Early Top 22 Basketball Rankings.

Written Saturday October 10th at 1:10 PM

It's getting close to that time again which we start basketball season as it starts up next month. Here are my early top 22 for both girls and boys basketball. This is NOT a season preview or my projections, that comes in a couple of weeks.

Boys

1. North Farmington- Raiders have a ton of experience back for Coach Todd Negoshian led by Basheer Jihad, Aaron Rice, and Jasper Beeler.

2. Clarkston- Could the Wolves be more dangerous without Fletcher Loyer??? It’s possible.

3. Troy- Colts have a ton of experience back in Brody Parker, the Emerzian twins, D’Anthony Hamiton, and Imad Hage for Coach Gary Fralick.

4. West Bloomfield- Lakers have Ryan Hurst and Michael Seay back for Coach Jeremy Dehna. Program strength isn’t that far behind either.

5. Stoney Creek- Cougars have a boatload of experience back for Coach Steve Norgrove led by Trevor Smith and company.

6. Lake Orion- Dragons return a ton of Red experience for Coach Joel Schroeder.

7. Berkley- Bears have a lot of experience returning plus the return of Arshad Walker to full health for Coach Joe Sermo.

8. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors should be an interesting team to watch led by Caleb Banks for Coach Daryelle Buchanan.

9. Troy Athens- Red Hawks have a four headed monster back for Coach Dave Scott in Jacob Thornton, Michael Justice, Jordan Sebaugh, and Bryce Eaton.

10. Farmington- Falcons lost Jaden Akins to transfer which means Tariq Humes and Robert Davis are going to need to step up for Coach Terrance Porter.

11. Groves- Falcons have a ton of experience coming back but can they finish??? That will be the question for Coach Devin White.

12. Oxford- Wildcats are in a very interesting spot this season for Coach Steve Laidlaw.

13. Oak Park- Knights have a new coach in Durand Sheppard and a young team. It could take them a little bit because of the transition period but when everyone is on the same page, watch out.

14. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks might have the scariest guards in the league which is a good sign for Coach Phil Kurajian.

15. Ferndale- Eagles are going to be as good as Treyvon Lewis takes them.

16. Seaholm- Maples have some questions to address but Johnny Cross should provide them stable guard leadership for Coach Mike DeGeeter.

17. Adams- Highlanders have something building under Coach Jared Thomas especially in the lower levels.

18. Rochester- Falcons future is bright under Coach Vance Kirkwood.

19. Pontiac- Tariah Hazard and DeShawn Owens are going to be the key for the Phoenix and Coach Damion O’Neil.

20. Royal Oak- Ravens should be better but key player is Jessie Hoisington for Coach Aaron Smith.

21. Avondale- Nowhere to go but up for Coach Pat Clancy and his program.

22. Ferndale University- Welcome to the OAA Golden Eagles.

 

Girls

1. West Bloomfield- Lakers have reloaded and is very talented once again. They should be a top contender this season for Coach Bert Mosley.

2. Clarkston- Wolves have a ton of experience back which should put them in the hunt for Coach John Weyer.

3. Troy- Colts have a new coach in Julius Porter and he’s in a very good spot this season.

4. Royal Oak- Sarah Soraghan is the key for the Ravens success.

5. Lake Orion- Dragons starting to get balance and depth under Coach Bob Brydges.

6. Adams- Highlanders have the experience but depth is a major concern for Coach Shay Lewis.

7. Rochester- Falcons finally have coaching stability in Coach Bill Thurston and that postseason run to the district finals has them trending upward.

8. Stoney Creek- I’m curious to see how Mia Carson handles things with an experienced lineup for Coach Kellen James and the Cougars.

9. Oxford- Mackenzie Methner is back after a tough injury to join with Emma Morris for Coach Rachel Bryer but post presence is a question mark for the Wildcats.

10. Berkley- Ashley Loon and Jillian Gomes will be key to the Bears success for Coach Kirk Carolan.

11. Groves- Too many questions surround Coach AntJuan Simpkins and his Falcons program this season.

12. Farmington- Falcons fans should be excited to see what Coach Laura Guzman has this season. A boat load of experience returns led by Autumn Barnett.

13. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors lost a lot last season. It will be a huge test for them this season.

14. Avondale- Yellow Jackets could be in for a rough time this season.

15. North Farmington- Sela Lefler is going to be the key for the Raiders success this season.

16. Bloomfield Hills- Keelan Fife and Melissa Mecaj are key players for Coach Jeff Rubin and the Blackhawks.

17. Troy Athens- Red Hawks are going to be very different this season for Coach Stacie Klumpp.

18. Oak Park- Knights won 13 games last season, could an encore be possible for Coach Peggy Evans-Carr???

19. Seaholm- Maples are in an interesting spot for Coach Chris Manchester this season.

20. Ferndale- Eagles starting to build something under Coach Keith Paris.

21. Ferndale University- Welcome to the OAA Golden Eagles.

22. Pontiac- Phoenix should be better under Coach Christopher Wright but program strength is a question mark.