High School Sports Saturday Thoughts.

Written Saturday June 2nd at 7:20 PM

Here are my thoughts from today's sports Saturday around the OAA.

Softball Thoughts.

I wasn’t surprised that Stoney Creek, North Farmington, and Clarkston took home district titles. I was surprised what happened to Lake Orion and to Troy in their games along with surprising district champions in Seaholm, Hazel Park, and Troy Athens. My thoughts are below.

The unexpected district champs were Troy Athens, Seaholm, and Hazel Park. The Red Hawks were dominant outscoring their three opponents (Berkley 16-0, Warren Mott 7-0, Royal Oak 6-0) by a combined 29-0. The Maples were another team that made some noise as well they beat Groves and Avondale in the district finals. The other team that no one thought would win a district was Hazel Park. The Vikings used a tough league schedule to beat Warren Fitzgerald (11-6) Redford Union (16-4) to get a shot against Dearborn Divine Child in the Regional at Madonna University.

Oak Park, West Bloomfield, and Southfield Arts and Tech had tough matchups in their respective districts.

The shocking upsets that I didn’t see coming was Troy getting blown out at home against Royal Oak 19-3 in the district semifinals. The other was at Clarkston where Lake Orion lost 12-6 to Waterford Kettering. What really disappointed me in the Dragons/Captains game was that Lake Orion was outscored by Waterford Kettering 7-1 in the final two innings after tying the score at 5-5 after five innings.

On a positive note, North Farmington shocking Farmington Hills Mercy 10-3 in the district semifinal was surprising to me. The Marlins could not solve Samantha Cherney in the contest.  The Raiders would beat a good Livonia Stevenson team in the district finals 4-2. North Farmington will head to Novi next and might have a shot at getting to the State Quarterfinals.

Here are the teams that survived and advanced to the Regional.

Region 7 @ Lake Orion: STONEY CREEK, SEAHOLM, CLARKSTON, TROY ATHENS

Region 8 @ Novi: NORTH FARMINGTON, Hartland, South Lyon, Walled Lake Northern
Region 15 @ Madonna University: HAZEL PARK, Detroit Mumford, Dearborn Divine Child, Center Line

Early Outlooks: In Region Seven, I don't think anyone will be touching Clarkston in this all OAA Regional. I think the Wolves should cruse by in this one but if they play to the level of their competition then all bets are off.  In Region Eight, I think it will be North Farmington and Walled Lake Northern that will clash against one another in the Regional Finals. In Region Fifteen, I think Dearborn Divine Child will meet Center Line and see whom clashes with whom in that matchup.

Baseball Thoughts.

I would say that this was not a good day for the OAA in Baseball but there were some bright spots that came through for the league. Farmington earned their way to winning a district final beating Livonia Stevenson and Novi. Troy took home a district title knocking off Royal Oak to get to the Regional.

Groves and Seaholm could not overcome Birmingham Brother Rice in their district while West Bloomfield had a tough loss to Lakeland in their district final. Southfield Arts and Tech lost to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Ferndale lost in the district final to Livonia Clarenceville while Hazel Park lost to the Eagles in the district semifinals. Clarkston lost a heartbreaker to Waterford Kettering while Oxford and Lake Orion fell to Waterford Mott. Rochester, Adams, and Stoney Creek could not overcome Utica Eisenhower in their path toward a district title

Here are the teams that survived and advanced to the Regional.

Region 7 @ Lake Orion: TROY, Waterford Mott, Birmingham Brother Rice, Utica Eisenhower

Region 8 @ Novi: FARMINGTON, Northville, Hartland, Lakeland

Early Outlooks: In Region Seven it's wide open, Birmingham Brother Rice looks to be the favorite but don't count Waterford Mott or Utica Eisenhower out. In Region Eight, I think Farmington can get by Northville but Hartland right now is the king of this Regional.

Girls Soccer Thoughts.

Well there are only two OAA teams left heading into Regionals for Girls Soccer, Troy and Adams took home district titles after the Colts beat their arch rivals Troy Athens while the Highlanders beat Utica Eisenhower in penalty kicks. Troy had a tough district that had Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills, and Groves in there while Adams had to go through with Lake Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek, Romeo, and Rochester.

Here are the current Regional matchups.

Region 4 @ Stoney Creek: ADAMS, Hartland, Grand Blanc, Waterford Mott

Region 3 @ Troy Athens: TROY, Grosse Pointe North, Anchor Bay, Fraser

Early Outlooks: In Region Three, this will be an interesting Regional. I think the favorite has to be Anchor Bay but they will be tested by Grosse Pointe North and whomever wins that game will take on Troy in the Regional Final. I think the Colts are playing with house money right now. In Region Four, I don't see anyone touching Grand Blanc, probably the only team that will give them a game will be Adams but other than that no one is touching the Bobcats.

Other Thoughts.

Seaholm and Oak Park took home State titles this weekend.

The Maples took home the Division Two State crown in Tennis giving the OAA it's sixth State Championship in the 2017-2018 School year. Seaholm beat out Birmingham Marian for the crown scoring 34 points in the process.

The Knights Girls track team took home their fourth State title in five seasons scoring 66 points. Lake Orion and Troy were the only other OAA teams to place in the top eight of the Girls meet. The Dragons scored 48 points taking fourth while the Colts took eighth with 22 points. Oak Park and Seaholm took sixth and seventh respectably in the Boys leading the OAA in that part of the State meet.

I didn’t expect Bloomfield Hills Boys Lacrosse to make it to the State semifinals but they are there by beating Rockford 12-9 at Lansing Catholic. The Blackhawks will play Birmingham Brother Rice which will be a very difficult matchup at Seaholm. In the girls I think Bloomfield Hills has a shot pending if they can get by Brighton and if they win over the Bulldogs then they would likely have to face Rockford in the State Final which will not be an easy matchup at all.

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

Clarkston has their new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Saturday June 2nd at 12:10 AM

The Wolves coaching search appears to be over.

According to an accurate source, Clarkston will name John Weyer as the team's next head coach replacing Christine Rogers.

Weyer is well known around the AAU circuit and for developing players to have great careers. He coaches the Michigan PR1DE team in the summer and has been to games supporting the players he has developed and continuing developing.

There will be a meet and greet for the new coach for players and their families that will take place on June 7th according to the Clarkston Facebook page.

Rogers led the Wolves to the State Quarterfinals last season going 20-5, sharing the Red with Southfield Arts and Tech. She had players like Kayla Luchenbach, Maddie Beck, and Molly Nicholson. All three were trained by Weyer at some point in their careers.

Weyer will have some young talent to work with next season however they will have only one starter back in Taylor Heaten but he will have a ton of talent to work with especially from a Junior Varsity team that went 20-0 in the tough Red last season. That group was led by Kaitlyn Kaul, Olivia Toderan, Lexi Linton, and Piper Bosart.

Heaten, Linton, and Toderan currently play for the PR1DE whom is coached by Weyer.

Thoughts

I do like this hire by Jeff Kosin whom is Clarkston's Athletic Director. Weyer will bring out the best of his new team and the players he inherits especially from his PR1DE team knows what he likes to do. Weyer is a proven winner when you look at the AAU ranks with the PR1DE but I wonder how his coaching style from the AAU ranks will adapt to the coaching in the High School ranks.

When you look at the league that the Wolves will be in this upcoming season, there will be some challenges especially since they will be in the Red and dealing with the likes of Southfield Arts and Tech, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Stoney Creek, North Farmington, and Groves.

Clarkston will be a very young team on paper, I would expect some growing pains during the season. Also the Red is very difficult as mentioned especially with Southfield Arts and Tech, Bloomfield Hills, and Royal Oak returning a ton of Varsity experience while Stoney Creek, and North Farmington are well established programs. Groves will be very young next season.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

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-6518

Boys Lacrosse Quarterfinal Preview.

Written Thursday May 31st at 10:05 PM

Here are my thoughts heading into the Boys Lacrosse Quarterfinal matchups.

TROY ATHENS vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central

The Red Hawks will have their toughest challenge when they play the Shamrocks at Birmingham Seaholm. Novi Detroit Catholic Central was dominant in their regional with wins over Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Walled Lake Northern, and South Lyon. The Shamrocks are rolling at the right time. Troy Athens went through Macomb and St. Clair Counties with wins over Port Huron, Macomb Dakota, and Utica Eisenhower. It will be an interesting matchup but the odds favor Novi Detroit Catholic Central in this matchup.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Rockford

This will be a tough matchup for the Blackhawks as they will take on a Rockford team that is rising in confidence at Lansing Catholic. Bloomfield Hills had to go through Rochester, Adams, and Lake Orion to get to this round. The Rams went through Kalamazoo Central, Hudsonville, and Zeeland West to get to this matchup. It will be interesting for the Blackhawks if they can get by Rockford but it will be a tough task.

Dawson Out at Avondale.

Written Thursday May 31st at 9:40 PM

The Avondale Yellow Jackets will have a new Girls Basketball coach this winter.

Citing very accurate sources coach Phil Dawson has stepped down from coaching the team last week.

Dawson’s team shared the Blue with Farmington with an 11-1 league record and finished with a 16-3 overall record last season.

Avondale was blown out in the pre-district by Bloomfield Hills in the postseason last year and have moved up to the White next season.

Whoever coaches the Yellow Jackets will have a ton of talent to work with players like Olivia Russell, Keiori Lee, Keziah Buggs, Madelyn Harrod, and Angelis Willis coming back next season. Russell, Lee, and Buggs should be the stars for Avondale.

Thoughts

I'm surprised that Dawson stepped down from coaching the Yellow Jackets. I wonder if internal issues did him in, it's possible.

It will be very interesting who will coach at Avondale next season. We shall see what happens.

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-6518

Baseball/Softball District Previews.

Written Monday May 28th at 7:40 PM

Here is my insight on the Baseball and Softball districts that will take place this week. Happy Memorial Day to you all.

Softball

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

OAK PARK vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Redford Thurston vs Detroit Renaissance

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district at all when you look at the teams. I think that the Phoenix will rise and move on here. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.

District 25 @ Troy

BERKLEY vs TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK vs TROY

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a district where the Colts are favored heavily. Troy has experience and are well coached. I think this will be an all Troy final between the two rival schools but don’t think anyone in this district will touch the Colts. PICK: TROY.

District 26 @ Groves

GROVES vs SEAHOLM

AVONDALE vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting district with the teams that are in play. I think that the Blackhawks will finally get over the hump and move onto the regional but Groves and Seaholm will be tough outs. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

ROCHESTER vs Utica Eisenhower

ROCHESTER/Utica Eisenhower vs STONEY CREEK

ADAMS vs Romeo

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district, I think there are three teams that could win this district in Utica Eisenhower, Romeo, and Stoney Creek. I think with the Cougars being at home they will take this district over the Bulldogs. PICK: STONEY CREEK.

District 28 @ Clarkston

LAKE ORION vs Waterford Mott

LAKE ORION/Waterford Mott vs Waterford Kettering

OXFORD vs CLARKSTON

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: It’s awful that you have three top ten teams in the State in this district as we do with Clarkston, Oxford, and Lake Orion. It really stinks that the Wolves and Wildcats have to play each other in the district semifinals. The Dragons have the best draw and should get to the district final but the problem is that Clarkston will be waiting and will be moving on. PICK: CLARKSTON.

District 29 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

Lakeland vs Walled Lake Central

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district on paper but looking at it from a different perspective, this is looking to be an Eagles/Knights district final. I like Walled Lake Northern to pull through and advance. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 30 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON vs FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

HARRISON vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be an interesting district, the Raiders are at home and have a solid pitcher in the wings. Farmington Hills Mercy lost a ton of talent. Farmington is a darkhorse. Harrison and Livonia Stevenson could have some trouble in this district. I think North Farmington gets by Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson and gets over the hump. PICK: NORTH FARMINGTON.

District 60 @ Livonia Clarenceville

Livonia Clarenceville vs Warren Fitzgerald

Livonia Clarenceville/Warren Fitzgerald vs HAZEL PARK

FERNDALE vs Redford Union

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district on paper. I think this will be a district where everyone is evenly matched. If I had to pick someone to win this district it’s the Spartans over the Eagles. PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD.

Baseball

District 18 @ Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Renaissance vs Redford Thurston

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district when I see it. I think whomever wins the Southfield Arts and Tech/Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit match will win the district and move on. I like the Cubs to move on. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.

District 25 @ Troy

Warren Mott vs ROYAL OAK

Warren Mott/ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY

TROY vs TROY ATHENS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an even district when I look at it but end of the day I see the winner of the Colts and Red Hawks moving on in this district over a good Warren Mott team. PICK: TROY.

District 26 @ Groves

GROVES vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

GROVES/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs AVONDALE

SEAHOLM vs Birmingham Brother Rice

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district, the early favorite has to be Birmingham Brother Rice but Groves, Bloomfield Hills, Seaholm, and Avondale will have strong says. This is anyone’s district to win so when in doubt give me the Yellow Jackets in a monster upset over the Warriors. PICK: AVONDALE.

District 28 @ Clarkston

Waterford Mott vs LAKE ORION

Waterford Mott/LAKE ORION vs OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs Waterford Kettering

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Dragons have the talent to make a run in this district although it is not the strongest on paper. Oxford will stand in the way of Lake Orion. The winner will see the hosts in the district finals but end of the day this district will be painted in Dragon green and white. PICK: LAKE ORION.

District 27 @ Stoney Creek

Utica Eisenhower vs ADAMS

Utica Eisenhower/ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK

Romeo vs ROCHESTER

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district when you look at it. I think there are three teams that have a chance to win this district in Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek, and Rochester. The Falcons have the best draw of the teams but keep an eye on the Cougars. I see this being an all Rochester final but it will be the Falcons getting a measure of revenge. PICK: ROCHESTER.

District 29 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central vs Lakeland

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: Could this be the year that the Lakers can win this district???, it's possible West Bloomfield has the talent to make a run at this thing but Walled Lake Central will stand in the way. I think this could be the year an OAA team wins this district. PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD.

District 30 @ North Farmington

FARMINGTON vs Livonia Stevenson

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Novi

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This could be a tough district when you look at the teams. If there has to be a slight favorite it would be Livonia Stevenson. The Spartans have played a tough schedule in the KLAA but Farmington and Novi will be no pushovers. I think Farmington for sure will give Livonia Stevenson trouble. I see this as a Spartans/Wildcats final with the Spartans moving on. PICK: LIVONIA STEVENSON.

District 60 @ Livonia Clarenceville

Redford Union vs Livonia Clarenceville

Redford Union/Livonia Clarenceville vs Warren Fitzgerald

HAZEL PARK vs FERNDALE

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Vikings came out of nowhere to win the district last season but with the Trojans of Livonia Clarenceville in here and a likely district finals clash it could be a tough chore for Hazel Park to repeat as champions. PICK: LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE.

Girls Soccer District Preview.

Written Thursday May 24th at 10:40 PM

Here is my insight along with district projections for the upcoming State Tournament.

District 8 @ Livonia Stevenson

Farmington Hills Mercy vs Novi

Northville vs NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

FARMINGTON/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs Livonia Stevenson

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: Novi and Northville will be the favorites heading into the district but they will see each other likely in the district semifinals. Farmington will see Livonia Stevenson in the district as well. I think this is a Mustangs/Spartans district final with Northville moving on. PICK: NORTHVILLE.

District 12 @ Berkley

TROY ATHENS vs GROVES

ROYAL OAK vs SEAHOLM

TROY vs BERKLEY

TROY/BERKLEY vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district over at Hurley Field that features some powerhouse programs including the White champions. I expect a Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills rematch after the Maples beat the Blackhawks at Bloomfield Hills early in the season. I think Seaholm will make it two in a row but this time it will be in a shootout. PICK: SEAHOLM.

District 13 @ Rochester

LAKE ORION vs Utica Eisenhower

ROCHESTER vs Romeo

ADAMS vs OXFORD

ADAMS/OXFORD vs STONEY CREEK

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is a tough district to say the least with the Red and Blue champions in this district. Rochester vs Utica Eisenhower and Adams vs Stoney Creek are real possibilities but don't count out Lake Orion or Oxford. I think this will be an Eagles/Cougars district final with Stoney Creek moving on. PICK: STONEY CREEK.

District 14 @ Waterford Mott

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott vs Lakeland

Walled Lake Central vs CLARKSTON

CLARKSTON/Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Northern

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is an interesting district but the favorite has to be Walled Lake Northern because of what they have been doing all year in the Lakes Valley. The Knights should get into the district final against the Lakers but it will be Walled Lake Northern that moves on. PICK: WALLED LAKE NORTHERN.

District 23 @ Birmingham Marian

FERNDALE vs Birmingham Marian

FERNDALE vs Birmingham Marian vs AVONDALE

Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Redford Union

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not as strong of a district as people think. The Yellow Jackets will battle but end of the day the hosts will move on over Cranbrook-Kingswood. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.

District 24 @ Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK vs Hamtramck

Warren Woods Tower vs Madison Heights Lamphere

Warren Fitzgerald vs Eastpointe

Warren Fitzgerald/Eastpointe vs Center Line

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: This is not a strong district but when in doubt go with the Spartans over the Vikings. PICK: WARREN FITZGERALD.

District 30 @ Brandon

Brandon vs Fenton

Holly vs Linden

PONTIAC vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC/Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Goodrich

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Irish got the benefit of a great draw while the Flint Metro teams battle it out to see who goes to the district finals. I think they will see Brandon in the district final and get past them with flying colors. PICK: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP.

Field has been named Hockey Coach at Oakland University.

Written Tuesday May 22nd at 8:05 PM

The Lake Orion Hockey team will have a new leader come next winter.

Nick Field has accepted to coach the Oakland University ACHA team next winter. Field spent eight seasons coaching the Dragons.

“I want to thank former Athletic Director Bill Reiss for giving me the opportunity here at Lake Orion and current Athletic Director Chris Bell for his tremendous support of the Lake Orion hockey program. I want to thank the parents and supporters for all of their commitment to build LO Hockey, without your support the program wouldn’t be where it is today. I also want to thank the student body for giving our players an exciting environment to play in” Field said in a statement.

Field departs Lake Orion with a 103-70-18 record.

“Most of all I want to thank the players that I’ve had the opportunity to coach throughout the years. You are the only people that truly understand how much dedication, effort, and passion to be a successful team and I hope you carry that with you throughout your lives. You provided me with a tremendous experience while at Lake Orion and I thank you for that” Field concluded.

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