Volleyball Districts are Out.

Written Wednesday June 13th at 6:30 PM
Updated Friday September 28th at 1:00 AM

Here are the Volleyball districts as released by the MHSAA as of a few hours ago. The basketball ones should be released by the MHSAA in a few days. I will have a separate blog article talking about those districts.

Here they are.

District 5 @ Waterford Kettering

LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

Holly

Waterford Kettering

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Clarkston

WILDCARD: Oxford

WHY: This district looks like it could be a Clarkston/Lake Orion district final in the making but Oxford could be a serious contender as well. The Wolves return a ton of talent led by Claire Nowicki, Hailey Stewart, Skylar Jidas, Mackenzie Rotter, Kelsey Schaldenbrand, and Sierra Keresten and are also well coached for coach Kelly Averall Pinner. The Dragons are a senior heavy team led by Wren McCaullay, Sydney Smith, Paige Briggs (when healthy), Leigah Boes, Lauren Bell, Olivia Long, Riley Hunter, Sydney Gruppenhoff, and Ciara Livingway for coach Tony Scvarada. The Wildcats are also loaded for coach Brian Kim as they are led by Madelyn Weiss, Anna Peruski, Alyssa DeTone, Rachel Gubesch, Sydney Richter, Alexa Kingham, Catherine Dobies, Emma LaBarge, Anna Trbovich, and Mackenzie Miller. Holly will have some experience coming back despite starting six freshman last season for coach Denna Maher led by Lauren Lesch, Sydnie Meszler, Maddie Meszler, Jessie Hepner, Paige Weeder, Danielle Coleman, Sarah Jewell, Nicole Jewell, and Kennedy Hogan. Waterford Kettering is very young and could struggle in this district despite being the host. It’s whom adjusts to the odd angle of the Captains home court which will win this district. I see this district painted in green or in blue.

District 6 @ Stoney Creek

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

ROCHESTER

Utica Eisenhower

Romeo

Utica

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek

NEXT: Utica Eisenhower

WILDCARD: Adams

WHY: Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower has had a nice rivalry brewing as of late. The Cougars finally got over the hump by beating the Eagles at home but Utica Eisenhower in the last two seasons has beaten Stoney Creek one at home and one on the road in the postseason. The Cougars are loaded for coach Ross Talbott led by Stephanie Smith, Kate Stration, Nina Billoto, Ava Menzo, Ashley Gadzik, Reema Gowda, Kate Yatooma, and Sara Thompson. The Eagles counter with Sydney Palazzolo, Marrissa Durand, Sam Palazzolo, Meghan Dombrowski, Abbey Biermann, Jenn Flakenhagen, and Terah Ostrander for coach Caitlyn LaPratt. Adams is the wildcard in this district as they could pose the biggest obstacle to a Stoney Creek/Utica Eisenhower rematch. The Highlanders are well coached under Bridgette Harding and feature some talent led by Bailey Pease, Amber Morris, Emanella Gjokaj, Ashley Rill, Sophie Noll, Julia Shafer, Lara Sebestian, Juhi Valera, and Kaitlyn Petoskey. Rochester has a new coach in Kirk Gibbs. Gibbs will have some experience returning in the form of Ryan Allor, Leona Falconer, Rachel Gilbert, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Pegi Laci, Helena Rowland, Sailor Mayes, and Carly Rodman. Romeo will be an interesting team to keep an eye on as coach Stacey Williams will have a ton of experience back led by Gia Milana’s sister Salina Milana along with Payton Engstrom, Ally Konarzewski, Victoria Zions, Jenny Phillips, Juillana Bollini, Shayla Munn, Chloe Holiday, Kiyah Franklin, Emily Snay, Liz Liz, and Natalie Nowak. Utica has a ton of experience coming back for coach Jeff LaPratt in Abby Rissman, Frankie Rea, Kayla Jacob, Alyssa Jacob, Sophia Gjonaj, Raeleen Sobetski, Cayley Ebeling, Mone Knowles, Veronica Walters, Jaclyn Duff, and Katie O’Connor. This will be a fun district to watch as there is a ton of experience here.

District 7 @ Bloomfield Hills

AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY

TROY ATHENS

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Waterford Mott

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills

NEXT: Troy

WILDCARD: West Bloomfield

WHY: This district could have some fireworks written all over it. The favorite has to be Bloomfield Hills because not only they are the hosts but they are also talented as well. The hosts should have a competitive team led by Alexa Rousseau along with Brooke Bosart, Noelle Siewek, Kaitlyn Keele, Lily Formanek, and Alvia Slazinski for new coach Larry Wyatt whom comes over from Royal Oak Shrine. Troy will be the Blackhawks top challenger in this district as they have a star player in Jessica Robinson for coach Tom Vigilant and that’s not mentioning Fran McBride, Athena Sampson, Faith Keating, Lauren Alberts, Rachel Turpin, Elena D’Souza, Nikola Palinca, Caroline Shabet, and Bella Zaleski either. West Bloomfield could be a surprise to keep an eye on for coach Dana Gray as they have Kendall Jones, Lyndsey Cooper, Grace Allread, Jenna Rogind, Gabrelle Zubrzycki, Lauren King, Dana Suchara, and Victoria Reading. Avondale should be better this season. Troy Athens as they have a ton of experience coming back led by Alexa Withun. Waterford Mott will have a tough time in this district. I see this district either being painted in purple or in black.

District 25 @ Farmington

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Stevenson

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Livonia Stevenson

WILDCARD: North Farmington

WHY: This is an interesting district when you look at it but there is one State ranked team that will be favored in this district. The favorite has to be Farmington Hills Mercy when you look who they have coming back. The Marlins will be led by Emily Susitko, Logan Beyer, Jessica Mruzik, and Mallory Conrad for coach Loretta Vogel. Livonia Stevenson will have a ton of experience returning for coach Julian Wargo in Abbey Cleaveland, Libby Cleaveland, and Koryn Parmenter. Farmington for coach Kate Drews returns Sydney Eggleton to a very young lineup. North Farmington for coach Kat Hall could be a dark-horse candidate returns MiKayla Hines, Delayna Jabboori, Laylah Carter, Katy Cangemi, and Alyssa Murphy. Southfield Arts and Tech should be competitive for new coach Alisha Love but it will be interesting to see what the Warriors got. I see this being a Marlins/Spartans district final.

District 26 @ Birmingham Marian

BERKLEY

GROVES

SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK

Birmingham Marian

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Seaholm

WILDCARD: Groves

WHY: Birmingham Marian fresh off making the State finals last season will have their third coach in three years as Mayssa Cook takes over for Lauren Duquette. Cook comes over from Pontiac Notre Dame Prep after coaching the Fighting Irish junior varsity program to take over the Mustangs. Her new team will have a ton of experience this season led by Maddie Dowd and Christine Audette. Birmingham Marian also has talented players in Caitlyn Marsh, Rebecca Morris, Olivia Osuch, Mallory Lynch, Cecelia Nienstedt, Sarah Cavanaugh, Jacquil Feldman, Yasmeen Sarafa, and Claire Winter. Seaholm is very young but they will always be a threat and are well coached led by the duo of Heather (Lippert) and Jason Gambone. Groves could be interesting as they are led by Ellie Ruprich for coach Jenny Brown. Royal Oak had a tough season last year could be in line for some success for coach Emily Burwinkle. Berkley will be an interesting to keep an eye on for coach Chantelle Corson this season. This district looks like it’s the Mustangs to lose.

District 27 @ Detroit Renaissance

OAK PARK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

Redford Thurston

Redford Union

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Detroit Mumford

WILDCARD: Oak Park

WHY: This district is not as strong to the OAA but it would be interesting if Oak Park can shock the world but it's not likely. The favorite has to be the Phoenix from Detroit Renaissance whom should be the best team in the Detroit Public School League and Detroit Mumford whom is also solid as well. I don’t expect much from neither Redford schools here in this district as well. This district will have a name Detroit moving on to the regional.

District 56 @ Livonia Clarenceville

HARRISON

Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard

Livonia Clarenceville

Romulus

Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy

NEXT: Harrison

WILDCARD: Livonia Clarenceville

WHY: This is an interesting district with Harrison coming into this district after being in Class A for currently Division One in their final season as a school. The favorite has to be St. Catherine Sienna Academy. St. Catherine Sienna returns a boatload of talent for coach Malia Gabel in the form of Katie Grose and Maryann Alexander whom were two of their three captains from last season. They also have Maddie Karn, Gillian Szwabowski, Bridget Wolter, Lindsay Jankowski, Emma Schlagheck, Payton Porter, Abby Rutila, Jada Nafsto, Haley Gustad, and Christina Ibrahim. The Trojans return some key talent for coach Wendy Merschman in the form of Gina Marzolo, Alex Snage, Ciera Galvin Michelle Marzolo, Krystal Jones, Audrey Owens, Shelby Smith, Madison Jaber, Skylin Shroud, and Destiny Coleman. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard returns the balk of their team back led by Elise Brown and Emily Graham. Harrison meanwhile could threaten in this district for coach Michael Love led by Brooke Hykla, Melinda Hakaj, Kristen Hankins, and Mary Williams. Romulus for coach Stefanie Carter will struggle in this district. This district could be a Harrison/St. Catherine Sienna Academy clash.

District 58 @ Unknown Site as of yet

FERNDALE

HAZEL PARK

Detroit International Academy

Detroit Henry Ford Academy for Creative Studies

Detroit University Prep

Ferndale University

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Hazel Park

NEXT: Ferndale:

WILDCARD: No One

WHY: Could this be the perfect chance that either Ferndale or Hazel Park could make some noise and get to the regional??? The Vikings might have the best chance to win their first district since 2015 as they have Faith Aquino, Leighanna Passeno, Olivia Fortress, Madisyn Harris, and Brooke Lynch returning in their final season in the OAA. Ferndale has some players coming back and the history to back them up. No one else really threatens these two teams in this district. I see this district either painted in maroon or in brown and yellow.

District 61 @ Brandon

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Brandon

Goodrich

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Volleyball Outlook:

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Brandon

WILDCARD: No One

WHY: This is an interesting district for Pontiac because of the different teams and styles they will face but the big problem facing the Phoenix and the rest of the teams in this district is State Power Pontiac Notre Dame Prep whom to some teams is in this district for a second straight season or longer and is the defending Class B State Champions. The Irish are well coached under coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel and very talented. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is led by Natalie Risi, Olivia Kowalkowski, Elana Schwegman, Riley Cooper, Maria Famularo, Madeline Chinn, Megan Galvin, Morgan Verheyen, and Taylor Raiola. Brandon is the host has a slim shot to pull off a possible upset will feature Sydney Leslie but other than the Blackhawks I don’t see anyone here threatening in this district.

Here is the Soundcloud Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-061918

Tuesday Sports Thoughts.

Written Tuesday June 12th at 10:00 PM

Well the OAA season for 2017-2018 is officially over so here are my thoughts to conclude the season.

Softball

Clarkston whom was ranked number one in the State all season long was upset by Hartland whom was ninth in the State 3-2 on Tuesday at Wayne State.

The Wolves were up 2-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning until things started to unravel after an error led to the Eagles first run but then a sac fly tied the score at 2-2. Clarkston coach Don Peters made an interesting decision taking starter Olivia Warrington out of the game and put Abbey Tolmie in to get the final two outs.

I thought the Wolves made the right decision to walk Hartland hitter Madeline Skene. Skene hit a game winning two run home run in the regional against South Lyon that got them into this game knowing that they would take their chances with Delanie Grundman with the bases loaded. Grundman would hit a base hit past second base sealing the upset.

Clarkston loses three seniors, including two starters in Paige Blevens and Hannah Chadwell. Both of them will be attending Division One Schools next season and Olivia Gilmore whom was a reserve this season.

Hartland will face Howell in the State semifinals on Friday. The Wolves end their season at 37-3 on the year but the majority of Peters's team returns next season.

Girls Soccer

I knew that Troy would have a tough matchup with Novi at Stoney Creek and it showed with the Wildcats beating the Colts 4-1 in the State semifinals.

Troy whom made the State semifinal for the first time since 2013 battled in this contest but couldn’t overcome the offensive firepower that Novi had in the game especially in the second half where they were outscored 2-0 in the frame.

The Wildcats will face Grand Blanc in the State finals on Saturday. The Bobcats beat Midland 1-0 on Tuesday.

The Colts finish the season at 9-7-6.

Here is the Soundcloud Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-061918

Football Storylines Heading into 2018.

Written Tuesday June 12th at 1:20 AM

Hey all, of course school is out and some of my early thoughts and questions loom surrounding each team so here they are from the Blue, White, and Red.

Can Pontiac win an “ACTUAL” football game???

The Phoenix have really struggled since coach Brad Zube left in 2011 but they did get a technical forfeit win over Hamtramck after the Cosmos were forced to forfeit for having ineligible players. Pontiac is 4-49 since 2012. The Phoenix have a golden opportunity to win some games this season, the schedule looks good for them to have a successful season for coach Charles Talley.

Will Berkley become Madison Heights Bishop Foley???

The Bears have struggled as of late but they have named Sean Shields as the team’s new head coach. Berkley went 1-8 last season. Shields whom comes over from Madison Heights Bishop Foley, a program that has struggled in recent seasons is the team's third coach in four seasons. I have serious concerns about this football program moving forward.

How will Royal Oak be this season???

The Ravens fresh off making the playoffs for the first time since 2006 will have to replace a ton of talent for coach Ray McMann. It could be a struggle for Royal Oak this season especially opening up again with St. Clair Shores Lakeview a team that the Ravens beat last season but the Huskies beat Royal Oak 21-0 two years ago. The Ravens until last season was 17-73 since 2007 until the team’s playoff berth last season.

How will Hazel Park do???

The Vikings lost a ton of talent from a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Hazel Park could struggle as well heading into the season for coach Kyle Rowley. The Vikings were 10-44 since 2011 until the team’s playoff berth last season.

Can Farmington find it’s magic???

The Falcons were hit with the injury to Donovan King last season which caused a huge ripple effect for coach Kory Cicroch. Farmington is 5-15 since 2015 and will look to rebound after two subpar seasons. The positive for the Falcons is last season they scored more 247 then what they allowed (223) so there is hope for a possible bounce back season with a few key players healthy.

Will North Farmington be a playoff team in 2018??? It’s possible.

I talked to Raiders coach Bob Chiesa about his team recently and last season was rough on his team. “I did probably the hardest decision in my life starting 18 sophomores and juniors on Varsity but I truly had to in order to begin the rebuild process” said Chiesa. Chiesa admits that his team is a year away from making a serious playoff run after getting two wins last season but when I look at that schedule, six wins looks very favorable. I like this North Farmington team going forward, this is a darkhorse team to watch.

Will the magic continue for Ferndale???

The Eagles are 15-5 since merging with Ferndale University thanks to the team’s Co-OP program but coach Eric Royal will have to replace his quarterback and running back even though there are some capable players that can do so. The strength of Ferndale will be it’s line and looking at that schedule it looks manageable for the Eagles to be a playoff team for a third straight season.

How will Seaholm do in the Blue???

The Maples come down from the White to the Blue but this team should be better heading into the season. Seaholm has a lot of talent coming back for coach Jim DeWald but the Maples are 11-25 since 2014 so that has to change if they want to be a playoff team. It won’t be easy this season for Seaholm especially opening up with Troy Athens and closing the year with Groves.

Is Avondale the team to beat in the Blue???

The Yellow Jackets had a huge rebound last season and looks to get back to the playoffs for coach Ed Coutrier. Lineman remain a big question for Avondale but they have the skill players to compete with anyone. I expect a return trip back to the postseason for the Yellow Jackets this season.

Can Troy make the playoffs again???

The Colts made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2010 but coach Chris Frazier will have to address a ton of positions if Troy wants to return to the playoffs. Also the schedule is much tougher as well for the Colts with Avondale, Clarkston, Harrison, Oak Park, and Groves on the schedule. This could be a long season for Frazier and his team.

Can Rochester find defense???

The Falcons have only made the playoffs twice since 1999 (2010) but recently coach Eric Vernon’s team has had trouble with their defense. Rochester allowed 283 points last season and 1,125 points since 2013. Bottom line for the Falcons, sure the schedule is brutal with games against Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, Harrison, Oak Park, Stoney Creek, Troy Athens, and Groves but if they don’t fix their defense then it could be the eighth straight season they miss the postseason.

Will Keenest get Athens to the postseason???

The Red Hawks went back to their roots to get their next head coach in Billy Keenest. Keenest was the team’s offensive coordinator under Josh Heppner but he will have a tough job ahead of them fixing a team that has went 12-42 since 2011 although most of Troy Athens’s games were against the Red but now the Red Hawks are in the White and they have to play against Oak Park, Harrison, and Groves not to mention that Lake Orion and Oxford are on the schedule as well. It could be an interesting season for Troy Athens but they have a very good sophomore class to lean on this season.

Will Oak Park get past the Regional???

The Knights have a ton of talent coming back. They have made the playoffs in five straight seasons under coach Greg Carter but there is that one major hurdle that they can’t get out off and that’s the regional round of the playoffs. Oak Park will be a playoff team that’s for sure but its when they get to that round. Last season, the Knights lost to Warren De LaSalle in a low scoring game 14-7 and back in 2012 they lost to Wyandotte Roosevelt 10-6. There is not a lot of flaws on Carter’s team even though linebacker could be the next Scooby Doo mystery Carter figures out but he will have someone there knowing him and his team.

Linemen will be a big concern at Harrison.

The Hawks will have a ton of talent coming back this season from a team that went to the State final a year ago. Coach John Herrington has led his team to the playoffs in 32 of the last 38 seasons, the State’s all-time wins leader should field a strong team this season. Lineman and depth will be major concerns for the Hawks. Harrison will for sure be a player in its final season as a school.

Groves is for REAL man.

If there is one football team I’m keeping an eye on it’s the Falcons. Groves has made the playoffs six of the last seven years for coach Branden Flaherty and is loaded to make a deep postseason run this season. The Falcons should have a bad taste in their mouth after losing to Birmingham Brother Rice in double overtime last season. Only concern that I see is in the secondary but knowing Flaherty he will fix that quickly. The schedule is manageable for Groves as they have West Bloomfield, Oak Park, and Harrison which could spell trouble spots but six wins looks not to be a problem. Looking at this team on paper, there is plenty to like on this Falcons football team, could a deep playoff run be in the cards???

“Armor Up” Could be in for a long season.

There is a new era for the Cougars as Nick Merlo takes over the program. Merlo whom is the third coach in four seasons introduced a theme called “Armor Up” which is a win everyday theme on and off the field. On the field, Merlo is going to have to fix a Stoney Creek football program that has fallen on hard times going 8-19 since 2015. The Cougars do not have an easy schedule as they have Utica Ford, Troy, Harrison, Oak Park, Groves, Oxford, Rochester, Adams, and Troy Athens also lineman is a big concern for Merlo and his team. There will be some lumps on the road for Stoney Creek before they can find some success.

The Rebuild Starts.

The Blackhawks have had some success under coach Dan Loria going 13-5 in the last two seasons but that has been credited to John Paddock and Jack Sape. Now Paddock and Sape have moved on but there is still some talent in Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks will have to address their line and especially their defense. It will be interesting to see what Bloomfield Hills does this upcoming season knowing that a tough schedule awaits them.

Defense is still a problem in Oxford.

The Wildcats have really struggled going 9-18 since 2015 but there is one problem that has been a real pain to coach Bud Rowley and that’s the defense. Oxford allowed 271 points last season and have allowed 1,715 points since entering the OAA in 2010. The Wildcats should be better this season on the offensive side of the ball despite needing to replace the quarterback. The schedule won't help things for Oxford with games against Romeo, Clarkston, West Bloomfield, Adams, Southfield, and Lake Orion on the docket. If the Wildcats want to go anywhere this season, the defense will be the key.

How will Southfield Arts and Tech look in 2018???

The Warriors have a ton of players that have gotten College offers but they have not performed to expectations. Southfield Arts and Tech did not make the playoffs last season thanks to a three game losing streak that included two blowout losses to Adams and West Bloomfield. The Warriors should be hungry heading into the season but for coach Tim Conley and his team, now is the time for them to prove it.

Does West Bloomfield have another deep playoff run in them???

The Lakers last season had a special year beating Utica Eisenhower and Detroit Cass Tech to get to the State finals for the first time in school history. There is no reason for coach Ron Bellamy and his team to get back to Ford Field again. The only question I have for West Bloomfield will be their quarterback and defensive line heading into the season. The Lakers have the talent for another deep playoff run.

Clarkston will ride their offensive lineman in 2018.

The Wolves fresh off winning their third State title in six years will be very different this season for coach Kurt Richardson. Clarkston will rely on their two Division One offensive lineman in Garrett Dellinger and Rocco Splinter this season. Both of them will be key if the Wolves want to repeat the same success they had last season. The schedule will be interesting for Clarkston as they have Grandville playing in Ann Arbor to open up and that's not mentioning Southfield, Lake Orion, Oxford, Adams, West Bloomfield, and a possible meeting with Oak Park. The Wolves will have a young team this season but anytime you have two Division One caliber offensive lineman to carry you, you’ll be in many football games.

Defense will be a question mark in Lake Orion.

The Dragons have had a struggle as of late, missing the playoffs three of the last four years, including last season under coach John Blackstock. The main problem has been the team’s defense. Lake Orion really struggled allowing 203 points last season and have allowed over 200 points four times since 2013 which is a big reason why they are 16-21 in that stretch. The schedule is not easy with games against Southfield, Clarkston, Oxford, Adams, Lapeer, Monroe, and West Bloomfield on the docket. The Dragons should be solid offensively with a ton of experience coming back but the defense will be the question if Lake Orion wants to be a playoff team this season.

How will Adams look in 2018???

The Highlanders had a successful season last season going back to Highlander football. The question for coach Tony Patrino’s team will be is can they sustain it??? Adams will have the quarterback and lineman to do well in their veer attack but the question will be the defense and whom will be the lead running back heading into the season. The Highlanders schedule is interesting with games against Oxford, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Harrison on the docket. It will be interesting to see what happens with Adams this season.

More High School Sports Saturday Thoughts.

Written Saturday June 9th at 4:25 PM

As we head into the final week of the 2017-2018 school year and sports season. Here are my thoughts heading into the regional for baseball, softball, and girls soccer along with a recap of the State Boys golf finals.

Softball Thoughts.

North Farmington ran into a really good pitcher against South Lyon losing 2-0 in a pitchers duel at Novi in the regional semifinal. The Raiders were shut down by Lions pitcher Alexis Bonk. She shut held the North Farmington offense to just one hit. Sam Cherney pitched well keeping the Raiders in the game but Bonk was the difference in the game for South Lyon. Bonk is the reason why North Farmington is out.

I knew that Hazel Park was going to have a tough time against Dearborn Divine Child and it showed as the Vikings fell 15-0 in four innings at Madonna University in their regional semifinal. Hazel Park had absolutely no chance in this game and ends its run in the regional semifinals.

Clarkston showed their dominance against Troy Athens by hammering the Red Hawks 11-3 in five innings in the regional semifinal at Lake Orion. Troy Athens ends its season in the regional semifinal. Stoney Creek used a 5-0 advantage to beat Seaholm 6-2 in their regional semifinal game. The Maples end its season. The Cougars and Wolves met in the regional final with Clarkston winning 5-0 over Stoney Creek whom won its first district title and regional game in school history. My thoughts here was it went exactly what I thought it would be with the Wolves showing their dominance in this regional. Clarkston will take on Hartland in the State Quarterfinals at Wayne State on Tuesday.

Baseball Thoughts.

I wasn’t surprised that Troy lost to Waterford Mott 4-1 in the regional semifinal at Lake Orion. The Colts could not overcome the Corsairs onslaught early when Waterford Mott jumped to a 3-0 lead. Troy tried to come back in the game but it wasn’t meant to be. The Colts end its season in the regional semifinal.

I wasn’t surprised that Farmington got beat by Northville in the regional semifinal 5-3 at Novi. I thought what happened prior really impacted the Falcons. Mistakes killed Farmington in the game including allowing the two winning runs for the Mustangs in the seventh inning. The Falcons could have won the game but it wasn’t meant to be. Farmington ends its season in the regional semifinal.

Girls Soccer Thoughts.

Adams could not overcome Grand Blanc in the regional final with the Bobcats winning 3-0 at Stoney Creek. I knew it was going to be tough for the Highlanders against a team like Grand Blanc with all their talent they have back. The Bobcats will play Midland in the State semifinals on Tuesday at Lansing Holt.

The Colts took home their first regional since 2013 with a 3-0 win over Grosse Pointe North in their regional final at Troy Athens. Troy was a team that I wasn’t surprised that would move onto the State semifinals to which they will play Novi on Tuesday at Stoney Creek.

Golf Thoughts.

I wasn’t surprised that Grosse Pointe South won the State crown in Boys golf but the league got some good performances from Seaholm and Lake Orion. The Maples took a third place performance in the State at 43 over par but was second in overall scoring with a 599 while the Dragons took eighth at 67 over par with a 637 overall score. I still believe that Adams and Bloomfield Hills should had been in the field but it wasn’t meant to be though.

Integrity questioned in the Boys Golf regional.

Written Friday June 8th at 10:45 AM

Sometimes there is some controversy that comes in all sports. It looms in every sport where someone comes out of nowhere and gets to the State tournament.

In High School Sports there is no replay like they have in the College and Professional game where a referee can go to a replay to get a another look.

You wouldn't think it will happen in a sport like Golf now but it has.

According to  Dan Stickradt's article he questioned the integrity of three teams that was at the MHSAA Boys Golf regional at Twin Lakes Golf course. In that regional you had one ranked team in the State (Lake Orion) and two others that were ranked (Adams and Bloomfield Hills) during the season that were there and three teams that have little or no history in Boys Golf.

The team that won the regional was New Baltimore Anchor Bay. The Tars shot a 284 which was insane, only the 2010 Novi Detroit Catholic Central team had a lower score than that one of 281 when they won the State title. New Baltimore Anchor Bay was a middle of the pack team in the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division this season, they shot a 322 in the league meet a few weeks ago and was fifth in the Macomb County meet with a 340. Last season, the Tars shot a 342 which was 11th on that same golf course.

I'm thinking there is no way how that the Tars can improve their team score by 38 strokes, that's not even possible.

Another team that has me baffled is L'Anse Creuse. They were the runner up in the regional with 296. The Lancers shot a 313 in the Macomb Area Conference White league meet and a 357 at both the Macomb County Meet and the Evan Gills Invitational. L'Anse Creuse shot a 358 last season at Twin Lakes which was a 62 stroke improvement.

Again I'm thinking how is this possible???

The third team was Fraser. The Ramblers took sixth in the regional with a 313. They were 19th in last season's regional meet with a 373.

Ironically these three teams were paired together in the regional.

Lake Orion took third with a 308 qualified to the State Finals. Adams and Bloomfield Hills both missed out on State berths finished with 310 and 312 respectably.

Twin Lakes is a tough golf course but I wonder was there stat rigging, collusion, or the fact that New Baltimore Anchor Bay, Macomb L'Anse Creuse, and Fraser had great days???

Many coaches protested but it was to no avail. There was no errors on the score sheets or any video evidence of any wrong doing but even if the MHSAA could do anything there hands are strained because even if there is any wrong doings there are no rules in place to disqualify a whole team or do the whole regional over again or have the fourth and fifth place teams go as well to the State meet.

Stickradt did speak to the MHSAA's Cody Inglis to talk about this issue. "Every rule set by the MHSAA and the MIGCA were applied and they could not find any hard evidence of any wrong doing. We have been working with the schools involved over the past several days trying to come up with something, any type of resolution. Integrity is something that is discussed every year and I'm certain it will be discussed this summer" Inglis concluded.

The OAA will be represented this weekend at the State Golf meet with Seaholm (ranked 3rd with 312) and Lake Orion (ranked 4th with 308.) Clarkston whom had a rough day and was ranked 2nd in the State had a tough regional and missed the tournament by one stroke.

Thoughts

I feel really bad for Adams and Bloomfield Hills. They did everything by the book and posted scores that could get them to the State finals but with this controversy they were the teams that missed out going to the tournament.

I think there has to be some changes next season in Golf so this never happens again.

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

Here is the Soundcloud from the podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-061218

Here is the link to Dan Stickradt's story right here.
http://northoaklandsports.com/2018/06/06/publishers-viewpoint-miracle-on-twin-lakes-links-or-integrity-chipped-off-the-course-you-decide/

Hazel Park has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Tuesday June 5th at 12:10 PM

A new era at "The Park" is here.

The Vikings according to a very accurate source has named Stefan Wilson as the team's new Boys Basketball coach replacing Brandon Barrett whom left to take over at Detroit University Prep.

Wilson is well known around the OAA, coaching the Boys program at Harrison from 2015-2017. He also coached the Girls Basketball program for the Hawks on an interim basis in 2016.

Wilson is known for his up-tempo game. He will bring that same style to Hazel Park but the Vikings lost a ton of players including Carl Bow, David Hearns, and Devin Pettis.

Wilson is basically starting the program from scratch.

Hazel Park is coming off two very successful seasons including last season going 18-2 but suffered a tough loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals last season.

The Vikings have one player back from that team.

Hazel Park moved down two divisions from the Red to the Blue. The Vikings will compete with the likes of Ferndale, Pontiac, Seaholm, Oxford, Berkley, Harrison, and Royal Oak. They will be in Division Two or formally Class B once the postseason starts because of enrollment.

Thoughts

Wilson will have a tough rebuilding job at Hazel Park as mentioned building it from scratch. I wonder who in the right frame of mind would want this job after the successes of the past.

Wilson will also have to build a Junior Varsity and Freshman program, something that I know he is more than capable of doing. Currently there is no Junior Varsity or Freshman coaches as of yet for the Vikings.

If there is one positive for Wilson is that he knows the division well which will help his very young team this season.

The Blue will be much tougher than it has been in years past especially with the recent changes in the division.

I wish Wilson the best of luck at Hazel Park knowing that he has a tough job ahead of him.

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

Here is the Soundcloud from the podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-061218

My projected Volleyball and Basketball Districts.

Written Sunday June 3rd at 3:30 PM
Updated Monday June 4th at 3:00 PM

Here is my once in a lifetime projections for the Districts for Volleyball and Basketball once they do come out later this month. Now these aren’t the accurately districts, just my projections based on the geographic locations of each school.

  

I’ll try to do my best and get an idea what they could look like. Here are my projected districts. I explain my reasons why these could be the projected districts.

Division One.

DISTRICT A

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

Lapeer

Brandon

Romeo

DISTRICT B

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

ROCHESTER

Utica Eisenhower

Utica

DISTRICT C

AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Waterford Mott

Waterford Kettering

Orchard Lake St. Marys

DISTRICT D

TROY

TROY ATHENS

SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK

BERKLEY

Birmingham Brother Rice/Birmingham Marian

DISTRICT E

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON
Livonia Franklin

Livonia Stevenson

Redford Thurston

Redford Union

DISTRICT F

OAK PARK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

GROVES

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit/Farmington Hills Mercy

Warren Fitzgerald

Division Two.

DISTRICT G

HARRISON

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Macomb Lutheran North

New Haven
Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DISTRICT H

HAZEL PARK

FERNDALE

Ferndale University

Clawson

Center Line

Madison Heights Lamphere

My thoughts.

With Hazel Park, Ferndale, Harrison, and Pontiac all in Division Two. These are my best guesses where each team would head.

In District A, I have Holly going south to see Milford, Walled Lake’s, and Lakeland. Romeo is much closer to Lake Orion and Oxford than going south toward Utica Eisenhower so that's why I put Romeo in this district. Lapeer was an interesting one for me since they are close to Davison and I see the district up involving the Flint area schools splitting up a bit, I see Lapeer as an outlier and sending them back south would be very interesting and proximity favors them to go south then west into this district. I don’t see any changes with Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, or Brandon although Clarkston is close enough to possibly go west but it's not likely that will happen with Holly seeing the Lakes Valley rivals.

In District B, I took Romeo out putting them in District A but brought back a familiar foe in Utica to which they are the closest north in Utica. Utica is much closer north to Utica Eisenhower and the Rochester schools. Thought about bringing Utica Ford II in but it didn’t make any sense doing so.

In District C, there are no changes.

In District D, it was a tough call between sending Groves or Berkley into that district. I thought with Berkley’s geographic location to Royal Oak despite the fact that Oak Park borders them. Groves is a bit more south and closer to Southfield and I felt that sending Berkley into that district would be the best option but it wouldn't surprise me if Groves is sent to this district and that Berkley goes south.

In District E, this will be a radical change with the two Farmington schools. The city of Farmington is in an interesting spot with Novi and Northville to it's southwest but Livonia and Redford are to it's south. Harrison is moving to Division Two or Class B for it's final season as a school. Geographically it’s much closer for Farmington to go south instead of east, they do see Livonia Stevenson a lot in baseball and softball so why not here as well.

In District F,  I thought about putting Groves with their arch rival Seaholm along with Brother Rice/Birmingham Marian and bringing in Detroit Mumford but settled on keeping Groves in this district. Detroit Mumford is moving up to Class A or Division One this upcoming fall so it was hard to figure out where to put them so I kept them in Detroit in another district. I brought Mercy into this district with them east on Middlebelt Road being my divider line where Farmington and North Farmington are west of Middlebelt Road. It wouldn't surprise me if Mercy goes with Farmington and North Farmington but to what I'm seeing with them is that they are going east.

In District G which is Division Two or Class B, with the expected surge of teams coming up and down. Pontiac, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood made perfect sense from a geographic standpoint to keep them together. I thought about bringing Birmingham Detroit Country Day into this district because of the lack of teams particularly in girls basketball. I took Algonac out and put them with their arch rivals in the Blue Water Area Conference. Also thought about Macomb Lutheran North and New Haven but with no where to put them this is where they needed to be at. New Haven needs to be in this district for all sports not just boys basketball like they were last season. Harrison coming into this district will be interesting in its final season as a school but without a Girls Basketball program it concerns me so that's why I have Birmingham Detroit Country Day coming into this district.

In District H, there aren't really a ton of changes but decided to put Birmingham Detroit Country Day back north toward Pontiac and New Haven. Hazel Park enters into this district. It also gives teams like Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights Lamphere, and Center Line a great chance to get a district title as well.

We shall see what the actual districts will look like for Basketball and Volleyball in a few weeks from the MHSAA. Any questions feel free to respond or listen to my podcast on it, will put it up by the end of the week.

Here is the Soundcloud.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-6518