Teams Need to Start Reporting Scores.

Written Friday December 27th at 12:35 AM

Updated Monday December 30th at 10:46 AM

I noticed as we head into the weekend that there will be numerous holiday tournaments going on this weekend on both the boys and girls side on the hardwood.

I've noticed that most schools are posting their scores onto the MHSAA website but others have not done so and in particularly in classics and showcases.

I've seen Ferndale's girls basketball games at Detroit Renaissance against Detroit Mumford even though I have the score of that game when they played in the Detroit Renaissance Classic or their game against Ypsilanti Arbor Prep in the Motor City Roundball Classic. Neither scores have been reported as of yet but as of this morning the score was in.

Teams need to start put their scores into the MHSAA website because it has a huge impact when it comes to the postseason. They decide your seed heading into the district.

Most teams report their scores but there are some that don't, some more than others it varies.

I talked to Rochester Boys Basketball Coach Nick Evola about this issue a few weeks ago. I'm still trying to think of ways to create something for the league to report scores to the MHSAA website.

There are some fans that can not afford the 10 dollars or 15 dollars to go to these games. It's not a good investment for fans to pay that much money only to attend one game especially in this economy. There are others who don't want to make the long travel that far. It makes relying on these X pages that much more valuable.

Regular season games are mostly five dollars and in the postseason it's seven dollars to attend.

I seen the Waterford Mott Showcase, the North Farmington Holiday Extravaganza, The D-Zone Showcases, The Mitten Recruit Showcase, and the OAA/MAC Challenge have done an excellent job of reporting scores on their X pages.

I think the St. Clair Community College Showcase and especially The Motor City Roundball Classic needs to do better when it comes to reporting EVERY score, not certain games.

If teams want to go to these showcase games they need to report their scores to the MHSAA website but who should report the score, the school, or the host of the showcase???

That is a very interesting question going forward.

Basketball Storylines heading into 2025.

Written Monday December 23rd at 5:18 PM

As we head into 2025 here are some storylines to keep an eye on in the divisions.

Girls

Gold

Farmington: 40 Points is the Magic Number: The Falcons are right there with most of the teams but it's when they struggle defensively is where they struggle. Farmington needs to score over 40 points to be successful in which they have done only once. This is the magic number for the Falcons to win games is to get over that 40 point plateau.

Ferndale University: Turnaround has Started: The turnaround has clearly started for the Eagles. Ferndale University had not won a game last season, they have won four games and two losses by a combined six points this month. Credit the players and new coach Bennie Szczepkowski for the turnaround. Could the Eagles be a player for the Gold??? that would be a big storyline heading into 2025.

Pontiac: Winning over other Public Schools: The Phoenix have been very successful against teams with the Prep and Academy names going 2-0 but have went 0-3 against others and haven't been competitive. Pontiac needs to fix this against public schools if they want to keep growing as a program.

Oak Park: Scoring: The Knights have been struggling scoring. They have scored 37 total points including nine points total in two games. Oak Park needs to fix this if they are going to want to be competitive going forward.

 

Blue

Avondale: Health: The Yellow Jackets are healthier which has helped Coach Roy Christmon and the reason for their start. It's keeping his roster healthy that is the key to Avondale's season. If Christmon can keep his team healthy then no doubt this is a team that can win the Blue, so far they are off to a really good start.

Adams: Health: The Highlanders have gotten off to a strong start winning three straight to close out 2024. The injury to Faith Zoldus has been hard but Coach Joe Malburg's team has somehow managed to play well without Zoldus. When she comes back, Adams will have another all around player that can make some noise. The Highlanders could be the most dangerous team heading into 2025 with their play.

Berkley: Different Styles: The Bears have been off to a solid start winning five straight until they ran into Seaholm. The issues are still there for Coach Clay Shaver handling different styles and speeds, that's what happened to them against Detroit Renaissance. That will still be the challenge for Shaver and Berkley heading into 2025.

Troy Athens: Consistency: The Red Hawks have been up and down as of late. Troy Athens has gotten some good play from their veterans and newcomers which has to please Coach Stacie Klumpp. The win against Troy is huge for their confidence but the loss to Utica Eisenhower and almost loss to North Farmington looks really concerning. Consistency will be something to watch for Troy Athens in 2025.

Southfield Arts and Tech: Defense: The Warriors have been an offensive machine but for Coach Shaquita Coltrane the defense has been the problem area and against proven teams. Southfield Arts and Tech did allow 46 in a 46-42 loss to Berkley but the 74 against West Bloomfield is a troubling area. The offense has been a strong point for the Warriors it's the defense that Coltrane needs to address heading into 2025. 

North Farmington: Growing Pains: The Raiders have a really young lineup however they have shown some real competitiveness in the last two games which gives me some optimism. They had a tough loss to Troy Athens but beat Walled Lake Central. North Farmington needs this young lineup to grow which could help Coach Michael Allin into the future. They have taken some lumps but they have been working hard heading into 2025.

Harper Woods: Off the Court Issues: The Pioneers are in a terrible spot with the off the court issues. It is unknown if Harper Woods will play in 2024 and head into 2025 with a clean slate. They will be in a hole in the Blue with two losses via forfeits. It will be very interesting to see what the Pioneers do heading into the new year.

 

White

Seaholm: Resolve: The Maples had a strong 2024 with a come from behind 48-44 win over Ferndale. Seaholm has a ton of proven experience and now add the never say attitude from this group which says wonders for Coach Chris Manchester. I would not want to see the Maples in the postseason with what they have. If they keep this up the White is theirs.

Rochester: Guards: The Falcons have been up and down but the last two games the offense has picked up for Coach Andy Toppie. Alice Max has been really consistent for Rochester and she has gotten some help. The guards are still a concern for Toppie heading into 2025. If they can get the guard situation figured out then the Falcons could be a player in the White.

Royal Oak: 40 points is Magic Number: The Ravens have been a really hard team to figure out. Royal Oak's magic number has been to score over 40 points in which they are 2-0 in doing that, 0-3 in the rest of their games. The defense has not been Coach Brian Sopota like which is not good. The Ravens are in a crossroads heading into 2025.

Groves: Progress: The Falcons record looks very deceiving at the moment but they are starting to get more of new Coach Jessica Duleba's system. The 48-44 loss to Avondale is a start and if they can get their two guards Harlem Simpson and Jacey Roy going along with a post presence then that could be the start of something for Groves. They aren't there yet but there are some signs and they are getting there.

Troy: Health and Defense: The Colts have had a very disappointing start to the season which included an injury to Diamond Prince. Troy has had a rough start to Coach Laura Guzman's first season and made a run in the middle to the end of the season. The goals are still there for the Colts and Prince could come back which would help big time heading into 2025.

Bloomfield Hills: Defense: The Blackhawks got a big win to close out 2024 putting up 73 points against Flint Kearsley. Defense has been an issue for Bloomfield Hills which they still need to address. Brianna Young needs to be great if Bloomfield Hills wants to win games for Coach Renardo Brown. If Young can get some help heading into 2025, it will go a long way to help the Blackhawks fortunes.

 

Red

West Bloomfield: Defense: The Lakers are off to a rough start to the season which is very unusual for Coach Darrin McAllister. It's players have been adjusting to new roles along with a very tough non conference schedule. They have been allowing a ton of points which is very concerning. West Bloomfield will look to 2025 as an opportunity to reset and to turn things around.

Clarkston: Dependence on Starters: The Wolves have played a tough non conference schedule but have gotten their bench some time as well which helps into the future. Clarkston still has a tough non conference ahead of them. Complacency and overworking his starters is a concern for Coach Aaron Goodnough going into 2025. If Goodnough can keep developing his bench and get help for Elliana Robak and Brooklyn Covert it will help the Wolves into the future.

Ferndale: Depth/Program Strength: The Eagles have lost a ton of close games and have gotten a ton of experience against good teams but too much could be very dangerous especially for morale. Coach Keith Paris arraigned his not conference schedule to be very challenging with showcase games. Program strength has been another issue for Ferndale. With Red play coming, it could get tough for Paris and the Eagles especially with everyone in this division having program strength heading into 2025.

Stoney Creek: Offense: The Cougars were coming off a really tough loss to Walled Lake Northern to start the season but have since won four straight and started to become the team that was expected heading into the season. Stoney Creek has benefited from a not as strong a non conference slate. Depth is a concern for Coach Columbus Williams heading into 2025 which will be some to watch.

Lake Orion: Turnovers: The Dragons are slowly starting to put things together but this is far from a finished product. Izzy Wotlinski has really carried the load for Lake Orion in their seven games but she didn't play the fourth quarter in their 56-29 win over Bay City Western which helps when it comes to rest. Charlotte Peplowski has been key for Coach Bob Brydges when it comes to having her on the floor. Also the younger players have started to show signs of breaking out. It's a work in progress for Brydges and his program heading into 2025.

Oxford: Health: It has been a turbulent season for the Wildcats which saw four coaches in six months take over the program. Oxford has had a ton of close losses but have seem to be heading in the right direction. Coach Trevor Marshall has done a good job keeping the girls together. It will be very interesting to see what the Wildcats do in 2025.

 

Boys

 

Blue

Bloomfield Hills: Size: The Blackhawks have been off to a great start but they took a very tough 44-42 loss to Royal Oak on their home floor and have lost two straight in holiday classics. Bloomfield Hills has been very good most of the season for Coach Brian Canfield but there is still more to be done. The Blackhawks will look to have a strong 2025.

Pontiac: Size: The Phoenix have up and down but they have been scoring points which is a good thing for new coach DeQuan Washington. JJ Claudio has been a big part for Pontiac which has shown and they have gotten off to a great start despite the loss to Bloomfield Hills. The Phoenix are in a very interesting spot in the league race but they do control their own destiny heading into 2025.

Royal Oak: Doubts: The Ravens earned a huge 44-42 win over Bloomfield Hills keeping them in the discussion for the league crown. The stigma has bothered Coach Aaron Smith and his program. Royal Oak has always started strong but have struggled late. It will be very interesting to see if the Ravens can sustain success as we head into 2025.

Stoney Creek: Droughts: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot. It is clear that Coach Jeff Olind's team is in a much better place than in the last two years but they still have some issues when it comes to droughts. That is the biggest concern for Stoney Creek heading into 2025 is the droughts. If the Cougars can address this then they could make some noise not only in the Blue but also the district as well in 2025.

Rochester: Injury to Jake Tandy: The Falcons took a huge hit as their star forward Jake Tandy is out with an injury. He should be back by the end of January or early February. It will a ton of pressure on Max Muhl and company and it will be a big test for Coach Nick Evola and Rochester to see how they respond to this adversity heading into 2025.

Ferndale University: Step Backwards: The Eagles have seen a big improvement going 4-0 in the non conference but they had two tough home losses to Stoney Creek and Rochester before heading into break. Coach Josh Nicks has done a good job rebuilding this program also they have a win over Southfield Arts and Tech as well. Ferndale University will be a team to watch heading into 2025.

Southfield Arts and Tech: Sustainability: The Warriors have been up and down which included their first league win over Berkley. Southfield Arts and Tech battles hard and has two tough games to close out 2024. Coach Terrance Porter has an improved team but can it produce results, that's the key heading into 2025.

Berkley: Chemistry: The Bears are going through a tough transition period. Coach Joe Sermo has a nice blend of youth and experience despite the record. Berkley will be a really interesting team to watch especially chemistry wise heading into 2025.

 

White

Lake Orion: Health: The Dragons have been hard hit with injuries but they have somehow managed to go 4-4 with a very tough schedule which included the likes of Clarkston, Adams, Macomb Dakota, Plymouth Canton, and Novi. Coach Jose Andrades has done a excellent job with what he has. It will be very interesting to see what Lake Orion does when they get healthy heading into 2025.

Oxford: Size: The Wildcats are rolling to their first 8-0 start in school history but the schedule hasn't been the toughest but they are 8-0 bottom line. Oxford has a ton of proven experience for Coach Joe Fedorinchik which has been huge. The schedule should toughen up heading into 2025. The Wildcats are in a very good place to make some noise in the White but also in the postseason with Grand Blanc's recent struggles despite they are playing a tough schedule.

Troy: Robin to Mason Parker: The Colts have had things rough as of late. Troy relies a ton on Mason Parker to win games for Coach Gary Fralick. It is clear that the Colts need a Robin to Parker's Batman. Troy has a tough stretch of games coming up but they still are one of the favorites in the postseason because of Parker. It will be very interesting to see who becomes the Robin for Fralick heading into 2025.

Farmington: Consistency: The Falcons are in a much better place in Coach Byron Johnson's second year but the inconsistencies remain. Farmington is a Jekyll and Hyde team, they have shown greatness but they have shown some kinks in the armor. It will be very interesting to see what team the Falcons will look like heading into 2025.

Troy Athens: Finding Success: The Red Hawks have really improved in the last two games which included beating Harper Woods and taking Lake Orion to the brink. Coach Mitchell Vercellino has done a nice job in his first season as varsity coach being patient and finding something that can work heading into 2025. Troy Athens will be a team to watch going forward.

Seaholm: Finding Success: The Maples are in a much better place despite their record. The last two games have been battles for Coach Spenser Adams and his program. The sub varsities have been very good for Adams and they've been in tight games. Seaholm will be fine heading into 2025 with the direction Adams has them at.

Oak Park: Familiarity:  The Knights have played three games and they look like a different team. Oak Park has struggled which is very unusual for a Coach Durrand Sheppard team. The lack of games has hurt Sheppard's program. Got to wonder if the Knights will play more games heading into 2025.

Harper Woods: Competitiveness: The Pioneers had an opening night win over Detroit East English Village Prep but have lost four straight since which they were competitive in one of those four losses. Harper Woods is a young team but they have had things very challenging. It could be a very tough road for Coach TaJuan Porter and the Pioneers in 2025.

 

Red

Groves: Complacency: The Falcons are coming off a very tough loss to Detroit Martin Luther King but they are fine despite the loss. Groves will look to make a ton of noise heading into the postseason. Coach Marc West has done a nice job with a veteran heavy team. If the Falcons keep improving then they could be in line for a deep postseason run heading into 2025.

Clarkston: Complacency: The Wolves are in a really good spot despite falling to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Clarkston has done a nice job with their starting five along with developing a bench for Coach Tim Waslik. There is a ton of upside to look at with the Wolves heading into 2025.

Avondale: Size: The Yellow Jackets are rolling in the Red and they have fit right in. There are some concerns with Coach Jaret Thomas's program if they can stay long term. Avondale has a tough schedule looming but they have been very competitive despite the size issues. The Yellow Jackets will be a team to watch in 2025.

Ferndale: Morale: The Eagles have played a tough schedule which resulted in their rough start. Ethan Vinyard has been the key for Ferndale's season and will be heading into 2025. Coach Juan Rickman needs to find someone to help out Vinyard especially with a very tough district looming which has Warren Lincoln in it. Morale will be key for Rickman heading into 2025 with the tough schedule night in and night out.

West Bloomfield: Defense: The Lakers have had a rough start to the season but it should help them later in the year especially when they are in a district that has Orchard Lake St. Marys in it. West Bloomfield has had a ton of issues stopping people allowing over 50 points in each game this season. If your Coach Arnette Jordan, you have to fix your defensive woes, if they can't then they just can't outscore opponents. It will be very interesting to see what Jordan does with the Lakers in 2025.

North Farmington: Experience: It was going to be a very interesting season for Coach Todd Negoshian. The inexperience has cost them two games and they have a tough schedule looming. The Raiders are in a very interesting spot. They need to get experienced really fast heading into 2025.

Adams: Droughts: The Highlanders have been up and down as of late. Adams has been very inconsistent when it comes to results. They have two games in 2024 before heading into 2025. Coach Isiah Novak has done a good job thus far. It will be very interesting to see how the Highlanders handle consistency heading into 2025.

Girls Holiday Classics Preview.

Written Sunday December 22nd at 10:25 PM

This is the girls preview of the classics.

 

Motor City Roundball @ Ferndale

 

Thursday

WEST BLOOMFIELD 54, Grosse Pointe South 37

The Lakers needed a bounce back after a rough start to the season with an impressive 54-37 win over Grosse Pointe South. Sheridan Beal had a big night for West Bloomfield scoring 30 points in the game. West Bloomfield has a tall task ahead of them when they play Rockford this weekend.

 

FERNDALE vs Ypsilanti Arbor Prep-NL

The Eagles have really toughen up their non conference and that's not even the Red yet. Ferndale played Ypsilanti Arbor Prep in which they won over the Gators but the score wasn't reported yet. We'll try to get the score when we can.

 

Michigan Winter Hoops Fest @ Wayne Memorial

 

Saturday

Birmingham Detroit Country Day 76, FERNDALE 41.

The Eagles might have taken a big hit with this performance against Birmingham Detroit Country Day in a stunning 76-41 blowout. Cece Arico had a monster game scoring 23 points while Jayla Jackson had 16 points, Saniyah Blackwell had 12 points, and Ariyana Wiggins had 11 points for the Yellow Jackets. Ferndale's path in Division Two goes through Birmingham Detroit Country Day, this game proved they aren't there yet. 

Boys Holiday Classics Preview.

Written Sunday December 22nd at 10:51 AM

Here are the Boys classics.

Coaches against Violence Showcase @ Redford Union

Monday

Detroit University Prep 52, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 46 O/T

The Warriors have been playing better but the record doesn't show it at times. Southfield Arts and Tech fell to 3-5 with a tough 52-46 loss to Detroit University Prep on Monday night. Coach Terrance Porter's team will have a chance to bounce back when they head west to play Lincoln Park at Kalamazoo Central.

Don Jackson Holiday Classic @ Kalamazoo Central

Saturday

Lincoln Park 61, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 37.

The Warriors had a tough loss to Detroit University Prep in overtime on Monday but they couldn't overcome the RailSplitters falling 61-37 on Saturday in Kalamazoo. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Terrance Porter does with Southfield Arts and Tech heading into 2025.

 

North Farmington Holiday Extravaganza

 

Friday

Detroit Edison 68, HARPER WOODS 50.

The Pioneers have really struggled now losing five straight games which included a 68-50 loss to Detroit Edison. It was the first win of the season for Detroit Edison while Harper Woods falls to 1-5 on the season. It won't get any easier for Coach TaJuan Porter's team when they play Fraser at Ferndale on Sunday.

 

Warren DeLaSalle 64, ADAMS 52.

This was a really interesting matchup of two teams that were in need of a win. The Highlanders took a big hit with the departure of the Langdon brothers (Clark and Collin) as they confirmed through The DZone X page that they will be leaving Adams at the end of the semester going to a different school which we found out was Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Highlanders were even with Warren DeLaSalle for three quarters but the Pilots led by Phoenix Glassnor wore them down on a really late night at North Farmington. Glassnor had 27 points for the Pilots. Adams will be back in action on Monday at Ferndale.

 

Saturday

NORTH FARMINGTON 80, Chicago Thornton 56.

The Raiders needed this game in the worst way possible which it showed against Chicago Thornton winning 80-56. Robert Smith had a big night for Coach Todd Negoshian bouncing back from two tough losses to finish 2024 strong. North Farmington will look ahead to 2025 with a ton of confidence.

Belleville 68, TROY 47.

The Colts were in the game with Belleville for a half trailing 23-19 but they were outscored 45-26 in the second half which resulted in a 68-47 win for the Tigers in Farmington Hills. Mason Parker had a rough time in the second half against a good Belleville defense. Troy has been up and down and is struggling heading into 2025.

 

South Lyon East 66, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 56.

The Blackhawks were coming off a really emotional loss to Grosse Pointe South at Ferndale on Friday. Bloomfield Hills had a rough time with South Lyon East falling to the Cougars 66-56 on Saturday afternoon. DaRon Mason had 19 points, Mason Hitchcock had 12 points, Carter Canfield had 11 points, and Carter Harfield had 10 points leading a balanced Blackhawks attack. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Brian Canfield does heading into 2025.

Warren Fitzgerald 48, AVONDALE 26.

What on earth happened to the Yellow Jackets on Saturday at North Farmington??? I know North Farmington is a very tough place to shoot but to only score 26 points with proven shooters in Jordan Clayton, Jordan Bush, and Jakobe Louris is mindboggling. The Spartans are a good team don't get me wrong but this game was more about Avondale than it was Warren Fitzgerald. The Yellow Jackets have a chance to play another game in 2024 but it's a tough one against a really good Detroit Martin Luther King squad that has wins over North Farmington and Groves.

 

Sunday

 

FARMINGTON 52, South Lyon 45.

The Falcons have been a really weird team to figure out but coming back from a 23-19 halftime deficit to beat South Lyon 52-45 is a strong way to end the season. Farmington has played team ball which has been a great sign to see for Coach Byron Johnson heading into 2025. 

 

St. Clair Community College Showcase

 

Saturday

TROY ATHENS 80, Waterford Kettering 45.

This was a blowout on Saturday afternoon in Port Huron. The Red Hawks have been playing much better basketball which is a really good sign going forward. Alan Spanic had 15 points to lead Troy Athens who won 80-45 over Waterford Kettering. Coach Mitchell Vercellino has turned this team around, struggling early but have won two of three heading into 2025.

Aquinas College Alumni Showcase @ Aquinas College

 

Saturday

CLARKSTON 46, Wyoming Godwin Heights 33.

This was a very interesting game as the Wolves had an awful second quarter being in a 19-19 halftime tie then taking a 30-29 third quarter lead but the fourth quarter was the entire story as Clarkston outscored Godwin Heights 16-4 for a 46-33 Wolves win in Grand Rapids. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Tim Waslik does heading into 2025.

Mitten Recruit Holiday Hoops Classic @ Pontiac

 

Saturday

FARMINGTON 85, PONTIAC 71.

This was a really high scoring game between two teams that want to go up and down. The Falcons used a ton of team ball and outlasted the Phoenix at Sy Green Gym with an 85-71 win on Saturday night. Pontiac needs to address a ton of defensive issues heading into 2025. Farmington has South Lyon looming at North Farmington next.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD 71, Center Line 59.

The Lakers have played a tough schedule which the record indicates and they needed a win like this over a good Panthers program that is going to make a ton of noise. West Bloomfield was led by Curtis Britton who scored 21 points for Coach Arnette Jordan's team. The Lakers will head to Ferndale and play Detroit Renaissance next.

 

Motor City Roundball Classic @ Ferndale

 

Friday

Grosse Pointe South 59, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 57.

The Blackhawks had a heartbreaking loss to Grosse Pointe South on a buzzer beater by Vince Vachon falling 59-57. Bloomfield Hills came back from 11 down in the third quarter behind the play of DaRon Mason but the Blue Devils managed to get a buzzer beater off giving them the game. Coach Brian Canfield has another game to play at North Farmington to snap a two game losing streak.

Grand Rapids Northview 55, FERNDALE 48.

The Eagles could not overcome a 20 point first half from Brady Swartz in a 55-48 Grand Rapids Northview win over Ferndale. Swartz had 36 points leading all scorers for the Wildcats. Eden Vinyard had a solid game for Coach Juan Rickman's team but it wasn't enough. The Eagles play Romulus Summit Academy on Sunday.

 

Sunday

BERKLEY 50, American International Academy 34.

The Bears picked up a bounce back win over American International Academy winning 50-34. Berkley needed a strong game and got it against a good Vikings team. Evan Young had 17 points in the game. It will be very interesting to see what the Bears do heading into 2025.

 

HARPER WOODS 63, Fraser 45.

The Pioneers have just been really bad in the last four games but they snapped a four game losing streak winning 63-45. Andre Cast had a big game for Coach TaJuan Porter's team scoring 14 points, Darius McCarver also had 14 points, and Miron Baylor added 12 points. Harper Woods will look to use the momentum gained heading into 2025.

 

Redford Thurston 45, ROCHESTER 38.

The Falcons were coming off a really tough loss to Pontiac and losing Jake Tandy for four weeks to an injury didn't help things. Tandy not playing hurt Rochester in their 45-38 loss to Redford Thurston. Max Muhl played his heart out scoring 22 points and Anthony Chirlo added 10 points for the Falcons. If Rochester can withstand until Tandy comes back, Coach Nick Evola's team will be fine going forward.

Romulus Summit Academy 54, FERNDALE 52.

The Eagles took a really tough loss to Romulus Summit Academy falling 54-52 on Sunday night. Ferndale had a strong fourth quarter trailing 40-36 only to take a 52-48 lead late in the game but they could not hold on and the Dragons took advantage. Romulus Summit Academy was upset by Walled Lake Central needed a bounce back game and they got it. Ferndale has played a tough schedule, it will be very interesting to see what Coach Juan Rickman does heading into 2025..

Monday

GROVES 67, River Rouge 65 O/T.

The Falcons had a hard fought fourth quarter, trailing 50-42 at the end of three quarters only to outscore the Panthers 29-15 to stun River Rouge 67-65 in overtime. Groves showed a ton of resilience and it showed in this game. Paul Hubbard, Jon Simpson, and Josh Gibson had monster games for Coach Marc West's team. The Falcons are riding into 2025 with a ton of confidence.

Detroit Martin Luther King 51, AVONDALE 41.

The Yellow Jackets knew it was going to be a tough matchup going against Detroit Martin Luther King and it showed. The Crusaders can add their third Red opponent they have beaten with a 51-41 win over Avondale on Monday night. Detroit Martin Luther King had a strong start and did just enough to shut the Yellow Jackets down defensively. Avondale and Coach Jaret Thomas will have some questions heading into 2025.

Detroit Cass Tech 67, ADAMS 58 2 O/T.

The Highlanders went through a ton of adversity this week with the departure of the Langdon brothers to a tough late night loss to Warren DeLaSalle at North Farmington. Adams took Detroit Cass Tech to double overtime but the Technicians found a way to escape with the 67-58 win. The Highlanders battled, have to give credit to Coach Isiah Novak and the players for battling in this game. Adams will be fine heading into 2025.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 72, Detroit Renaissance 69.

The Lakers earned a huge win over a really good Phoenix team winning 72-69. Curtis Britton had a big night for Coach Arnette Jordan scoring 33 points. West Bloomfield did just enough defensively to win this game. It should be very interesting what the Lakers do heading into 2025.

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday December 21st at 5:05 PM

Updated Monday December 30th at 11:20 PM

Here are the top 23 basketball rankings heading into the holidays.

Boys

1. Groves 7-1: Falcons showed resilience in their win over River Rouge.

2. Clarkston 7-1: Wolves have been a Jekyll and Hyde every quarter.

3. West Bloomfield 4-5: Lakers have been battle tested despite record.

4. Ferndale 2-7: Eden Vinyard is the key to the Eagles season.

5. Avondale 5-5: What happened against Warren Fitzgerald, Yellow Jackets???.

6. Lake Orion 4-4: The break could not have come at a better time for the Dragons.

7. Oxford 8-0: Wildcats have been rolling despite not having a strong non conference schedule.

8. North Farmington 5-4: Raiders got a huge win to close out 2024.

9. Farmington 7-2: Falcons playing team ball makes them dangerous. 

10. Adams 3-7: Losing Langdon brothers hurts but Highlanders are better off in the long run.

11. Bloomfield Hills 5-3: Blackhawks still favorite in Blue despite losing streak.

12. Troy 3-6: Mason Parker is doing Mason Parker things for the Colts.

13. Stoney Creek 4-3: Quentin Rangi has been a difference maker for the Cougars.

14. Pontiac 3-5: JJ Claudio has been really good lately for the Phoenix.

15. Seaholm 1-6: Maples have been playing much better despite the record.

16. Royal Oak 4-3: CJ Hairston is a star in the making for the Ravens.

17. Troy Athens 2-6: Red Hawks 1-3-1 defense will keep them in games.

18. Rochester 4-4: Losing Jake Tandy to injury hurts the Falcons.

19. Ferndale University 5-2: Eagles are much improved and the record shows it.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 3-6: Warriors have been very inconsistent lately.

21. Berkley 3-4: Drew Sermo has been very consistent despite tough losses.

22. Oak Park 1-2: Knights have struggled as of late.

23. Harper Woods 2-5: Pioneers had a strong bounce back against a good Fraser team.

Girls

 

1. Seaholm 6-1: Maples resolve showed against Ferndale coming back from nine down to win.

2. Clarkston 4-4: Tough schedule has harden the Wolves.

3. Avondale 5-1: Despite loss to Plymouth Salem, Yellow Jackets are much improved.

4. West Bloomfield 2-4: Lakers are fine despite rough start.

5. Ferndale 4-4: Eagles are 1-4 in their last five games.

6. Stoney Creek 4-1: Cougars have started to turn things around since their loss to Walled Lake Northern.

7. Lake Orion 5-2: When Charlotte Peplowski plays well, the Dragons are a different team.

8. Oxford 2-4: Bench got some good work in for the Wildcats despite the mono issues to two starters.

9. Rochester 2-3: The Falcons offense has gotten going, a lot of that has been Alice Max.

10. Adams 4-2: Highlanders might be the most dangerous team in the league and this is without Faith Zoldus.

11. Berkley 5-1: Bears might be ready to make a run but loss to Seaholm bothers me.

12. Royal Oak 2-3: Ravens have been up and down lately.

13. Southfield Arts and Tech 4-2: Warriors winning over teams they're suppose to, defense still an issue.

14. Groves 0-5: Falcons are making progress despite tough record.

15. Troy Athens 4-2: Kata Tasich has to be on everyone's radar now.

16. Troy 0-5: I need to do a Tom Grossi Fan Reaction YouTube video to describe the Colts.

17. North Farmington 3-5: Hailey Webley and Lucy Nemith are players to watch.

18. Bloomfield Hills 1-3: Blackhawks have been giving up a ton of points lately.

19. Farmington 3-4: Falcons have been competitive despite record.

20. Pontiac 2-3: Phoenix have been good against teams with the Academy name.

21. Ferndale University 4-3: Eagles showing promise after going winless last season.

22. Oak Park 0-3: Knights have been a hard team to figure out.

23. Harper Woods 3-2: Off the court issues are plaguing the Pioneers.

Pontiac has a new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Wednesday December 11th at 9:00 PM

The Pontiac Phoenix made a surprising coaching move before the season began according to sources.

Pontiac Coach Andrew Myers was not listed as the head coach on the MHSAA website. The Phoenix have DeQuan Washington as the head coach according to the MHSAA website.

It is unknown what happened with Myers and if there was a falling out with the school.

Myers led the Phoenix to a 13-9 record in his only season last season. Myers most notably played at Clarkston for legendary coach Dan Fife.

Pontiac sits at 1-1 on the season despite being one of the favorites in the Blue.

We'll see what happens with the Phoenix as the season progress.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

 

Here is the conformation.

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/pontiac/boys/varsity/basketball/2024

Oxford has a new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Tuesday December 10th at 11:00 PM

The Wildcats have a new girls basketball coach.

Oxford has named Trevor Marshall their new coach after Phil Dawson stepped down.

The MHSAA website confirmed the move.

Oxford is 1-2 on the season. Marshall is also the junior varsity coach for the program.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Here is the MHSAA Website confirming the Marshall conformation.

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/oxford/girls/varsity/basketball/2024

 

Meyer steps down at Avondale.

Written Monday December 9th at 7:20 PM

Avondale will have a new varsity football coach next fall.

Yellow Jackets coach Bob Meyer has stepped down coaching the program after three years in Auburn Hills.

A very accurate source confirmed the news that Meyer stepped down after the season ended.

Meyer led the Yellow Jackets to a 22-10 record with three postseason appearances and won the Gold in his last two years. Avondale lost twice to Walled Lake Western in the postseason.

It will be very interesting to see what Avondale does with their coaching search and the transition period that awaits them.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Loria leaves legacy at Bloomfield Hills.

Written Monday December 9th at 6:55 PM

The first ever football coach at Bloomfield Hills has stepped down coaching the program.

Bloomfield Hills coach Dan Loria has stepped down coaching the program. Loria stepped down after the season but the source is now confirmed.

Loria was 42-67 at coach of the Blackhawks. He was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser posting a 72-45 record with the Knights. 

Loria went 9-1 twice in 2013 and in 2021 but was 5-22 in the final three years with the Blackhawks. 

It will be really interesting to see where Bloomfield Hills goes with their coaching search. Program strength is a concern this offseason.

We'll see what happens.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.