Southfield Arts and Tech Heading to Breslin.

Written Tuesday March 14th at 10:45 PM

The Southfield Arts and Tech Warriors Girls Basketball team will be heading to East Lansing.

The Warriors are heading to the Final Four for the first time as a school winning over Ann Arbor Huron 52-38 at home in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

Last season, both Southfield and Lathrup battled each other just to get to the next round. 

Now they are together.

Southfield Arts and Tech was led by Deja Church whom had 20 points and nine rebounds while Cheyenne McEvans and Alexis Johnson had nine points each.

The Warriors will take on East Kentwood on Friday at 2:50 PM at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State. The Falcons beat Kalamazoo Central 78-51 on Tuesday night at Lansing Everett.

The game was closer than the score indicated with Southfield Arts and Tech pulling away late in the game. Church showed why she was a Miss Michigan Basketball candidate by taking over late. The Michigan recruit put the game away by stealing the basketball when her team was up by six points and made it an eight-point game in front of the home folks.

This is a huge win for the Warriors in their first year as a school. Southfield Arts and Tech coach Michelle Marshall-Jackson whom guided Lathrup to the State title in 2005. The Warriors this season has not only won the Red but is moving onto the State Semifinals. The big win over Detroit Martin Luther King in the regional final has put the Warriors on the brink of doing something really special for the city of Southfield.

Southfield Arts and Tech (22-4) will have a tough match-up with a 24-1 East Kentwood squad that is balanced, athletic, and talented. The Falcons have three solid players in center Corine Jemison whom had 15 points, guard Alona Blackwell whom had 14 points, and 12 points from forward Anaya Powell.

We’ll see what happens on Friday.

Girls Soccer Preview.

Written Tuesday March 14th at 12:40 AM

Here is my preview and predictions for the upcoming Girls Soccer season for the OAA. Credit to MIPrepZone for helping me through the process.


Red:

Stoney Creek

Bloomfield Hills

Adams

Athens

Rochester

North Farmington

Royal Oak

FAVORITE: Stoney Creek: The Cougars are going to be State ranked, they return a ton of talent, and not to mention they are the defending Division One State Champions. Emily Solek returns to led the Stoney Creek attack this season, along with Oakland commit Truly Hoering, Isabella Langusch, and goalie Gina Cerny. The Cougars only lost three seniors from a team that beat four state ranked teams to get their State crown last season so they will have a ton of experience back but could another run be in the cards???

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks will be deep and dangerous when you look at them. Bloomfield Hills will have plenty of scoring options to go to led by senior Samantha Ferry, junior Christina Hickson, and Sawyer Burman. Bloomfield Hills will be loaded in goal with Becca Hancock and Molly Efros and they have a solid defense led by Lyrek Skyes and Claire Beresford. The Blackhawks will be a serious contender this season, watch out.

DARK HORSE: Adams: The Highlanders have a ton of talent returning this season when you look at Maggie Rogers, Ryian Owusu, and Hannah Simard.  Adams could make some noise this season so keep an eye on them.

SLEEPER: Athens: The Red Hawks made the regional final last season before falling to Stoney Creek on their home field. Troy Athens returns senior forward Ashley Leonard. Leonard will be a key player in leading the Red Hawks whom will be young early but looking at this team, they will be in the mix come later in the season.

OTHERS:

North Farmington: has a solid core returning from a team that made a run in the State playoffs. The Raiders will be led by Patti Tcholakian and Sam Randel to go with a deep team this season for North Farmington.

Rochester: The Falcons struggled last season due to injuries to some key people but they should have some experience back from a team that was not consistent to their standards but expect Rochester to have a bounce back season this year.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have a new coach in Lisa Cotter and experience but life in the Red is not going to be an easy one for Royal Oak. They struggled last season at 5-15 so there is hope that the Ravens could turn things around this season.

OUTLOOK: I think Stoney Creek and Bloomfield Hills will be the two teams battling it out for the crown. Athens and Adams will have strong says in the division, maybe North Farmington and Rochester could have says. Royal Oak is in full transition mode. I like the Cougars to win this division.

White:

Berkley

Farmington

Avondale

Oxford

Troy

Clarkston

West Bloomfield

FAVORITE: Berkley: The Bears return a ton of experience as they will be led by Camryn Sawicki, Rachel Cantor, and Meghan West. Berkley will be very strong on the defensive end as they have Emma Green and Katie Cross leading the defense and Monika Hodges in net. The Bears will be solid and a tough out for sure this season.

NEXT: Farmington: The Falcons should have a solid team this season as they will be led by Akron commit Angelia Boyce along with Tara Arlin, Marlee Pope, and Kayla Sharp. Dorian Payne is expected to be Farmington’s top goal scorer. The question for the Falcons will be on the defensive end, I don’t think goal scoring will be an issue.

DARK HORSE: Avondale: The Yellow Jackets will have some experience back this season led by three seniors in Kathlyn Mather, Kassidy Embrey, and Laura Silverman. If Avondale can develop their young defense then the Yellow Jackets could be a darkhorse contender in the White this season.

  

SLEEPER: Oxford: The Wildcats will have some experience returning from a team that lost eight seniors to graduation last season. Oxford will be led by Kenzy Eschberger, Jade Schram, and Emma Gordon, those three will be four-year Varsity players this upcoming season. Expect Sophia Bell to get more involved for the Wildcats this season.

OTHERS:

Troy: The Colts went through a coaching transition last season but they do return an Indiana State commit in Sydney Hyatt. Hyatt will be a key player for Troy this season for leadership reasons and her goal scoring ability. Hyatt could be in line for a special season.

Clarkston: Anytime you have one of the biggest schools in the State you have to be on this list. The Wolves will be an interesting to keep an eye on because they are mentally tough defensibly. Expect Clarkston to be there until the very end.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers will be very young this season but they do return Celine Foster whom led West Bloomfield in goal scoring last season. She will need to score for the Lakers if they have any chance to compete in this division.

OUTLOOK: This was a tough division to figure out, there is a lot of parity in this division. I like Berkley to win this division because of the experience they have back. Farmington will be a tough out as well. Avondale is as dangerous as anyone and Oxford could do spoiler as well. Troy will be young but they are starting to get back to who they were a bit. Clarkston will be tough and they could surprise some folks. West Bloomfield could struggle. In the end as mentioned I like the Bears to win by a game over the Yellow Jackets and Falcons but don't be surprised if we have Co-Champs in this division.

Blue:

Orion

Seaholm

Hazel Park

Southfield Arts and Tech

Groves

Pontiac

Harrison

Ferndale

FAVORITE: Orion: The Dragons were forced down to the Blue this season and they have new coach in the process as well. Orion will be led by Paige Goodman to go along with returners Taryn Redd, Jackie Gingell, and Jordyn Marchese. The Dragons could be a serious contender this season with a very tough non-conference schedule to boot as well. It will be interesting to see how Orion does in the Blue this season.

NEXT: Seaholm: The Maples would be the favorite haven’t been that Orion dropped down from the White last season. Seaholm has some experience back in Margaret Miller, Katie O’Connor, and Madison Sparks along with Fotini Dementriou, Olivia Graham, Lauren McIntosh, Natalie Eme, Zoe Gaffney, Lauren Johnston, Mika Hamady and Cate Brown all have Varsity experience and is expected to contribute for the Maples right away.

DARK HORSE: Hazel Park: The Vikings can score with anybody. Hazel Park returns seniors Raiena Travis, whom scored 25 goals her sophomore season and Kara Martin whom had 18 goals and 44 assists her sophomore season, along with yet another goal scorer in Ashley Carlson. The Vikings are going to score a ton of goals but the question will be being is can Hazel Park get just enough defense this season??? they are going to need it.

SLEEPER: Southfield Arts and Tech: With Southfield and Southfield Lathrup merging the Warriors will rely on a ton of girls that went to Lathrup last season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be led by Sasha Ridley, Bediere Ayuk-Taylor, Vanessa Mkwe, and Laurynn Morrow. The Warriors will be a team to keep an eye on this season.

OTHERS:

Groves: The Falcons will be a team to keep an eye on this season but they are young as well. Groves will have some talent back. It will be interesting to see how the Falcons do this season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix are an up and coming team. Pontiac will return Leslie Ortiz and Virginia Herrera will be key girls to lead the Phoenix attack. They must address defense and goaltending and if they do that then Pontiac will be all right.

Harrison: The Hawks could struggle again this season. With the closure in two seasons of their school it could be a long season at Harrison.

Ferndale: The Eagles will be competitive this year but facing the upper division could be a tough road for Ferndale this season. The Eagles will be a team to keep an eye on later in the season.

OUTLOOK: This division is clearly the Dragons to lose, when you look at whom Orion had back in talent, they will be a dangerous team this season. Seaholm, Hazel Park, Groves, and Southfield Arts and Tech will be solid teams while Pontiac, Harrison, and Ferndale could struggle a bit. At the end of the day as mentioned, this division is the Dragons to lose.

Boys Basketball Regional Semifinal Thoughts.

Written Monday March 13th at 10:00 PM

Clarkston Shocks Macomb Dakota.

In perhaps one of the two biggest match-up in the State on Monday night with the other one being Grand Rapids Union vs Muskegon in which Grand Rapids Christian destroyed Muskegon 60-29. The other top match up in the State saw the Wolves meet the Cougars. Clarkston beat Macomb Dakota twice two seasons ago but the Cougars returned the favor by beating the Wolves twice last season. This time it was at Grand Blanc, Clarkston met Macomb Dakota in the regional semifinal and it was the Wolves that put a 20 point beat-down on the Cougars shocking them 68-48. It didn’t help that Macomb Dakota had a lot riding against them. This was their third game in four days with the district final in which the Cougars won the district title over Macomb L'Anse Creuse North on Saturday night, then they have a day of practice to get ready for Clarkston, then on the way to Grand Blanc they witnessed a car accident on Interstate 75, that is too much for a young athlete's mental mindset to take. The Cougars looked out of it throughout the game and Clarkston took advantage behind a 24 point second quarter to put the game away. The Wolves were led by Foster Loyer and Dylan Alderson whom combined to score 49 of the team’s 68 points. Loyer had 31 points while Alderson had 18 points. It looks like now Clarkston whom is 23-1 all time in the State playoffs against Macomb County teams now has a clear path to the State Final but they have to play Stoney Creek first in the regional final, if they get by the Cougars then it’s likely Saginaw at Davison in the quarterfinals, and if they get by that then it’s a trip to the Breslin Center at Michigan State.

West Bloomfield Survives Howell.

The Lakers had to overcome a shocking deficit as they saw a 36-23 halftime lead that turned into 16 points at one point in the third quarter and turned into a 44-43 deficit at the end of the third quarter against Howell. West Bloomfield only scored seven points in the quarter however there is four quarters to a basketball game, the Lakers outscored The Highlanders 16-7 in the fourth quarter on route to a 59-51 victory sending West Bloomfield to the regional final at Walled Lake Northern. Kevin McAdoo was huge, scoring 40 points in the process. The Lakers will take on Novi for the regional crown on Wednesday at Walled Lake Northern. The Wildcats shocked Walled Lake Western in double overtime 72-71 to move onto this game. This will be an interesting game to say the least.

Stoney Creek has no problem with Linden.

The Stoney Creek Cougars outscored the Linden Eagles in every quarter to earn a 53-39 victory in the regional semifinal setting up a tough matchup against Clarkston on Wednesday at Grand Blanc. This was Stoney Creek’s first ever regional win in Boys Basketball to go along with their first district crown when they beat Rochester on Friday night at home. Linden had no answer for Mike Melargani and Nate Davis as both of them had big games. Melargani had 20 points while Davis had 15 points. The Cougars will have a daunting task on Wednesday against Clarkston.

Troy uses 33-11 run to take out Lake Shore.

Northwestern used two big runs in the Big Ten Tournament against Rutgers and Maryland to win their games. The Colts used a 33-11 run, with the balk of the points in the second half to take down the Shorians of Lake Shore 65-42 at Troy Athens. Troy hit eight three’s Jason Dietz and Jason Sully had three of them each. Dietz had 18 points while Sully had 15 points. Leon Ayers had 14 points for the Colts. Troy will move on to take on Warren De LaSalle whom beat Chippewa Valley 49-37 in the second game to take on the Colts on Wednesday. This will be interesting because both teams have some good players playing in this game.

Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern holds off Hazel Park.

The Vikings of Hazel Park took on Detroit Collegiate Prep of Northwestern expect this time it wasn’t a 90-60 game from last season but it was the same result as the Colts beat Hazel Park 72-64 at Livonia Claranceville on Monday night. The Vikings trailed by 20 points but they used a 21-7 third quarter and came back to force it down to one point on two occasions but Detroit Collegiate Prep pulled away late to win. Hazel Park was balanced scoring on the night as David Pettus had 12 points, Carl Bow had 10 points, Charles Drewery had 10 points, Kristian Layfette had eight points, and David Hearns had eight points for the Vikings whom only lose two seniors next season. I got to give credit to Hazel Park’s non-conference scheduling but also moving up to the White. The schedule got them prepared for this game along with their season. The Vikings whom shared the White this season with Troy and won their first district title since 1965 will be a senior heavy team next season, they will be back.

Way too Early Football Ranks.

Written Monday May 13th at 6:00 PM

These aren't my official rankings, just ranking teams based how the offseason has gone so far, so here they are and whom the teams have coming into the season. It's only early folks we have spring and summer to go before fall starts.

1. Oak Park: The Knights have a ton of talent returning when you look at them. Oak Park may have probably the best defense in the State led the best player in the State in defensive end Marquan McCail. McCail is not alone though as the Knights have a loaded defense as mentioned led by defensive backs Enzo Jennings and Jalen Robinson along with lineman Justin Rogers and Don Price. Now a lot of Oak Park’s players go two positions. The Knights are stout offensively as well as they have quarterback Dwan Mathis whom is ready to take the next step. Oak Park has other players with major talent including running backs Torraino Richardson and Cashiual Goldsmith along with wide receivers KaJuan Sutton, Gregory Lassiter, Gary Gayle, Robert Daniel, and Kevin Bradley. Oak Park will be loaded this season so this could be an interesting season for coach and Athletic Director Greg Carter.

2. West Bloomfield: The Lakers have beefed up their wide receiving corps for quarterback Bryce Veasley by adding three wide receivers via transfers in Collin Heard (Groves), Bryce Thompson (Birmingham Brother Rice), and AJ Abbott (Northville) to go along with Taj Mustaffa, Christian Fitzpatrick, and tight end James Falkner. If there is one weakness to this team, it will be up front despite all that talent West Bloomfield has they must address their lines up front now they have guys like Javon Foster and Max Green that help them but they have to address it if they are going to be a serious contender this season.

3. Seaholm: The Maples are an underrated team to keep an eye on this season. Seaholm returns a ton of experience from a team that struggled but were in a ton of close ball games last season. The Maples return quarterback Gray Kinnie and he’ll have some weapons for the Veer offense that coach Jim DeWald runs in running backs Chase Powers and Matt O’Connor along with wide receivers Nick Lang and Vashnav Siddapureddy. Seaholm will also be stout defensibly as well in defensive end Carter Stagner and linebackers Tre Hairston and Danny Hartwood. The Maples will be for real this upcoming season.

4. Orion: Everyone talks about Southfield Arts and Tech, Clarkston, and West Bloomfield. I wonder why no one is talking about the Dragons. Orion has not been the same football powerhouse since 2012 but they do have a ton of talent coming back from a team that made the playoffs last season. The Dragons have defensive lineman Jordan Lewis, defensive end Hunter Lagerquist, along with superback Johnny Haggitt, running backs Dylan Frank and Danny Del Otero. Orion also has quarterback John Marshall, offensive lineman Brendan Robinson, and wide receiver Pierce Burke. It could be an interesting first season for coach John Blackstock but I’m surprised not a lot of people are talking about the Dragons, they could be a scary team come this fall.

5. Clarkston: The Wolves will be a threat once again this season but if you look at Clarkston there could be a major weakness this season. The Wolves return Michael Fluegel at running back to go along with wide receivers Connor Heaton and Spencer Lenardson. The question for Clarkston will be up front with their line play and quarterback. The Wolves will be talented defensibly especially at linebacker as Zach Scott, Roman Santos, Brendan Barker, and Max Nicklin all return. Coach Kurt Richardson’s team will be an interesting group to keep an eye on this offseason.

6. Harrison: The Hawks have only two years left as a school but coach John Herrington’s team will be loaded this season. Harrison will be led by quarterback Noah Hendricks along with running back Moet Andrews and wide receiver Joseph Stevens whom both transferred in from Farmington. The Hawks will have Notre Dame commit defensive end Ovie Oghoufo and defensive end Roedrick Heard leading the defense along with lineman Maverick Hansen. Harrison will be a solid football team once again this season.

7. Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have taken a hit with the departures of some players transferring out or graduating but knowing coach Tim Conley’s team they will be fine. Southfield Arts and Tech has a solid quarterback in John Darby, whom is a duel-threat quarterback. Darby will have some playmakers to throw too in wide receivers Barry Ginyard, Elijah Soloman, and Cameron McEvans and a solid ground attack in David Wilson and Marcus Faqua. The Warriors will have a strong offensive line to protect Darby in Juan Walker, Jelani Wells, and Ahmad Kabir. They will have solid defense led by linebacker Christian Rush and lineman Edward Usuomon. It will be interesting for Southfield Arts and Tech as they have a ton of depth to work with, they will need that to have another strong season.

8. Adams: The Highlanders are going to be an interesting team this upcoming season. They did lose their quarterback Kyle Wood to graduation so there are some questions there but they do have wide receiver Vincent Gray back along with running backs Cole Mitchell, Steve Roncelli, and Chase Karletta. If Adams can get good line play in their veer attack and quarterback play as well then coach Tony Patrino’s team could be very well in the hunt.

9. Rochester: When I look at a football team that could be a sleeper, this is it. I talked to Dan Stickradt of North Oakland Sports and he is high on the Falcons. Rochester will have a senior heavy team this season led by quarterback Bret Burtaw and wide receivers Drake Reid and Dave Karwaski. If the Falcons can get strong line play and develop a strong running game to go along with a defense that was better than the last two seasons then maybe this team could make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

10. Ferndale: The Eagles made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 last season. Ferndale merged with Ferndale University through the MHSAA’s Co-OP program. Eagles coach Eric Royal will be loaded this season especially at running back with Zoser Little and quarterback KeShawn Smith. If Ferndale can get some line play on both sides of the football then the Eagles could make the playoffs for a second straight year.

11. Farmington: The Falcons moved down a division from the White to the Blue and they have a new coach in defensive coordinator Kory Cioroch. Farmington will have some experience returning next season especially on defense, led by defensive end Donovan King. The Falcons will have a quarterback competition between quarterbacks Kaleb Muhammad and Chandler Coultrip for the starting job for the team. Whomever is the quarterback will throw the football to Cameron Johnson and have three running backs to hand the football off too in Kendall Williams, Nathaniel Shaw, and Oscar Glenn. Farmington has a ton of talent back, hopefully Cioroch will get this football program back in the right direction.

12. Groves: The Falcons lost a ton of talent from a team that went to the State Semifinals and found out that their best athlete Collin Heard transferred to West Bloomfield. Coach Brendan Flaherty’s team will be very young this season. Groves will likely start quarterback Markis Alexander whom takes over for Zach Van Fossen and wide receiver/defensive back Khalil Dawsey. The Falcons will have players to fill those roles but they could take a bit of a step back.

13. Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had their best season ever going undefeated and had a big win over Orion to close out the season last season. Now Bloomfield Hills will be in the Red but they did lose a lot of talent from that team but a few of them remain in quarterback John Paddock, defensive end Jack Sape, and wide receivers Jack Irschmer and Jiovanni Harris. The Blackhawks will have to replace a ton of defensive players. It would be an interesting season for Bloomfield Hills, they will have to ride Paddock’s arm this season.

14. Oxford: The Wildcats are going to be an interesting team this season when you look at them. Parker Fleming returns at quarterback and running back Ben Krause will be pounding the rock for coach Bud Rowley’s team. Oxford must address their defense, wide receivers, and their line this offseason. If they can do that then the Wildcats could make some noise this season.

15. Avondale: The Yellow Jackets made a late season run but it wasn’t enough as they finished 4-5, missing out on the playoffs. Avondale returns their two top play-makers in wide receivers David Hinton and Nick Whiteside. Coach Ed Couturier's veer offense must address the quarterback spot, along with both lines, defense, and running back spot even though Anthony Moran is expected to be the running back for the Yellow Jackets. Avondale could be a playoff team this season, keep an eye on them.

16. Berkley: The Bears will have to reload a bit for coach Chris Sikoria’s team but his team will have some talent moving up a division. Berkley will have to address their quarterback situation but they have a solid lineman in Babacar Diop and running back Keder Browning. It could be a tough road for the Bears but if there is a football program that’s ready to take the next step up its Berkley.

17. Athens: The Red Hawks are an interesting team to keep an eye on this offseason but they have some players returning in the form of running back Jake Cavazos and wide receivers Nate Oprinka and Nick Cotton. Coach Josh Heppner must address his quarterback situation along with line whom he is very excited about this season.

18. Stoney Creek: The Cougars struggled in Bob Lantzy’s first season but Stoney Creek returns Frank Potenza. Lantzy must address the Cougars defense that wasn’t good last season. Stoney Creek moves down a division which should help things but the competition will be tough. The Cougars have to address their issues before the season starts.

19. Troy: The Colts will be an interesting team to keep an eye on this season. They have a new coach in Todd Frasier and a ton of experience returning. Troy will be led by quarterback Drew Pijanowski. Pijanowski's top wide receiver will be Corey Pischel and the Colts has a good offensive lineman in Alex Sampson. Troy’s defense will be better as well led by lineman Max Guiltar and linebacker Johnathan Douglass. The Colts will need a good running game if they want to make some noise this season.

20. Royal Oak: The Ravens could be a team to keep an eye on this season but last season they were a disappointment going 2-7. Royal Oak returns defensive back Pat Teshow and fullback Will Stevens but they have to address other areas if they want to get better this season. It could be a tough season again for coach Ray McMann.

21. Hazel Park: The Vikings were one of my disappointing teams last season. Hazel Park does return quarterback Damien Eward along with wide receivers Logan Hamilton and Cameron Harris. Coach Kyle Rowley will need to address their running game if they want to compete along with their line play as well. It could be a long season at Hazel Park again.

22. North Farmington: The Raiders need a new football coach that Todd Schultz stepped down to focus on Athletic Director duties. This football program still has athletes when you look at North Farmington. There is a quarterback competition between Brendan Hudson and Nigel Weems along with a running back competition between Dylan Gordon and Taj Cheathem, and they have two wide receivers in Myles Gresham and Jaylen Ferguson. Just got to get a head coach in there and this program should be on the rise.

23. Pontiac: The Phoenix struggled last season but coach John Thompson continues to build his program over in Pontiac. It could be a long season again for the Phoenix.