford Mott, Bloomfield Hills, and Orchard Lake St. Marys in the postseason.

Thoughts.

I'm curious to see what Odneal will bring to the table at Pontiac. He knows the kids and the area real well. Odneal brings experience and familiarity which always helps.

I've liked Odneal personally, he is a character. If he can get his young team to continue to what Schroeder left off then there is no reason why the Phoenix could be back in the mix again.

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

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2019 Football Uniform Grades.

Written Saturday July 13th at 2:50 PM

This blog will be updated.

If we hear from the teams have new uniforms or after Media Day or if someone comments to me their new uniform designs.

Anyway enjoy from the Uniform Grader of the OAA.

Red

Clarkston: (Provider-Under Armor) The Wolves uniforms I really don't like when it comes to Under Armor. The home blue uniforms has been there since 2016. The design has the CLARKSTON name crested in a white outline with yellow numbering on the front and the shoulders. The road uniforms are the exact same as the home uniforms except that blue replaces the white outline and there is yellow numbering with yellow numbering on the shoulders. The numbers are on the elbows on both sets. The Wolves wear blue pants and wore yellow against West Bloomfield. I just don’t like this uniform design, it’s too plain. GRADE D.

Adams: (Provider-Russell Athletic) The Highlanders have three uniforms that are made by Russell Athletic. On the home brown uniforms they have the ADAMS name crested in yellow lettering and numbering on the front. The uniform has the Highlanders kilt on the elbows. The road white uniforms have the same design as the brown uniforms with the Highlanders kilt on the elbows but instead of the yellow lettering and numbering it is brown with a yellow outline. The alternate uniforms are grey with the same concept as the home and road uniforms. It's very similar to a military style uniforms. The grey uniforms have their own set of pants while the other two uniforms the team wears white pants with the name HIGHLANDERS on the sides with a yellow stripe on both of them. The gold helmet is a good look with the A and the swords next to them. I like this look. GRADE B+

Oxford: (Provider-Under Armor) The Wildcats kept their uniform design plain and simple with Under Armor. The Yellow pants are truly Oxford along with the dark blue helmet with the O on both sides. The dark blue uniforms have the name WILDCATS and numbering in yellow. The road white uniforms are the same with OXFORD on it but with blue lettering and numbering with a yellow outline. The Wildcats have a third uniform which is all yellow with the name WILDCATS crested with blue lettering and numbering. Oxford likes to keep things plain and simple which is fine with me. GRADE B.

Lake Orion: (Provider-Nike) The Dragons went back to their old uniforms in the past last season. The road white uniforms were from the 2012 season when Lake Orion went to the Division One State semifinals. The road white uniforms has green and white numbering on the elbows. The front of the jerseys say DRAGONS in green lettering and white numbering. The home green uniforms was from the 2013 season with the same design as the road white uniforms but opposite with white elbows and green numbering. The front has the name DRAGONS in white lettering and numbering. They have a green and white pants with the opposite lines on the sides of the pants. The green helmet with the lines and LO’s on the sides make for a great look. As long as Lake Orion doesn’t change this look then they get an A in my book. GRADE A.

Southfield Arts and Tech: (Provider-Home and Alternates Adidas, Road-Nike) The Warriors have four different uniform combinations that was provided by Adidas in red, blue, and black to go with matching pants. However Southfield Arts and Tech is going with Nike on their white uniforms with blue elbows. This is a huge improvement along with their dark blue helmet with the S and A&T logo on the left side of the helmet along with red stripes on the center. I’m not a big fan of the red, blue, and black uniforms with the font size in italics along with the name WARRIORS in small font with the numbering as well in small font. The new white jerseys that Nike provided them. The new Nikes give me an A on them but with the Adidas uniforms it's still a D but anything to get them out of Adidas is a great start. GRADE C.

West Bloomfield: (Provider-Nike) The Lakers will have new uniforms this season. I talked to West Bloomfield assistant Zach Hilbers about the uniform. He said that the jerseys will look exactly like Michigan State with the font. The pants will still be white which is fine with me. They also have a military jersey which they should wear more often along with a black uniform that looks sharp. The only down side I see with the Lakers look is that the helmets need work, I like the Alabama helmet design just paint them green and it will look great. Good clean look for the Swamp. GRADE A-

Bloomfield Hills: (Provider-Nike) The Blackhawks have an interesting uniform combination but they made some changes that didn't make me pleased. They changed their helmet from black to white. The design had the Blackhawks logo on both sides. They used to wear black uniforms at home until they went to purple in 2016 which was interesting. The home purple jerseys have white elbows with purple numbers with the name BLACKHAWKS in white lettering and numbers on the front, along with purple pants. The road white uniforms have black elbows with purple numbering. It the name HILLS on them with purple lettering on the front with the white pants. I like the uniforms but not the helmet. GRADE B.

White

Oak Park: (Provider-Nike) The Knights have five different uniform combinations. They changed helmets last season and went to a black helmet with the OP logo on the sides. The home red uniforms has the numbers on the shoulders along with the white elbows. The KNIGHTS name is crested along with the lettering and numbering in white. The road white jerseys have red elbows with the numbers on the shoulders. The name OAK PARK is crested along with the lettering and numbering in red. Oak Park has an all-black alternate uniform with red numbering on the shoulders white naming and red numbering. The alternate white uniform has black numbering and the name OAK PARK with red outline and black numbering on the front. As long as they keep the opposite elbows on the uniforms I have no problem with the uniforms. GRADE A-

Groves: (Provider-Nike) The Falcons will have a new field this season but I hope they don’t change the uniforms. The green, yellow, and black combination that Groves wears is one of the best looks in the OAA (green uniform with yellow numbering and lettering with the GROVES name crested with black pants.) The road white uniforms have the GROVES name crested with green numbering and lettering. The uniforms also has green elbows elbows. They have a white set of pants they wear on the road. The green helmets has the Falcons logo on them. Groves also has a third jersey which is all black. The uniform combinations are great with this team. GRADE A.

Stoney Creek: (Provider-Under Armor) The Cougars got new uniforms last season and they looked great fully in Under Armor. Stoney Creek put the players last names on the back of both uniforms. The home navy blues have gold and white trim to go with gold or navy blue pants. The white stripes are on the front with the name COUGARS and numbering are in gold along with the gold outline on the sides. The road whites have gold stripes on the front of the uniform with the STONEY CREEK name on the front in gold and navy blue numbering with the blue outline on the sides along with white pants. It’s a great look, I like where the uniforms are heading but coach Nick Merlo needs to change the helmet. If they can go back to the Cougars look and not the SC on one side and the number on the other side then it will be great. GRADE A-

Rochester: (Provider-Under Armor) The Falcons fixed their uniform design last season with Under Armor. The blue uniforms have the FALCONS name on front with white numbering and a white stripe on the shoulders. The road white uniforms are the same with ROCHESTER name with blue lettering with a blue stripe on the shoulders. The pants are white on both uniforms. In the offseason, the Falcons went back to Blue helmets which is great. I think the uniforms and pants are good. Give me bonus points on Rochester. GRADE A.

Troy: (Provider-Home Russell Athletic, Road Adidas) The Colts have different uniforms but what bothers me is that Troy has two companies that provides their uniforms. The home black uniforms I like as they have the names on the back of the jerseys with some red on the uniforms to go along with the black pants. The road uniforms are terrible with the Adidas logo on the front with the Troy Colts logo on the shoulders to go with white pants. The helmet makes me cringe. They have the players number on one side of the helmet with the TC logo on the other side. The helmet was right two years ago with the Colts logo on both sides with the red stripe. The home blacks look great but the helmet and whites are just terrible. GRADE D.

Troy Athens: (Provider-Adidas) The Red Hawks went to a new uniform design last season with an all red look to go with the gold helmets. The gold helmet will go through another change with the Red Hawk logo going away and being replaced with the A logo on both sides with a red stripe. Troy Athens went to an Adidas uniform in 2018 with the name ATHENS and the number in gold lettering and numbering. They have wings on the elbows on both uniforms along with the players last names. The road white uniform with white pants has the same except the lettering and numbering is in red with the gold outline. The uniform looks good but I’m not too fond of Adidas. GRADE C.

Seaholm: (Provider-Nike) The Maples uniforms look good with one exception, the helmet. Seaholm has a great uniform design with the uniforms to go along with the players last names on the back. The home maroon with the white stripes and the road white with the maroon stripes looks very good. The helmet needs some work as mentioned especially with the S on both sides of the helmet, wonder if they could add a Maple leaf on them. Also they need to paint the helmet maroon, it would be much better. White is a good secondary color and it's the color of their pants with the name MAPLES on them even though they also have a maroon pair as well. I like the uniforms but the helmet needs a new paint job. GRADE B+.

Blue

North Farmington: (Provider-Nike) The Raiders underwent a complete uniform redesign last season under then coach Bob Chiesa. The brown jerseys has NORTH crested with white numbering with a yellow outline while the road white uniforms have NORTH FARMINGTON crested with brown numbering and a yellow outline. Both jerseys have numbers on the shoulders and a yellow V-Neck. The pants are different with the name RAIDERS on both the brown and white pants. I like the design and pants but the helmet has to change in my opinion. If I had to say anything to new coach Jon Herstein about the uniform set, I would ask him to please get rid of those white helmets. It looks awful especially with the brown set. I would ask him to go with a yellow or brown look with the North Farmington Raider logo with the crone top then it’s a great uniform. The pants and uniform looks great but the white helmet has to go. GRADE A-

Farmington: (Provider-Nike) The Falcons changed their uniforms last season ditching the Penn State look for a new look. The grey was the biggest change to the uniforms which was prominent on both jerseys. It’s an interesting design with the dark blue uniforms having the FARMINGTON name on the front with white and grey stripes on the shoulders. The road white uniforms have the same design but with grey and dark blue on the shoulders. The pants are white and the helmet has the Falcon design on them. It’s an interesting look, just doesn’t add up. GRADE B-

Avondale: (Provider-Adidas) The Yellow Jackets have three uniforms provided by Adidas. They have a choice of white, purple, or yellow pants for game days along with a purple helmet that needs some improvement. The home purple uniforms has AVONDALE in yellow along with yellow numbering on the front and yellow and white on the elbows. On the road white jerseys it’s the same design except the lettering and numbering are in purple with purple and yellow on the elbows. In the yellow jerseys the design is the same with the lettering and numbering is in purple with purple and white on the elbows. I’m not a big fan of the Adidas uniform sticking out on the center or it would had been a good uniform. GRADE B.

Berkley: (Provider-Nike) The Bears released new uniforms from Nike last spring. They posted them on their Twitter page @BerkleyBearsFB. They are a lot better than last season’s look especially the road uniforms. The home uniforms have changed as well as they are now maroon instead of blue with the players numbers on the front. Berkley has the numbers on the elbows along with a white V-Neck. The new road white uniforms have the same design as the new home maroon uniforms however they have dark blue numbers on the front and on the shoulders. The Bears have two new set of game pants, one is maroon while the other is white. The helmet has me bothered but in talking to coach Sean Shields at Media Day he told me that they are going to change the helmet next season which has me encouraged. I want them to go back to blue helmets instead of the white for next season. A on the uniform and pants but D on the helmet. GRADE B.

Ferndale: (Provider-Russell Athletic) The Eagles have an interesting uniform combination on all three uniforms. They have a brown set that has white elbows, numbers on the shoulders, and yellow trim with the lettering in yellow with brown pants. Ferndale has an alternate set of uniforms they wore at home and on the road at Oak Park in the playoffs last season. The alternates are yellow with the FERNDALE name and numbering in brown along with the numbering on the elbows. The road uniforms are all white with brown trim and lettering along with brown numbers on the shoulders. Russell Athletic did a great job with the Eagles uniforms. They changed the helmet from yellow to dark brown with a new Ferndale logo.Yellow or dark brown looks very good, this is a great uniform combination. No changes needed. GRADE A.

Royal Oak: (Provider-Home and Alt Russell Athletic, Road Adidas) The Ravens have three uniform designs but with two companies. Royal Oak has two jerseys provided by Russell Athletic. They have a home black jersey with the name RAVENS in white and the numbers in blue. Also they have a white to blue combination on the elbows along with the numbers on the shoulders. They wear black pants at home. The third uniform is blue with the RAVENS name with grey on the sides. They wear white pants which they wear for special games. The road white jerseys along with white pants are very similar to Troy Athens’s uniforms with the name ROYAL OAK and numbers in blue lettering with the raven wings on the elbows and are provided by Adidas. The helmet, I'm not a big fan of with a big Raven on one side and the players numbers on the other side. It doesn’t add up with me. GRADE C.

Pontiac: (Provider-Home Russell Athletic, Road Nike) The Phoenix have an interesting uniform with two different companies. The home purple has the name PONTIAC in italics with a black outline with a white square on the side of the shoulders. The road white jerseys has the PONTIAC name in purple lettering and numbering along with a purple stripe on the shoulders which are provided by Nike. The Phoenix got new purple helmets courtesy of the Detroit Lions "Touchdown In Your Town Program" with the Pontiac Phoenix logo. It’s a good design. GRADE A.

Adams has their new Volleyball Coach.

Written Monday July 8th at 1:00 PM

The Highlanders have made a big splash and Terry Baughman has a new league to coach in.

Adams named Baughman as the team's new Varsity Girls Volleyball coach according to his Twitter and Max Preps confirmation. Baughman replaces Bridgette Harding after she stepped down last winter.

Baughman coached at Walled Lake Northern last season on route to a district title before losing to Stoney Creek in three games. He is well known also working for the Legacy program.

The Highlanders won the White in 2017 however they suffered through some growing pains moving up to  the Red last season. They will still be in the tough Red this season competing against the likes of defending Division One State Champion Lake Orion, Clarkston, Stoney Creek, Troy, Oxford, West Bloomfield, and Groves. Adams is in a tough district at Rochester with the Falcons, Stoney Creek, Romeo, Utica, and Utica Eisenhower this season.

Adams will have a young group back in Alexis Wolas, Lara Sebestian, Kennedy Jones, Audrey Thedford, Jacoby Flynn, Emanuela Gjokaj, Maxine Koos, Amber Morris, Rea Marfatia, and Maddie Knott.

Thoughts

This is a great hire of Baughman that Athletic Director Jason Rapp made. I announced last season's regional semifinal game between his Knights and Stoney Creek at Lake Orion and was thinking how a Baughman team would fair in the OAA. He was very successful at Walled Lake Northern leading them to a district title. The OAA is a much different league than the Lakes Valley Conference but Baughman should be up to the challenge changing leagues and styles. I think he will be a very good addition to a Highlanders program that needs stability. It will be interesting how the girls at Adams will adjust to his system but they will have to go through an transition period which takes time to grow.

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

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Ferndale has their new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Tuesday July 2nd at 8:55 PM
Updated Friday July 26th at 5:00 PM

The Eagles will have a new girls basketball coach this upcoming winter.

According to C&G Sports, Ferndale named Keith Paris as the team's new coach replacing Laura Hofner who stepped down last season.

Paris is the Eagles fifth coach in five seasons.

Paris was an assistant last season under Hofner. He brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to Ferndale. The Eagles have been a program that has struggled in the past. Last season, they went 4-5 in the Blue. Ferndale will compete in the Blue this season.

The Eagles will have Kenisha Williams back along with a good core along with a not so strong district that has Detroit Communication Media Arts, Detroit Old Redford, Detroit Cornerstone, and Detroit Cody.

They need to create some stability to a program that needs it. Ferndale has only one team (varsity) and no sub-varsity teams. If Paris can get a lot of girls to come out and play basketball then he could have the ability to get the varsity program better but also create the sub varsity program as well which brings stability to the Eagles.

Thoughts

This is an interesting hire with Paris at Ferndale for Athletic Director Shawn Butler. In the Blue, I don't think the Eagles are better than Berkley or Rochester but Paris has a long way to go to get this program relevant.

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

Here is the article confirming the Paris hire.
https://www.candgnews.com/sports/ferndale-high-girls-basketball-under-new-leadership-114070

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