Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday January 1st at 11:50 AM

Updated Sunday January 8th at 10:15 PM

Here are my thoughts on each team.

Girls

Oak Park: The Knights have been hot and cold as of late. They scored 50 points against Detroit Martin Luther King and 52 points against Pontiac. It has been very hard to trust Oak Park when it comes to consistency at a high level against very good, solid, or middle of the pack teams. This is where Coach Chantelle Corson needs to fix if Oak Park wants to make some noise in the Blue. They have Detroit Southeastern, Dearborn Advanced Tech, and Melvindale for their non conference. It will be very interesting to see if those games will help them get ready for the postseason.

Ferndale: The Eagles haven't been able to find stability and that’s a concern. They are 1-1 heading into the New Year but they need to develop as a program. Ferndale has the talent but the coaching stability has been the issue. The Eagles have Madison Heights Lamphere and Southfield Arts and Tech looming for their non conference. There is certainly improvement if they play more games and for Coach Keith Paris it’s just improving and being there long term for the program.

Pontiac: The Phoenix are really struggling. They scored 12 points which is a start but they have allowed over 50 points this season. It has clearly been a struggle for Pontiac and Coach Corray Lett whom is in his first season with the program. The wins should come in time. The Blue looks manageable for the Phoenix. They have Detroit Southeastern twice in their non conference. The Phoenix clearly have a ton of work to do to get their program back on track.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have been going through a complete rebuild which takes some time with the transition period. Ferndale University hasn’t scored over 23 points this season and has given up over 60 points in their last three games. They have Canton Prep and Huron Valley Lutheran for their non conference. Coach Brianna Rowe has her hands full with the program.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have been on a mission trying to get to 500 but they had things very tough. They have lost three straight games which is not a good sign for Coach Roy Christmon. Lily Titus has been playing really good basketball as had Madison Manyweathers. They have had problems scoring which has also seen their points against go up as well. The Yellow Jackets have Romeo, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Sterling Heights for their non conference. Avondale will be fine, just have to keep believing in the process.

Farmington: The Falcons have some serious questions. They didn't look good against Berkley but have done very well against the Blue. Yasmine Thorpe has been a scoring machine, averaging 17 points per game. Desire Green has also been playing good basketball getting double-doubles while Clarissa Hankins and Kennedy Jones have had moments for Coach Laura Guzman. Their league test will come when they see Bloomfield Hills. Also they have struggled against North Farmington, Troy Athens, and Troy. Farmington has Seaholm and Adams which looks winnable for their non conference. The Falcons if they can ride Thorpe and Green and get solid play from Hankins and Jones might be onto something here.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have been very efficient since their 19 point fourth quarter against Seaholm. Bloomfield Hills has won six straight games. Ruby Smith has been playing well along with Ashley Forner and Brianna Young. They have gotten solid contributions from Michelle Barnett, Gabrielle Porter, Ari Hicks, Brielle Brooks, and Mikaeya Paulateer. There will be people that say that the Blackhawks haven’t played the schedule as others have which is true but Coach Kristen Massey has toughen the non conference with Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Birmingham Marian, and Walled Lake Western along with Detroit Cody. All of those games look very winnable and the district is now wide open. Bloomfield Hills is in a good spot right now.

Adams: The Highlanders has really struggled. They are very young and inexperienced. It was going to be a very challenging season for Coach Joe Malburg this year but they have made some great progress. They have scored 55 points against Harper Woods which is major progress. Morgan McPherson has been Adams best player. They have also gotten contributions from Samantha Blaine and Faith Zoldos. McPherson and Blaine will be key players for the Highlanders all season. They have Stoney Creek and Farmington which will be tough matchups for their non conference. Adams will be fine in the long term, they are going through some tough lumps right now.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have not been the same team since beating Troy last month. They are 1-4 in their last five games. Skyler Emerson has been the key player for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Troy Athens has gotten solid play from Rebecah Deliah and Abby Malone. Ella Musto has had some good games as well. Klumpp needs Emerson to be consistent with what I’m noticing is that when she struggles the team struggles and when she does well, they win games. The Red Hawks have Center Line and Stoney Creek looming for their non conference. Troy Athens still has their goals in front of them but they have work to do.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers has had a really good start to the season despite starting very late. Harper Woods is 2-1 against teams from the Detroit area. They have been a scoring machine scoring over 50 points in each game. Clearia Peterson has been the key for the Pioneers as has their proven experience for Coach Anthony Brown. If Peterson is in foul trouble then they have some issues. The defense is a serious concern for Brown and something they need to fix. They don't have anymore non conference games. Harper Woods is in a really tough district which has Grosse Pointe South, Grosse Pointe North, and St. Clair Shores Lakeview. The Pioneers are in a good spot right now.

Seaholm: The Maples have been struggling which has been evident but picked up a possible season saving 42-39 win over Troy Athens. They have scored 50 points only twice this season which is a concern. To Coach Chris Manchester’s defense they have played a really tough non conference which included Saline, Stoney Creek, Groves, and Clarkston. Seaholm still has Center Line and Farmington on the schedule as well. The Maples have been getting contributions from Addy Flynn, Shay Manchester, Anne Boogeran, Emma Weber, and Clara Guffey. Flynn has been their most consistent player when it comes to scoring. Defense is a concern for Manchester even though they allowed 39 points in their win over Troy Athens. They have the scorers but they need to defend that will be the key for Seaholm going forward.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are starting to look more like the past and the results has shown it since their opening night loss to Walled Lake Northern. It will be very interesting to see how they respond after a blowout loss to North Farmington. Royal Oak has gotten very strong play from Lucy Freytag and Emilee Austin. Lydia Dickens keeps getting better. They have gotten contributions from Anna Waterstredt, Emmy Walden, and Megan Haun. The Ravens have a very favorable non conference with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Clawson. They are a sleeper come postseason time. Coach Brian Sopota has this program heading in the right direction.

Berkley: The Bears have been a very hard team to figure out chemistry wise. They were 1-5 in their last six games but they bounced back to beat Farmington in a much needed win over one of their rivals. Sammi Withrow, and Maeve Nolan are doing everything they can on both ends of the floor and Ava Beard is playing but injured for Coach Cody Feltner. Berkley has not been on the same page which is a major concern. If the Bears want to turn things around they need their defense and Jillian Gomes to step up. Gomes is more than capable of being a double-double player every night. They have Rochester looming for their non conference. If the Bears can get Gomes going on a consistent basis then that would take so much pressure off Beard, Nolan, and Withrow. Berkley needs the players and coaches to be on the same page if they want to turn things around and winning a big game like they did against Farmington is a start.

North Farmington: The Raiders have had a very good start which includes wins over Stoney Creek and Saginaw Arthur Hill. Sela Lefler and Penelope Creary has been as good as advertised. Coach Jeff Simpson has seemed to have found a third scorer in Eliza Muller. Muller was huge in their wins over Stoney Creek, Royal Oak, and Troy Athens. North Farmington should also be tested against Groves and their biggest White test will be against Oxford. Everything is leading up for Simpson’s program for a likely clash with Farmington Hills Mercy come postseason time. The key for the Raiders is developing the bench and finding more scoring options besides Lefler and Creary but they are off to a good start.

Oxford: The Wildcats have been rolling since their loss to Lake Orion on opening night. They have won eight straight since that game. The starting five for Oxford has been playing very well whether it is Myranda Wynmenkio, Peyton Richter, Sophia Rabb, Alison Hufsteddler, or Nevaeh Wood. If they can get production from their bench which they have been lately but especially in big games then it would put less stress on their starters. Coach Rachel Bryer’s team really hadn't really been that tested since the North Branch game at that time but they were tested and won big games over Birmingham Marian and Clarkston. The Wildcats have tough non conference games against Lake Orion and Troy and that’s not mentioning the White either to along with a very tough district that has Grand Blanc. Oxford is in a very good spot right now.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been a mystery team. They are better than last season. A lot of that improvement goes to the play of Kamara Page and Christian Banks. Jalyn Austin has been Southfield Arts and Tech's top player. The Warriors are a very good dribble drive team but defensively is where the issues are for Coach Shaquita Coltraine’s program. Southfield Arts and Tech has had one game where they allowed under 40 points. If the Warriors want to turn things around they have to address the defensive end if they want to win games.

Troy: The Colts have had a ton of growing pains but they have gotten better each day. The win-loss record doesn’t show the progress of Coach Julius Porter’s program. Diamond Prince and Regan Zeiter have been outstanding but Olivia Stringer could be a wildcard. She is a solid shooter that is playing the five quarter rule. Carly Higginbottom is also a five quarter player has had her moments as well. Troy is very young but in a few years they could be scary.

Groves: The Falcons had a rough start to the New Year with a very tough loss to Birmingham Detroit Country Day. Groves hasn’t been able to take the next step even though they have the players in Cameron Little, Cira Racco, Lily Gallagher, and Kaitlyn Sanders. The Falcons have Riverview and North Farmington for their non conference. The district has changed somewhat with Birmingham Marian really struggling. There is some optimism for Coach Alison Hidey’s program but they need to get over 500 which is very tough being in the Red and with the schedule ahead, it won’t be easy.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been rolling despite having two losses to teams that have a combined 16-2 record. They have been riding their proven experience of Sarah LaPrarie, Mia Carson, and Emily Flynn. The three guards have been very good but the play of Lily Solek and Merrick Schwalbach in the interior has really helped take the pressure off the big three. Stoney Creek has been playing at a very efficient level. Coach Kellen James has a lot to look forward too.

Clarkston: The Wolves have been up and down lately. They have victories over Macomb Dakota and Saginaw Heritage but they are 1-4 in their last five games which is a concern. Clarkston did get some good news with Elliana Robak coming back from injury. She played against Grand Blanc and had eight points and eight rebounds against the Bobcats. The Wolves have had production from proven experience in Ava Hernandez, Kierra Tolmie, Claire Walker, Emily Valencia, and Mia Zorski. The key for Coach Aaron Goodnough’s team going forward will be bench play. The non conference is going to be very difficult with Birmingham Detroit Country Day and that’s not counting the Red. Clarkston has been winning games on the defensive end. Goodnough said that his team is “close” to breaking through offensively. The Wolves are in a crossroads. They have got to find a way out of this struggling stretch.

Rochester: The Falcons have been winning the close games which is a good sign for Coach Bill Thurston and his team but they have not played in a week which is a big concern. Alice Max has played very well and Natalie Rayce has made clutch shots late in games. Rochester needs more from Kylie Robinson. Abbey Pleasant, Stevie Norgrove, and Ava Williams have had moments of greatness. If Thurston can get Robinson going it would take some pressure off Max. The Falcons have non conference games against Berkley and Madison Heights Bishop Foley. Rochester is in a good spot right now.

Lake Orion: The Dragons besides the setback to Rochester has really been rolling as expected. Maddie Ebbert and Chloe Wiegers have been proven stabilizers for Coach Bob Brydges. They have also gotten proven play from Ryan Pawlacyzk, Taylor Dinda, and Audrey Wischmeyer contributing in different areas. The proven depth has been as good as advertised with Grace Sullivan, Jodie McCaffery, and Charlotte Peplowski. They have also had contributions from Alison May, Carman Hutras, and Fontana Blackney. They did take a hit with a season ending injury to Izzy Wotlinski. The non-conference is very interesting with Flushing, Oxford, and Detroit Renaissance looming. Lake Orion is a team to watch for sure.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers have been playing really good basketball despite the record which they have shocking losses to South Bend, Washington Indiana, and Ypsilanti Arbor Prep. They have played a really tough non conference schedule. The Davis twins and Hendrix sisters have been playing as good as advertised. The Davis twins combined for 59 points in their comeback overtime victory over Kenwood, Illinois. They have also gotten key contributions from Ava Lord and Destiny Washington. They also have been good against the Red which they have won 27 straight games. The key for Coach Darryl McAllister’s team will be developing the bench. As I mentioned on the podcast there will be games which the Davis twins and the Hendrix sisters get into foul trouble. The Lakers have Detroit Cass Tech and  Detroit Edison for their non conference. West Bloomfield is the defending Division One State Champions and has the proven talent but depth on the bench could be the key to the Lakers season.

 

Boys

Pontiac: The Phoenix have not been playing well and that is a concern going forward for Coach Dameon O’Neil. Pontiac hasn't scored over 35 points in their four game losing streak. They have allowed over 50 points in four straight games. O’Neil needs to change things up if they want to turn things around in a hurry.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have been playing much better thanks to their proven experience of Semaj McGhee, Rasheed Jones and company. Ferndale University has won three of their last four games which is a great sign for Coach Josh Nicks. They have a big measuring stick game with Oak Park looming. If they can make a statement there that would be something to say the least. The Eagles are rolling right now.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets has been playing consistent basketball. The offense has been very good for Coach Pat Clancy and his team but they are struggling in the defensive end. Avondale has lost two games by a combined three points including a tough 70-69 loss to Troy. The offense has been very good for the Yellow Jackets but it's clear that. Clancy needs to address the defense if they want to make some noise in the Gold.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a great start to the New Year with a win over Detroit Cornerstone. Harper Woods looks like they are the best team in the Gold but their non conference will get much tougher with Oak Park, Ecorse, West Bloomfield, River Rouge, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Mattawan, and arch rival Harper Woods Chandler Park looming. That will be a tough stretch for Coach TaJuan Porter but it will get his Pioneers ready for a very tough district come postseason time.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have really struggled as of late. They have lost six straight to quality teams Northville, West Bloomfield, Carleton Airport, Adams, Romulus Summit Academy, and Milford. Southfield Arts and Tech is reeling and have not scored over 50 points in this losing streak. They have Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Lincoln Park, Clarkston, and River Rouge looming. Coach Terrance Porter needs to find a way with this veteran group that is struggling right now.

Royal Oak: The Ravens had been rolling behind the play of Davis Arbeiter, Dylan Hoffman, Rashad Wilson, and Clark Camden but suffered their first loss to Lake Orion. The schedule hasn’t been the greatest for the Ravens which hurt them in their loss to the Dragons. It will be very interesting to see how Coach Aaron Smith and his program responds after a loss. They still have a very tough non conference with Holly, Southfield Christian, Warren Mott, and Madison Heights Lamphere looming and that's not counting the Blue schedule which they have a monster game with Stoney Creek. It's a big week for Royal Oak to see if they are for real or not.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been very inconsistent and the record indicates it. They started the New Year with a very tough 50-38 loss to Berkley putting themselves already behind the eight ball in the Blue. Emmanuel Robinson has been Troy Athens;s top player during this stretch. The Red Hawks have non conference games against Walled Lake Central, South Lyon East, Detroit Fredrick Douglass, and Lake Orion. Coach Dave Scott needs to find that consistency that his team is lacking if they want to turn things around.

Seaholm: The Maples have been struggling to score which is not a good sign heading into the New Year. Seaholm fell 40-25 to arch rival Groves is a big concern for Coach Mike DeGeeter. The Maples need to find some scoring if they want to turn things around and their non conference does them no favors with Bloomfield Hills, Avondale, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Novi, and Adams looming that's going to be very tough for Seaholm if they can't find any scoring.

Oxford: The Wildcats have been playing team ball with the injury to Jake Champagne. Champagne returned in a big way in their win over Linden. Lucas Bottete has been doing well in Champagne's absence as had Dominic Cassisse. Oxford controls their own destiny in the Blue and has tough non conference games against Adams, Imlay City, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Waterford Kettering, and Lake Orion looming. Coach Steve Laidlaw has this team in a very good spot right now.

Berkley: The Bears really missed their starting point guard and he was out again in their win over Troy Athens. Luckily Jacob Sheriff and Tamir Runkenvich have stepped their games up. Runkenvich has been a star player for Coach Joe Sermo but Sheriff has had his moments as well. Berkley controls their own destiny in the Blue and they have tough non conference games with Farmington, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Richmond, Pontiac Arts and Tech, and Ferndale University. Sermo should have his point guard back next week which should help. The Bears as mentioned control their own destiny in the Blue.

Rochester: The Falcons haven't played in a few weeks since their win over New Baltimore Anchor Bay in the third place game. Rochester has had strong play from Grant Calcagno, Khammani Potts, and Eli Kalaj for Coach Nick Evola. The Falcons have non conference games against Clarkston, Avondale, Utica, and Lake Orion looming. Rochester also controls their destiny in the Blue right now despite the long layoff.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are much better than their record indicates even though they are behind the eight ball in the Blue. They had tough losses to Oxford, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Sterling Heights Stevenson, and Birmingham Brother Rice. Stoney Creek has been without their best post player in Peyton Rummler as he has been dealing with an injury but is expected back very soon. Jake Fulkerson has been very consistent and Aiden Grosko has had some big games for Coach Jeff Olind. Olind hasn’t been starting Tre Walker which was very odd despite having 14 points against Sterling Heights Stevenson. The Cougars have a very tough non conference which includes Lake Orion, Macomb Dakota, Adams, and Clarkston. Stoney Creek has been playing very scrappy basketball and is getting better each game. I have some serious concerns with this non conference schedule going forward.

Groves: The Falcons have been playing really good basketball despite the two losses near Christmas but have won two straight since then. Josh Simpson and Josh Gibson have been playing really good basketball for Coach Marc West. Groves has Ferndale University, Livonia Clarenceville, Adams, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep for their non conference. The Falcons have been a well oiled machine right now.

Farmington: The Falcons have been impacted by a flu outbreak and was forced to postpone their game with North Farmington which is unknown when they will have the game made up. They had a great first quarter against River Rouge scoring 14 points but only scored 12 points the rest of the way in a 68-26 blowout loss. They haven't played since that time but they should be healthy now and Coach Derrick McDowell has a tough non conference which includes Berkley, Warren Michigan Collegate, Oak Park, and Wayne Memorial. They still might have to play the Raiders at some point as well. It's going to get tough for Farmington next week that is for sure.

Lake Orion: The Dragons used the Holiday Break as an opportunity to get healthy and healthy they did in a convincing win over Royal Oak giving the Ravens their first loss of the season. DJ Morrow came back from a wrist injury was a force all night. Blake Leidell had a solid game as did Nate Havrilla and Gabe Scott. Lake Orion has Warren De LaSalle, Utica Ford II, Oxford, Rochester, and Troy Athens looming for their non conference. The Dragons are a sleeper in the White and that's a good spot for Coach Jose Andreadas and his program.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers have not played in a few days which can be a good and bad thing. The good is it allows the players to get healthy but the bad news is that they could be rusty heading into the New Year. Coach Arnette Jordan has a very interesting non conference with Pontiac, Detroit Henry Ford, Harper Woods, Detroit University Prep, and Ferndale looming. West Bloomfield should be fine but they have some big ones looming.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks scored 36 points against Detroit Henry Ford which ended up being their first loss of the season but scored 88 points against Detroit Pershing in the Detroit Public School League Showcase. Noah Adamcyzk had 30 points against Detroit Pershing but had 22 of the 36 points in their loss to Detroit Henry Ford. Detroit Henry Ford played an athletic 2-3 zone shutting down Drew Wilson, Brandon Newland, CJ Jackson, and Ahmad Taylor. Another concern for Coach Brian Canfield will be getting too much rest might be a very bad thing. Bloomfield Hills won’t play until January 14^th when they head to Lima, Ohio to play St. Francis which will be a very interesting game. They still have Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Seaholm, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, and Macomb L'Anse Creuse North looming for their non conference which those games look very winnable. However waiting two weeks might not be a good thing especially coming off a very tough loss like the Blackhawks did.

Troy: The Colts have had a really interesting two games to start the New Year where they got big wins over Avondale and Utica Eisenhower. Mason Parker has been a completely different player for Coach Gary Fralick. He has been a scoring machine like his brother whom is doing great things at Oakland under legendary Coach Greg Kampe. Fralick uses six players in Parker, Carter Cusmano, Zach Penoza, Darius Whiteside, Chase Kuiper, and Jon Whiteside. All six of them have been very good and do different things to help the team. Troy has Roseville, Clarkston, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Hazel Park for their non conference. The Colts are gaining a ton of confidence as the season has moved along.

Adams: The Highlanders have started the New Year with a 59-23 blowout of Southfield Arts and Tech. William Gee has been solid despite not having Brady Prieskorn whom has been out which is a concern for Coach Jaret Thomas. Adams has non conference games against Dexter, Groves, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Stoney Creek Avondale, Oxford, Seaholm, Groves, and New Haven looming. The Highlanders are fine but too much rest is a big concern going forward.

Clarkston: If the Wolves have a theme song it's Lifehouse's "Hanging by the Moment." Clarkston has found ways to survive at least six close games by five points or less. Desman Stephens has been very consistent. He had 22 of the Wolves 34 points in their 34-31 win over Lakeland. Brody Kosin has been the key for Clarkston. If Kosin plays well then the plays well and if he doesn’t they struggle. Brayden Wiley has not been consistent despite his big game against Fenton. Clarkston does not have Jon Kaul as he has been dealing with a thumb injury. It is unknown when Kaul will come back which concerns Coach Tim Waslik. The Wolves have Troy, Rochester, Walled Lake Western, Stoney Creek, and Southfield Arts and Tech looming for their non conference. If I'm Clarkston they need to play Lifehouse's song for their games because that has been their season thus far.

Oak Park: The Knights had a bounce back to start the New Year with a convincing 68-20 blowout victory over Redford Union. LuJuan Holiday, Rob Smith, and Geon Hutchins have been playing really good basketball for Coach Durrand Sheppard. They have Farmington, Ferndale University, Detroit Voyaguer, Detroit University Prep, and Harper Woods for their non conference. Oak Park will be fine going forward.

Ferndale: The Eagles schedule might be getting to them as they sit at 1-5 on the season. The non conference schedule has been a problem for Ferndale. They still have Flint Beecher, Buchtel, Ohio, River Rouge, West Bloomfield, Portage Northern, and Detroit Edison and that’s not counting the Red. Cameron Reed has been the key player for Coach Juan Rickman. He had four points in their loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys while he has been averaging double figures. Chris Williams has also been a solid player as well. Williams had 18 points against Muskegon. I'm really worried about the morale of this team with the schedule. Ferndale is a team that is in crossroads.

North Farmington: The Raiders had a big win in Genesee County over Grand Blanc behind the play of Ryan Hurst. Hurst had 25 points in their win over the Bobcats. Hurst missed the North Farmington Showcase with an ankle injury but bounced back in a big way. North Farmington has a 11 day layoff which is concerning if your Coach Todd Negoshian. They could make up the Farmington game which was postponed because of a flu outbreak. North Farmington has non conference games against DePaul Prep, Benton Harbor, and Muskegon looming. The Raiders are in a very good spot right now.