Crighton Out at Adams.

Written Sunday March 31st at 1:00 PM

You can put another coaching job in the mix.

Avondale, Lake Orion, and now Adams.

Highlanders coach Brad Crighton has stepped down from coaching Boys Basketball to focus on his family as confirmed by MIPrepZone’s and State Champs Scott Burnstein.

Crighton whom played (1995) and coached at Adams for three seasons which included a 0-21 season in his first year (2016.) The Highlanders would then bounce back finishing second in the White behind Oak Park but won a district title and then last season won the White finishing with an 18-3 record which included a 38-37 upset of Clarkston in the pre-districts but was knocked out by Lake Orion 56-42 in the district semifinals.

Crighton announced his decision on leaving at a team meeting on Wednesday said that the reason he was stepping down was that he wanted to see his son Jack play and that he wasn’t there to support him. Jack plays basketball and baseball at Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Adams will have some questions next season but if everyone does comes back they will have a very dangerous starting five. The Highlanders should have the Emerizan twins (Jake and Ethan,) along with Gunner Walters in the guards along with big men Peyton Prieskorn and Austin Ursuay returning.

It will be very interesting to see what happens at Adams now that Crighton is not there anymore and especially for those seniors who will have their third coach in four years.

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

Avondale has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Friday March 29th at 2:25 PM

The Yellow Jackets have their new football coach.

Avondale named Corey Bell as the team’s new Varsity football coach replacing Ed Couturier who stepped down after spending three seasons with the team taking them to the playoffs in the last two years.

Bell was confirmed on the Avondale Yellow Jackets Athletic Twitter and Facebook pages. There was also a meet and greet that took place on Monday night.

Bell played quarterback at Oxford under coach Bud Rowley before going to Alma College where he played on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams where he was the Scotts special teams player of the year in 2015. Bell would get into the coaching ranks after college football. He coached quarterbacks and wide receivers while at Findlania University last season.

Bell coming to his new team will have some talented linemen back in Jamison Jodway and Brian Keturkas and running backs David Holloman along with Torey Coleman who can also play defensive back. Avondale will need to find a quarterback and some wide recievers that can make an impact this upcoming fall.

The Yellow Jackets have went 13-10 in the last two seasons which included both playoff appearances to which they lost to Brandon in 2017 and Farmington last season. 

Avondale will have Berkley, Ferndale, North Farmington, Farmington, Royal Oak, and Pontiac in the Blue this season.

Thoughts.

I really like this hire because of the local ties and experience although I’m curious how Bell will change the offense around at Avondale going away from the veer to more of a power or spread look. The defense will be a question but what Bell brings is a ton of experience which will help his new team get things rolling.

The Yellow Jackets are expected to compete for the Blue this season with the likes of Farmington, North Farmington and Ferndale. Those three teams look to be their top challengers to Avondale this season. The Yellow Jackets open up the season with Troy and then Detroit Renaissance the following week before closing out the season against Seaholm.

Bell joins Jon Herstein whom coaches at North Farmington as new head coaches in the OAA. Pontiac is still looking for a new head coach last updated.

It will be interesting but the Yellow Jackets got themselves one heck of a football coach.

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

Girls Basketball Shortcomings.

Written Saturday March 23rd at 2:20 PM
Updated Monday July 29th at 12:10 AM

The Girls Basketball season has came to an end, here are the storylines heading into next season for each team.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors could be a different team after a successful playoff run which ended in a 55-40 loss to Saginaw Heritage in the Division One State Final. They will have talent coming back in Kayonia Willis, Jasmine Worthy, and Cheyenne McEvans returning but the bench is a huge concern going forward. If Southfield Arts and Tech wants to make a run next season the bench needs to step up or trouble could loom for the Warriors.

Royal Oak: The Ravens lost a lot of talent from last season which included Samantha Potter, Nina Conley, and Jessica Adams to graduation. Royal Oak should have Sarah Soraghan, Sarah Ammon, Anna Ross, Ana Johnson, Elinor Kochanski, Sam Mullen, newcomer Emily Jenkins, and Lexi Romesberg returning next season. I don’t think that coach Brian Sopota will have a compete rebuild but there could be growing pains next year.

Clarkston: The Wolves had an odd first season under coach John Weyer. They started off 0-5 with a brutal schedule only to turn things around in the second half of the season. Clarkston has the majority of their team coming back next season including Taylor Heaten, Jennifer Starnes, Sam Aris, Madison Skorupski, Lexi Linton, and Kaitlyn Kaul. Program strength is very strong next season and they have a tough non conference schedule looming. The Wolves will be a team to watch next season.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks lose two seniors in Maryiam Hashim and Grace Getz but coach Jeff Rubin’s team returns Angelina Saavya, Keleen Fife, and Jordan Banks. Bloomfield Hills will need to address their depth next season. Expect Rubin’s team to be in the mix.

Groves: The Falcons have Ellie Ruprich along with Mia Yarberry returning next season for coach Jessica Wiesler but they have questions. Groves did compete well in the Red this season but going forward this team could be in for some rough times.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars should be interesting to watch this offseason. Stoney Creek loses Meghan Solek and Emily Eckhout to graduation. The Cougars will have Lily DiPani, Sydney LaPrairie, and Devin Vowels returning for coach Kellen James. Stoney Creek also has a freshman to watch who is coming into the program. The Cougars will be a team to watch next season.

North Farmington: The Raiders had a tough year this season but coach Jeff Simpson should have some experience returning in Molly Simpson and Maya Kelly. North Farmington will have some question especially in the post. The interior will be something that the Raiders will need to address next season in the very tough White.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers are ready to make the jump from the White to the Red. Coach Bert Mosley returns the balk of his team back including Maya Bobo, Logan Lewis, Lola Chambers, among others. West Bloomfield should be a team forced to be recon with next season.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets could be an interesting team heading into next season. Avondale loses Melishia Rodriguez and Olivia Russell to graduation but they have Brala Benion who transferred in from Pontiac along with Keori Lee, Taniah Jackson, and Reigan Lawerence returning for coach Bob Lees. The Yellow Jackets will need to address depth but there are two proven players from the junior varsity ranks to watch out for. Avondale if they can address their non conference schedule will be a team worth watching next season.

Oxford: The Wildcats had a surprising successful year this season. They lost Ashley Herschman and HaLaya Cato to graduation. Oxford has Sarah Tyrrell, Emma Morris, Gabby Dinges, and Mackenzie Methner returning for coach Rachel Bryer. Program strength is very strong for the Wildcats. Oxford could be a team to watch next season. They work hard and are relentless.

Troy: The Colts had a very good season which included an upset of Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinal. Troy lost a ton of experience from last season's team including a four year point guard in Emily Olson. The Colts have a ton of talent back from last season's team including Kendal Zeiter, Athena Sampson, Calen Knight, Riya Chakravity, Elena Renke, and Laura Gumma returning for coach Simon Bato and a strong junior varsity team from last year which includes Charlotte Soboka and Kayla Rutledge. Troy should be a team worth watching next season.

Adams: The Highlanders are on the upward swing after beating Romeo in the district semifinals and going toe to toe with Waterford Kettering in the district finals last season. Adams has a ton of proven talent in Maddie Doelinga, Amelia Drahnak, Abbey Drahnak, Elizabeth Blaine, Maddie Kessman, Anaiah Howard, Lauren Petersmark, and Nicole Clarehout returning (only lose two seniors) for coach Shay Lewis If there is some question marks the Highlanders will face it's in the post. Adams looks to be very strong, they are trusting the process and are a rising team heading into the offseason.

Lake Orion: The Dragons had a transitioning season under coach Bob Brydges last season. Lake Orion loses six seniors including Paytin Shadaia and Sophie Wyborski. The Dragons have Meghan Marshall, Kierra Tierney, Grace Vukelich, and Melissa Normand returning and some stability under Brydges. Lake Orion's biggest concern this offseason is the mental mindset. This has been a problem that has haunted this program for years and something that Brydges needs to change if they want to turn the corner. Program strength is very strong next season. Brydges will have a full offseason to put his stamp on the program and with his history and record the Dragons should be different heading into next season.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks really underachieved this season. Troy Athens has Izzy Crumm, Emma Wodwalski, Clare Shoales, Shayna Landess, and the Bright sisters (Grace and Abby) returning for coach Stacie Klumpp. The Red Hawks with the experience they have back is in an interesting spot. They are a team to watch next season for sure.

Farmington: The Falcons will have some experience returning for coach Laura Guzman in Val Pallett and Autumn Bartlett but they have some questions. Farmington will be in the Blue next season which should be able to help them compete.

Rochester: The Falcons under then coach Jeff Haney restored the culture by sharing the Blue with Berkley this season but Haney stepped down from coaching. Bill Thurston takes over the team and is their fourth coach in four years. Rochester has Laura Kucera and Megan Lorenzo back. The Falcons should be a team worth watching heading into next season.

Berkley: The Bears future looks bright for coach Kirk Carolan with incoming freshman Jillian Gomes coming into the program to go along with a couple of young players that saw a ton of playing time including Ashley Loon. Berkley despite winning 16 games this season will be young. Program strength is question surrounding this team but if they can keep the momentum going then there is no reason not to count the Bears out next season.

Seaholm: It was an interesting first season for coach Chris Manchester which saw a ton of changes along with some big wins and tough losses. The Maples will be a team to watch this offseason as they have a ton of talent returning in Julia Bell, Meredith Owens, Helena Beasley, Julia Crump, and Lily Morris. The question is how this team will respond under Manchester in his second year. Seaholm could be a team that could be in contention next season in the Blue but they all have to be on the same page to make it work.

Ferndale: The Eagles will have their fourth coach in four seasons as Keith Paris takes over this season. Paris replaces Laura Hofener who stepped down after one season at Ferndale. If the Eagles want to take the next step and improve they will need to toughen the non conference schedule up to develop the program. Stability will be key for Ferndale heading into next season. What should help is that the Eagles have a talented player in Keneisha Williams returning.

Pontiac: The Phoenix could be a team to watch next season under coach Christopher Wright. Pontiac is a team that still has athletes and things improving who knows what will happen next season. Expect the Phoenix to be a team worth watching.

Oak Park: The Knights will not have a lot of depth coming back even though Kyla Wilson will be back but coach Peggy Carr’s team will have some issues to address next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech/Saginaw Heritage Insight/Prediction.

Written Saturday March 23rd at 10:10 AM

The final day of the Girls Basketball season is upon us.

The Warriors have a chance to avenge their only loss of the season when they play Saginaw Heritage at Calvin College at 12:15 in the Division One State Final this afternoon.

The Hawks beat Southfield Arts and Tech early in the season 45-43 at Ypsilanti Arbor Prep back in December.

There is plenty of Division One talent on both teams, Saginaw Heritage whom is well coached under Vonnie DeLong has two Division One players in Shrine Strickland-Gills (Central Michigan,) Moriah Joiner (Michigan State,) and a future Division One player in Lauren Reed. Southfield Arts and Tech counters with two Division One players themselves in Sodell Barnes (Toledo) and Alexis Johnson (Marshall) along with a future Division One player in Cheyenne McEvans.

Joiner has been the leader for the Hawks including games where she took over against Midland Dow, Flint Carman Ainsworth, and Wayne Memorial. Joiner had a triple double against Wayne Memorial in the State semifinals and was very instrumental against Midland Dow in the regional finals.

The Warriors who played a brutal schedule went through Detroit Renaissance, Detroit Mumford, Warren Cousino, Grosse Pointe North, Lakeview, and Muskegon in the postseason. Southfield Arts and Tech has a balance group of five talented players in Barnes, Johnson, McEvans. The other two starters could be key in Kayonia Willis and Jasmine Worthy. The bench is a major concern for coach Michelle Marshall and her team, someone besides these five will need to step up if the Warriors want to take home their first State title.

Here are the keys advantages for each team.

GUARDS: ADVANTAGE: Saginaw Heritage: The Hawks have Joiner and an emerging guard in Reed whom are both capable of taking over games. The Warriors counter with Barnes and Willis along with McEvans who can play the wing. Willis is a game manager but will score if need too. However Saginaw Heritage has Joiner and Reed whom both can score anywhere and take a game over and that’s not to mention Mallory McCartney whom is more than capable of taking a game over herself. Joiner had a triple double against Wayne Memorial while Barnes took over the game late against Muskegon holding off the Big Reds. I give the advantage to the Hawks because of the scoring options.

FORWARDS: ADVANTAGE: Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have the advantage here because of the two for one element. Strickland-Gills although very good has been prone to getting into foul trouble but Southfield Arts and Tech has Alexis Johnson and Jasmine Worthy. If the Warriors two bigs (especially Worthy, wouldn't be ideal for Johnson) stays out of foul trouble then she could focus on Strickland-Gills. If Strickland-Gills doesn't get into foul trouble and Worthy does than that could be problematic because she can focus on Johnson and Southfield Arts and Tech might have to go with an inexperience big in the post. If Strickland Gills does gets into foul trouble then things would be interesting.

BENCH: ADVANTAGE: Saginaw Heritage: The Hawks go about seven deep which was shown against Midland Dow and Wayne Memorial but they are more than capable to go more if need be. Saginaw Heritage has a freshman in Lauren Gunn whom is a three point shooter off the bench and was very instrumental against Wayne Memorial in the State semifinals. The Warriors only go six deep which is a major concern. If this game becomes a foul fest, advantage Hawks.

COACHING: ADVANTAGE: Southfield Arts and Tech: Michelle Marshall has been here before winning a State Championship in 2005 when she was at Southfield-Lathrup however Vonnie DeLong won a State title last season at Saginaw Heritage and has won one as a player as well. Marshall’s experience in these situations gives a slight edge here to the Warriors.

PREDICTION: Motivation is clearly on the Warriors side after what happened to them in December but Saginaw Heritage has been here before. I think Joiner and Barnes cancels each other along with Johnson and Strickland Gills and Cheyenne McEvans and Mallory McCartney do the same. If Jasmine Worthy stays out of foul trouble and produces on the offensive end then another State title for Marshall could be in the works along Southfield Arts and Tech’s first State title. This will be close and tight throughout. The Hawks are the defending State Champs for a reason and they have four talented players as mentioned. Mick McCabe and the folks at ESPN 100.9 FM are going with the Hawks so give me the Warriors. PICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 51, SAGINAW HERTIAGE 48.

Enrollment List Released.

Written Monday March 18th at 11:00 PM

The MHSAA released the enrollment sheet for the 2019-2020 school year. The OAA is well represented in the enrollment list with five schools in the top 20 for enrollment.

The enrollment list determines where teams are especially for the State playoffs in football and basketball districts.

Macomb Dakota has top honors with 3,034 students while Dearborn Fordson was second with 2,868, and Grand Blanc is third with 2,719 students.

Clarkston is sixth at 2,499 students while Lake Orion is 10th with 2,416 students, Troy Athens is 13th with 2,276 students, Troy is 16th at 2,237 students, and Oxford is 17th with 2,234 students.

Pontiac will be back in Class A next season as the Phoenix saw an increase in students to 963 students. The cutoff from Class A to Class B is 862 students

Here is the enrollment list around the OAA.

Clarkston 2,499
Lake Orion 2,416
Troy Athens 2,276
Troy 2,237
Oxford 2,234
Southfield Arts and Tech 2,067
West Bloomfield 2,042
Bloomfield Hills 1,896
Rochester 1,805
Adams 1,710
Stoney Creek 1,638
Farmington 1,444
Berkley 1,424
Royal Oak 1,405
North Farmington 1,371
Seaholm 1,370
Groves 1,310
Oak Park 1,276
Avondale 1,133
Pontiac 963
Ferndale 717

Ferndale with Ferndale University 1,280

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

There will be new Boys Basketball Coaches at Lake Orion and Avondale next season.

Written Monday March 18th at 10:30 PM

There will be a new coaches at Avondale and at Lake Orion next season for Boys Basketball.

Dragons coach Jim Manzo will retire from teaching and coaching in June. Manzo led Lake Orion to a district final appearance and competed in the Red this season.

According to Oakland Schools, the job was posted last week.

Manzo brought the Dragons back to relevance in his second stint back with the team. Lake Orion shared the Blue with Rochester with a 17-3 record in 2017-2018.

The Dragons went 13-9 this season in the tough Red losing to Oxford in the district finals at home.

Whomever the new coach is will have some talent coming back in the form of Jack Cummings, Isiah Harris, Cameron Sutton, Drew Van Heck, and Dylan Boedigheimer. Lake Orion will likely be in the Red next season after finishing tied with North Farmington for second place at 6-6.

Yellow Jackets coach Tim Morton has stepped down from coaching at Avondale to focus on his running his homegrown business next season. Morton led the Yellow Jackets to bit of a resurgence in his second stint back but this season was a struggle for his team.

Avondale will have some talent back next season but questions loom for this team. The Yellow Jackets finished at 9-13 in the tough White losing to Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals.

We’ll keep an eye on both the coaching searches at Lake Orion and at Avondale.

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

Boys Basketball Shortcomings.

Written Sunday March 17th at 12:20 PM
Updated Sunday July 28th at 11:00 PM

Well the Boys Basketball season is over around the State and also in the OAA. Here are some of the storylines looking forward to next season. We are not including Harrison or Hazel Park for different reasons.

Here are the 21 storylines heading into next season.

Clarkston: The Wolves were a streaky team this season losing two straight to winning 17 straight games until getting upset by Adams The nucleus is back for coach Tim Wasilk’s team in Keegan Wasilk, Fletcher Loyer, and Matt Nicholson. Clarkston also got stronger with Blake Kosin likely filling a role along with Luke Scheler and that's not mentioning players like Mike Depillo, Isayah Harris, Connor McKouen, and Logan Forbes. The Wolves will be a tough team to beat next season.

Lake Orion: The Dragons had an up and down year winning 13 games last season. Lake Orion lost Jake Ryquist, Kyle Loken, Shayne Barkley, and Nate Talbot to graduation. The Dragons return several key pieces in Dylan Boedgheimer, Cameron Sutton, and Drew Van Heck for new coach Joel Schroeder. Schroeder takes over for coach Jim Manzo who is retired at the end of the school year. There will need to be certain areas that Lake Orion will need to improve on next season so that will be something worth watching.

North Farmington: The Raiders really overachieved with a very young group this season. North Farmington loses two seniors to graduation including Yusif Jihad. They have the majority of their team coming back next season including Eddie Lenton, Bahseer Jihad, Deon Hayes, and Jamal Hayes. Coach Todd Negoshian should be pretty good next season.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers are in an interesting spot next season. Coach Jeremy Dehna will see their star backcourt of Donovan Moore and Robert Johnson head to colleges next season but West Bloomfield has a ton of talent coming back led by Shameer Mathews, Jake Lanshaw, Chase Glover-Rogers, and Kipras Blazeviciux not to mention if Donovan Edwards comes back which would be a huge addition after missing the basketball season due to an injury he suffered in football. The Lakers could be a team to watch next season.

Oak Park: The Knights had a ton of distractions this season along with a ton of questions heading into next season. Oak Park has the majority of their team coming back including Fred Garland, Soloman Johnson, Jaylin Mines, and DeVontae Edwards. Coach Bobby Thompson will be in an interesting spot and another question will be is that will Maliq Carr come back and if he does then the Knights will be worth watching.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have Mason Canfield and Colin Hecker returning next season for coach Phil Kurajian along with a solid three point shooting core. Bloomfield Hills will have some questions in the post next season. If they can address this issue then the Blackhawks will be a team to watch next season.

Troy: The Colts overachieved this season despite finishing with a 500 record and a district title. Troy loses a ton of talent but has Brody Parker returning for coach Gary Fralick. The Colts bring in the Emerzian brothers Jake and Ethan as they transferred from Adams. Ethan has played with Parker in AAU ball. Troy will be a team to watch in the White next season.

Adams: The Highlanders are going to be an interesting team to watch this offseason. There have been massive changes over at Adams with the possibility of Gunner Walters leaving the State and both the Emerzian boys officially departing to Troy. The Highlanders have a new coach in Jared Thomas as he takes over for coach Brad Crighton stepped down in April. Thomas will have to get his new team on the same page if they want to compete in the White.

Farmington: The Falcons had a strong season this year but a disappointing district semifinal loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Farmington has three top players coming back including their guards Terrell Humes and Jadin Atkins to go along with Jack Donehue. Coach Terrance Porter will have this team locked and loaded heading into next season.

Groves: The Falcons had a great first season under coach Benny White but they had a lot of tough luck including four losses at the buzzer. Groves will be better next season with basically a young group led by Mark Watson, Adolphus Cast, and Devin White but they will be a team to watch.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors even though they had a successful first season under coach Darrell Buchanan but they lose Cameron McEvans which could hurt them. Southfield Arts and Tech has a strong junior varsity team coming up and added Amauri Bates from Southfield Christian. The Warriors will be an interesting team to watch next season.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars were near 500 this season but suffered a disappointing loss to Utica in the district semifinal but coach Steve Norgrove’s team returns Alex Reiter and Trevor Smith which will be a bonus. Stoney Creek will be a team to watch next season.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets could be a team to watch this offseason. Avondale needs to address their post situation and they will have a new coach in Pat Clancy after coach Tim Morton stepped down in March. Clancy will inherit a team that's strength will be the guards whom are very athletic and talented. I think that moving down to the Blue should help the Yellow Jackets. It will be interesting to see what happens with this team.

Rochester: It was a rough season for coach Vance Kirkwood this year. The Falcons lose Corey Gulledge, Cameron Caggins, and Ryan Noble. Rochester has young group along with a solid freshman class. The Falcons will head down to the Blue next season.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a tough season but what will help coach Dave Scott is that they have a lot of talent coming back led by Jacob Thorton. Troy Athens who went 3-17 last year has moved down from the White to the Blue. They should be a contender in the league next season.

Oxford: The Wildcats had their best season EVER this season but next season will be interesting for Oxford. Coach Steve Laidlaw has Trey and Zach Townsend returning but they lose seven seniors from the team that went to the regional final which was their first appearance since 1948. The Wildcats had a good JV team but they will be a team worth watching.

Pontiac: The Phoenix made a return to prominence. Pontiac won 22 games including going 18-2 but lost to a very good New Haven team in the regional final. The Phoenix will be vastly different this upcoming season. They lost 10 seniors to graduation along with their head coach Joel Schroeder whom left for Lake Orion. Dameon Odneal returns to coach the team. He has prior experience with rebuilding jobs when he was at Waterford Kettering and has been an assistant to Schroeder and Robert Rogers. It will be tough to start from scratch again for Pontiac but they will have Terriah Hazard returning which helps whoever the new coach will be, they will be fine going forward.

Ferndale: The Eagles had a successful first season under coach Juan Rickman which resulted in a regional final appearance but they had a tough outcome against Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy where they had one bad quarter that cost them their season. Rickman has the majority of this team coming back next season led by Treyvon Lewis and the addition of three transfers in JayShawn Moore, Simon Wheeler, and Colin Golston who came from Detroit East English Village Prep and had to sit out this season. Ferndale will be a team to watch out for next season in the tough Red.

Berkley: The Bears made some strides this season getting to the district final and having a halftime lead against Birmingham Brother Rice. Coach Joe Sermo has some talent coming back which is a bonus to have. Berkley should be a sleeping giant in the Blue next season led by Ari Belchinsky and Arshad Walker.

Seaholm: The Maples were up and down this season and should be competitive next season. Coach Mike DeGeeter will have more experience with his team which will help them make some noise next season in the Blue.

Royal Oak: The Ravens were very disappointing this season and they do lose a ton of talent including Jovan Martin. Royal Oak has some questions they need to address next season. The Ravens do have the talent and defensive first mindset but offense will be a question for coach Aaron Smith’s team next season.