Maples have a new Interim Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Saturday October 13th at 1:05 AM

The Maples will have an interim coach this season.

The team has named Chris Manchester as the team's interim coach replacing January Hlaski

Hlaski was named assistant principal replacing Verynda Stroughner whom took over as principal at Detroit Renaissance.

Manchester was formerly the Boys Basketball coach at Center Line but he teaches in the Birmingham School District at Birmingham Covington Middle School as a Physical Education and health teacher.

Manchester was 33-53 in his four seasons at Center Line including last season going 4-18. The Maples had a rough season going 3-18 last season.

Seaholm will have plenty of talent returning for Manchester which should help a lot. Also the Maples are one of the favorites in the Blue this season after dropping down from the White last season.

Thoughts.

This is an interesting hire but I have big concerns. Usually coaches who come from the Boys game struggle in the Girls game. The Girls game is a lot different than the Boys game. I'm curious to see how Manchester adjusts to the Girls game.

We shall see what happens.

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

Week Eight Recap.

Written Saturday October 13th at 12:00 AM

INSIDE THE OAA TOP 10

1. Groves

2. Oxford

3. Seaholm

4. Oak Park

5. Ferndale

6. Clarkston

7. West Bloomfield

8. Avondale

9.  Adams

10. Harrison

Week Eight Scores

GROVES 25, HARRISON 6

CLARKSTON 24, LAKE ORION 14

OXFORD 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 17

ADAMS 33, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 14

STONEY CREEK 25, ROCHESTER 0

TROY ATHENS 31, TROY 0

WEST BLOOMFIELD 27, OAK PARK 21

SEAHOLM 21, FARMINGTON 0

Clawson 42, PONTIAC 0

TROY ATHENS 31, TROY 0

ROYAL OAK 35, Detroit Edison 0

FERNDALE 20, BERKLEY 7

Macomb Lutheran North 23, NORTH FARMINGTON 17

AVONDALE 45, HAZEL PARK 6

BIG WIN: Troy Athens: The Red Hawks got their first win of the season beating Troy 31-0 at Troy. Troy Athens played with nothing to lose and everything to gain and they did just that. It’s a huge win for coach Billy Keenest and his program. The Red Hawks will host Oxford next week.

TOUGH LOSS: Oak Park: This might be the best thing to happen to the Knights even though they lost 27-21 to West Bloomfield in Knight Valley. Oak Park has been grooving lately maybe this wakes them up and gets them ready for the playoffs. The Knights will go to Clarkston next week to play the Wolves.

TEAM THAT SENT A STATEMENT: Groves: The Falcons clinched a trip to the playoffs with a 25-6 victory over Harrison. Groves dominated in all phases of the game. The Falcons will host Seaholm in a big matchup next week that could decide who has home field advantage.

TEAM THAT’S IN TROUBLE: Farmington: The Falcons lost their chance at the Blue title after losing in Birmingham to Seaholm 21-0. Farmington may be in the playoffs but they have a tough schedule starting with Harrison next week before they get to the postseason.

WHAT HAPPENED? Troy: Where has the Colts been after getting shutout by a combined 69-0 in the last two weeks including losing 31-0 to their arch rivals. Troy has some serious problems they need to address. The Colts will play Berkley next week to conclude their season.

TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Bloomfield Hills Student Section at Oxford: The Blackhawks student section who made the trip up to Oxford in the rain only to see their team get destroyed by the Wildcats 56-17 on Friday night. I give them praise for everything they have done and endeared.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Rochester: What the heck happened to the Falcons on Friday night against Stoney Creek??? Rochester whom lost several tough ball games and they get shutout by the Cougars 25-0. I am puzzled by this game, I couldn’t believe what I saw with the Falcons.

Boys Soccer District Preview.

Written Wednesday October 10th at 3:05 PM

Here is my insight and projections heading into Boys Soccer Districts heading into next week.

District 10 @ Troy Athens

Utica Ford vs Sterling Heights Stevenson

Sterling Heights vs Warren Mott

TROY ATHENS vs Warren Cousino

TROY ATHENS/Warren Cousino vs Utica

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: TROY ATHENS vs Warren Mott.

INSIGHT/PROJECTION: The Red Hawks are the top team in the State for a reason, they have played a tough schedule and have a ton of experience, that’s not even mentioning that they have home field advantage. Warren Cousino and Utica will be interesting matchups but at the end of the day I don’t think anyone is getting past Troy Athens. PICK: TROY ATHENS.

District 9 @ Bloomfield Hills

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

SEAHOLM vs ROYAL OAK

TROY vs BERKLEY

OAK PARK vs GROVES

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: BERKLEY vs SEAHOLM.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a tough district to predict. The Bears have been ranked all season and is more than capable to win this district. The Falcons won the White and could make some noise. The Maples and Blackhawks are darkhorse teams. Whoever wins this district will earn it. I’m going with Berkley moving on. PICK: BERKLEY.

District 13 @ West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Novi

NORTH FARMINGTON vs Northville

Walled Lake Western vs Livonia Stevenson

Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs South Lyon

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs Novi.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district as you have Northville and Novi likely going to clash against a Shamrock team that is solid. West Bloomfield shared the Blue crown this season and could give the Wildcats some trouble but I see a Novi vs Novi Detroit Catholic Central final with the Wildcats moving on. PICK: NOVI.

District 15 @ Oxford

STONEY CREEK vs Waterford Mott

CLARKSTON vs Waterford Kettering

ADAMS vs OXFORD

ROCHESTER vs LAKE ORION

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting district with a ton of solid teams. I think it will be a Stoney Creek/Clarkston semifinal clash while Lake Orion and Rochester will be interesting with that winner seeing the Highlanders. The Dragons have had an up and down season as is the Wolves, Cougars, Falcons, and Wildcats. End of the day though it’s Adams that is favored and they will move on. PICK: ADAMS.

District 25 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Orchard Lake St Marys vs Birmingham Brother Rice

AVONDALE vs HARRISON

PONTIAC vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC/Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: HARRISON vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be an interesting district. The Hawks were a final four team last season while the Yellow Jackets have had a down season. It’s been rough for the Phoenix but they have the hosts first and if they win that matchup than a clash with Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood. The two Catholic League schools at the top are no easy teams either. I think this district will go to the Cranes as they move on. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBROOK KINGSWOOD.

District 24 @ Farmington

FERNDALE vs Redford Thurston

FERNDALE/Redford Thurston vs FARMINGTON

Madison Heights Lamphere vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: FARMINGTON vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: This will be an interesting district but Farmington has a great chance to get to the district final but whomever they play it will be a tough chore. Whomever wins the Lamphere/Detroit Country Day matchup wins this district and it’s the Yellow Jackets to me. PICK: BIRMINGHAM DETROIT COUNTRY DAY.

District 23 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

HAZEL PARK vs Warren Woods Tower

Hamtramck vs Center Line

St. Clair Shores South Lake vs Warren Fitzgerald

St. Clair Shores South Lake/Warren Fitzgerald vs Eastpointe

PROJECTED DISTRICT FINAL: Warren Woods Tower vs St. Clair Shores South Lake.

INSIGHT/PREDICTION: The top of this district is heavy when you look at Warren Woods Tower vs Hamtramck. Both teams have good records thus far even though Hazel Park could be a darkhorse candidate. Whoever wins the top part of the district will win this district and to me, it’s Warren Woods Tower. PICK: WARREN WOODS TOWER.

Week Eight Picks.

Written Wednesday October 10th at 3:00 PM

Welcome to the 2018 OAA football season. We will pick games this season with my good friends in the media this season, here are the pickers for the season. Anthony Taormina-Host Between Taorminas and History Now on ONTV, Scott Burnstein-State Champs insider and blogger, Oakland Press sports writer, Keith Dunlap-Detroit Free Press sports writer, Dan Stickradt-North Oakland Sports director, and Sean Cotter-Farmington video coordinator. Anyway good luck everyone this season.

DUNES 66-24

TRAIN 66-24

DUNLAP 71-19

STICK 66-24

BURNEY 68-22

COTTER 66-24

7. West Bloomfield at 1. Oak Park

This is an interesting matchup between the Knights and Lakers. This is the first meeting since 2011 when West Bloomfield won 18-16 but the difference is now is that coach Greg Carter is now at Oak Park. I’m curious how the Lakers will respond after being upset 37-35 to Southfield Arts and Tech last week in the Swamp. The Knights won ugly beating Rochester 41-33 last week. The question in this game will be is which defense will show up in this game, I think that West Bloomfield with all of that Division One talent on defense has the most to prove but Oak Park has a Division One quarterback and multiple Division One players as well.

DUNES: OAK PARK 42, WEST BLOOMFIELD 39

TRAIN: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OAK PARK 28

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OAK PARK 34

STICK: OAK PARK 34, WEST BLOOMFIELD 27

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, OAK PARK 27

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, OAK PARK 32

8. Harrison at 2. Groves

The Falcons are on a five game winning streak since starting 0-2. Groves did have some trouble with Rochester but ever since they haven’t had any trouble since then including a 38-0 win over Troy last week. The Falcons have won the last three meetings with the Hawks including last season’s 32-31 and 14-10 two seasons ago wins in Farmington Hills. This one is in Beverly Hills and Harrison is coming off a tough 24-17 loss to Adams last week. This will be one of the top games in the area this week.

DUNES: GROVES 24, HARRISON 21

TRAIN: GROVES 24, HARRISON 21             

DUNLAP: GROVES 24, HARRISON 17

STICK: HARRISON 27, GROVES 21

BURNEY: GROVES 24, HARRISON 23

COTTER: GROVES 14, HARRISON 10

Bloomfield Hills at 3. Oxford

The Wildcats are on cloud nine after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the State by upsetting Clarkston on their homecoming 20-17 last week after scoring a late touchdown to pull off the upset. Oxford has beating their two arch rivals Lake Orion and Clarkston in the same season for the first time since 2011. They should not have any problems with the Blackhawks whom Oxford lost 26-14 to last season and it’s homecoming for the Wildcats as well. Bloomfield Hills has lost three straight meetings until that game last season and have really struggled this season. The Blackhawks lost 42-14 to Lake Orion last week. It could be a long ride for Bloomfield Hills having to come back to Lapeer Road this week.

DUNES: OXFORD 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7

TRAIN: OXFORD 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

DUNLAP: OXFORD 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

STICK: OXFORD 25, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14

BURNEY: OXFORD 36, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 16

COTTER: OXFORD 49, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7

9. Farmington at 4. Seaholm

This is the match that will decide the Blue title. Both team’s losses were to non league foes, the Maples were to South Lyon 31-28 and the Falcons to Madison Heights Madison 28-6. Seaholm hammered Berkley 42-13 while Farmington took home the Farmington Cup with a 27-7 win over North Farmington. Whomever wins this game will have momentum heading to the playoffs and next week’s games which both teams have tough matchups, the Maples at Groves while the Falcons will be at Harrison.

DUNES: SEAHOLM 28, FARMINGTON 7

TRAIN: SEAHOLM 49, FARMINGTON 14

DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 21, FARMINGTON 13

STICK: FARMINGTON 35, SEAHOLM 28

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 31, FARMINGTON 28

COTTER: SEAHOLM 21, FARMINGTON 14

5. Ferndale at Berkley

The Eagles are on a roll outscoring their last two opponents by a combined 101-6, including last week’s 46-6 blowout of Pontiac. Ferndale has won four straight since losing 10-7 to Farmington in week three. This week, the Eagles will head to Hurley Field and take on a Bears team that has really struggled. Berkley has lost four straight games including a 42-13 defeat to Seaholm. The Bears have been outscored 151-27 in that span. I don’t know if I see Berkley stopping the Ferndale express on their homecoming, also the Eagles are 2-0 in those games.

DUNES: FERNDALE 56, BERKLEY 0

TRAIN: FERNDALE 49, BERKLEY 0

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 38, BERKLEY 10

STICK: FERNDALE 28, BERKLEY 14

BURNEY: FERNDALE 29, BERKLEY 22

COTTER: FERNDALE 35, BERKLEY 7

6. Clarkston at T-10. Lake Orion

The Clarkston Wolves were riding on cloud nine going through an undefeated season and living on the edge pulling out wins over Grandville, Southfield Arts and Tech, and West Bloomfield but it couldn’t save them last week when they were upset 20-17 on their homecoming by Oxford. This week, the Wolves will enter the Cancer for a Cure/Pink Out game with their arch rivals whom they have won seven straight games against. The Dragons won 42-14 over Bloomfield Hills on their homecoming last week and have seemed to be picking up steam lately. This will be an interesting matchup to say the least at Lake Orion.

DUNES: LAKE ORION 17, CLARKSTON 14

TRAIN: LAKE ORION 21, CLARKSTON 14

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 28, LAKE ORION 14

STICK: CLARKSTON 21, LAKE ORION 17

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 33, LAKE ORION 26

COTTER: CLARKSTON 24, LAKE ORION 21

T-10. Avondale at Hazel Park

This is a rivalry game that will have its final meeting for a while now that Hazel Park will be leaving for the Macomb Area Conference next season. The Yellow Jackets had won the last seven meetings until last season which the Vikings upset Avondale 24-21 in Auburn Hills. This matchup in Hazel Park features two teams heading into opposite directions. The Yellow Jackets beat Royal Oak 34-12 while the Vikings won 36-13 last week at Madison Heights Lamphere. It looks like it could be a blowout in this matchup.

DUNES: AVONDALE 49, HAZEL PARK 6

TRAIN: AVONDALE 35, HAZEL PARK 6

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 42, HAZEL PARK 7

STICK: AVONDALE 28, HAZEL PARK 21

BURNEY: AVONDALE 28, HAZEL PARK 18

COTTER: AVONDALE 35, HAZEL PARK 6

Southfield Arts and Tech at Adams

This is an interesting matchup between the Warriors and the Highlanders. Southfield Arts and Tech picked up a huge win beating West Bloomfield in the Swamp 37-35 and sit at 3-4 on the season. The Warriors need to win this game and also go to River Rouge and win if they want to make the playoffs. This week they play Adams, whom sits at 4-3 and needs this game bad as well. The Highlanders have two huge playoff wins beating Oxford 17-8 a few weeks ago and winning at Harrison 24-17 last week. This will be a good matchup for sure between two teams that aren’t too fond of each other including last season which Adams won 38-24 over Southfield Arts and Tech. Someone will be happy after this game for sure.

DUNES: ADAMS 35, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 24

TRAIN: ADAMS 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 24

DUNLAP: ADAMS 24, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 21

STICK: ADAMS 28, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 26

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 35, ADAMS 32

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28, ADAMS 24

Rochester at Stoney Creek

This has been a close series between the Falcons and Cougars with Rochester holding a 6-5 edge over Stoney Creek which included winning 17-16 last season. The Falcons lost a tough one to Oak Park 41-33 in Knight Valley last week. The Cougars have had a rough season under first year coach Nick Merlo who came to Stoney Creek from Rochester but they snapped a five game losing streak by beating Troy Athens 34-14 last week. This is a rivalry game so expect this one to be close.

DUNES: ROCHESTER 35, STONEY CREEK 28

TRAIN: ROCHESTER 42, STONEY CREEK 7

DUNLAP: ROCHESTER 35, STONEY CREEK 21

STICK: ROCHESTER 35, STONEY CREEK 14

BURNEY: ROCHESTER 32, STONEY CREEK 22

COTTER: ROCHESTER 35, STONEY CREEK 6

Troy Athens at Troy

The battle of Troy is this week and the Red Hawks and Colts are on similar directions right now. Both teams are wearing military uniforms for this game. Troy Athens is coming off a tough 34-14 loss to Stoney Creek while Troy lost 38-0 to Groves last week. The Colts only victory this season was over Stoney Creek where they needed overtime to win that game. Troy needed a late touchdown to win at Troy Athens 20-19 last season to make the playoffs. They have won eight of the last 12 meetings against the Red Hawks. I wonder if they are doing a pink out game like they did last season??? I think an upset is looming in this one.

DUNES: TROY ATHENS 13, TROY 10

TRAIN: TROY ATHENS 21, TROY 7

DUNLAP: TROY 31, TROY ATHENS 7

STICK: TROY 21, TROY ATHENS 20

BURNEY: TROY 30, TROY ATHENS 21

COTTER: TROY 17, TROY ATHENS 7

Detroit Edison at Royal Oak

This is an interesting matchup that both teams scheduled before the start of the OAA Now Media Day football preview show. The Ravens might have lost out on their playoff hopes after losing 34-12 to Avondale last week. The Pioneers have won two straight games including a hard fought 24-16 victory over Melvindale Academy for Business and Tech last week. Royal Oak is in Class A while Detroit Edison is in Class C, do the math here.

DUNES: ROYAL OAK 30, DETROIT EDISON 0

TRAIN: ROYAL OAK 35, DETROIT EDISON 0

DUNLAP: ROYAL OAK 28, DETROIT EDISON 7

STICK: DETROIT EDISON 22, ROYAL OAK 21

BURNEY: ROYAL OAK 25, DETROIT EDISON 15

COTTER: ROYAL OAK 35, DETROIT EDISON 0

Macomb Lutheran North at North Farmington

The Raiders have taken step back lately getting outscored 41-14 in the last two games including a 27-7 loss to Farmington last week. This week, it’s a very good and talented Mustangs squad that comes to North Farmington. Macomb Lutheran North should test the Raiders, their only loss was to Riverview Gabriel Richard where they lost 57-54. The Mustangs won 10-0 last week over Royal Oak Shrine. North Farmington better come ready to play in this matchup or this will be a blowout.

DUNES: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 40, NORTH FARMINGTON 14

TRAIN: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 49, NORTH FARMINGTON 13

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 14, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 10

STICK: NORTH FARMINGTON 21, MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 14

BURNEY: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 18, NORTH FARMINGTON 17

COTTER: MACOMB LUTHERAN NORTH 17, NORTH FARMINGTON 7

Pontiac at Clawson

This is the first meeting between the Phoenix and the Trojans. Clawson comes in with a 4-3 record including in their four wins they have scored over 34 points including last week’s 42-0 blowout of Warren Lincoln. Pontiac has not been competitive lately getting outscored 295-28 in seven games, including a 46-6 loss to Ferndale last week at Wisner Stadium. I commend the Phoenix for playing this game but it’s going to get ugly really quick.

DUNES: CLAWSON 42, PONTIAC 6

TRAIN: CLAWSON 28, PONTIAC 14

DUNLAP: CLAWSON 17, PONTIAC 6

STICK: PONTIAC 14, CLAWSON 13

BURNEY: CLAWSON 34, PONTIAC 20

COTTER: CLAWSON 49, PONTIAC 6

Here is the Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-10-09-18

Wolves have their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Monday October 8th at 9:40 PM

It wasn't much of a surprise that the Clarkston Wolves would have a familiar face coaching their program.

The Wolves named Tim Wasilk as the team's next head coach replacing Dan Fife whom spent 36 years coaching at Clarkston.

Wasilk was well known in the Girls Basketball community coaching the team from 2004-2015 which he led the team to a regional crown that year. He left the Girls program in 2015 to become an assistant to Fife for the Boys program.

Under Fife, Wasilk has two State titles, three division and district crowns, and two regional titles as an assistant.

Wasilk played for Fife in the 1990's so he knows the Clarkston community really well.

The Wolves will be different this season with two well known freshman in Wasilk's nephew Keegan and Fletcher Loyer to go along with returning players Garrett Dellinger, Jake Jensen, Cole Donchez, Desmond-Mills Bradley, and Matt Nicholson.

Thoughts.

It's going to take time for this new crop of Wolves to develop. Clarkston will be young but they have proven players that are more than capable to get the job done. The Red will not be easy this season with the likes of West Bloomfield, Oak Park, Troy, North Farmington, and Bloomfield Hills and that's not mentioning their rivals to the northeast in Lake Orion.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Wasilk and his team. It wasn't a surprise to me that Wasilk was the choice going forward. He teaches in Clarkston and is around whether it's in the classroom or on the basketball court.

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

Here is the Podcast on the story
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-10-09-18

Way too Early Basketball Rankings.

Written Saturday September 6th at 9:00 PM

Here are my way too early season Basketball ranks.

Boys

1. Clarkston- The Wolves will be a different team this winter but they will still be very good this season.

2. West Bloomfield-The Lakers have a lot of talent back but can they sustain it for coach Jeremy Dehna???

3. Lake Orion-The Dragons have a lot of talent back and the personal to match the very best for coach Jim Manzo.

4. Oak Park- Knights have the talent to make some noise for coach Bobby Thompson.

5. Adams-The Highlanders may be better than last season which says a lot for coach Brad Crighton.

6. Farmington- Falcons have the guards but question will be the interior for coach Terrance Porter.

7. Oxford- Wildcats have a ton of experience back for coach Steve Laidlaw. Oxford will be a factor in the Blue this season.

8. Ferndale- New Eagles coach Juan Rickman and his team will have a lot to say in the Blue race this year.

9. Troy- Colts are solid with the guards but post will be a question for coach Gary Fralick and his team.

10. Groves- Falcons have a new coach in Benny White and a ton of athletes. Wonder if this could work and if this does look out.

11. Avondale- Yellow Jackets have a ton of experience back for coach Tim Morton. This is a perfect darkhorse candidate in the White.

12. North Farmington- Raiders need to address their scoring from last season, they have a lot of players back for coach Todd Negoshian.

13. Pontiac- Phoenix could be a darkhorse candidate for coach Josh Schroeder in the Blue.

14. Royal Oak- Ravens have really improved and like Pontiac could be a sleeper in the Blue under coach Aaron Smith.

15. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors and coach Mike Avery are in an unusual place, not being in the Red. It’s going to feel odd at first but they’ll get use to life in the White.

16. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks will be a young team this year but they will compete for coach Phil Kurjain.

17. Stoney Creek- Cougars have the pieces to be a darkhorse in the White but can they sustain it, that will test coach Steve Norgrove.

18. Troy Athens- Red Hawks are very young for coach Dave Scott. It will take some time for them to develop.

19. Rochester- Life in the White will be tough for the Falcons and coach Vance Kirkwood this season.

20. Berkley- There is nowhere to go but up for the Bears after finishing 1-11 during the second half of the season last year for coach Joe Sermo.

21. Seaholm- The Maples and coach Greg DeGeeter need a bounce back season in the worst way.

22. Hazel Park- Vikings are starting all over again for new coach Stefan Wilson.

23. Harrison- Hawks are a mess in the team’s final season for coach Jareel Hogan.

Girls

1. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors are loaded this season but big problem will be the bench for coach Michelle Marshall and crew.

2. Royal Oak- Ravens have the majority of their team back for coach Brian Sopota but they need to toughen up their non conference schedule to see if they belong.

3. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks have the shooters and experience but question for coach Jeff Rubin will be is who will help Jordan Banks.

4. Lake Orion- Dragons could be the most dangerous team in the White now that coach Bob Brydges is at the helm.

5. West Bloomfield- When you have everybody back like the Lakers have for coach Bert Mosley then you don’t have to change much.

6. Oxford- Wildcats have a ton of experience back but size is a concern for coach Rachel Bryer and her team.

7. Stoney Creek- Team Finebaum’s non conference is brutal but coach Kellen James feels that his Cougars are ready for it.

8. Clarkston- Wolves have a new coach in John Weyer but he will have a different group of girls this season and a brutal non conference to go with it.

9. Adams- The Highlanders are going all in on the future this season but will it pay off in the short term for coach Shay Lewis???

10. North Farmington- It will be interesting now for coach Jeff Simpson without Sam Cherney but they have two solid guards that can fill the void.

11. Avondale- New Yellow Jackets coach Bob Lees has three solid players but depth and bench will be a big concern this season.

12. Troy- Colts have a ton of experience coming back, they could be a sleeper to watch in the White this season for coach Simon Bato.

13. Groves- Falcons are now up in the Red but it could be a tough time for coach Jessica Wiesler and her team.

14. Troy Athens- Red Hawks have some experience returning, they are looking to make that next step for coach Stacie Klumpp.

15. Rochester- New coach Jeff Haney returns and the Falcons should be better right away but the turmoil has to go away for this to work.

16. Seaholm- Maples should be Rochester’s top challenger in the Blue this season but they have an interim coach in Chris Manchester.

17. Farmington- Falcons lost a ton of talent, it could be a long season for coach Laura Guzman.

18. Berkley- Bears are going to be a possible darkhorse sleeper in the Blue but don’t know if I see them being better than the top two teams in their division for coach Kirk Carolan.

19. Hazel Park- Vikings are going to be very young after losing a ton of experience for coach Chad Ossman.

20. Oak Park- Knights don’t have a lot of size or depth to be a contender this season.

21. Pontiac- Phoenix have two promising players but they need to address mental mindset and depth for coach Christopher Wright.

22. Ferndale- It could be a long season for coach Christina Nagle and the Eagles.