Boys Basketball Districts Are Out 2020-2021.

Written Tuesday September 8th at 4:30 PM

Updated Saturday February 7th at 10:00 AM

Here are the 2020-2021 Boys Basketball districts that were released by the MHSAA. This blog will be updated constantly.

District 5 at Oxford

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ADAMS

Romeo

Waterford Kettering

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion.

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

WILDCARD: Adams

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Bennie Krenshaw-Waterford Kettering.

INSIGHT: This district looks to be very interesting on paper at Oxford. Clarkston looks to be solid even though they lost two huge talents in Fletcher Loyer and Matt Nicholson during the offseason to transfer and graduation. The Wolves will have Keegan Waslik along with Luke Scherler, Mike DePillo, Nathan Steinman, and Isayah Harris for Coach Tim Waslik. Lake Orion is going to be very interesting to watch  with the proven experience they have under their belts. The Dragons have Nick Fisher, Will McClear, Andrew Bryant, Brendan Jones, Xander Blackney, Malachi Grandberry, and Alden Ritt for Coach Joel Schroeder. Oxford took a hit this offseason with graduation and departures. The Wildcats have Mason Mullholland, Trent Brown, Palmer Spect, and Bryce Essman for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Adams should be very interesting to watch. The Highlanders have Austin Brown, Ben Churmside, Justus Mims, Jacob Durand, Brady Prieskorn, Austin Yoon, and Jonathan Ursuy for Coach Jaret Thomas. There is a ton of upside and program strength at Adams in Thomas's second year. Romeo is a very interesting team to watch as they have program strength. What could be the Bulldogs undoing is a problem that they had last season. They had an identity crisis where at times they went big and then went small which at times didn't workout well for them. Coach Marv Cushingberry has Blake Woodward along with newcomers in McQuire Quinn and Maxxium Quinn to go along with Tim Kewley, Josh Skelly, Austin Radtke, Wes Jones, and Brendan Arendts. Waterford Kettering could be a very interesting team to keep an eye on. They made a ton of changes this offseason. The Captains have a new coach in Michael Marek. Marek comes to Waterford Kettering from Canton Prep after two successful years coaching the Panthers. He will have a ton of talent to work with in Waterford. Waterford Kettering has Bennie Krenshaw, Mark Holland, Caleb Roux, Trevor Donahue, Zarek Zelinski, and Decari Simpson. The Captains could make some noise in the Lakes Valley Conference. This will be an interesting district to say the least.

District 6 at Bloomfield Hills

AVONDALE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

PONTIAC

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Waterford Mott

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield.

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: West Bloomfield

WILDCARD: Bloomfield Hills

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Kipras Blazevicux-West Bloomfield.

INSIGHT: This could be a very interesting district at Bloomfield Hills with the same teams from last season but many of the media might look at this district as a mismatch. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded and is considered by many to be the best team in the State this season. The Eaglets have a ton of college prospects in Kareem Rozier, Julian Roper, Will Smythe, Peter Nwoke, Harrison Ogochukwu, D.C. Temple, and newcomer Daniel Smythe for Coach Todd Covert. Waterford Mott had a very good run last season but they made some changes this offseason but kept everything in house. The Corsairs have a new coach in former assistant Sean Moore taking over the program. Moore lost a ton of talent from last season to graduation. The Corsairs have several returning players and could be one of the contenders in the competitive Lakes Valley Conference. Waterford Mott will have Trayale Soloman, Juan Claudio, Chris Fuqua, and Zeke Price. West Bloomfield will have a strong say in this district and could pose as Orchard Lake St. Mary's top challenger. The Lakers lost a heartbreaker in the district semifinals at home to Waterford Mott last season. West Bloomfield will have Michael Seay, Ryan Hurst, Kipras Blazevicux, Emmanuel Ovioso, among others for Coach Jeremy Denha. Pontiac should be very interesting to watch. The Phoenix are one of the favorites in the Gold and could be a tough out for anyone. They have Tariah Hazard, Kamarie Martin El, Dionte Harris, Shawn Jones, and DeShawn Owens for Coach Damion O’Neil. Avondale should improved after winning one game last season. The Yellow Jackets have Corbin Smith, Josh Buggs, Jy Smith, AJ Knox, and Marshall Dennis for Coach Pat Clancy. Bloomfield Hills could be a player. They have home court and the guards to matchup with anyone in this district. The Blackhawks have Mason Canfield, Derrick Lee, Carson Brodsky, Jackson Willis, Mohamad Farahani, and Noah Adamcyck for Coach Phil Kurajian. This should be a very interesting district to keep an eye on to say the least.

District 25 at Birmingham Brother Rice

GROVES

SEAHOLM

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Birmingham Brother Rice

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. North Farmington, 2. Birmingham Brother Rice.

FAVORITE: North Farmington

NEXT: Birmingham Brother Rice

WILDCARD: Southfield Arts and Tech

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Curtis Williams-Birmingham Brother Rice.

INSIGHT: This is the same district from last season except the names are different. The early favorite looks to be North Farmington with the experience they have back but Birmingham Brother Rice might have something to say along with the rest of the teams in this very tough district. The Warriors had an up and down season in the Catholic League but they have managed to get things on the right track under Coach Ricky Palmer. Birmingham Brother Rice has a ton of proven experience back from last season's disappointing first round loss to Farmington in Xavier Thomas, Mikkos Stewart, and Curtis Williams along with newcomers John Blackwell and Keith Gillmore. Farmington took a major hit this offseason with the loss of Jaden Atkins and Tariq Humes as they both transferred to a prep school. The Falcons will need to rely heavily on Robert Davis and Prince Jackson for Coach Terrance Porter but what could help them is that experience playing in the Red this season. North Farmington looks to be loaded again led by Aaron Rice, Justin Ross, Jacob Bosamara, Basheer Jihad, Blake Goodman, Jasper Beeler, Deon Hayes, PJ Gardner, and Landon Williams for Coach Todd Negoshian. The Raiders also added a transfer from Novi Franklin Christian in Blake Goodman whom is expected to make some noise. Southfield Arts and Tech had a huge year surprising everyone and making some noise last season. The Warriors will have to reload a bit but they will have some experience back in Anthony Davis, Jaylen Mack, and Caleb Banks for Coach Daryelle Buchanan. Groves has some experience coming back from last season’s collapse against Southfield Arts and Tech in the first round. The Falcons have a ton of questions despite having Daniel Lee, Nick Lurz, Mark Watson, and Jack Woods back for Coach Devin White. Seaholm should be a very interesting team to keep an eye on as Coach Mike DeGeeter has Jake LaBarre, Johnny Cross, John Chinonis, Tyler Eick, and Ben Slazinski are back. The Maples could spoil someone's season with the experience they have back. This district could have some fireworks written all over it.

District 26 at Detroit Renaissance

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Detroit Renaissance.

FAVORITE: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

WILDCARD: Berkley

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Alan Gee-Detroit Mumford.

INSIGHT: This should be a very interesting district in Wayne County. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit looks to be the favorite in this very tough district. The Cubs appear to be loaded and they play in the always tough Catholic League. Coach Pat Donnelly has Sonny Wilson who took the State by storm last season. He could be the next Cassius Winston to come out of Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Wilson will have a very strong supporting cast to go along with experience as well in Charles Turner and Chris Mutebi. Detroit Renaissance could be a player with Juwan Maxey returning from a team that had a down season along with newcomers Donnie Watts, Ean Brown, and Chandler Allen. The Phoenix will have home court as well. Alan Gee should make some noise for Detroit Mumford which won 13 games last season. Gee scored 33 points in one game last season for the Mustangs. Oak Park will be a very interesting team to watch as they have to get adjusted to a new coach and new system. The Knights have some experience in DuRand Roseboro, Shawn Brown, Keon Henderson, Ashton Henderson for new coach Durand Sheppard. Royal Oak will be very interesting as Coach Aaron Smith returns Jessie Hoisington, Charlie Grabowski, Dylan Hoffman, Colton Champion, and Jack Gilbert. Berkley is the wildcard as they have some experience coming back as well. The Bears have a healthy Arshad Walker back along with Jacob Thomas and Joey McNamara for Coach Joe Sermo. This could be a very fun district to watch.

District 29 at Stoney Creek

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

TROY

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Troy, 2. Stoney Creek.

FAVORITE: Troy

NEXT: Stoney Creek

WILDCARD: Utica Eisenhower

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ethan Emerzian-Troy.

INSIGHT: This could be a very competitive district to watch on Tienken and Shelton roads. There are a ton of storylines heading into this district. This could arguably be Troy's best team they have had in a long time. The Colts have a ton of experience that is back led by Brody Parker, Jake Emerzian, Ethan Emerzian, Imad Hage, and D’Anthony Hamilton. Troy has won three straight district title and hope for a fourth under legendary Coach Gary Fralick. Stoney Creek should be Troy's toughest challenger in this district as they had a strong finish to last season and they have proven experience back. The Cougars have Lance Fogerberg, Jacob Felton, Grant Lowery, Alex Reiter, David Angel, and Trevor Smith for Coach Steve Norgrove. Rochester should be better for Coach Vance Kirkwood after two very rough years but they are getting better. The Falcons will have Arman Hussani, Mark Stone, Rex Matoud, and Mark Williams to lean on. Program strength is also on the rise at Rochester. Utica comes back north and west after one season going south last season. The Chieftains have a ton of experience that returns from a team that won nine games last season. They have Roy Monteruil, Den Michael Singer, Josh Shaffer, Francis Manni, Alexander Lewis, Jonah Gabriel, Jayden Dawkins, Aleksander Cvetkovski, Cameron Arafat, Christopher Bull, and Jason Azar for Coach David Hinkle. Utica Eisenhower had a challenging season last season only winning four games. They should have some experience back this season. The Eagles are led by Luke Adamcyzk, Anthony Cardamone, Dalton Crum, Mario Getaw, Dalton Dueweke, Tarone Johnson, Michael Marsak, Preston Crum, and Samuel Grace for Coach Thomas Antishin. This should be a very interesting district to watch.

District 30 at Troy Athens

TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Troy Athens, 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson.

FAVORITE: Troy Athens

NEXT: Sterling Heights Stevenson

WILDCARD: Utica Ford II

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jacob Thornton-Troy Athens.

INSIGHT: This looks to be a very interesting district with Troy Athens being an honorary member of the Macomb Area Conference. The Red Hawks have the majority of their squad back from last season's disappointing loss to Chippewa Valley. Troy Athens has Jacob Thornton, Michael Justice, and Jordan Sebaugh for Coach Dave Scott. Program strength looks to be very strong for the Red Hawks and they will be at home for the districts. The district poses some unique challenges to Troy Athens as mentioned earlier they are an honorary member of the Macomb Area Conference. Sterling Heights Stevenson could be the biggest threat to Troy Athens this season. The Titans two very solid players in Andre Turner and Justin James for Coach Ryan Joseph. Utica Ford II had a very good year last season winning 13 games for Coach Bill Szlaga. The Falcons should be a team in the mix to keep an eye on even though they will be young. Sterling Heights should be better for Coach Mike Griffin and his vaunted 2-3 zone defense. Chippewa Valley has a new coach as Kevin Voss stepped down and Corey Smith takes over. The Big Reds have a ton of experience back which should help Smith smooth the transition at Chippewa Valley despite having to go through a coaching transition. It will be interesting to see what happens.

District 58 at Ferndale

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Detroit Henry Ford

Detroit Old Redford Academy

BOYS PROJECTED TOP TWO SEEDS: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Henry Ford.

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Detroit Henry Ford

WILDCARD: Ferndale University

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jason Drake-Ferndale.

INSIGHT: This looks to be an interesting district when looking at the teams. Ferndale lost a ton of talent from last season after COVID-19 ruined their dreams of a State Championship now they could get to the State Finals this season but they are going to need a ton of players to step up. Treyvon Lewis is back for Coach Juan Rickman. The Eagles also have Caleb Renfoe, Cam Reid, Trenton Ruth, and Romelo Hughley. They will have bigger roles and will need to step up if Ferndale wants to find the same success that they had last season. The Eagles added another proven guard in Jason Drake. Drake transferred from Orchard Lake St. Marys and brings a ton of experience a team that is not very deep and hungry to add another proven guard alongside Lewis. They also look to have addressed the interior with Jack Kennedy and Chris Williams. Detroit Henry Ford lost a ton of talent from last season’s team that was about 500. Detroit Old Redford Academy was around 500 last season and could be an interesting team to keep an eye on. Ferndale University struggled a bit last season but will be joining the OAA this season playing in the Gold. Hazel Park had some success in their first season in the Macomb Area Conference but scoring could be interesting despite having Ryan Ramsey back. The Vikings have a veteran team back for coach Stefan Wilson. Hazel Park could have some trouble scoring since their top two scorers graduated. This should be an interesting district to watch.