Written Monday May 14th at 11:25 AM
The MHSAA Representative Council has approved a change that will affect all transfers.
The MHSAA Representative Council approved that all transfers will have to sit out one full season based on the player's sports participation during the 2018-2019 school year in that player's main sport unless they meet one of the 15 requirements that allows for immediate eligibility.
However if the transfer student plays a different sport then the one they didn't participate in then they are immediately eligible to do that sport.
"We are hopeful this "sport specific" transfer rule will be easier to understand and therefore more consistently enforced. This rule better addresses the changing landscape of transfers, hopefully dissuading those considering moving for athletic reasons while still allowing a full range of sports for those who do switch. It may be a punishment to some but the new rule is more permissive for many transfer students and we saw growing support of these changes from our schools since we began discussing this proposal a year ago" said outgoing MHSAA Executive Director Jack Roberts.
The move basically means is that the student athlete whom is transfering will have to sit out one season from their main sport or sports but if the student athlete wants to do another sport within the same season then they would be eligible to play it. Here is an example if a student transfers out to a different school for wrestling then they can't wrestle for one year but if they want to play basketball or power lift then the transfer would be eligible to do so. Or if a transfer is going for football reasons but they can't play football then why not do cross country, tennis, or soccer in the fall instead.
There are other rules that the MHSAA Representative Council approved, you can read the link on the bottom of the blog article.
Thoughts
I think this is fair on both sides. I know players and families have to move but this was clearly a move to stop the athletically motivated transfers but giving them a chance to do another sport that coincides with the season that they were supposed to do for one season. It might change a person, who knows.
This will hopefully impact parents and families decisions to decide to move their son or daughter for athletic reasons but it is what is.
Here is the website for the MHSAA new changes from the MHSAA Representative Council. https://www.mhsaa.com/News/Press-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/7243/MHSAA-Representative-Council-Adopts-Revised-Transfer-Regulation-at-Spring-Meeting
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Early Football Outlooks and Concerns each team faces.
Written Sunday May 13th at 11:10 PM
Hello to all, we know Football is not that far off so I won't go into much detail. This are NOT the Inside the OAA Top Ten, that will be revealed after Media Day and the football preview shows that will cover each division.
Here are the teams and the questions that face each team heading into the summer months.
Oak Park: Knights are loaded everywhere for coach Greg Carter's team but the question is can they get over that regional final hump???
Groves: Falcons have the tools for a playoff run but the question will be is can they can run the football and get that balance. I have a lot of confidence in coach Brandon Flathery's team that they can get this thing on the right track.
West Bloomfield: Lakers will be a young football team but very talented for coach Ron Bellamy. They need to settle on a quarterback and soon. West Bloomfield has a ton of players whom haven't had Varsity experience but they will be fine.
Clarkston: The Wolves have the line to make another run but the question for Kurt Richardson's team will be the skill players and how they will develop.
Adams: The Highlanders have a quarterback but they lost a ton of experience for coach Tony Patrino but knowing Patrino they will reload but question will be will they reload in time???
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets under coach Ed Coutreiur as all the pieces to make another run into the playoffs. They will need to add some more lineman to his option attack. He has the skill players to make a run again.
Harrison: The Hawks in their final season will need to address some things including the lack of depth for coach John Herrington. Harrison will try to go out with a bang.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have a lot of hype again this season but coach Tim Conley will need his team to be more focused after missing the playoffs last season. Southfield Arts and Tech has the experience it needs to make a run but mental mindset is a question.
Lake Orion: The Dragons under coach John Blackstock will have the offense but the defense is the major concern especially in the secondary.
Seaholm: The Maples have a ton of experience coming back. The only question for coach Jim DeWald will be the lines up front to go along with the defense.
Oxford: The Wildcats are better than their record indicates and with a strong sophomore class coming up it will help things for coach Bud Rowley. He will need to address the quarterback, lines, and especially the defense.
Ferndale: The Eagles lost a ton of athletic talent from last season's team for coach Eric Royal. Ferndale has the lineman and a transfer coming in but they need to address the quarterback and running back slots. If they do then the Eagles will be right back to where they left off.
Stoney Creek: When coach Nick Merlo came to Stoney Creek from Rochester, he created the slogan "ARMOR UP." The Cougars have a lot of work to do in so little time especially developing lineman.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have a program in place for new coach Billy Keenest but the question for Troy Athens will be the skill positions.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks for coach Dan Loria will be different now that he will have to replace the quarterback and get his lines addressed.
North Farmington: Besides the uniforms that coach Bob Chiesa said will change this season, the Raiders have a foundation put in place now the question will be is how do you address the lines and especially the defense. If Chiesa addresses this then North Farmington could make some noise.
Farmington: The Falcons were a disappointment last season under coach Kory Cioroch but getting the team's star defensive end back will help a lot. The defense should be a strength for Farmington but they need a quarterback and wide receiving help in the worst way. If they can address this then they could go places.
Rochester: Falcons coach Eric Vernon will have a ton of talent back. The only question will be line play which is something Rochester needs to address. If they address this then there is no reason why the Falcons could make some noise.
Troy: The Colts made the playoffs last season for coach Chris Fraizer and look like they have some playmakers coming back. The question for Troy will be the lines, running back, and secondary on the defensive side of the football. If they can address this then they could make some noise.
Royal Oak: The Ravens under coach Ray McMann made the playoffs last season but lost a ton of talent from that team. Royal Oak will need to address the defense along with the quarterback and running back positions, there will be a lot of work to do for the Ravens.
Berkley: The Bears will need to address a ton of things for new coach Sean Shields. They will need to fix the lines, quarterback, and the defense. It could be a painful year for Berkley.
Hazel Park: The Vikings lost nearly everyone for coach Kyle Rowley. It's start from scratch all over again in Hazel Park.
Pontiac: The Phoenix under coach Charles Talley have the skill players to compete but do they have the numbers will be the question.
Hello to all, we know Football is not that far off so I won't go into much detail. This are NOT the Inside the OAA Top Ten, that will be revealed after Media Day and the football preview shows that will cover each division.
Here are the teams and the questions that face each team heading into the summer months.
Oak Park: Knights are loaded everywhere for coach Greg Carter's team but the question is can they get over that regional final hump???
Groves: Falcons have the tools for a playoff run but the question will be is can they can run the football and get that balance. I have a lot of confidence in coach Brandon Flathery's team that they can get this thing on the right track.
West Bloomfield: Lakers will be a young football team but very talented for coach Ron Bellamy. They need to settle on a quarterback and soon. West Bloomfield has a ton of players whom haven't had Varsity experience but they will be fine.
Clarkston: The Wolves have the line to make another run but the question for Kurt Richardson's team will be the skill players and how they will develop.
Adams: The Highlanders have a quarterback but they lost a ton of experience for coach Tony Patrino but knowing Patrino they will reload but question will be will they reload in time???
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets under coach Ed Coutreiur as all the pieces to make another run into the playoffs. They will need to add some more lineman to his option attack. He has the skill players to make a run again.
Harrison: The Hawks in their final season will need to address some things including the lack of depth for coach John Herrington. Harrison will try to go out with a bang.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have a lot of hype again this season but coach Tim Conley will need his team to be more focused after missing the playoffs last season. Southfield Arts and Tech has the experience it needs to make a run but mental mindset is a question.
Lake Orion: The Dragons under coach John Blackstock will have the offense but the defense is the major concern especially in the secondary.
Seaholm: The Maples have a ton of experience coming back. The only question for coach Jim DeWald will be the lines up front to go along with the defense.
Oxford: The Wildcats are better than their record indicates and with a strong sophomore class coming up it will help things for coach Bud Rowley. He will need to address the quarterback, lines, and especially the defense.
Ferndale: The Eagles lost a ton of athletic talent from last season's team for coach Eric Royal. Ferndale has the lineman and a transfer coming in but they need to address the quarterback and running back slots. If they do then the Eagles will be right back to where they left off.
Stoney Creek: When coach Nick Merlo came to Stoney Creek from Rochester, he created the slogan "ARMOR UP." The Cougars have a lot of work to do in so little time especially developing lineman.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have a program in place for new coach Billy Keenest but the question for Troy Athens will be the skill positions.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks for coach Dan Loria will be different now that he will have to replace the quarterback and get his lines addressed.
North Farmington: Besides the uniforms that coach Bob Chiesa said will change this season, the Raiders have a foundation put in place now the question will be is how do you address the lines and especially the defense. If Chiesa addresses this then North Farmington could make some noise.
Farmington: The Falcons were a disappointment last season under coach Kory Cioroch but getting the team's star defensive end back will help a lot. The defense should be a strength for Farmington but they need a quarterback and wide receiving help in the worst way. If they can address this then they could go places.
Rochester: Falcons coach Eric Vernon will have a ton of talent back. The only question will be line play which is something Rochester needs to address. If they address this then there is no reason why the Falcons could make some noise.
Troy: The Colts made the playoffs last season for coach Chris Fraizer and look like they have some playmakers coming back. The question for Troy will be the lines, running back, and secondary on the defensive side of the football. If they can address this then they could make some noise.
Royal Oak: The Ravens under coach Ray McMann made the playoffs last season but lost a ton of talent from that team. Royal Oak will need to address the defense along with the quarterback and running back positions, there will be a lot of work to do for the Ravens.
Berkley: The Bears will need to address a ton of things for new coach Sean Shields. They will need to fix the lines, quarterback, and the defense. It could be a painful year for Berkley.
Hazel Park: The Vikings lost nearly everyone for coach Kyle Rowley. It's start from scratch all over again in Hazel Park.
Pontiac: The Phoenix under coach Charles Talley have the skill players to compete but do they have the numbers will be the question.
Volleyball Divisions Released.
Written Sunday May 13th at 10:05 PM
I haven't written a good Volleyball blog in a long while so here is one. The OAA has it's Volleyball divisions all set up so here is the preseason outlook and my thoughts about each division.
This article will be updated with the current information possible.
WAY TOO EARLY TOP 10.
1. Clarkston
2. Lake Orion
3. Troy
4. Stoney Creek
5. Bloomfield Hills
6. Adams
7. West Bloomfield
8. Seaholm
9. Oxford
10. North Farmington
Blue
North Farmington
Hazel Park
Berkley
Royal Oak
Ferndale
Pontiac
Oak Park
INSIGHT: When looking at this division, I don't think this league will be as strong as the other two divisions but there are some teams that can make some noise come tournament time pending if they are in the right district. My early favorite has to be North Farmington. The Raiders whom come down from the White for coach Kat Hall returns some key pieces in MiKayla Hines, DeLayna Jabboori, Laylah Carter, Katy Cangemi, and Alyssa Murphy. Hazel Park looks to be a contender as well this season as they have a lot coming back in Faith Aquino, Leighanna Passeno, Brooke Lynch, Olivia Fortress, and Madisyn Harris. I don't think Pontiac and Oak Park will be players this season but Berkley and Royal Oak might pending how things work out.
White
Troy Athens
Harrison
West Bloomfield
Groves
Avondale
Rochester
Farmington
Southfield Arts and Tech
INSIGHT: This division looks to be an interesting division on paper. Troy Athens comes down from the Red and Southfield Arts and Tech moves up from the Blue. If I had to put an early favorite it would be Troy Athens even though West Bloomfield, Southfield Arts and Tech, Avondale, Rochester, and Groves may have a case. The Lakers have the balk of their team returning in Kendall James, Lyndsey Cooper, Grace Allread, Jenna Rogind, Gabrielle Zubrzycki, Dana Suchara, Victoria Reading, and Lauren King all returning. Rochester changed coaches this offseason returns Ryan Allor, Leona Falconer, Rachel Gilbert, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Pegi Laci, Helena Rowland, Carly Rodman, and Sailor Mayes. Farmington has two year varsity player Sydney Eggleton back for coach Kate Drews. Groves has Elizabeth Rupich back for coach Jenny Brown. Harrison in it's final season as a school has Brooke Hykla, Melinda Hakaj, Kristen Hankins, and Mary Williams back for coach Michael Love. Troy Athens will have plenty of experience back. Avondale has experience coming back. Southfield Arts and Tech under coach William Reed might have some trouble moving up to the White with the tough competition. This division will be fun to keep an eye on for sure.
Red
Clarkston
Lake Orion
Bloomfield Hills
Stoney Creek
Seaholm
Troy
Adams
Oxford
INSIGHT: There is plenty of star power in this division. Expect a few of these teams to be ranked in the State heading into the season. Adams moves back up from the White after a one year hiatus. The early favorite has to be Clarkston for coach Kelly Averall-Pinner. The Wolves have a ton of talent returning led by Claire Nowicki along with a solid junior class that went unbeaten two seasons ago when they were freshman in Sierra Kersten and Skylar Jidas along with experience in Kelsey Schaldenbrand, Mackenzie Rotter, and Hailey Stewart. The team to keep an eye on is Lake Orion. The Dragons were injury prone last season but when healthy this is a different team as coach Tony Scavarda's team will be led by Paige Briggs, Sydney Smith, Ciara Livingway, Leigah Boes, Wren McCalley, Riley Hunter, Sydney Gruppenhoff, Kendall Robertson, and Olivia Long. Stoney Creek under coach Ross Talbot will have Kate Stration, Nina Billoto, Ava Menzo, Ashley Gajzuk, Stephanie Smith, Reema Gowda, Katie Yatooma, and Sara Thompson back. Bloomfield Hills has Alexa Rousseau back for coach Bob Hurdle to go along with Taylor Raiola, Brooke Bosart, Annie Hoag, Kaitlyn Roman, Noelle Siwek, Kaitlyn Keele, Lily Formanek, Avila Slazinski, and Maggie Walters. Troy returns Jessica Robinson for coach Tom Vigillant along with Athena Sampson, Francella McBride, Faith Keating, Bella Zaleski, Caroline Shabet, Nikola Palinca, Elena D' Souza, Rachel Turpin, and Lauren Alberts. Oxford will also have a ton of talent back for coach Brian Kim in Madelyn Weiss along with Anna Peruski, Alyssa DeTone, Rachel Gubesch, Sydney Ritcher, Alexa Kingham, Catherine Dobies, Emma LaBarge, Anna Trobovich, and Mackenzie Miller. Adams whom re-enters the Red will have some talent back for coach Bridgette Harding in Bailey Pease, Amber Morris, Emanella Gjokaj, Ashley Rill, Sophie Nill, Julia Shafer, Lara Sebestian, Juhi Valera, and Kaitlyn Petoskey. Seaholm will have some talent back to for coach Heather Lippert. The Red will be interesting to say the least this upcoming fall.
I haven't written a good Volleyball blog in a long while so here is one. The OAA has it's Volleyball divisions all set up so here is the preseason outlook and my thoughts about each division.
This article will be updated with the current information possible.
WAY TOO EARLY TOP 10.
1. Clarkston
2. Lake Orion
3. Troy
4. Stoney Creek
5. Bloomfield Hills
6. Adams
7. West Bloomfield
8. Seaholm
9. Oxford
10. North Farmington
Blue
North Farmington
Hazel Park
Berkley
Royal Oak
Ferndale
Pontiac
Oak Park
INSIGHT: When looking at this division, I don't think this league will be as strong as the other two divisions but there are some teams that can make some noise come tournament time pending if they are in the right district. My early favorite has to be North Farmington. The Raiders whom come down from the White for coach Kat Hall returns some key pieces in MiKayla Hines, DeLayna Jabboori, Laylah Carter, Katy Cangemi, and Alyssa Murphy. Hazel Park looks to be a contender as well this season as they have a lot coming back in Faith Aquino, Leighanna Passeno, Brooke Lynch, Olivia Fortress, and Madisyn Harris. I don't think Pontiac and Oak Park will be players this season but Berkley and Royal Oak might pending how things work out.
White
Troy Athens
Harrison
West Bloomfield
Groves
Avondale
Rochester
Farmington
Southfield Arts and Tech
INSIGHT: This division looks to be an interesting division on paper. Troy Athens comes down from the Red and Southfield Arts and Tech moves up from the Blue. If I had to put an early favorite it would be Troy Athens even though West Bloomfield, Southfield Arts and Tech, Avondale, Rochester, and Groves may have a case. The Lakers have the balk of their team returning in Kendall James, Lyndsey Cooper, Grace Allread, Jenna Rogind, Gabrielle Zubrzycki, Dana Suchara, Victoria Reading, and Lauren King all returning. Rochester changed coaches this offseason returns Ryan Allor, Leona Falconer, Rachel Gilbert, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Pegi Laci, Helena Rowland, Carly Rodman, and Sailor Mayes. Farmington has two year varsity player Sydney Eggleton back for coach Kate Drews. Groves has Elizabeth Rupich back for coach Jenny Brown. Harrison in it's final season as a school has Brooke Hykla, Melinda Hakaj, Kristen Hankins, and Mary Williams back for coach Michael Love. Troy Athens will have plenty of experience back. Avondale has experience coming back. Southfield Arts and Tech under coach William Reed might have some trouble moving up to the White with the tough competition. This division will be fun to keep an eye on for sure.
Red
Clarkston
Lake Orion
Bloomfield Hills
Stoney Creek
Seaholm
Troy
Adams
Oxford
INSIGHT: There is plenty of star power in this division. Expect a few of these teams to be ranked in the State heading into the season. Adams moves back up from the White after a one year hiatus. The early favorite has to be Clarkston for coach Kelly Averall-Pinner. The Wolves have a ton of talent returning led by Claire Nowicki along with a solid junior class that went unbeaten two seasons ago when they were freshman in Sierra Kersten and Skylar Jidas along with experience in Kelsey Schaldenbrand, Mackenzie Rotter, and Hailey Stewart. The team to keep an eye on is Lake Orion. The Dragons were injury prone last season but when healthy this is a different team as coach Tony Scavarda's team will be led by Paige Briggs, Sydney Smith, Ciara Livingway, Leigah Boes, Wren McCalley, Riley Hunter, Sydney Gruppenhoff, Kendall Robertson, and Olivia Long. Stoney Creek under coach Ross Talbot will have Kate Stration, Nina Billoto, Ava Menzo, Ashley Gajzuk, Stephanie Smith, Reema Gowda, Katie Yatooma, and Sara Thompson back. Bloomfield Hills has Alexa Rousseau back for coach Bob Hurdle to go along with Taylor Raiola, Brooke Bosart, Annie Hoag, Kaitlyn Roman, Noelle Siwek, Kaitlyn Keele, Lily Formanek, Avila Slazinski, and Maggie Walters. Troy returns Jessica Robinson for coach Tom Vigillant along with Athena Sampson, Francella McBride, Faith Keating, Bella Zaleski, Caroline Shabet, Nikola Palinca, Elena D' Souza, Rachel Turpin, and Lauren Alberts. Oxford will also have a ton of talent back for coach Brian Kim in Madelyn Weiss along with Anna Peruski, Alyssa DeTone, Rachel Gubesch, Sydney Ritcher, Alexa Kingham, Catherine Dobies, Emma LaBarge, Anna Trobovich, and Mackenzie Miller. Adams whom re-enters the Red will have some talent back for coach Bridgette Harding in Bailey Pease, Amber Morris, Emanella Gjokaj, Ashley Rill, Sophie Nill, Julia Shafer, Lara Sebestian, Juhi Valera, and Kaitlyn Petoskey. Seaholm will have some talent back to for coach Heather Lippert. The Red will be interesting to say the least this upcoming fall.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Rogers Out at Clarkston.
Written Tuesday May 8th at 10:30 PM
The Clarkston Wolves Girls Basketball team will be very different this fall.
Citing accurate sources Christine Rogers has stepped down from coaching the Wolves after Clarkston's longest tournament run in a while.
The Wolves lose Kayla Luchenbach, Molly Nicholson, Maddie Beck, Kianna Ayotte, among others to graduation. Luchenbach (Oakland) and Beck (Hawaii) will be heading to Division One Schools next season. Clarkston will be very young next season led by Taylor Heaton, Piper Bosart, Lexi Linton, and Kaitlyn Kaul.
Clarkston went 20-5 last season losing to the eventual State Champions Saginaw Heritage in the State Quarterfinals.
Rogers has coached some very good players in the Wolves basketball program including Erika Davenport, Kayla Luchenbach, Maddie Beck, and Molly Nicholson.
Thoughts
This is very interesting now that Rogers is now out at Clarkston. Now you got to look at the whole program including the Middle School ranks as well. Does Wolves Athletic Director Jeff Kosin go internal or does he hire someone outside the box??? both are possible. An interesting decision if Kosin chooses this route is that he could convince Tim Waslik to go back to coach the Girls. Waslik coached the Girls until the 2012 season when he left to become an assistant for the Boys program for Dan Fife.
Whomever coaches the Wolves will have a very young but talented team (Junior Varsity team went 20-0) but patience will be needed for this job. This hire will also test Kosin because this is now his first major hire as Athletic Director.
Whomever also gets this job will have to compete in the very tough Red which will have Royal Oak, Southfield Arts and Tech, North Farmington, Bloomfield Hills, Groves, and Stoney Creek to deal with.
We shall see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest developments on this story.
The Clarkston Wolves Girls Basketball team will be very different this fall.
Citing accurate sources Christine Rogers has stepped down from coaching the Wolves after Clarkston's longest tournament run in a while.
The Wolves lose Kayla Luchenbach, Molly Nicholson, Maddie Beck, Kianna Ayotte, among others to graduation. Luchenbach (Oakland) and Beck (Hawaii) will be heading to Division One Schools next season. Clarkston will be very young next season led by Taylor Heaton, Piper Bosart, Lexi Linton, and Kaitlyn Kaul.
Clarkston went 20-5 last season losing to the eventual State Champions Saginaw Heritage in the State Quarterfinals.
Rogers has coached some very good players in the Wolves basketball program including Erika Davenport, Kayla Luchenbach, Maddie Beck, and Molly Nicholson.
Thoughts
This is very interesting now that Rogers is now out at Clarkston. Now you got to look at the whole program including the Middle School ranks as well. Does Wolves Athletic Director Jeff Kosin go internal or does he hire someone outside the box??? both are possible. An interesting decision if Kosin chooses this route is that he could convince Tim Waslik to go back to coach the Girls. Waslik coached the Girls until the 2012 season when he left to become an assistant for the Boys program for Dan Fife.
Whomever coaches the Wolves will have a very young but talented team (Junior Varsity team went 20-0) but patience will be needed for this job. This hire will also test Kosin because this is now his first major hire as Athletic Director.
Whomever also gets this job will have to compete in the very tough Red which will have Royal Oak, Southfield Arts and Tech, North Farmington, Bloomfield Hills, Groves, and Stoney Creek to deal with.
We shall see what happens.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest developments on this story.
The OAA and Lakes Valley will have a Girls Basketball challenge.
Written Tuesday May 8th at 9:30 PM
Updated Saturday June 2nd at 10:40 AM
The Lakes Valley Conference and the OAA are setting up what will be an interesting two days in December in the Girls Basketball ranks in the first ever Lakes Valley/OAA challenge.
The first games will take place at the OAA sites on Friday and the Saturday games will take place at Walled Lake Northern.
Here are the games and the early thoughts. The Soundcloud from the podcast will be released later this week.
Stoney Creek-December 14th
Milford vs TROY ATHENS- 5:30 PM
The Red Hawks will have a ton of experience returning led by Isabelle Crumm, Grace Bright, Abby Bright, Hunter Garrett, Shayna Landess, Emma Wodwalski, Clare Shoales, and Nina Mazzenga for coach Stacie Klumpp but an interesting matchup looms with an Mavericks team coached by former Farmington coach Dave Browne. Troy Athens will have a ton of experience heading into this matchup with a very young Milford team. The early edge has to go with the Red Hawks.
Waterford Kettering vs STONEY CREEK- 7 PM
The second game will feature an interesting matchup between Stoney Creek and Waterford Kettering. The Cougars will have three very talented players in Emily Echout, Lily DiPani, and Meghan Solek for coach Kellen James. The Captains will be under new management as coach Scott Woodhull has retired according to his Facebook and sources. The interior could be a trouble spot going up against the "Defense Department" for Stoney Creek despite having home court. Waterford Kettering returns Ashley Watson, Irene Schoof, Biana Kaiser,Izzy Dugal, Kate Frazier, and Claire Barghahn, among others. I feel bad for "Team Finebaum" but got to favor the Captains because of one word EXPERIENCE even though Woodhull is no longer there.
North Farmington-December 14th
Walled Lake Central vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS- 5:30 PM
This matchup could be interesting between the Blackhawks and Vikings in the small gym of North Farmington. Walled Lake Central returns nine players that saw a ton of talent that went 16-7 last season. The Vikings are led by Rizaria Franklin and Olivia Emert. Bloomfield Hills is a well coached team under the tutelage of Jeff Rubin. The Blackhawks are led by Maryiam Hashim, Grace Getz, and Jordan Banks but losing Rebecca Hancock to graduation will hurt this team. If Bloomfield Hills can't shoot threes in this one then they are in big trouble against Walled Lake Central whom for some reason is a mire image of the Blackhawks.
South Lyon East vs NORTH FARMINGTON- 7 PM
The Raiders will be a different team next season without Samantha Cherney but Molly Simpson and Maya Kelly return for North Farmington. They will be tested against a Cougars team that went 14-7 last season and returns eight of their ten players from that team. Raiders coach Jeff Simpson will need to solve his interior issues against an experience South Lyon East team on it's home court. It's an interesting matchup but early indications favor the Cougars.
Walled Lake Northern-December 15th
HAZEL PARK vs Lakeland- 11 AM
This is a matchup of two teams rebuilding teams. The Vikings are replacing everyone from a team that had an up and down season and will have two returning players for coach Chad Ossman. The Eagles went winless (0-21) returns eight players and have a new coach. Early indications in this matchup favors Lakeland slightly.
FARMINGTON vs South Lyon- 1 PM
This will be an interesting matchup for coach Laura Guzman going up against a Lions team that features all around standout Chloe Grimes. The Falcons return three top girls led by Iasia Rimpson, Celicia Norris, and Hailey Walker. Farmington will be replacing a ton of talent but South Lyon will also be replacing a lot as well. Early favorite has to be the Lions because of Grimes.
ADAMS vs Waterford Mott- 3 PM
This could be an interesting matchup between two well known coaches in Shay Lewis and Michelle Sklar. The Highlanders return Grace Van Pelt, Lauren Petersmark, Maggie Dolenga, and Amelia Drahank but the inside game will concern me against the Corsairs because Waterford Mott will have Mikayla Proctur and Abby Upledger whom are over 5.9. It will be whomever uses their advantage with the Corsairs in the post while Adams with their guards. Early advantage favors the Highlanders.
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern- 5 PM
The Lakers returns everybody from their lineup led by Destiny Monroe, Toni Brooks, Mya Bobo, among others for coach Bert Mosley. They will be taking on the hosts the Knights of Walled Lake Northern. The Knights only have six players back from their team but West Bloomfield has history playing at Walled Lake Northern to which they lost three years ago in the district playoffs. I think the Lakers will get their revenge this time around.
CLARKSTON vs Walled Lake Western- 7 PM
I'm surprised that this game is the final game of the night and not West Bloomfield vs Walled Lake Northern but that's beside the point. Anyway you have two teams that could make some noise next season. The Wolves lost a ton from a team that went to the State Quarterfinals a season ago but they will have one starter back in Taylor Heaton along with newcomers Kaitlyn Kahl, Lexi Linton, and Piper Bosart. Clarkston will have a new coach in John Weyer as he takes over the team for Christine Rogers. The Warriors return the majority of their team (nine players) that lost to a very good Hartland team in the regional finals for coach Steve Emert. Walled Lake Western is led by Jenna Galecki, Sarah Rachiele, and Kaliee Ford. This one could have disaster written all over it for the Wolves.
These are the early season thoughts and matchups. Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on these matchups.
Here is the Soundcloud from my podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-050818
Updated Saturday June 2nd at 10:40 AM
The Lakes Valley Conference and the OAA are setting up what will be an interesting two days in December in the Girls Basketball ranks in the first ever Lakes Valley/OAA challenge.
The first games will take place at the OAA sites on Friday and the Saturday games will take place at Walled Lake Northern.
Here are the games and the early thoughts. The Soundcloud from the podcast will be released later this week.
Stoney Creek-December 14th
Milford vs TROY ATHENS- 5:30 PM
The Red Hawks will have a ton of experience returning led by Isabelle Crumm, Grace Bright, Abby Bright, Hunter Garrett, Shayna Landess, Emma Wodwalski, Clare Shoales, and Nina Mazzenga for coach Stacie Klumpp but an interesting matchup looms with an Mavericks team coached by former Farmington coach Dave Browne. Troy Athens will have a ton of experience heading into this matchup with a very young Milford team. The early edge has to go with the Red Hawks.
Waterford Kettering vs STONEY CREEK- 7 PM
The second game will feature an interesting matchup between Stoney Creek and Waterford Kettering. The Cougars will have three very talented players in Emily Echout, Lily DiPani, and Meghan Solek for coach Kellen James. The Captains will be under new management as coach Scott Woodhull has retired according to his Facebook and sources. The interior could be a trouble spot going up against the "Defense Department" for Stoney Creek despite having home court. Waterford Kettering returns Ashley Watson, Irene Schoof, Biana Kaiser,Izzy Dugal, Kate Frazier, and Claire Barghahn, among others. I feel bad for "Team Finebaum" but got to favor the Captains because of one word EXPERIENCE even though Woodhull is no longer there.
North Farmington-December 14th
Walled Lake Central vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS- 5:30 PM
This matchup could be interesting between the Blackhawks and Vikings in the small gym of North Farmington. Walled Lake Central returns nine players that saw a ton of talent that went 16-7 last season. The Vikings are led by Rizaria Franklin and Olivia Emert. Bloomfield Hills is a well coached team under the tutelage of Jeff Rubin. The Blackhawks are led by Maryiam Hashim, Grace Getz, and Jordan Banks but losing Rebecca Hancock to graduation will hurt this team. If Bloomfield Hills can't shoot threes in this one then they are in big trouble against Walled Lake Central whom for some reason is a mire image of the Blackhawks.
South Lyon East vs NORTH FARMINGTON- 7 PM
The Raiders will be a different team next season without Samantha Cherney but Molly Simpson and Maya Kelly return for North Farmington. They will be tested against a Cougars team that went 14-7 last season and returns eight of their ten players from that team. Raiders coach Jeff Simpson will need to solve his interior issues against an experience South Lyon East team on it's home court. It's an interesting matchup but early indications favor the Cougars.
Walled Lake Northern-December 15th
HAZEL PARK vs Lakeland- 11 AM
This is a matchup of two teams rebuilding teams. The Vikings are replacing everyone from a team that had an up and down season and will have two returning players for coach Chad Ossman. The Eagles went winless (0-21) returns eight players and have a new coach. Early indications in this matchup favors Lakeland slightly.
FARMINGTON vs South Lyon- 1 PM
This will be an interesting matchup for coach Laura Guzman going up against a Lions team that features all around standout Chloe Grimes. The Falcons return three top girls led by Iasia Rimpson, Celicia Norris, and Hailey Walker. Farmington will be replacing a ton of talent but South Lyon will also be replacing a lot as well. Early favorite has to be the Lions because of Grimes.
ADAMS vs Waterford Mott- 3 PM
This could be an interesting matchup between two well known coaches in Shay Lewis and Michelle Sklar. The Highlanders return Grace Van Pelt, Lauren Petersmark, Maggie Dolenga, and Amelia Drahank but the inside game will concern me against the Corsairs because Waterford Mott will have Mikayla Proctur and Abby Upledger whom are over 5.9. It will be whomever uses their advantage with the Corsairs in the post while Adams with their guards. Early advantage favors the Highlanders.
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern- 5 PM
The Lakers returns everybody from their lineup led by Destiny Monroe, Toni Brooks, Mya Bobo, among others for coach Bert Mosley. They will be taking on the hosts the Knights of Walled Lake Northern. The Knights only have six players back from their team but West Bloomfield has history playing at Walled Lake Northern to which they lost three years ago in the district playoffs. I think the Lakers will get their revenge this time around.
CLARKSTON vs Walled Lake Western- 7 PM
I'm surprised that this game is the final game of the night and not West Bloomfield vs Walled Lake Northern but that's beside the point. Anyway you have two teams that could make some noise next season. The Wolves lost a ton from a team that went to the State Quarterfinals a season ago but they will have one starter back in Taylor Heaton along with newcomers Kaitlyn Kahl, Lexi Linton, and Piper Bosart. Clarkston will have a new coach in John Weyer as he takes over the team for Christine Rogers. The Warriors return the majority of their team (nine players) that lost to a very good Hartland team in the regional finals for coach Steve Emert. Walled Lake Western is led by Jenna Galecki, Sarah Rachiele, and Kaliee Ford. This one could have disaster written all over it for the Wolves.
These are the early season thoughts and matchups. Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on these matchups.
Here is the Soundcloud from my podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-050818
Uyl takes over as Executive Director of the MHSAA.
Written Tuesday May 8th at 8:15 PM
Well there will be a new Executive Director taking over the MHSAA.
The league named Mark Uyl as it's new Executive Director replacing Jack Roberts in August. Roberts will retire to which Uyl will take over.
Uyl whom is from Caledonia who currently lives in DeWitt was in charge of the officials and was directors for baseball, cross country, wrestling, and administrator of catastrophic and concussion insurance plans. He was a former official in the late 1990's before entering the MHSAA in 2004.
Thoughts
This is an interesting hire for the league to name Uyl to succeed Roberts. In my opinion the jury is still out on Uyl if he can succeed as it's Executive Director.
We shall see what happens.
Well there will be a new Executive Director taking over the MHSAA.
The league named Mark Uyl as it's new Executive Director replacing Jack Roberts in August. Roberts will retire to which Uyl will take over.
Uyl whom is from Caledonia who currently lives in DeWitt was in charge of the officials and was directors for baseball, cross country, wrestling, and administrator of catastrophic and concussion insurance plans. He was a former official in the late 1990's before entering the MHSAA in 2004.
Thoughts
This is an interesting hire for the league to name Uyl to succeed Roberts. In my opinion the jury is still out on Uyl if he can succeed as it's Executive Director.
We shall see what happens.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Could Berkley have their next football coach???
Written Wednesday April 2nd at 12:05 AM
The Berkley Bears have their football coach according to a very accurate source.
The Bears according to a very accurate source will name Sean Shields as it's next Varsity head football coach.
Shields whom takes over for Billy Keenest who left for Troy Athens comes to Berkley from Madison Heights Bishop Foley where he graduated from there in 2006. Shields played his college football at Upper Iowa University before coming back to Michigan to be at his Alma mater. He was the Ventures defensive coordinator along with coaching the offensive line and linebackers last season.
Shields will be the Bears third coach in three years will hope to bring some stability to a program that really needs it.
Berkley last season really struggled on both sides of the football in the tough White. The Bears scored 69 points and allowed 321 points. Berkley will be down to the Blue next season.
Thoughts
I think this is a risky hire to say the least. The Bears will have some talent to work with for Shields in quarterback Drake Monroe, tight end/defensive end Blake Ratliff, and linebacker/tight end Evan Payne.
I did do some research on Shields former team that he was the team's defensive coordinator. In his only season as the defensive coordinator the Ventures allowed 353 points, 32 more than the Bears did last season under Keenest.
It will be interesting to see what happens at Berkley now that Shields is likely going to be the new lead man for the Bears.
This story will be updated once we get more information.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the Soundcloud from the podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-050818
The Berkley Bears have their football coach according to a very accurate source.
The Bears according to a very accurate source will name Sean Shields as it's next Varsity head football coach.
Shields whom takes over for Billy Keenest who left for Troy Athens comes to Berkley from Madison Heights Bishop Foley where he graduated from there in 2006. Shields played his college football at Upper Iowa University before coming back to Michigan to be at his Alma mater. He was the Ventures defensive coordinator along with coaching the offensive line and linebackers last season.
Shields will be the Bears third coach in three years will hope to bring some stability to a program that really needs it.
Berkley last season really struggled on both sides of the football in the tough White. The Bears scored 69 points and allowed 321 points. Berkley will be down to the Blue next season.
Thoughts
I think this is a risky hire to say the least. The Bears will have some talent to work with for Shields in quarterback Drake Monroe, tight end/defensive end Blake Ratliff, and linebacker/tight end Evan Payne.
I did do some research on Shields former team that he was the team's defensive coordinator. In his only season as the defensive coordinator the Ventures allowed 353 points, 32 more than the Bears did last season under Keenest.
It will be interesting to see what happens at Berkley now that Shields is likely going to be the new lead man for the Bears.
This story will be updated once we get more information.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the Soundcloud from the podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/user-539915961/oaa-now-050818
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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.