The Falcons have their new Girls Basketball Coach.
Groves named Ant-Juan Simpkins as their new coach taking
over for Jessica Wieseler whom stepped down after getting an increased role in teaching at
Grosse Pointe.
Simpkins is a well-known name around Girls Basketball with
his run and gun offense. He took River Rouge in one season to 18 wins and a district title. He also
coaches the Michigan Storm AAU 2024 travel team.
The Falcons went 10-11 last season under Wieseler losing to
Southfield Arts and Tech in the pre-districts.
“Coach Simpkins brings to us a wealth of knowledge in the
world of basketball from past experiences as a high school head coach to
experiences at a high level in the AAU circuit” said Groves Athletic Director
Tom Flynn to Hometown Life’s Colin Gay.
Simpkins will have Kaitlyn Quinn, Rachel Sample, Destiny
McCurdy, Loryn Middlebrooks, Peyton Blandford, Anaya Bracy-Robinson, and Alyssa
Durrell all returning.
The Falcons will be in the Red next winter with the likes of
Clarkston, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech.
“I believe that he is going to be a great fit for our
program and to get the best out of our girls. To compete in the Red, he gives
us the best chance to compete with some of the best teams in the state” Flynn
mentioned.
Thoughts
Program strength and longevity are major red flags when I
look at this hire despite Simpkins success with the Michigan Storm AAU 2024 and at
River Rouge but building up the sub-varsity programs are my major concerns with
this hire.
If Simpkins can build a program, not just the varsity but the lower levels then
it has a chance to be a great hire.
“I think we have a chance to win the OAA. I think we have a
chance to win our district and I believe we can go far in the regionals as well
with what we currently have” Simpkins said to Gay.
Simpkins in the interview to Gay believes that his new
team has a chance to have a deep run in the postseason and in the league.
However the Red will bring very tough challenges to Simpkins and his team with Clarkston, West
Bloomfield, and Royal Oak whom have all had playoff success this past season along with
Southfield Arts and Tech who has been a consistent state power. The Red is expected to be strong once again. Not to
mention the possibly being in a district with Birmingham Marian is possible.
But it hasn’t deterred Simpkins lofty expectations.
“That is some of the expectations to be able to turn it
around but not just in winning record but to start winning championships and I
believe winning the OAA and winning the district is a start. I believe we can
get that accomplished this year” Simpkins concluded.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing
story.
Here is the article about the Simpkins hire from Hometown Life.
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