Written Wednesday October 30th at 9:53 PM
ADAMS vs Byron Center @ Grand Ledge
The Highlanders are coming off an emotional 5-4 win over Saline in penalties at Troy Athens in the Division One State Finals. Adams is in the State Finals for the fifth time in school history. They will face Byron Center a team that knocked off Oxford 2-1 in penalties at East Lansing also in the Division One State Semifinals. It should be a really interesting matchup on Saturday at Grand Ledge.
Written Tuesday October 29th at 11:20 PM
Here are the pickers and the picks for week ten.
SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.
TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.
COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.
KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.
SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.
SANDY DUNES: 84-35
TIM: 90-29
COTTER: 96-23
KEITH: 88-31
SCOTT: 88-31
WEATHER FORECAST: Cloudy 50-55 degrees
Howard Tri-County at Frankenmuth: The Muth have been clicking on all cylinders winning the Tri-County Red this season and they went unbeaten as one of the favorites in Division Five. The Vikings are 1-3 in their last four games which included a 51-31 loss to Ludington last week. This looks to be a mismatch on paper.
SANDY DUNES: FRANKENMUTH 35, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.
TIM: FRANKENMUTH 56, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.
COTTER: FRANKENMUTH 56, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 7.
KEITH: FRANKEMUTH 27, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 10.
SCOTT: FRANKENMUTH 44, HOWARD TRI-COUNTY 20.
Saginaw Swan Valley at Belding: The Vikings have turned things around since an 0-3 start to the year winning six straight games. The Black Knights had a week one loss to Ionia and have won eight straight since. This should be a really interesting game between these two teams that have started slow but are red hot right now.
SANDY DUNES: SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 20, BELDING 10.
TIM: BELDING 35, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 14.
COTTER: BELDING 49, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 28.
KEITH: BELDING 20, SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 17.
SCOTT: SAGINAW SWAN VALLEY 33, BELDING 31.
Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district considering that three of the top five point earners are in this district for Division Four. The Rams got the top seed and have had a strong year. The Falcons have been up and down all season. This should be a really interesting matchup in Madison Heights.
SANDY DUNES: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 31, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 7.
TIM: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 42, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 14.
COTTER: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 35, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 21.
KEITH: MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 35, DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 17.
SCOTT: DEARBORN DIVINE CHILD 34, MADISON HEIGHTS LAMPHERE 22.
HARPER WOODS at Redford Union: This is a rematch of a 43-21 Pioneers win over the Panthers. Redford Union has won eight straight since that loss to Harper Woods. The Pioneers have played a really tough schedule which included Oxford, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Stoney Creek, Rochester, and Groves. This should be a really interesting matchup on Saturday night.
SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 42, REDFORD UNION 21.
TIM: HARPER WOODS 35, REDFORD UNION 0.
COTTER: HARPER WOODS 42, REDFORD UNION 14.
KEITH: HARPER WOODS 25, REDFORD UNION 23.
SCOTT: HARPER WOODS 40, REDFORD UNION 30.
Garden City at Walled Lake Western: The Cougars have had a nice season winning seven games and getting into the postseason. They got a tough test heading to Walled Lake to take on Walled Lake Western. The Warriors went unbeaten this season which included a win over Mason in week eight. This is a tough matchup for Garden City on paper.
SANDY DUNES: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 38, GARDEN CITY 0.
TIM: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 49, GARDEN CITY 7.
COTTER: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 56, GARDEN CITY 6.
KEITH: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 31, GARDEN CITY 7.
SCOTT: WALLED LAKE WESTERN 44, GARDEN CITY 17.
Redford Thurston at AVONDALE: The Eagles have been really competitive all season with both losses coming by a combined eight points. The Yellow Jackets had an 0-2 start but turned things around. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that runs different styles. This should be really interesting at Dick Bye Field.
SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 28, REDFORD THURSTON 7.
TIM: AVONDALE 35, REDFORD THURSTON 7.
COTTER: AVONDALE 42, REDFORD THURSTON 7.
KEITH: AVONDALE 34, REDFORD THURSTON 13.
SCOTT: AVONDALE 32, REDFORD THURSTON 26.
Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON: The Raiders won the Blue with an emotional 35-7 win over Troy last week. The MHSAA rewarded North Farmington with having to play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the first round. The Eaglets have former Stoney Creek coach Nick Merlo as their offensive coordinator and they have won four of their last five games. This should be very interesting.
SANDY DUNES: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 34, NORTH FARMINGTON 24.
TIM: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 21.
COTTER: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 49, NORTH FARMINGTON 6.
KEITH: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 28, NORTH FARMINGTON 17.
SCOTT: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS 35, NORTH FARMINGTON 12.
FARMINGTON at Lakeland: These are two former Kensington Valley Conference rivals in the Falcons and the Eagles. Lakeland has a solid team and has former North Farmington coach Bob Chiesa on staff. Farmington got their quarterback Juilen Johnson back two weeks ago. They are a different team with him in the lineup. This should be a really interesting game.
SANDY DUNES: LAKELAND 28, FARMINGTON 21.
TIM: LAKELAND 35, FARMINGTON 14.
COTTER: LAKELAND 28, FARMINGTON 20.
KEITH: LAKELAND 30, FARMINGTON 20.
SCOTT: FARMINGTON 21, LAKELAND 18.
FERNDALE at GROVES: These are two teams that have had different paths of getting into the postseason. The Falcons went 9-0 this season winning all their games by two touchdowns or more. The Eagles needed to win 10-0 over Utica Ford II on their senior night just to make the postseason field. This should be a very interesting matchup.
SANDY DUNES: GROVES 49, FERNDALE 6.
TIM: GROVES 63, FERNDALE 7.
COTTER: GROVES 42, FERNDALE 7.
KEITH: GROVES 42, FERNDALE 7.
SCOTT: GROVES 38, FERNDALE 24.
Warren Mott at SEAHOLM: This is the first meeting between the Maples and the Marauders. Warren Mott lost two games both to Port Huron schools. The Maples have lost three straight and haven't been the same since the 24-23 loss to North Farmington. This should be a really interesting matchup of two teams that have different styles.
SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 7.
TIM: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 21.
COTTER: SEAHOLM 28, WARREN MOTT 14.
KEITH: SEAHOLM 30, WARREN MOTT 16.
SCOTT: SEAHOLM 37, WARREN MOTT 35.
Lapeer at Grand Blanc: These are two teams that know each other quite well in the Saginaw Valley League Red or the South. This is a rematch of a 35-21 Bobcats win in Lapeer in week six. Both teams are coming off tough losses. Grand Blanc fell 14-13 at home to Romeo last week. The Lightning fell 48-28 to Davison last week at home. This should be a really interesting matchup to see what team can bounce back from a tough week nine loss.
SANDY DUNES: GRAND BLANC 28, LAPEER 25.
TIM: GRAND BLANC 49, LAPEER 28.
COTTER: GRAND BLANC 49, LAPEER 21.
KEITH: GRAND BLANC 28, LAPEER 20.
SCOTT: GRAND BLANC 41, LAPEER 36.
OXFORD at Davison: This is a very interesting matchup of two state powers in wrestling meeting at Cardinal Stadium in the first round. Also this is the first meeting since 2018 when Oxford beat Davison 38-13 in the first round at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats bring a very experienced team to Davison to take on a Cardinals team that has played a tough schedule and has a very good offense. The battle of styles is very interesting in this matchup. This should be a fun game in Genesee County.
SANDY DUNES: OXFORD 35, DAVISON 31.
TIM: DAVISON 77, OXFORD 0.
COTTER: DAVISON 28, OXFORD 14.
KEITH: DAVISON 24, OXFORD 23.
SCOTT: OXFORD 25, DAVISON 20.
STONEY CREEK at ADAMS: These are two really familiar teams that played each other in the 2013 postseason. This is a rematch of a 21-13 Highlanders win over the Cougars in week seven. Adams has really dominated the city of Rochester winning over both Rochester and Stoney Creek pretty convincingly. The Highlanders are 9-2 against the Cougars in their last 11 meetings. Stoney Creek has had a strong turnaround under first year coach Rick Powell. This should be a fun matchup between two teams that are almost very similar to one another.
SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 24, STONEY CREEK 21.
TIM: ADAMS 35, STONEY CREEK 7.
COTTER: ADAMS 17, STONEY CREEK 14.
KEITH: ADAMS 28, STONEY CREEK 24.
SCOTT: ADAMS 42, STONEY CREEK 29.
CLARKSTON at LAKE ORION: This is a rematch of a 20-13 Dragons win over the Wolves in week seven. In this series usually the winner of the regular season meeting loses the postseason meeting. It has only happened three times where the regular season winner won the postseason matchup (Lake Orion-2005, Clarkston 2009, 2018.) The Wolves are coming off an impressive 32-3 win over Utica Eisenhower last week. The Dragons fell 8-7 to Saline last week. This reminds me of my senior year in High School when Clarkston beat Utica Eisenhower at Sweinhart Field but Lake Orion won twice that season. This has that similar feeling. The Dragons should also be motivated what happened to them when they fell 38-37 last season in the district finals on their home field.
SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 30, CLARKSTON 27.
TIM: CLARKSTON 42, LAKE ORION 35.
COTTER: CLARKSTON 20, LAKE ORION 14.
KEITH: CLARKSTON 21, LAKE ORION 20.
SCOTT: CLARKSTON 31, LAKE ORION 28.
Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central: The Spartans are coming off an emotional 44-19 win over Hartland to get into the postseason. They have a really difficult matchup going to Novi to play Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The Shamrocks have been clicking on all cylinders. This looks to be a mismatch on paper.
SANDY DUNES: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 49, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.
TIM: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL A LOT, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.
COTTER: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 42, LIVONIA STEVENSON 0.
KEITH: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 35, LIVONIA STEVENSON 7.
SCOTT: NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL 48, LIVONIA STEVENSON 13.
WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi: This is a rematch of a 39-3 Lakers blowout over the Wildcats in 2021. This is a really tough matchup for Novi after they have lost two straight games. West Bloomfield is coming off a tough 49-48 loss to Roseville last week. This looks like a mismatch on paper.
SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 56, NOVI 28.
TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, NOVI 14
COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, NOVI 21.
KEITH: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, NOVI 21.
SCOTT: WEST BLOOMFIELD 43, NOVI 29.
My Podcast
Written Sunday October 27th at 8:47 PM
HARPER WOODS vs Redford Union: This is a rematch of a 43-21 Pioneers win in Harper Woods over Redford Union. The Panthers have had a strong season and will get to host this game because of playoff points but the Pioneers have played a much tougher schedule. The winner will most likely see Madison Heights Lamphere who has a tough matchup with Dearborn Divine Child in the first round. Overall I wasn't surprised this would be the matchup considering that three of these teams are in the top five when it came to playoff points in Division Four.
AVONDALE vs Redford Thurston: These are two teams that are not really familiar with one another. The Eagles have been competitive which included a 7-0 loss to Redford Union and an impressive 12-7 road win over Garden City. The Yellow Jackets are known for the Wing T offense and is well coached under Coach Bob Meyer. The winner will likely see Walled Lake Western on the road next week.
FERNDALE vs GROVES: The Falcons are one of the dark horses in Division Two to make a serious postseason run. Groves really hasn't been tested too much since the West Bloomfield game in week two. They get an Eagles team who made the postseason and is riding a ton of proven senior experience. This looks like a mismatch but you never know what could happen.
SEAHOLM vs Warren Mott: The Maples have been reeling losing three straight games but they are given an opportunity against Warren Mott. The Marauders and Maples are no strangers playing in the postseason especially with how close they are (14 miles separates the schools.) This should be a matchup of different styles which makes this matchup that more interesting.
NORTH FARMINGTON vs Orchard Lake St. Marys: The Raiders got sentenced by the MHSAA on Sunday night taking on an Eaglets team that has been playing really well as of late. Orchard Lake St. Marys is loaded with proven talent and a well established coaching staff. Coach John Herstein also has an experienced coaching staff going back to his days at Harrison. This is going to be a really tough matchup for North Farmington at Ron Holland Field.
FARMINGTON vs Lakeland: When the bracket came out I really did not expect the Falcons to make a trip to White Lake to play the Eagles. Lakeland is solid and has a talented running back. Farmington is getting healthy which is huge but this is a tough matchup for a defense that hasn't seen as tough of a running back as they will see with Lakeland. This should be a tight game if things go right.
OXFORD vs Davison: The Wildcats have a really tough matchup heading to Davison to play the Cardinals. Both teams are wrestling powerhouses so you know they are both physical up front. Davison has a lot of proven players on offense. If Oxford has any chance to pull an upset it needs to play time possession football and their game. The Cardinals defense isn't really impressive and can be had (Grand Blanc-55 in week eight.) We don't know what the Wildcats mindset is after losing 28-0 to Macomb Dakota last week. This should be a really interesting matchup.
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK: This is a rematch of a 21-13 Adams win over Stoney Creek in week seven. The Highlanders are coming off an emotional 31-28 overtime win over New Baltimore Anchor Bay last week. Stoney Creek won 51-7 over Ann Arbor Huron last week. The Cougars are up and coming especially in the sub varsity levels. Both teams do run a part of the veer which makes this matchup really interesting. This should be a fun matchup.
CLARKSTON vs LAKE ORION: This is a rematch of a 20-13 Lake Orion win over Clarkston in week seven. The season series has usually been the winner of the regular season usually loses in the postseason (2006, 2007, 2023) but there has been instances of teams winning twice over the other (Lake Orion 2005, Clarkston 2009, and 2018.) The Dragons remember the 38-37 loss to the Wolves last season. Clarkston is coming off an emotional 32-3 blowout win over Utica Eisenhower last week. Lake Orion is coming off an 8-7 loss to Saline last week. This has the makings of another Lake Orion/Clarkston classic.
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Novi: The Lakers are no strangers to making the postseason for 11 straight years. West Bloomfield had a really interesting path to get here this season. They will head to Novi for their first meeting with the Wildcats since 2021 where they won 39-3 in the Swamp in the first round. The winner of this matchup will have a really tough matchup with Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the district finals.
My podcast
Written Sunday October 27th at 11:22 AM
Here is the insight of the Boys Soccer preview for the State Semifinals. Could we get an all OAA Red final between Adams and Oxford, it's possible but they have some challenges so here they are with both games on Wednesday October 30th at 7 PM.
OXFORD vs Byron Center @ East Lansing
PREVIEW: The Wildcats have been through a lot this postseason which included wins over Clarkston, Lake Orion, West Bloomfield, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central with their games against the Dragons and Shamrocks going to penalties. Byron Center has been really good all season long. They needed to beat Grand Haven in penalties and had 1-0 wins over Portage Central and East Kentwood. This should be a really good game as both teams aren't too familiar with each other, there is no common opponents between the two clubs.
ADAMS vs Saline @ Troy Athens
PREVIEW: This should be a really interesting matchup between the Highlanders and the Hornets. Adams has played a really tough schedule and has wins over Troy and Utica Eisenhower in the postseason. Saline has been dominant this postseason but had to survive Ann Arbor Skyline where they won 3-2 in the district finals. These two have one common opponent in Clarkston. The Highlanders beat the Wolves 3-0 while the Hornets lost 2-1 to the Wolves in the Balconi tournament. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams in Troy.
Written Sunday October 27th at 11:10 AM
These are the updated volleyball districts.
This article will be updated often with the most updated information
District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford
OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Detroit Renaissance
DARKHORSE: Farmington
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. The Marlins always have found a way to reload really quickly despite losing proven talent to college and they have a Miss Volleyball finalist in Campbell Flynn. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be much improved for new coach Dan Englehardt. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for new coach Rachel Watson. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn't look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.
UPDATED THOUGHTS: I really don't see anyone in this district touching Farmington Hills Mercy. They have home court, well coached, and proven talented college bound athletes.
District 25 @ Lakeland
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern
WEST BLOOMFIELD/Walled Lake Northern vs South Lyon
Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western
Walled Lake Central/Walled Lake Western vs Lakeland
FAVORITE: South Lyon
NEXT: Lakeland
DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference as they head into White Lake. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.
UPDATED
THOUGHTS: I'm really impressed with South Lyon with the way they have
been playing all season. I think they have a good chance to win this
district. I've been very disappointed with West Bloomfield. This will be
a really tall task for the Lakers in this district. I see a Lions vs
Eagles district final in White Lake.
District 26 @ Holly
OXFORD vs Waterford Mott
OXFORD/Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON
Holly vs Waterford Kettering
Holly/Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Oxford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.
UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district looks like it
will be Clarkston vs Lake Orion in the district finals. The Wolves won in four over the
Dragons. Lake Orion has been really hard to trust as of late. Got to
give the edge to Clarkston in this district.
District 27 @ Rochester
ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER/STONEY CREEK vs Orchard Lake St. Marys
AVONDALE vs ADAMS
AVONDALE/ADAMS vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys
NEXT: Bloomfield Hills
DARKHORSE: Adams
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is what in soccer terms is considered the "group of death." These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been rapidly improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.
UPDATED THOUGHTS:
This really hasn't changed when it comes to the group of death in soccer
terms. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the favorite with Bloomfield Hills
right there in the mix. Adams is the wildcard after they have been a
funk as of late. Rochester and Stoney Creek are both solid teams but
they both have tough roads if they want to make noise. This will be a
battle harden district.
District 28 @ Berkley
GROVES vs ROYAL OAK
GROVES/ROYAL OAK vs Birmingham Marian
SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY
SEAHOLM/BERKLEY vs NORTH FARMINGTON
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: North Farmington
EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they need to find it under Coach Derrick Williams. Groves has been up and coming under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.
UPDATED
THOUGHTS: North Farmington has been up and down this season. It has
been a surprise that both Birmingham schools have struggled. Berkley is
the wildcard with home field but seriously I don't see how any of the
OAA teams can beat Birmingham Marian in this district. The Mustangs are
loaded with proven talent and well coached.
District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower
TROY vs Utica Ford II
TROY/Utica Ford II vs Utica Eisenhower
Sterling Heights Stevenson vs Utica
Sterling Heights Stevenson/Utica vs TROY ATHENS
FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower
NEXT: Troy
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.
UPDATED THOUGHTS: It has been a very
interesting season. The Colts have underperformed this season which is
surprising. The Red Hawks have had a strong season but having home court
helps Utica Eisenhower in this district. I think the Eagles move on.
District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Henry Ford vs Detroit Old Redford
Detroit Henry Ford/Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE
FAVORITE: Ferndale
NEXT: Detroit Lincoln King Academy
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is between Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I'm not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won't play the competition as both Eagles teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale has a new coach in Andrea Phillips taking over the program where they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.
UPDATED THOUGHTS: I was really
impressed with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. The Eagles have performed
well this season. Ferndale University could give them some fits in the
district semifinals. I like where Ferndale is at. They could make some
noise and I've favored them since June. This should be a very
interesting district in Detroit.
District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake
Eastpointe/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Lincoln
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
NEXT: Harper Woods
DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.
UPDATED
THOUGHTS: I could have thought more about this district over but Harper
Woods Chandler Park Academy has impressed me. Harper Woods has had a
solid season as well but they could have some trouble with the hosts
from St. Clair Shores South Lake. Whoever wins that matchup should have
an interesting matchup with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.
District 59 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
PONTIAC vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
PONTIAC/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Waterford Oakdale Prep
FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district. Pontiac came to Division Two this offseason and is looking for a new coach. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is determined to get to Battle Creek for Coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel. Birmingham Detroit Country Day was up and down last season but they have been a powerhouse in the past for Coach Kim Lockhart. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back district for Coach Rachel Zawodny. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school and a lot of questions remain for them heading into the season. Overall this should be a two team district but you never know.
UPDATED
THOUGHTS: Like I said no changes from the early thoughts other than most
likely seeing a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Birmingham Detroit Country
Day district final which should be a very interesting distict final.
My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0
MHSAA Volleyball districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2024-DistrictsWritten Saturday October 26th at 3:35 PM
Updated Sunday October 27th at 8:50 AM
These are the updated postseason projections. These AREN'T the official postseason projections. I'm sure Snooze2You and GoosePoop will have different projections than me. I based them on where each team is located based on postseason points with the recent MHSAA playoff point summary from Division's One through Four.
This will be updated very often. So here we go.
Division Four
Sammy 1.
Ludington at Big Rapids
Whitehall at Forest Hills Eastern
Hamilton at Unity Christian
Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian
Lansing Sexton at Portland
Ionia at Hastings
Edwardsburg at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Paw Paw at Niles
Brandon at Goodrich
Lake Fenton at Freeland
Croswell-Lexington at Marysville
St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North
Pinckney at Chelsea
Parma Western at Haslett
Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere
HARPER WOODS at Redford Union
Sammy 2.
Ludington at Big Rapids
Whitehall at Freeland
Hamilton at Unity Christian
Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian
Lansing Sexton at Portland
Ionia at Forest Hills Eastern
Edwardsburg at Niles
Hastings at Paw Paw
Brandon at Goodrich
Lake Fenton at Haslett
Croswell-Lexington at Marysville
St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North
Pinckney at Chelsea
Parma Western at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere
HARPER WOODS at Redford Union
Division Three
Sammy 1.
Cadillac at Petoskey
Coopersville at Cedar Springs
Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph
Zeeland East at Zeeland West
East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central
Kenowa Hills at Lowell
Jackson at DeWitt
St. Johns at Mason
Bay City John Glenn at Fenton
Linden at Mount Pleasent
Garden City at Walled Lake Western
Redford Thurston at AVONDALE
Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King
Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron
River Rouge at Southgate
Riverview at Trenton
Sammy 2.(Snooze Map)
Bay City John Glenn at Petoskey
Cadillac at Mount Pleasant
St. Johns at DeWitt
Cedar Springs at Lowell
East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central
Kenowa Hills at Coopersville
Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph
Zeeland East at Zeeland West
Jackson at Mason
Linden at Fenton
Garden City at Walled Lake Western
Redford Thurston at AVONDALE
Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King
Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron
River Rouge at Southgate
Riverview at Trenton
Division Two
Sammy 1.
Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores
Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center
Portage Northern at Portage Central
Lansing Everett at Mattawan
Flushing at Midland
Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage
Lakeland at Dexter
Milford at East Lansing
South Lyon East at NORTH FARMINGTON
Orchard Lake St. Marys at FARMINGTON
FERNDALE at GROVES
Warren Mott at SEAHOLM
Roseville at Grosse Pointe South
Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern
Temperance Bedford at Gibraltar Carlson
Livonia Franklin at Allen Park
Sammy 2.
Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores
Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center
Portage Northern at Portage Central
Lansing Everett at Mattawan
Flushing at Midland
Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage
South Lyon East at East Lansing
Lakeland at Milford
Temperance Bedford at Dexter
Allen Park at Gilbratar Carlson
Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON
FARMINGTON at Livonia Franklin
FERNDALE at GROVES
Warren Mott at SEAHOLM
Roseville at Grosse Pointe South
Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern
Division One
Sammy 1.
Kalamazoo Central at Hudsonville
East Kentwood at Grandville
Grand Ledge at Howell
Rockford at Brighton
Lapeer at Grand Blanc
CLARKSTON at Davison
STONEY CREEK at ADAMS
OXFORD at LAKE ORION
Utica at Macomb Dakota
Romeo at Utica Eisenhower
Sterling Heights Stevenson at Detroit Cass Tech
Dearborn at Dearborn Fordson
Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi
Ann Arbor Pioneer at Belleville
Saline at Northville
Sammy 2.
East Kentwood at Hudsonville
Grandville at Rockford
Kalamazoo Central at Howell
Grand Ledge at Brighton
WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Novi at CLARKSTON
Livonia Stevenson at Northville
Ann Arbor Pioneer at Saline
Lapeer at Grand Blanc
OXFORD at Davison
STONEY CREEK at ADAMS
Romeo at LAKE ORION
Utica at Macomb Dakota
Sterling Heights Stevenson at Utica Eisenhower
Dearborn at Belleville
Dearborn Fordson at Detroit Cass Tech
Written Saturday October 26th at 3:27 PM
Bloomfield Hills has their new girls basketball coach.
The Blackhawks named Renardo Brown as their new head coach taking over for Coach Kristen Massey who stepped down during the summer.
The MHSAA website confirmed the move.
Brown was an assistant under Massey. He was the head coach at Franklin Road before coming to Bloomfield Hills.
They won the district over Seaholm but fell to Stoney Creek in the regional semifinals last season.
The Blackhawks have Brianna Young, Brianna Brooks, and Giselle Haddad coming back for Brown. Program strength looks to also be solid as well.
Bloomfield Hills is in a very tough district with Groves, Seaholm, Birmingham Marian, Southfield Arts and Tech, and North Farmington. They are also in the White with Groves, Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Rochester, and Troy.
It will be very interesting to see what happens this season with the Blackhawks.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Bloomfield Hills MHSAA Girls Basketball page.
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/bloomfieldhills/girls/varsity/basketball
Written Saturday October 26th at 9:55 AM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a tough 49-48 overtime loss to Roseville on Friday night. West Bloomfield trailed 28-7 and 35-14 at one point but came back and forced overtime. The Lakers got a touchdown but the Panthers answered and got a two point conversion to win the game. This was a tough loss for Coach Zach Hilbers and company. West Bloomfield is most likely looking at Novi at the moment which would be a great matchup for the Lakers but Novi Detroit Catholic Central remains an option.
Lake Orion: The Dragons offense really looked out of sync in a stunning 8-7 loss to Saline on Friday night. The Lake Orion defense played really well shutting down the Hornets offense but it was a fourth and 10 and they went 80 yards on a crazy catch for a touchdown. Saline shut down the Lake Orion offense as mentioned. The Dragons are looking at either playing Oxford or Clarkston at the moment. I would be surprised if they see Stoney Creek or get a top seed in their district. Coach Chris Bell and his offense need to fix some things offensively and quick if not, they are in deep trouble.
Clarkston: The Wolves pulled off what was a surprise result in dominating Utica Eisenhower 32-3 on Friday night. The Bowman twins had a big night and Clarkston shut down the Eagles offense which was really impressive considering what Utica Eisenhower has done all season. The Wolves are looking at going north to see Davison which would be a very interesting matchup or going east like last season to play Lake Orion. There are options for Clarkston when it comes to the postseason but I’m seeing the northern option into Genesee County to be the scenario at the moment.
Adams: The Highlanders had a crazy hard fought 31-28 overtime win over New Baltimore Anchor Bay in New Baltimore on Friday night. Adams is guaranteed at least two home postseason games. The Highlanders are looking at Stoney Creek at the moment but there is a chance they could rematch Romeo although it’s not likely. The Highlanders are in a good spot right now.
Oxford: The Wildcats had a rough 28-0 loss to Macomb Dakota on Friday night. The loss shouldn’t damper on Oxford’s success this season. The Wildcats have a few scenarios which they look like they will be on the road to start. Oxford could head south and see arch rival Lake Orion, a team they won 21-18 earlier in the season or they could go north and head to Davison to see the Cardinals which would be a really tough matchup for them. There are postseason options for Coach Zach Line and the Wildcats but they will most likely be starting on the road first.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers had no issue with Detroit East English Village Prep winning 49-0 and sending them out of the postseason on Friday night. Harper Woods has a very interesting path in Division Four. I see them going to Redford Union in the first round despite the Pioneers winning 43-21 in week one at Harper Woods. It would be a really interesting matchup and if they win that matchup then they could see Madison Heights Lamphere in the district finals most likely. It will be really interesting to see how Coach Rob Oden plays this knowing most likely the Pioneers could be on the road to start their Division Four title defense.
Groves: The Falcons had a very impressive 35-0 win over Seaholm on Friday night securing multiple home games for the postseason. Groves is most likely looking at Ferndale first but there is still that Orchard Lake St. Marys component which is a difficult matchup for Coach Brendan Flaherty which is still possible. It will be very interesting to see what the MHSAA does with the Falcons but what is for sure is they will start the postseason at home.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars have been playing really good football in the last two weeks which included a 51-7 win over Ann Arbor Huron on Friday night. Coach Rick Powell has this program believing in his vision and it got him a trip to the postseason in his first year. Stoney Creek is looking at either going to Lake Orion or Adams in the first round. I would be shocked if they were sent to Swinehart although it is not likely especially with Romeo being the possible option to play Utica Eisenhower. The Cougars are a dangerous team no matter where they are sent in the postseason.
Rochester: The Falcons finished the season strong with a 45-8 win over Walled Lake Northern on Friday night. Rochester was the better team this night finishing the season at 4-5. There will be a ton of what if’s for Coach Erik Vernon and his program heading into the offseason but winning two games to finish is a start heading into next season.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a really disappointing
season concluding against Detroit Renaissance. Southfield Arts and Tech won 26-22 over the Phoenix finishing their season at 2-7 in a rough year for Coach Keith McKenzie in his first season. It will be very interesting to see what McKenzie does this offseason with the Warriors.
Farmington: The Falcons had a struggle with Dearborn Heights Crestwood on Friday night but found a way and won 34-22 over Dearborn Heights Crestwood. Farmington can now focus on the postseason which there are a ton of options. The Falcons could go on the road which is the worst case but they could also host Orchard Lake St. Marys or Livonia Franklin which seem possible. Coach Jason Albright’s team has options when it comes to the postseason.
North Farmington: The Raiders knocked Troy out of the postseason with an impressive 35-7 win on their homecoming night. North Farmington has turned things around under Coach John Herstein to which they could host multiple postseason games. I have them playing South Lyon East at the moment but Orchard Lake St. Marys is another option. The Raiders are in a great spot to make some noise in Division Two.
Oak Park: The Knights had a season of what ifs on Friday night winning 32-21 over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. You have to wonder what if Oak Park was in Division Three and not in Division Two, it could have been different. There will be a ton of questions for Coach Greg Carter and his team come this offseason.
Troy: The Colts had a tough 35-7 loss to North Farmington keeping them out of the postseason for a second straight season. Troy loses a lot of proven talent and they will be a different team next season for Coach Chris Frasier. There will be a ton of questions this offseason.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a rough season finishing at 2-7 but went out on top with an impressive 42-7 win over Fraser on Friday night. There will be some questions heading into the offseason for Troy Athens about the direction of the program but for Coach Tom Cook it’s about looking forward to the offseason.
Seaholm: The Maples have not been the same team in the last three weeks since the North Farmington game. They fell 35-0 to arch rival Groves on Friday night. Seaholm is reeling at the moment but are still in the postseason field. The Maples might see the Falcons again in the postseason. It is most likely they see Warren Mott first but Orchard Lake St. Marys is still out there. It will be a tough road regardless for Coach Jim DeWald and company.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have a lot of questions heading into next season after a 32-21 loss to Oak Park on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills saw some strides at times offensively but they struggled when they played good teams. There will be questions for Coach Dan Loria after finishing 1-8 this season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets earned a 28-7 win over Carleton Airport on Friday night taking the Jets out of the postseason. Avondale has a couple of options in Division Three. The big one is what happens if Waterford Kettering makes the postseason field. The MHSAA could send the Yellow Jackets to Fenton or host Redford Thurston which is the worst case meaning they would have to see Walled Lake Western in the district finals or give them two postseason games at Dick Bye Field with Garden City, Redford Thurston, and Warren Fitzgerald, or send them to Port Huron. There are plenty of options for Coach Bob Meyer and his team.
Ferndale: The Eagles earned their way into the postseason winning 10-0 on senior night over Utica Ford II to send its record to 6-3. Ferndale is most likely looking at Groves in the first round. It’s a huge accomplishment for Coach Eric Royal and his program with all that experience to get into the postseason.
Berkley: The Bears had an improving year under first year coach Casey Humes despite falling 45-0 to Madison Heights Lamphere on Friday night finishing at 2-7 this season. Berkley should keep improving heading into next season under Humes. They are in a much better place than they were last season.
Royal Oak: The Ravens kept Clawson from making the postseason with a 21-7 win on Friday night finishing the season at 3-6. Royal Oak should be a very interesting to watch in the future. They had some great and not so great moments this season. It will be very interesting to see how Coach Collin Campbell handles this offseason.
Pontiac: The Phoenix closed the season with a 28-0 loss to Detroit Lincoln Park Academy on Friday night finishing the season at 1-8. Depth was an issue for Pontiac all season. They lose a ton of talent including quarterback Kanye Donaldson. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Wendell Jefferson does this offseason.
Standings After Week Nine
Red
2. Oxford 3-1, 6-3
3. Lake Orion 2-2, 6-3
4. Adams 2-2, 7-2
5. Clarkston 2-2, 6-3
6. West Bloomfield 1-3, 4-5
White
1. Groves 4-0, 9-0
7. Harper Woods 3-1, 6-3
8. Stoney Creek 2-2, 5-4
Rochester 1-3, 4-5
Southfield Arts and Tech 0-4, 2-7
Blue
9. North Farmington 6-0, 6-3
Seaholm 5-1, 6-3
Farmington 4-2, 6-3
Troy 3-3, 4-5
Oak Park 2-4, 2-7
Troy Athens 1-5, 3-6
Bloomfield Hills 0-6, 1-8
Gold
10. Avondale 4-0, 6-3
Ferndale 3-1, 6-3
Berkley 1-3, 2-7
Royal Oak 1-3, 3-6
Pontiac 0-4, 1-8
Written Saturday October 26th at 9:50 AM
UPDATED TOP TEN
1. Groves
2. Oxford
3. Lake Orion
4. Adams
5. Clarkston
6. West Bloomfield
7. Harper Woods
8. Stoney Creek
9. North Farmington
10. Avondale
WEEK NINE SCORES
Detroit Lincoln King Academy 28, PONTIAC 0.
ROYAL OAK 21, Clawson 7.
Madison Heights Lamphere 45, BERKLEY 0.
FERNDALE 10, Utica Ford II 0.
AVONDALE 28, Carleton Airport 7.
GROVES 35, SEAHOLM 0.
TROY ATHENS 42, Fraser 7.
OAK PARK 32, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 21.
NORTH FARMINGTON 35, TROY 7.
FARMINGTON 34, Dearborn Heights Crestwood 22.
STONEY CREEK 51, Ann Arbor Huron 7.
ROCHESTER 45, Walled Lake Northern 8.
HARPER WOODS 49, Detroit East English Village Prep 0.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 26, Detroit Renaissance 22.
ADAMS 31, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 28 OT.
Saline 8, LAKE ORION 7.
CLARKSTON 32, Utica Eisenhower 3.
Roseville 49, WEST BLOOMFIELD 48 OT.
Macomb Dakota 28, OXFORD 0.
WIN OF THE WEEK: Ferndale: The Eagles on their senior night needed to win to get into the postseason and they did that with a 10-0 win over Utica Ford II to get into the postseason. It has been a struggle for Coach Eric Royal and company but they are safely in the postseason most likely looking at Groves in the first round.
WHAT IN THE BLUE WORLD: Lake Orion: The Dragons offense had a rough time with Saline on Friday night. Too many missed opportunities which led to an 80 yard touchdown on fourth and ten late in the fourth quarter in a stunning 8-7 loss to the Hornets on Friday night. Lake Orion is a very interesting team to watch this postseason.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: West Bloomfield: The Lakers had to come back from three touchdowns down twice to force overtime. They took the lead but gave up a touchdown and a two point conversion in a stunning 49-48 loss to Roseville on Friday night. West Bloomfield will be fine heading into the postseason but this one will sting for about 24 hours.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Seaholm: The Maples are struggling right now falling 35-0 to arch rival Groves on Friday night. Seaholm has lost three straight heading into the postseason. Coach Jim DeWald needs to get this fixed before their first postseason game and fast.
