Written Thursday May 14th at 2:00 AM
When I saw the articles on incoming Southfield quarterback Samuel Johnson III getting college offers from two Mid American Schools, Akron and Ohio. I was at arms to say the least.
I don't understand why colleges are offering eighth graders scholarships when they haven't even played a down in High School football.
I mean what happens if the player like Johnson III gets hurt or suffers a career ending injury, what happens to the scholarship???, does the school take the scholarship back???
I think colleges should wait when giving scholarships out because there is so much risk involved when committing to a player early in the process. The player can change their mind during the process because until they sign their National Letter of Intent then they are free to talk to other schools. Also playing middle school football is a lot different than playing high school football.
I saw the YouTube clips of Johnson III, he looked good, he has the strength and skill to be at the next level.
But he needs some seasoning in him to be very good but he is in the right place to get that in Southfield.
We don't know how good Johnson III will be this season for the Blue Jays but he will have a solid team surrounding him for coach Tim Conley led by Michigan recruit in running back Matt Falcon. Southfield's schedule is brutal this season, playing in the White with games against Oak Park, Harrison, Farmington, and Adams, not to mention the crossover against either Lake Orion, Clarkston, or West Bloomfield not to mention they will open up at Wayne State against Detroit Cass Tech and their star quarterback Rodney Hall.
In today's world technology is very important, people are using YouTube to get their names out there but sometimes getting noticed gets you in some trouble. Had not been for YouTube and the use of Smart Phones, and I Phones Jayru Campbell would still be on a Division One Scholarship right now even though his legal issues are well documented.
Sometimes keeping a quiet profile may be the best thing and letting your play do all the talking.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
OAA Football Way Too Early Top 10.
Written Friday May 8th, at 12:45 PM
Football is still a few months away but here is my early top ten teams. It will change as we get closer to the season.
1. Harrison: The Hawks could be right back in the State Semifinals with whom they will have coming up and whom they return. Harrison will return probably the best defensive end in the state in Khaid Kareem. Kareem has had numerous offers from colleges to play and will be the leader of a Hawks defense that was very good a season ago. The question comes at quarterback, Harrison features Noah Hendricks, a transfer from Wayne Memorial and three very good wide receivers. If Brendan Brown does well at running back for the Hawks then John Herrington's team will be scary again.
2. Southfield: When looking at the potential outlook of the Blue Jays, Southfield could be right back to the State Semifinals in Division Two with who they will have coming back and whom they bring in. The Blue Jays return running back Matt Falcon, whom is going to Michigan next season and will bring in incoming freshman Sam Johnson III. Johnson has been getting high praises from the media and is getting college offers as an eighth grader. Southfield also has a solid stout defense and they are expected to ride their defense again this season.
3. West Bloomfield: When you look at the Lakers, the 7-2 season a year ago was huge for their confidence for them but a tough loss to Walled Lake Central a season ago should motivate them to get back to the playoffs. West Bloomfield will return a lot of talent but did lose a lot of talent as well. It all starts with football and basketball standout Triston Jackson and he has all the athleticism in the world to do well whether it is at quarterback or wide receiver. He will have Navon Mosley and Evan Foster to throw the ball too this season. The question will be for coach Ronald Bellamy is will Justin Clark run the ball and their defense will be tested as well but the schedule is looking nice with Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek all having to come to West Bloomfield this season.
4. Groves: The Falcons returned to the playoffs last season will return one of the top play makers in the OAA in running back Cedric Boswell. Boswell is a fast, shifty runner who likes to go through the tackles and make people miss. The question for Groves is the health of their defense and if they can find a quarterback to throw the ball to play-makers Collin Heard and Chase Swoopes. The Falcons play arch rival Seaholm in week one but have to deal with Avondale, Berkley, and Ferndale once the Blue starts and close out with Ann Arbor Pioneer.
5. Clarkston: The Wolves fresh off repeating as Division One State champs will have major questions heading into this season. Nolan Eriksen does return and it looks like Clarkston could return to the 2012 offense in which Eriksen's brother Ian had to carry the load and the next season DJ Zezula got better. The Wolves will bring in quarterback Jacob Wagner, whom has had some hype surrounding him comparing him to Zezula but news out of Clarkston is there are some folks that are spectral about that comparison and the type of player he is. Wagner will have Hayden Schoenherr, Connor Heaton, and Marvin Chambers to throw the ball too to go along with Eriksen. The Wolves defense will be led by linebackers Mitch Heaton, Noah Nicklin, Nick Stallworth, and Zach Scott will be tested early as they get to go to Macomb Dakota week one and have to go to West Bloomfield two weeks later.
6. Adams: The Highlanders finished 5-4 last season but return the balk of their team despite the fact of losing Clarence Brondax. Quarterback Kyle Wood returns for a team that likes to run the veer attack. Wood will have Mitchell Sokol to throw the ball too when needed and a defense that will be much improved as we head into the season led by Stevie Roncelli and Vincent Gray. The schedule won't be easy as Adams has to deal with Southfield, Harrison, Farmington, and Oak Park on the slate but it all starts with beating Stoney Creek, a team that stunned them last season and took them out of the playoffs.
7. Oak Park: The Knights lost a lot of talent from a season ago but will feature a solid defense heading into the 2015 season for coach Greg Carter. The question for the Knights will be on offense as they will have to replace their top running back but will return quarterback Chauncey Lowman. Lowman will have weapons to throw the ball too in Darruis Stokes and Miles Daniel. Oak Park will have the defense and quarterback to be in games but the schedule is brutal as they will go west to take on Zeeland West and their high scoring offense week one, this could be interesting because Carter is a defensive minded coach and Zeeland West scores in bunches.
8. Orion: The Dragons missing the playoffs a season ago have some questions to address, there could be a quarterback controversy between Max Hornifeer and Caiden Prescorn along with who will replace Matt Krause as the power running back this season. Orion defensibly was torched through the air but will return defensive backs Drew Casey, Mike Jarvis, and Jaylen Wiggins. If the Dragons can find play makers to the outside, stability at quarterback, and a defense that returns to the Orion Tough defenses that everyone knows then this Orion team could be right back in the playoffs after a one year exit.
9. Avondale: Josh Holloman is gone from the Yellow Jackets but the return of quarterback Travis Janes along with solid offensive lines and defensive lines return for coach Steve Deutch. Avondale will rely a lot on Janes rocket of an arm to carry them this season and some young skill guys that could get them back into the playoffs after a two year exit. The schedule is interesting as they will play New Boston Huron and close out the season with the team that took them out of the playoffs last season in Waterford Kettering.
10. Oxford: The Wildcats lost a lot of talent a season ago and will have to replace their skill guys but their most of their offensive and defensive lines returns from a season ago that finished 7-2. Oxford coach Bud Rowley likes to do the "Pound the Rock" motto but questions at the skill positions like I said eariler do linger along with a brutal road schedule which includes the likes of traveling to Romeo, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Stoney Creek, and Orion. It will not be an easy road for the Wildcats if they want to make it back to the playoffs for a third straight year.
Honorable mentions, 11. Farmington, 12. Stoney Creek, 13. Ferndale, 14. Berkley, 15. Seaholm.
Football is still a few months away but here is my early top ten teams. It will change as we get closer to the season.
1. Harrison: The Hawks could be right back in the State Semifinals with whom they will have coming up and whom they return. Harrison will return probably the best defensive end in the state in Khaid Kareem. Kareem has had numerous offers from colleges to play and will be the leader of a Hawks defense that was very good a season ago. The question comes at quarterback, Harrison features Noah Hendricks, a transfer from Wayne Memorial and three very good wide receivers. If Brendan Brown does well at running back for the Hawks then John Herrington's team will be scary again.
2. Southfield: When looking at the potential outlook of the Blue Jays, Southfield could be right back to the State Semifinals in Division Two with who they will have coming back and whom they bring in. The Blue Jays return running back Matt Falcon, whom is going to Michigan next season and will bring in incoming freshman Sam Johnson III. Johnson has been getting high praises from the media and is getting college offers as an eighth grader. Southfield also has a solid stout defense and they are expected to ride their defense again this season.
3. West Bloomfield: When you look at the Lakers, the 7-2 season a year ago was huge for their confidence for them but a tough loss to Walled Lake Central a season ago should motivate them to get back to the playoffs. West Bloomfield will return a lot of talent but did lose a lot of talent as well. It all starts with football and basketball standout Triston Jackson and he has all the athleticism in the world to do well whether it is at quarterback or wide receiver. He will have Navon Mosley and Evan Foster to throw the ball too this season. The question will be for coach Ronald Bellamy is will Justin Clark run the ball and their defense will be tested as well but the schedule is looking nice with Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, and Stoney Creek all having to come to West Bloomfield this season.
4. Groves: The Falcons returned to the playoffs last season will return one of the top play makers in the OAA in running back Cedric Boswell. Boswell is a fast, shifty runner who likes to go through the tackles and make people miss. The question for Groves is the health of their defense and if they can find a quarterback to throw the ball to play-makers Collin Heard and Chase Swoopes. The Falcons play arch rival Seaholm in week one but have to deal with Avondale, Berkley, and Ferndale once the Blue starts and close out with Ann Arbor Pioneer.
5. Clarkston: The Wolves fresh off repeating as Division One State champs will have major questions heading into this season. Nolan Eriksen does return and it looks like Clarkston could return to the 2012 offense in which Eriksen's brother Ian had to carry the load and the next season DJ Zezula got better. The Wolves will bring in quarterback Jacob Wagner, whom has had some hype surrounding him comparing him to Zezula but news out of Clarkston is there are some folks that are spectral about that comparison and the type of player he is. Wagner will have Hayden Schoenherr, Connor Heaton, and Marvin Chambers to throw the ball too to go along with Eriksen. The Wolves defense will be led by linebackers Mitch Heaton, Noah Nicklin, Nick Stallworth, and Zach Scott will be tested early as they get to go to Macomb Dakota week one and have to go to West Bloomfield two weeks later.
6. Adams: The Highlanders finished 5-4 last season but return the balk of their team despite the fact of losing Clarence Brondax. Quarterback Kyle Wood returns for a team that likes to run the veer attack. Wood will have Mitchell Sokol to throw the ball too when needed and a defense that will be much improved as we head into the season led by Stevie Roncelli and Vincent Gray. The schedule won't be easy as Adams has to deal with Southfield, Harrison, Farmington, and Oak Park on the slate but it all starts with beating Stoney Creek, a team that stunned them last season and took them out of the playoffs.
7. Oak Park: The Knights lost a lot of talent from a season ago but will feature a solid defense heading into the 2015 season for coach Greg Carter. The question for the Knights will be on offense as they will have to replace their top running back but will return quarterback Chauncey Lowman. Lowman will have weapons to throw the ball too in Darruis Stokes and Miles Daniel. Oak Park will have the defense and quarterback to be in games but the schedule is brutal as they will go west to take on Zeeland West and their high scoring offense week one, this could be interesting because Carter is a defensive minded coach and Zeeland West scores in bunches.
8. Orion: The Dragons missing the playoffs a season ago have some questions to address, there could be a quarterback controversy between Max Hornifeer and Caiden Prescorn along with who will replace Matt Krause as the power running back this season. Orion defensibly was torched through the air but will return defensive backs Drew Casey, Mike Jarvis, and Jaylen Wiggins. If the Dragons can find play makers to the outside, stability at quarterback, and a defense that returns to the Orion Tough defenses that everyone knows then this Orion team could be right back in the playoffs after a one year exit.
9. Avondale: Josh Holloman is gone from the Yellow Jackets but the return of quarterback Travis Janes along with solid offensive lines and defensive lines return for coach Steve Deutch. Avondale will rely a lot on Janes rocket of an arm to carry them this season and some young skill guys that could get them back into the playoffs after a two year exit. The schedule is interesting as they will play New Boston Huron and close out the season with the team that took them out of the playoffs last season in Waterford Kettering.
10. Oxford: The Wildcats lost a lot of talent a season ago and will have to replace their skill guys but their most of their offensive and defensive lines returns from a season ago that finished 7-2. Oxford coach Bud Rowley likes to do the "Pound the Rock" motto but questions at the skill positions like I said eariler do linger along with a brutal road schedule which includes the likes of traveling to Romeo, West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Stoney Creek, and Orion. It will not be an easy road for the Wildcats if they want to make it back to the playoffs for a third straight year.
Honorable mentions, 11. Farmington, 12. Stoney Creek, 13. Ferndale, 14. Berkley, 15. Seaholm.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
New Divisions are out for both boys and girls basketball.
Written Thursday May 7th at 12:20 PM
The new divisions are out and they are a four/six format
Boys:
Red:
Clarkston
North Farmington
Southfield
Lathrup
Adams
Troy Athens
White:
Pontiac
Avondale
Oak Park
West Bloomfield
Troy
Bloomfield Hills
Blue:
Orion
Oxford
Stoney Creek
Rochester
Seaholm
Farmington
Gold:
Harrison
Hazel Park
Ferndale
Berkley
Royal Oak
Groves
Girls:
Red:
Lathrup
Harrison
Clarkston
Adams
Stoney Creek
Oxford
White:
Orion
Bloomfield Hills
North Farmington
Troy
West Bloomfield
Royal Oak
Blue:
Seaholm
Farmington
Rochester
Oak Park
Southfield
Avondale
Gold:
Pontiac
Hazel Park
Groves
Ferndale
Berkley
Troy Athens
The new divisions are out and they are a four/six format
Boys:
Red:
Clarkston
North Farmington
Southfield
Lathrup
Adams
Troy Athens
White:
Pontiac
Avondale
Oak Park
West Bloomfield
Troy
Bloomfield Hills
Blue:
Orion
Oxford
Stoney Creek
Rochester
Seaholm
Farmington
Gold:
Harrison
Hazel Park
Ferndale
Berkley
Royal Oak
Groves
Girls:
Red:
Lathrup
Harrison
Clarkston
Adams
Stoney Creek
Oxford
White:
Orion
Bloomfield Hills
North Farmington
Troy
West Bloomfield
Royal Oak
Blue:
Seaholm
Farmington
Rochester
Oak Park
Southfield
Avondale
Gold:
Pontiac
Hazel Park
Groves
Ferndale
Berkley
Troy Athens
OAA Boys Basketball Update.
Written Thursday May 7th at 12:05 PM
Clarkston in the mix for Davison's top player?
There has been some major news going around Clarkston recently according to MIPrepzone writer Scott Burnstein. He is reporting in his blog "Burney Bytes" that the Wolves could be getting a very good player from Davison in junior Dylan Alderson. He said that the family is buying a house in Clarkston and he is expected to be a Clarkson Wolf soon. Clarkston is an open enrollment school district.
Alderson is a 6.4 guard and already has offers from Mid American Conference schools has had some big games against some people last season as a Cardinal, he had 37 points against Toledo Rogers, 32 against Fenton, and 31 against a bad Flint Carman Ainsworth team. Now imagine paring him with Foster Loyer, who scored 35 points against Macomb Dakota in the regional finals. It could be one of the most deadliest back-courts in the state.
The question remains for Clarkston is do they have enough inside presence besides Tabin Throgmorton and Mitch Heaton to carry the load for the Wolves. If they do Clarkston could do damage for next season.
Could Clarkston's Wasilk to be an assistant under Fife?
There has been speculation that coach Tim Wasilk will no longer coach the Girls Basketball team at Clarkston as he could be the apparent to coach Dan Fife in the Boys Basketball circuit once he retires.
Waslik led Clarkston to a 12-9 season in the girls and loses Erika Davenport, Jessica Altene, Taylor Mullins, among others but the girls team does return guard Megan Dierdoff, small forward Kayla Russell, power forward Alissa Bey, and center, Kayla Luncenbach and has an emerging power forward in Molly Nicholson in Junior Varsity and is expected to make the move to Varsity.
Possible candidates to replace Wasilk might include former Clarkston Wolves standout Chelsea Kouri, Marisha Sunday, and Dan Vanaman.
Teasley no longer at Southfield.
The Jays will look different as we head into the summer as coach Gary Teasley will no longer coach the team next season. Teasley has led Southfield to two final four appearances in 2010 and 2011 and has always been very classy and respectful. The Jays will still be solid next season as they will be led by guards Michael Flowers and Arumai Hardy along with forward Miguel Preist.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for complete coverage.
Clarkston in the mix for Davison's top player?
There has been some major news going around Clarkston recently according to MIPrepzone writer Scott Burnstein. He is reporting in his blog "Burney Bytes" that the Wolves could be getting a very good player from Davison in junior Dylan Alderson. He said that the family is buying a house in Clarkston and he is expected to be a Clarkson Wolf soon. Clarkston is an open enrollment school district.
Alderson is a 6.4 guard and already has offers from Mid American Conference schools has had some big games against some people last season as a Cardinal, he had 37 points against Toledo Rogers, 32 against Fenton, and 31 against a bad Flint Carman Ainsworth team. Now imagine paring him with Foster Loyer, who scored 35 points against Macomb Dakota in the regional finals. It could be one of the most deadliest back-courts in the state.
The question remains for Clarkston is do they have enough inside presence besides Tabin Throgmorton and Mitch Heaton to carry the load for the Wolves. If they do Clarkston could do damage for next season.
Could Clarkston's Wasilk to be an assistant under Fife?
There has been speculation that coach Tim Wasilk will no longer coach the Girls Basketball team at Clarkston as he could be the apparent to coach Dan Fife in the Boys Basketball circuit once he retires.
Waslik led Clarkston to a 12-9 season in the girls and loses Erika Davenport, Jessica Altene, Taylor Mullins, among others but the girls team does return guard Megan Dierdoff, small forward Kayla Russell, power forward Alissa Bey, and center, Kayla Luncenbach and has an emerging power forward in Molly Nicholson in Junior Varsity and is expected to make the move to Varsity.
Possible candidates to replace Wasilk might include former Clarkston Wolves standout Chelsea Kouri, Marisha Sunday, and Dan Vanaman.
Teasley no longer at Southfield.
The Jays will look different as we head into the summer as coach Gary Teasley will no longer coach the team next season. Teasley has led Southfield to two final four appearances in 2010 and 2011 and has always been very classy and respectful. The Jays will still be solid next season as they will be led by guards Michael Flowers and Arumai Hardy along with forward Miguel Preist.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for complete coverage.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Baseball Preview Top 10.
Written Monday April 13th, at 12:10 PM
1. West Bloomfield: After knocking out Birmingham Brother Rice a season ago in districts, the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on this season. West Bloomfield will be lead by senior pitcher and top hitter Chandler Sadat. Sadat is going to Indiana next season and is expected to lead the Lakers in the White. Deshawn Cole is also solid as well. The question will be is who will back them up, could it be Zach Allread, whom is expected to step up his game this season or Robbie Jones who will be going to Michigan State next season.
2. Orion: The Dragons were upset last season by Waterford Kettering have some questions but they are always solid. In what is to be a tough Red this season, Orion will be counted on to play more small ball than long ball. Miles Hardy returns and the Dragons will have a solid pitching staff led by Ken Guldi, Dan McNairmine and Cam Miller. Joe Turnbull, Bay Smart, Mike Falter and Jacob Christenson is expected to contrube this season as well for the Dragons.
3. Clarkston: The Wolves fresh off a State quarterfinals appearance will only help them get ready for this season. DJ Zezula will be asked to do more this season along with Joe Popp but pitching will be the question in C-Town this season but they have the depth to be competitive.
4. Stoney Creek: The Cougars were solid last season and will be a threat to win the Red and go even further than they did last season. Erick Gilgenbach returns at shortstop and will be going to South Bend next season. Stoney Creek will be solid this season and they will be talented as always.
5. Adams: The Highlanders this season is expected to be consistent in the Red. Jordan Wiley and Mitch Bigland return as the team's two top hitters. Adams should get a boost from Joe Pretchel after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury. The Highlanders need the starting pitching to be consistent and pitcher Weylin Frisbee along with Pretchel is expected to do that this season.
6. Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a new manager in Frank DeVito and he has his team off to a solid start. Bloomfield Hills will be the favorite in the Blue this season and will be led by it's hitting core led by senior shortstop Perry Klamanski but the question will be their rotation besides pitcher Nick Schineder they are young.
7. Troy Athens: The Red Hawks may be young but they will have one of the state's most feared hitters in John Van Hoef. Athens is senior heavy this season and is also led by ace Matt Lerdal along with Nick Lafleur. Expect the Red Hawks to make a run in the White this season.
8. Oxford: The Wildcats have a new manager in Dave Herrick and does have two returning players in Scott Studenbach (running back in football) and starting pitcher James Rogers but Oxford did add a transfer in Anthony Gunn. Gunn is expected to contrubute right away for the Wildcats and they could make some noise this season.
9. Harrison: Yes the Hawks are here this season. Harrison not well known as a baseball power is expected to do wonders this season. The Hawks will be led by junior outfielder David Vinsky whom batted 401 last season and also have senior ace Trevor Friday. Harrison returns seven starters and is expected to contend this season in the White.
10. North Farmington: The Raiders always have talent but they have inexperience as well this season. North Farmington will have to relay a lot on their pitching led by ace Alex Darden and their young staff. If they get some offense, then they will be fine.
1. West Bloomfield: After knocking out Birmingham Brother Rice a season ago in districts, the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on this season. West Bloomfield will be lead by senior pitcher and top hitter Chandler Sadat. Sadat is going to Indiana next season and is expected to lead the Lakers in the White. Deshawn Cole is also solid as well. The question will be is who will back them up, could it be Zach Allread, whom is expected to step up his game this season or Robbie Jones who will be going to Michigan State next season.
2. Orion: The Dragons were upset last season by Waterford Kettering have some questions but they are always solid. In what is to be a tough Red this season, Orion will be counted on to play more small ball than long ball. Miles Hardy returns and the Dragons will have a solid pitching staff led by Ken Guldi, Dan McNairmine and Cam Miller. Joe Turnbull, Bay Smart, Mike Falter and Jacob Christenson is expected to contrube this season as well for the Dragons.
3. Clarkston: The Wolves fresh off a State quarterfinals appearance will only help them get ready for this season. DJ Zezula will be asked to do more this season along with Joe Popp but pitching will be the question in C-Town this season but they have the depth to be competitive.
4. Stoney Creek: The Cougars were solid last season and will be a threat to win the Red and go even further than they did last season. Erick Gilgenbach returns at shortstop and will be going to South Bend next season. Stoney Creek will be solid this season and they will be talented as always.
5. Adams: The Highlanders this season is expected to be consistent in the Red. Jordan Wiley and Mitch Bigland return as the team's two top hitters. Adams should get a boost from Joe Pretchel after missing most of the season with a shoulder injury. The Highlanders need the starting pitching to be consistent and pitcher Weylin Frisbee along with Pretchel is expected to do that this season.
6. Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a new manager in Frank DeVito and he has his team off to a solid start. Bloomfield Hills will be the favorite in the Blue this season and will be led by it's hitting core led by senior shortstop Perry Klamanski but the question will be their rotation besides pitcher Nick Schineder they are young.
7. Troy Athens: The Red Hawks may be young but they will have one of the state's most feared hitters in John Van Hoef. Athens is senior heavy this season and is also led by ace Matt Lerdal along with Nick Lafleur. Expect the Red Hawks to make a run in the White this season.
8. Oxford: The Wildcats have a new manager in Dave Herrick and does have two returning players in Scott Studenbach (running back in football) and starting pitcher James Rogers but Oxford did add a transfer in Anthony Gunn. Gunn is expected to contrubute right away for the Wildcats and they could make some noise this season.
9. Harrison: Yes the Hawks are here this season. Harrison not well known as a baseball power is expected to do wonders this season. The Hawks will be led by junior outfielder David Vinsky whom batted 401 last season and also have senior ace Trevor Friday. Harrison returns seven starters and is expected to contend this season in the White.
10. North Farmington: The Raiders always have talent but they have inexperience as well this season. North Farmington will have to relay a lot on their pitching led by ace Alex Darden and their young staff. If they get some offense, then they will be fine.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Softball Preview Top 10.
Written Saturday April 11th at 1:10 PM
1. Orion: The Dragons will be loaded once again this season. Orion will be led by utility player Alex Carpenter, third baseman Carly McGee, shortstop Rachel Dolland, and first baseman Megan Hall. The Dragons also have Shelby Misak whom had a strong freshman season last season. If junior pitcher Sierra Gonzales stays healthy and improves her game than manager Joe Woytira will have a strong chance at repeating in the Red and possibly go far in the playoffs but they have a tough district ahead of them at home with Clarkston, Adams, Oxford, and Waterford Mott.
2. Clarkston: The senior laden Wolves have a lot of experience back for a team that had defensive troubles last season. Clarkston will be led by two of the state's top pitchers Candace Kitchen and Madeline Maday. The Wolves also have a very solid hitting lineup for manager Don Peters in senior shortstop Rachel Vieria along with fellow seniors Ashley Skaggs and Makayla Blaska, who batted 509 last season. They are junior laden as well and will have a player whom has already committed to Michigan in catcher Abby Skvarce and Mariah Hood. Clarkston could very well be a state title contending team but they will get by Orion first, the Dragons have eliminated the Wolves the last two seasons and the district is right back at Orion.
3. Troy: The Colts are going to be young but they do have some talent returning for manager Tom Calnen. Senior outfielder Maggie Bohr returns along with all state catcher Ashley Messina who is going to Wayne State next season. Messina had a 410 batting average last season. First baseman Caroline Morton is expected to be counted on to lead Troy this season. Carlie Sebastian will be the Colts starting pitcher whom had a solid sophomore season. Troy is a tough out when it gets to later in the season as they will likely have to clash with Troy Athens on the road in district play.
4. North Farmington: The Raiders lost a lot of talent last season to graduation but they are still very talented and well coached. Their pitcher returns from a year ago in junior Alexa Cherney. Cherney, a girls basketball player as well for coach Jeff Simpson had a 1.8 earned run average, struck out 335 batters, and won 33 games last season. Her catcher Elizabeth Sullivan returns as well. North Farmington will have three talented freshman to watch as well in Sarah Lynch, Cherney's sister Samantha, and Kenze D'Asceno. Expect the Raiders to be in games and is the darkhorse in the Red and in the district.
5. Adams: Highlanders manager Fran Sczhwioticz will have some offensive troubles this season but they will be in games thanks to their Robert Morris bound pitcher Kelly McCasland. McCasland is one of the league's top pitchers and will have to be for a team that returns only two offensive threats in outfielders Melissa Wei and Haley Willis. The district is not pretty either as they will see Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, or Waterford Mott.
6. Oxford: The Wildcats have experience back for second year manager Jessie Granger and also basketball experience as well. Senior Cherylin Bandis, whom is going to Lawrence Tech on a basketball scholarship will be relayed on to lead off for Oxford, Skye Donaldson is a very good player as well for the Wildcats as she is versatile. The basketball to softball experience doesn't last with these two players as Madison Dinges along with freshman Lauren Donaldson and Kaitlyn Bean complete the basketball to softball transition for Oxford. Expect the Wildcats to be solid this season.
7. Seaholm: The Maples will be young this season but they do have some key talent returning to a team that was solid last season. Seaholm will rely on their shortstop and starting pitcher Maddy Cormier whom had a strong offensive campaign last season and will be heading to Dension University next season. Catcher Christina Dennis returns and is a solid defender and offensive threat and junior outfielders Vivian Righter and Ashley Lenington will be solid players as well for the Maples.
8. Rochester: The Falcons suffered graduation losses and to make things worse, they moved up from the White to the Red this season. Rochester will have UNC-Wilmington commit Haley Lenderman back and the offense could be an issue to watch. They will have ulitilty player Collete Coulter and shortstop Ross Myers back. The district is wide open though but they will have to deal with Romeo, Utica Eisenhower, and Stoney Creek at Utica Eisenhower this season.
9. Troy Athens: Graduation hit the Red Hawks hard a season ago, manager Dave Marr could struggle this season in replacing a lot of talent left from the team that battled Troy in the district finals. Troy Athens will have solid infield play, led by senior catcher Jensen O-Branovic. Juniors Maddy Ellinger and Alina Kirkland will lead the pitching staff for the Red Hawks. It could be an interesting season on John R Road in Troy.
10. Farmington: The Falcons have two top players returning to a team that was middle of the pack last season. The first player is sophomore catcher Danielle Pentras. Pentras last season hit 380 and is expected to have a strong season in her second season in Farm Town. The other one is four year shortstop Claire Knie who is expected to be the top player back this upcoming season. Farmington is in a tough district to close out the season with Farmington Hills Mercy and North Farmington at North Farmington so we'll see what happens.
1. Orion: The Dragons will be loaded once again this season. Orion will be led by utility player Alex Carpenter, third baseman Carly McGee, shortstop Rachel Dolland, and first baseman Megan Hall. The Dragons also have Shelby Misak whom had a strong freshman season last season. If junior pitcher Sierra Gonzales stays healthy and improves her game than manager Joe Woytira will have a strong chance at repeating in the Red and possibly go far in the playoffs but they have a tough district ahead of them at home with Clarkston, Adams, Oxford, and Waterford Mott.
2. Clarkston: The senior laden Wolves have a lot of experience back for a team that had defensive troubles last season. Clarkston will be led by two of the state's top pitchers Candace Kitchen and Madeline Maday. The Wolves also have a very solid hitting lineup for manager Don Peters in senior shortstop Rachel Vieria along with fellow seniors Ashley Skaggs and Makayla Blaska, who batted 509 last season. They are junior laden as well and will have a player whom has already committed to Michigan in catcher Abby Skvarce and Mariah Hood. Clarkston could very well be a state title contending team but they will get by Orion first, the Dragons have eliminated the Wolves the last two seasons and the district is right back at Orion.
3. Troy: The Colts are going to be young but they do have some talent returning for manager Tom Calnen. Senior outfielder Maggie Bohr returns along with all state catcher Ashley Messina who is going to Wayne State next season. Messina had a 410 batting average last season. First baseman Caroline Morton is expected to be counted on to lead Troy this season. Carlie Sebastian will be the Colts starting pitcher whom had a solid sophomore season. Troy is a tough out when it gets to later in the season as they will likely have to clash with Troy Athens on the road in district play.
4. North Farmington: The Raiders lost a lot of talent last season to graduation but they are still very talented and well coached. Their pitcher returns from a year ago in junior Alexa Cherney. Cherney, a girls basketball player as well for coach Jeff Simpson had a 1.8 earned run average, struck out 335 batters, and won 33 games last season. Her catcher Elizabeth Sullivan returns as well. North Farmington will have three talented freshman to watch as well in Sarah Lynch, Cherney's sister Samantha, and Kenze D'Asceno. Expect the Raiders to be in games and is the darkhorse in the Red and in the district.
5. Adams: Highlanders manager Fran Sczhwioticz will have some offensive troubles this season but they will be in games thanks to their Robert Morris bound pitcher Kelly McCasland. McCasland is one of the league's top pitchers and will have to be for a team that returns only two offensive threats in outfielders Melissa Wei and Haley Willis. The district is not pretty either as they will see Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, or Waterford Mott.
6. Oxford: The Wildcats have experience back for second year manager Jessie Granger and also basketball experience as well. Senior Cherylin Bandis, whom is going to Lawrence Tech on a basketball scholarship will be relayed on to lead off for Oxford, Skye Donaldson is a very good player as well for the Wildcats as she is versatile. The basketball to softball experience doesn't last with these two players as Madison Dinges along with freshman Lauren Donaldson and Kaitlyn Bean complete the basketball to softball transition for Oxford. Expect the Wildcats to be solid this season.
7. Seaholm: The Maples will be young this season but they do have some key talent returning to a team that was solid last season. Seaholm will rely on their shortstop and starting pitcher Maddy Cormier whom had a strong offensive campaign last season and will be heading to Dension University next season. Catcher Christina Dennis returns and is a solid defender and offensive threat and junior outfielders Vivian Righter and Ashley Lenington will be solid players as well for the Maples.
8. Rochester: The Falcons suffered graduation losses and to make things worse, they moved up from the White to the Red this season. Rochester will have UNC-Wilmington commit Haley Lenderman back and the offense could be an issue to watch. They will have ulitilty player Collete Coulter and shortstop Ross Myers back. The district is wide open though but they will have to deal with Romeo, Utica Eisenhower, and Stoney Creek at Utica Eisenhower this season.
9. Troy Athens: Graduation hit the Red Hawks hard a season ago, manager Dave Marr could struggle this season in replacing a lot of talent left from the team that battled Troy in the district finals. Troy Athens will have solid infield play, led by senior catcher Jensen O-Branovic. Juniors Maddy Ellinger and Alina Kirkland will lead the pitching staff for the Red Hawks. It could be an interesting season on John R Road in Troy.
10. Farmington: The Falcons have two top players returning to a team that was middle of the pack last season. The first player is sophomore catcher Danielle Pentras. Pentras last season hit 380 and is expected to have a strong season in her second season in Farm Town. The other one is four year shortstop Claire Knie who is expected to be the top player back this upcoming season. Farmington is in a tough district to close out the season with Farmington Hills Mercy and North Farmington at North Farmington so we'll see what happens.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Vikings will move down back to Class B.
Written Wednesday April 1st, at 12:10 PM
The MHSAA has made some changes to the next school year for some schools due to enrollment. One OAA team will move back to Class B for tournament play starting next season.
The Hazel Park Vikings will rejoin the Ferndale Eagles as the only two OAA teams that are in Class B.
Hazel Park is one of five teams that were in Class A to make the move down to Class B. The other schools going down to Class B are Stevensville Lakeshore, Fruitport, Sault Area, and Detroit Mumford.
Teams that moved up to Class A are Sturgis, South Lyon East, Haslett, Parma Western, and Jackson Northwest
It is also possible that Hazel Park could return in a messed up district for the volleyball and basketball tournaments in which they feature teams from Macomb County in Warren Fitzgerald and some Detroit area schools as well, including a team that went to the State Finals in Detroit Henry Ford.
Hazel Park was in the Warren district this season in Class A with Warren De Lassale, Warren Cousino, Warren Mott, and Warren Woods Tower.
With the move down to Class B, it could help an improving Vikings boys basketball team that returns three starters from a team that almost won the Gold last season, knowing that they can compete with some of the best in the state. Volleyball and girls basketball were down seasons for the Vikings.
The rest of the OAA will all be in Class A.
The enrollment breakdown according to the MHSAA and the Detroit Free Press
Class A (875 students or more) =187 schools
Class B (420-874 students)=187 schools
Class C (213-419 students)=188 schools
Class D (212 students or less)=188 schools
We'll see what the move happens and when the districts are released in June, its possible the Vikings could make an impact.
The MHSAA has made some changes to the next school year for some schools due to enrollment. One OAA team will move back to Class B for tournament play starting next season.
The Hazel Park Vikings will rejoin the Ferndale Eagles as the only two OAA teams that are in Class B.
Hazel Park is one of five teams that were in Class A to make the move down to Class B. The other schools going down to Class B are Stevensville Lakeshore, Fruitport, Sault Area, and Detroit Mumford.
Teams that moved up to Class A are Sturgis, South Lyon East, Haslett, Parma Western, and Jackson Northwest
It is also possible that Hazel Park could return in a messed up district for the volleyball and basketball tournaments in which they feature teams from Macomb County in Warren Fitzgerald and some Detroit area schools as well, including a team that went to the State Finals in Detroit Henry Ford.
Hazel Park was in the Warren district this season in Class A with Warren De Lassale, Warren Cousino, Warren Mott, and Warren Woods Tower.
With the move down to Class B, it could help an improving Vikings boys basketball team that returns three starters from a team that almost won the Gold last season, knowing that they can compete with some of the best in the state. Volleyball and girls basketball were down seasons for the Vikings.
The rest of the OAA will all be in Class A.
The enrollment breakdown according to the MHSAA and the Detroit Free Press
Class A (875 students or more) =187 schools
Class B (420-874 students)=187 schools
Class C (213-419 students)=188 schools
Class D (212 students or less)=188 schools
We'll see what the move happens and when the districts are released in June, its possible the Vikings could make an impact.
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About Me
- Saginaw Bay
- I have highest function of autism (Asperger Syndrome.) I'm a huge Dallas Stars fan. I like to play and watch football, especially when the Dragons play on Friday nights. I am a 2006 alum and used to play football for the Dragons. I ran track, I ran the 100, 200, 400 meter dashes along with shot-put and discus. During my time in Orion I was a manager for Junior Varsity Boys Basketball team. I'm the volleyball, girls basketball, and football announcer for the team and do the book on the road for girls basketball. I do the clock for volleyball in the fall along with girls basketball in the winter and announce some boys basketball games as well. In the spring I coach shot-put at Scripps Middle School, in my fifth season coaching. I run the shot-put for high school meets. I played Special Olympics Basketball, I've won three gold medals for them. I host "Between Taorminas" which is on ONTV along with a podcast called "OAA Now". In other various things outside of Lake Orion, I love to jet ski over Saginaw Bay. Saginaw Bay is basically my life. I'm a trained weather spotter for the National Weather Service for Oakland and Huron counties.