Written Wednesday November 30th at 6:45 PM
Here is the Boys Basketball projections heading into the 2022-2023 season.
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN
1. North Farmington
2. Ferndale
3. Oak Park
4. Clarkston
5. Adams
6. Troy
7. Bloomfield Hills
8. Stoney Creek
9. West Bloomfield
10. Lake Orion
Red
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Red is one of the toughest divisions in the State. Ferndale should be in the conversation and possibly State title conversation as well. The Eagles lost their two top players to graduation after making the Division Two State Semifinals the last two years. North Farmington could be a Division One State title contender. The Raiders have the talent to make a deep run. Oak Park has the talent to make a run but they need to overcome their Detroit-University-Detroit Jesuit problem. Clarkston will always be Clarkston but there are some questions at the guards. Adams lost a ton of proven talent but they had a solid sub varsity program to make up for the loss in proven talent and experience. This is a wide open division, anyone can beat anyone on any given day.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
Last Season: 18-4, 9-2 Red. Lost 46-44 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Ryan Hurst-G
Key Player: Prince Jackson-G
Wildcard: Tyler Spratt-G
Biggest Question: Can the Raiders win the Division One State Crown???
INSIGHT: The Raiders have somewhat under performed in the last few years since getting to the Division One State title game in 2016. There were hints of North Farmington returning to greatness after suffering a really tough 46-44 regional semifinal loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Raiders could have their best team since getting to the Division One State championship game in 2016. They have a ton of proven experience in Ryan Hurst, Prince Jackson, Tyler Spratt, Vincent Lee, Lee Hardy, Connor Childress, Daemon Eubanks, Dwayne Ray, Lamar Walls, and Donovan Williams coming back for Coach Tom Negoshian. Program strength looks very solid. North Farmington has really toughen their non-conference schedule with a ton of showcase games. The postseason path for the Raiders will be a challenge especially in the regionals but they are more than capable to get to the Breslin Center but they have to overcome the regional to do that this season.
FERNDALE EAGLES
Last Season: 21-4, 11-0 Red. Lost 82-71 to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Division Two State Semifinals.
Top Player: Cameron Reed-G
Key Player: Chris Williams-F
Wildcard: Jayden Hardiman-F
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles get back to Breslin Again???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have made the Division Two State Semifinals in the last two years falling to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in both years. Ferndale lost their two top players from last season to graduation and their path back to the Breslin Center is going to be very challenging. They are in a very tough district with a ton of proven teams at an unknown site. Coach Juan Rickman has done a very good job especially in the last two years when it comes to program strength however in future years it will be a concern. The Eagles have Cameron Reed, Chris Williams, Jacoby Jackson, Trenton Ruth, Maurice Booth, and Caleb Renfroe. They added a transfer in Jayden Hardiman. Hardiman transferred from Warren Mott this offseason where he was all Macomb County last season. The non-conference looks very interesting with Rickman playing a ton of showcase games to get his team ready for the postseason. Expect big things from the Eagles this season in the Red but the postseason path is a very difficult one but it’s something that Rickman and his program are use too.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
Last Season: 15-6, 8-4 Red. Lost 67-66 to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in District Finals.
Top Player: Geon Hutchins-G
Key Player: LuJuan Holliday-G
Wildcard: Soloman White-G
Biggest Question: Can the Knights overcome Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit???
INSIGHT: The Knights have had a very successful two years under Coach Durand Sheppard. They have been near or the top of the Red and have had some big wins as well during this stretch. The problem has not been the league it has been the postseason. Oak Park has not been able to beat Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the postseason. The Cubs have been the kryptonite to the Knights and have prevented them from having a deep postseason run. They are in the same district again come this postseason. Oak Park has Geon Hutchins, LuJuan Holliday, Soloman White, Kevin Tolliver, Robert Smith, and Jason Harns coming back for Sheppard. Program strength is a concern this season. They should be in the Red conversation but until they can overcome their Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit problem then deep postseason runs could be out of the question for now.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
Last Season: 14-10, 5-7 Red. Lost 52-46 to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in Regional Finals.
Top Player: John Kaul-G
Key Player: Brayden Wiley-G
Wildcard: Brody Kosin-F
Biggest Question: Can the Wolves find a bench???
INSIGHT: The Wolves have always been a traditional power and this season it’s no different. Clarkston has been very consistent as a program. It was very unusual to see this proud program with 10 losses despite making it to the regional finals last season. The Wolves don’t really have that true star player which means it will be like a workman approach. Clarkston has John Kaul, Brayden Wiley, Cavanaugh Diton, Desman Stephens, Zach Scherler, Brody Kosin, Matthew Pflieger, and Cole Church coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Brady Beck could be a player to watch. Program strength looks very solid. The bench will be an area of concern despite having a ton of proven depth. They tend to usually go between six or seven deep which is very unusual. The Wolves should be in the mix for a deep postseason run this season.
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
Last Season: 14-9, 6-6 Red. Lost 64-46 to Clarkston in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Brady Prieskorn-F
Key Player: Peter Karkasis-G
Wildcard: Drew Blackmeir-G
Biggest Question: Can the Highlanders find last season’s success???
INSIGHT: The Highlanders are in a very interesting spot this season. They lost a ton of talent from last season but in talking to Adams Athletic Director Brian Hossler he said that he expects the Highlanders to play more like a team. Adams has Brady Prieskorn, Peter Karkasis, Drew Blackmeir, Jack Donohoe, and Nathan Kim coming back for Coach Jaret Thomas. Program strength is very strong with the Highlanders this season. Adams has looked very good in the summer leagues. They should be in the mix in the Red this season.
White
EARLY THOUGHTS: The White looks to be a very interesting division when it comes to the teams. West Bloomfield comes from the Red and they bring a ton of proven experience. Farmington also comes from the Red where they should be better after having a very tough year last season. Troy has a ton of proven experience coming back. Groves has a new coach but a solid program to work with. Bloomfield Hills has a new coach but has the best player in the division. Lake Orion should be very interesting. The Dragons have three starters coming back but is the great unknown. This division should be very interesting as mentioned.
TROY COLTS
Last Season: 13-10, 4-4 White. Lost 59-28 to Warren De LaSalle in District Finals.
Top Player: Darius Whiteside-F
Key Player: Zach Penoza-G
Wildcard: Mason Parker-G
Biggest Question: Can the Colts put it all together???
INSIGHT: The Colts were very young but they made up for most of it by getting to the district finals last season. They should be very good this season. Troy has several proven players in Darius Whiteside, Zach Penoza, Chase Kupier, Jon Whiteside, Carter Cusmano, Mason Parker, Bryce Parker, Kyle Parker, and Nate Liberty coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength looks solid for the Colts. They have everything lined up for a special run. The district is very manageable. They have enough proven experience to have a special season.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
Last Season: 16-5, 6-2 White. Lost 78-53 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Noah Adamcyzk-G
Key Player: Brandon Newland-F
Wildcard: CJ Jackson-G
Biggest Question: Can the Blackhawks find a bench???
INSIGHT: The Blackhawks have shared the White the last two years so you would assume they would go to the Red however that wasn’t the case as they stayed in the White this season. They have a new coach in Brian Canfield taking over the program. Canfield knows the program really well. Bloomfield Hills has their top scorer in Noah Adamcyzk coming back. Adamcyzk has averaged over 20 points per game last season. The Blackhawks also have Ahmad Taylor, Henry Jackson, CJ Jackson, and Brandon Newland coming back for Canfield. Program strength looks to be solid for Bloomfield Hills. They should be in the mix but there are some danger signs to watch though which could be concerns as well.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
Last Season: 4-16, 2-10 Red. Lost 60-46 to Bloomfield Hills in First Round.
Top Player: Mitchell Seay-G
Key Player: Jayden Jones-G
Wildcard: Isisiah Bryant-G
Biggest Question: How will the Lakers do in the White???
INSIGHT: It was a very rough year for the Lakers winning four games last season. They come from the Red which they were a part of for a long while. West Bloomfield should be in line for a much better season. They have Mitchell Seay, Jayden Jones, Evan Ammori, Isisiah Bryant, Terrance Curry, Adam Shewcraft, and Louis Johnson coming back for Coach Arnette Jordon. Program strength looks to be solid for the Lakers. They are in a very tough district this season. It should be very interesting to see how West Bloomfield does in the White this season.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
Last Season: 15-7, 6-2 White. Lost 52-46 to Adams in District Finals
Top Player: Blake Liddell-F
Key Player: DJ Morrow-G
Wildcard: Kaydon DeGraffenreid-F
Biggest Question: Can the Dragons be on the same page???
INSIGHT: It was a very weird year for the Dragons which saw a coaching change mid-season along with sharing the White and getting to the district finals is a heck of an accomplishment last season. Lake Orion should be very interesting under Coach Jose Andrades in his first full season leading the Dragons. Lake Orion has Nate Havrilla, Blake Liddell, DJ Morrow, and Kevin Tobe coming back for Andrades. Kaydon DeGraffenreid and Ryan Rocheleau could be a players to watch. Program strength is a concern for Andrades. If the Dragons have that chip on the shoulder then they could be a force this season.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
Last Season: 2-19, 0-12 Red. Lost 73-61 to Southfield Arts and Tech in First Round.
Top Player: Jaden Turner-G
Key Player: Luke Donehue-F
Wildcard: Tony Tobert-G
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons bounce back after a rough year last season???
INSIGHT: It was a very tough year for the Falcons which saw two wins last season. Farmington has some optimism coming into this season. They are in the White and have a bunch of proven experience. The Falcons have Jaden Turner, Tony Tobert, Luke Donehue, Nick Morgan, Chris Boyd, and Logan Robinson coming back for Coach Derrick McDowell. Program strength is a concern for McDowell coming into the season. Farmington should be better as mentioned, now it’s time to prove it.
GROVES FALCONS
Last Season: 13-8, 4-4 White. Lost 59-41 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Elijah Yelder-G
Key Player: Jack Abbott-G
Wildcard: Josh Gibson-G
Biggest Question: How will the Falcons adjust to new coach Marc West???
INSIGHT: The Falcons had a good year winning 13 games last season. The postseason bugaboos have really bothered them falling to Birmingham Brother Rice in the last two years. Groves made some changes this offseason. They have a new coach but its a familiar one in Marc West. West has coached at Groves and brings a ton of college experience being an assistant. He knows the program inside and out. The Falcons have Elijah Yelder, Jack Abbott, Max Kramer, Josh Gibson, Max Young, Myles McClary, and Brody Tushman coming back. Program strength is a big concern for West. Groves is a very young team but under West they should turn things around real quickly. They should be a very interesting team to watch this season.
Blue
EARLY THOUGHTS: It is very odd that the Blue has seven teams this season. Stoney Creek has a ton of proven experience coming back but they also have a new coach. Seaholm should be better and they are always scrappy. Royal Oak comes from the Gold and are looking to prove themselves. Rochester looks to be solid after having a really strong summer. Troy Athens has several returners coming back after an odd season. Oxford is a sleeper in this division. They have a star player in the wings. Berkley has a star player but role players are a question mark. This should be a very interesting division with each team bringing different styles to the division.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
Last Season: 6-15, 0-8 White. Lost 57-39 to Rochester in First Round.
Top Player: Peyton Rummler-F
Key Player: Tre Walker-G
Wildcard: Jonah McCay-F
Biggest Question: How will the Cougars adjust to a new system???
INSIGHT: It was very tough for the Cougars last season but there are some changes that happened this offseason. They are in a new division and have a new coach. Stoney Creek named Jeff Olind their new head coach. He comes from Warren Mott and led the Mauraders to greatness during his time with the program. Olind takes over a program that has proven experience in Peyton Rummler and Tre Walker coming back. Stoney Creek also has Jonah McCay, Tommasso Sincola, Emilio Villafuerte, and Jacob Watson coming back. Program strength looks to be solid for Olind. The transition period will be a challenge but once they get all in sync with one another then look out. Stoney Creek is the early favorite in the Blue for good reason, experience everywhere with this program.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
Last Season: 15-7, 7-3 Blue. Lost 56-33 to Adams in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Elijah Kalaj-G
Key Player: Kharmani Potts-F
Wildcard: Alex Bueno-G
Biggest Question: Can the Falcons keep the momentum going???
INSIGHT: The Falcons made a ton of strides in winning 15 games last season. Can Rochester keep the momentum will be the question heading into this season??? The Falcons lost some proven experience to graduation last season. They have Elijah Kalaj, Kharmani Potts, Joe Lulgjuraj, Jayden Bolden, Grant Calcagno, and Alex Bueno coming back for Coach Nick Evola. Kalaj has made a name for himself this summer while Bueno, Potts, Bolden, and Calcagno led the Rochester football program to their first postseason win in school history over Stoney Creek this past season for Coach Eric Vernon. Program strength is a bit of a concern for Evola. Rochester should be a player in the Blue with the proven experience they have this season.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
Last Season: 8-12, 6-4 Blue. Lost 41-35 to Groves in First Round.
Top Player: Ben Diskin-G
Key Player: Jeff Sheldon-G
Wildcard: Ricky Sparby-G
Biggest Question: Can the Maples keep improving???
INSIGHT: The Maples are traditionally a scrappy bunch and they should be a scrappy bunch again this season. Seaholm really struggled overall winning eight games but six were in the Blue which was an odyssey. They still have to overcome their arch rival which will be very interesting if they meet in the postseason. The Maples have a lot of proven experience Ben Diskin, Jeff Sheldon, Findlay Sparby, Ricky Sparby, Rishi Thota, and Abe Miller coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. Program strength looks to be very solid for DeGeeter this season. This group a few years ago had a very successful season when they were freshman and could be in line to repeat that same magic. Seaholm is a dark horse in the Blue. The Maples could surprise some people this season.
BERKLEY BEARS
Last Season: 13-9, 5-5 Blue. Lost 67-35 to Oak Park in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Tamir Runkenvich-G
Key Player: Jacob Sheriff-G
Wildcard: Hunter Robinson-F
Biggest Question: Can the Bears a secondary scorer to Runkenvich???
INSIGHT: The Bears have been playing very good basketball in the last three years. They haven’t had good luck when it comes to the postseason. Berkley should be very interesting with where they are as a program. The Bears have their top player in Tamir Runkenvich coming back. He had a break out year and is expected to continue that path this season. Secondary scoring a concern for Coach Joe Sermo but there are some options with Jacob Sheriff, Luke Winter, David Rolands, Riley Shafritz, Ian Smith, and Hunter Robinson coming back for Sermo. Program strength has really improved in the last two years for Sermo. They just need better luck come postseason time though but this should be a very good basketball team.
OXFORD WILDCATS
Last Season: 10-13, 5-5 Blue. Lost 66-32 to Grand Blanc in District Finals.
Top Player: Jake Champaigne-G
Key Player: Dominic Cassisse-G
Wildcard: Jay Cady-F
Biggest Question: Can the Wildcats find some size???
INSIGHT: The Wildcats have always been a tough team and they should be this season. Oxford is in a very tough district for the second straight year after making the district finals last season. The Wildcats have had a strong summer especially Jake Champaigne. Champaigne has averaged over 40 points per game during the summer. His backcourt mate and starting quarterback Dominic Cassisse whom played on their junior varsity last season is also expected to make some noise as well for Coach Steve Laidlaw. Laidlaw also has Lucas Botette, Drew Kady, Jay Kady, Dylan Stone, Kyle DiMalanta, and Keaton Lynn coming back. Size is a big concern for Laidlaw this season. Program strength should be solid. Expect Oxford to go more up and down this season.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
Last Season: 11-10, 5-5 Blue. Lost 34-31 to Troy in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Emmanuel Robinson-G
Key Player: Brogan Withun-F
Wildcard: Kyrie Harper-G
Biggest Question: Can the Red Hawks find more height beside Withun???
INSIGHT: The Red Hawks could be a very interesting team if they keep making strides this season. Troy Athens was above 500 despite having some struggles last season. There is a nice blend of youth and experience for Coach Dave Scott. They have Emmanuel Robinson, Brogan Withun, Doug Mersier, Evan Colquhoun, Alex Proekee, and Kyrie Harper coming back for Scott. Program strength is a concern for Troy Athens. The Red Hawks are a great mystery this season.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
Last Season: 13-8, 5-3 Gold. Lost 59-35 to Detroit Renaissance in First Round.
Top Player: Camden Clark-G
Key Player: Davis Arbeiter-F
Wildcard: Dylan Hoffman-G
Biggest Question: How will the Ravens do in the Blue???
INSIGHT: The Ravens have really been struggling as a program in the last five years. There was some promise with winning a league crown and gaining some much needed confidence. They made a huge step by winning the Gold last season. Royal Oak has some questions coming into this season especially with how they will do in a different division with much better teams. The Ravens have some proven experience in Camden Clark, Davis Arbeiter, and Dylan Hoffman coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is a big concern for Smith. Royal Oak will have to rely on Hoffman, Clark, and Arbeiter to win games. They should be a very interesting team to watch this season with the changes.
Gold
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Gold should be very interesting this season. Southfield Arts and Tech has a new coach and a ton of proven experience. Avondale has really improved this summer and should be a player this season. Harper Woods should be solid in year two in the OAA. The Pioneers are coming off a district title from last season. Ferndale University looks much improved and are primed to make the next step in the division. Pontiac should be in line for a bounce back year after really struggling last season. The Gold should be very interesting as mentioned. Anyone can win this division.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
Last Season: 7-15, 2-8 Blue. Lost 50-47 to Livonia Stevenson in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Bryce Hewins-G
Key Player: Davier Burt-G
Wildcard: Juwan Ramsey-G
Biggest Question: How will the Warriors adjust under a new coach???
INSIGHT: The Warriors made some big changes this offseason after going down from the Red to the Gold in a span of four years. They have a new coach in former Farmington Coach Terrance Porter. Porter was an assistant with his younger brother TaJuan at Harper Woods last season. He will see his brother in the division twice this season. Southfield Arts and Tech really struggled last season. They should be better with Bryce Hewins, Davier Burt, Quantie Pryor, Ethan Taylor, Kayel Sims, Nicholas Hardy, Matt Young, and Juwan Ramsey coming back. Program strength is a concern for Porter this season. They are one of the favorites in the Gold but can they adjust to the new system and there is a transition period that has to happen and for the Warriors it has to happen during the season.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
Last Season: 13-10, 5-3 Gold. Lost 64-46 to Detroit Pershing in Regional Semifinals.
Top Player: Julian Young-G
Key Player: Stephone Buford-G
Wildcard: DeAndre Williams-G
Biggest Question: Can the Pioneers compete against Division One Teams come in the postseason???
INSIGHT: The Pioneers had a tale of two seasons in their first year in the OAA. Harper Woods really struggled early but improved late which earned them a district crown. They were in Division Two last season but now they are in Division One thanks to an enrollment hike and in a very tough district this postseason. The Pioneers have some experience which should help in Julian Young, Stephone Buford, Isiah Lewis, and DeAndre Williams coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Program strength looks to be solid for Harper Woods. The key should be the start and if they can adjust and keep improving each game then they will be ready once the postseason comes.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
Last Season: 10-12, 4-4 Gold. Lost 69-32 to Clarkston in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Justin Sykes-F
Key Player: Malik Adams-G
Wildcard: Dequarius Moody-G
Biggest Question: Can the Yellow Jackets make some noise in the postseason???
INSIGHT: If there is a program with a ton of optimism this season this is it. The Yellow Jackets were very young last season but what they have done this summer has been very impressive. Avondale has Justin Sykes, Malik Adams, Denzel White, Tyler Prentice, Terry Daniel, Issac Gordon, DJ White, Darren Pagel, and Jeremiah Phillips coming back for Coach Pat Clancy. A few players to watch that could make some noise are Anthony Burton and Dequarius Moody. Program strength is a bit of a concern for Clancy and should be something to watch. The Yellow Jackets have a very interesting district come postseason time where they could give someone problems. They are a sleeper in the Gold this season.
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES
Last Season: 7-13, 4-4 Gold. Lost 65-61 in overtime to Detroit Jalen Rose Academy in First Round.
Top Player: Semaj McGhee-G
Key Player: Rasheed Jones-F
Wildcard: Chris Kendrix-G
Biggest Question: Can the Eagles keep building as a program???
INSIGHT: The Eagles have been making big strides as a program. They won seven games and battled tough with Detroit Jalen Rose Academy which went overtime in the postseason last season. Ferndale University should be a sleeper in the Gold this season because of proven experience. They have Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones, Chris Kendrix, Semaj Clark, Cordea McAllister, Antione Owens, Pierce Sanders, Zakaria Sillah, Jonathan King, and Damir Orr coming back for Coach Josh Nicks. Nicks has done a very nice job with the program and has toughen up the non-conference. Program strength is a concern and if they can get three teams then it will improve the program even further going forward.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
Last Season: 2-10, 2-6 Gold. Lost 71-34 to Waterford Mott in District Semifinals.
Top Player: Davion Hall-G
Key Player: Tyree Long-G
Wildcard: Carter Douglass-F
Biggest Question: Can the Phoenix find some depth to go with their three top players???
INSIGHT: It was a very unusual for the Phoenix to struggle this much winning two games last season. Pontiac only played 12 games which was also unusual. The Phoenix should be better with the proven experience they have. Pontiac has Davion Hall, Tyree Long, and Carter Douglass coming back for Coach Damion O’Neil. Program strength is a question mark for the Phoenix this season. Pontiac really needs a bounce back season in the worst way possible.
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