Written Tuesday June 10th at 12:11 PM
The will be updated very often. I'll have more information on future podcasts.
District 62 @ Goodrich
PONTIAC
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Goodrich
Brandon
Lake Fenton
Linden
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Goodrich, 2. Pontiac, 3. Lake Fenton, 4. Linden, 5. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 6. Brandon.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: JJ Claudio-Pontiac
X FACTOR: Dominic Melaragni- Goodrich
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Goodrich
MOST DANGEROUS: Pontiac
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district to keep an eye on. Pontiac has a new coach in Dion Harris taking over the program. The Phoenix fell to arch rival Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the district finals at Sy Green Gym last season so there is a chip on the shoulder for Pontiac especially with how proud a program they are. The Fighting Irish will always be in the conversation when it comes to the district but they will have a new coach at Whitney Robinson has stepped down coaching the program according to sources and Andy Durkin has taken over the program. There is a proven power in Goodrich who is in this district as well and has a legendary coach in Gary Barnes as well. The Martians won 19 games and their district as well last season. Lake Fenton won 14 games for Coach Jalen Miller but fell 51-49 to Williamston in the first round last season. Linden also won 14 games as well and has been improving each season for second year Coach Brendan Miller. Brandon has struggled winning two games last season but they could improve for Coach Matthew Christenson. Overall Goodrich looks to be the favorite but Pontiac, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Lake Fenton, and Linden have solid chances to win this district.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There really isn't any changes to the district compared to the last time I wrote about this district. Pontiac could be a serious threat to Goodrich but with the district being on the Martians home court it will be very tough but the Phoenix can get it done even with a young team they will have this season. Lake Fenton, Linden, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Brandon should challenge but looking at the district it's for now either the Martians or the Phoenix.
District 60 @ Harper Woods Chandler Park
HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Detroit Edwin Denby Tech
Eastpointe
Detroit East English Village Prep
St. Clair Shores South Lake
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Edwin Denby Tech, 2. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 3. Eastpointe, 4. Detroit East English Village Prep, 5. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 6. Harper Woods.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Andre Cast- Harper Woods
X FACTOR: Delvon Dixson- Detroit Edwin Denby Tech
PRONE TO GET UPSET: St. Clair Shores South Lake
MOST DANGEROUS: Detroit Edwin Denby Tech
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district on paper with a lot of new coaches in this district. Harper Woods really struggled last season. It's possible they could struggle this season despite having one of the top guards in Andre Cast coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. St. Clair Shores South Lake won 13 games last season for Coach Curtis Gillyen. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down winning 10 games last season. The Eagles have a new coach in James Scott who has taken over the program. Detroit East English Village Prep was around 500 winning nine games last season for Coach Brandon Moore. Detroit Edwin Denby won 15 games along with a district crown for Coach Kevin Woodmore. Eastpointe won 11 games last season and has a new coach in former River Rouge Coach Joe Carr taking over the program. The Tars could be the early favorite to win this district but never ever count the Cavaliers out by a second.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: This district looks like this is Detroit Edwin Denby Tech's district to lose. They have home court and one of the top players in the game in Delvon Dixson. This could be a district that the Tars could dominate being at home but St. Clair Shores South Lake, Eastpointe, Detroit East English Village Prep, Harper Woods, and Harper Woods Chandler Park should be improved but with the district being at Detroit Edwin Denby Tech it could be tough to handle.
District 58 @ Detroit Old Redford
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Detroit Old Redford
Hazel Park
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale, 2. Detroit Old Redford, 3. Ferndale University, 4. Detroit Lincoln King Academy, 5. Hazel Park, 6. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Drew Wilson-Detroit Old Redford
X FACTOR: Eden Vinyard- Ferndale
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Ferndale
MOST DANGEROUS: Detroit Old Redford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a loaded district on paper. Ferndale is looking to have a bounce back after two early exits in the postseason after winning the Division Two State Crown under Coach and Athletic Director Juan Rickman. Detroit Old Redford won 19 games last season. The Ravens have former Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield point guard Drew Wilson coming back for Coach Rashad Reeves. Ferndale University looks to be much improved as well and could be a factor but they will have a new Coach as Josh Nicks left Ferndale University for Hazel Park. The Eagles went with experience and named Anton Bradford as their new coach. Hazel Park won 13 games last season but the Vikings will have a new coach as CJ Goff stepped down and Nicks has taken over the program. Detroit Lincoln King Academy was really competitive last season winning 13 games for Coach JuJuan Armstrong. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy won 10 games last season for Coach Allen Gee. Overall this district could be a two team between Detroit Old Redford and Ferndale but anyone in this district is capable of pulling an upset.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: I don't really see anyone challenging Ferndale or Detroit Old Redford in this district. Eden Vinyard is the best big man in this district but Drew Wilson is the best player. The district will come down to one of these two household names putting their stamp in this district. There is really no one else that challenges these two teams but that could change.
District 29 @ Troy Athens
TROY ATHENS
TROY
ROYAL OAK
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Warren Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy Athens, 2. Royal Oak, 3. Troy, 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 5. Warren Mott.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: CJ Hairston- Royal Oak
X FACTOR: Caiden Hanburry- Troy Athens
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Royal Oak
MOST DANGEROUS: Troy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district on paper. The only difference is Berkley went south and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood enters into this district. Shout-out to Margaret (Troy Athens security lady) who is going to have to deal with this. Troy Athens won the district last season which included wins over Troy and Royal Oak. The Red Hawks could be poised to take the next step under second year coach Mitchell Vercellino. Royal Oak moved to the Blue and could be a factor after making the district finals last season under Coach Aaron Smith. Troy looks to be the wildcard but knowing legendary Coach Gary Fralick he will have his team ready. Warren Mott really struggled last season winning one game for Coach Matthew Fecht. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled winning four games last season comes from Division Two under Coach Matt Gump. Overall the Red Hawks are the early favorite but Royal Oak and Troy are going to be factors as well.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: Not much has changed in this district, Troy Athens is the favorite because of home court and other proven players. Royal Oak should be a tough out for anyone. Troy is the most dangerous. Really no changes in this district for now.
District 28 @ Utica Eisenhower
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Romeo
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Adams, 2. Rochester, 3. Stoney Creek, 4. Utica Eisenhower, 5. Romeo, 6. Utica.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Cannon Flynn- Adams
X FACTOR: Logan Pleasant- Rochester
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Adams
MOST DANGEROUS: Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district but could have some similarities to last season. The Rochester schools will play each other twice in the regular season with all three teams being in the White. Rochester has a ton of proven talent coming back along with a strong sub varsity program but the recent transfer of Max Muhl could change things for Coach Nick Evola however program strength is there for the Falcons. Adams has Cannon Flynn, Daniel Terski, and a loaded and proven team for Coach Isiah Novak. Stoney Creek has a proven experienced team but they have a new coach in Marko Tomich taking over the program. The Cougars have had a strong summer thus far and they have a new athletic director in former North Farmington Coach Todd Negoshian who will certainly try to make his mark with his new program. Romeo has some questions and has won two district games in the last six years under Coach Marvin Cushinberry. Utica Eisenhower should be improved and has home court for Coach Anthony Muscat. Utica should also be better despite really struggling for Coach David Hinkle last season. Overall it looks like it could be very similar to last season when looking at this district.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: This should be a competitive district, the three Rochester schools could battle for the top three seeds. I'm still not sold on the Macomb County teams yet even though I feel Utica Eisenhower is the best of the Macomb County teams and has home court. It will be interesting to see what happens.
District 27 @ Lake Orion
LAKE ORION
AVONDALE
CLARKSTON
WATERFORD KETTERING
WATERFORD MOTT
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Avondale, 2. Clarkston, 3. Waterford Mott, 4. Lake Orion, 5. Waterford Kettering.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nate Giacolone- Lake Orion
X FACTOR: JaKobe Louris- Avondale
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Clarkston
MOST DANGEROUS: Lake Orion
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is the same district as last season except the district heads north to Lake Orion. Waterford Mott won the district last season but they lost a ton of experience and they are coming into the OAA. The Corsairs have some experience in DaKari Stephens coming back but there are a ton of questions with Waterford Mott for Coach Jeff Jayson. Waterford Kettering is also coming into the OAA. The Captains will be much improved and is the early favorite in the Gold but they will have a new coach as Rex Walters shockingly stepped down in August and Will Campbell has taken over the program. Clarkston will be in the conversation but they have some questions coming into the season. Lake Orion is guard heavy but the interior will be very interesting to watch for Coach Jose Andrades. Avondale is loaded and with Max Muhl transferring to Auburn Hills it makes them a bit different but they will have a new coach as Jaret Thomas stepped down and is at Oakland Community College. Aaron Fox has taken over as the new coach of the Yellow Jackets. Interior play will be the key to watch in this district.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There are no changes for now in this district but the seeds could go either way between Avondale, Clarkston, Waterford Mott, and Lake Orion. Waterford Kettering is in the Gold and could make some noise as well. This could be a hard district to seed if all five teams get off to strong starts.
District 26 @ West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
Lakeland
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 2. West Bloomfield, 3. Walled Lake Central, 4. Walled Lake Northern, 5. Lakeland.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Anthony Camacho- Walled Lake Central
X FACTOR: Curtis Britton- West Bloomfield
PRONE TO GET UPSET: West Bloomfield
MOST DANGEROUS: Walled Lake Central
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very similar district to last season when Orchard Lake St. Marys ran away with the district crown on the black top in the Swamp. The Eaglets will be a different team but they are still loaded for Coach Todd Covert. West Bloomfield will need to defend if they want any chance to win this district and Coach Arnette Jordan knows that. Walled Lake Central will be really interesting having won 38 games and two Lakes Valley Conference crowns in the last two years for Coach Chuck Spolsky but they lost twice in the postseason to West Bloomfield. The Vikings have a dynamic player in Anthony Camacho and also Evan Brown coming back. Walled Lake Northern should be much improved under Coach Ryan Negoshian. Lakeland should be solid for Coach Rob Thompson. Overall I don't see anyone touching the Eaglets.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: No real changes to this district but West Bloomfield if they can defend has a shot against Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Eaglets could take a step back but they are still Orchard Lake St. Marys and Walled Lake Central is a wildcard. Overall as mentioned no changes.
District 25 @ Oxford
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Flint Kearsley
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison, 3. Oxford, 4. Flint Kearsley, 5. Lapeer, 6. Holly.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Brennan Elling- Oxford
X FACTOR: Aiden Tipton- Flint Kearsley
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Davison
MOST DANGEROUS: Flint Kearsley
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district. Flint Kearsley comes into this district which makes things very interesting after winning the Flint Metro League Stripes division crown last season for Coach Joe Cockran. Oxford has home court but lost a ton of proven talent from last season but knowing Coach Joe Fedorchik he'll think of something. Grand Blanc is loaded with proven experience and players with Division One talent for Coach Doreace Martin. Davison looks to be solid as well especially after they struggled early but picked things up at the right time last season for Coach Mike Williams. Lapeer got better as the season rolled along last season for Coach Thomas Chittle. Holly struggled last season but they should be improved for Coach Steve DeHart. Overall this district looks like this is the Bobcats district to lose.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There is really no changes to this district. Grand Blanc is loaded along with Davison. Oxford has to replace a lot of talent from last season and Flint Kearsley is a dangerous team. No changes to the seeding or anything for now.
District 24 @ TBA
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
BERKLEY
Birmingham Brother Rice
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Brother Rice, 2. Bloomfield Hills, 3. Groves, 4. Seaholm, 5. Southfield Arts and Tech, 6. Berkley.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Greg Grays- Birmingham Brother Rice
X FACTOR: D'Ron Mason- Bloomfield Hills
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Bloomfield Hills
MOST DANGEROUS: Seaholm
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district but not like last season's district where there was a ton of drama. Birmingham Brother Rice's Greg Grays won the Warriors the district crown with his heroics against Groves on their home floor. Grays is back along with Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood transfer Stefan Bancia for Coach Ricky Palmer. Bloomfield Hills has the guards to win this district for Coach Brian Canfield. Seaholm is the most dangerous team in this district. The Maples improved as the season went along. They are expected to take a big jump under Coach Spenser Adams. Groves looks to be the wildcard after losing a ton of experience for Coach Marc West last season. Southfield Arts and Tech is the great unknown for new coach Josh Lyle. Berkley comes into this district with a new coach in James McCulloh and pretty low expectations. Overall until then this district is covered in orange and black.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could come down to Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham Brother Rice. The Black Hawks can shoot threes and dribble drive. The Warriors are the standard barrier, Bloomfield Hills could win this district but they are going to have to play well if they want it.
District 23 @ Hamtramck
OAK PARK
Hamtramck
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 2. Warren Fitzgerald, 3. Hamtramck, 4. Detroit Renaissance, 5. Detroit Mumford, 6. Oak Park.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Colin Langdon- Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
X FACTOR: Jayden Miller- Detroit Renaissance
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
MOST DANGEROUS: Hamtramck
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a absolutely brutal district for Oak Park and Coach Durrand Sheppard. The Knights struggled last season and could again this season. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is loaded, Detroit Renaissance is loaded, Hamtramck is loaded, and Warren Fitzgerald is a proven powerhouse. The Cubs have a new coach in Chris Jenkins after Pat Donnely was promoted to Athletic Director in the offseason. Detroit Mumford was up and down last season and has a new coach in Jermaine Kilbourne. Kilbourne was formerly at Detroit Western before becoming the new coach of the Mustangs and they added a transfer in Gavin Bobbitt who transferred from Redford Union this offseason. Overall this is a brutal district, the early favorite has to be the Cubs followed by the Spartans, Cosmos, Phoenix, Mustangs, then the Knights. It's going to be tough as mentioned for Oak Park.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There is really no changes, the Cubs are favored in this loaded district. Warren Fitzgerald, Detroit Renaissance, and Hamtramck are dangerous teams. It will be very interesting to see if Detroit Mumford and Oak Park could make serious noise.
District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington, 2. North Farmington, 3. Livonia Stevenson, 4. Livonia Churchill, 5. Livonia Franklin, 6. Redford Thurston.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Myles Smith-Farmington
X FACTOR: Jayden Glinz- North Farmington
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Farmington
MOST DANGEROUS: Livonia Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks really interesting on paper. Farmington won the district last season and is loaded again for Coach Byron Johnson. North Farmington wants to get back to where they belong and they are more than capable of doing but they will have a new coach as Todd Negoshian stepped down and became the new Athletic Director at Stoney Creek. The Raiders went with former assistant and former junior varsity coach Pete Matayla as their new head coach. Redford Thurston won 15 games but the schedule hurt them which was a big factor in their loss to Livonia Stevenson in the first round last season. Livonia Stevenson looks to be the wildcard. The Spartans were up and down last season and they have home court. Livonia Churchill won 10 games last season. Livonia Franklin won eight games last season which has been a improvement to what has happened to the Patriots in the past. Overall this district goes through the city of Farmington, maybe Livonia Stevenson but until then this district is either brown and yellow or dark blue and silver.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There is really no changes to this district. Matayla coaching the Raiders stabilizes things for them. Livonia Stevenson is the wildcard. Livonia Churchill has a ton back. Farmington should be solid and is the slight favorite for now.
Boys Basketball Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2026-Districts
Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReH-e9GToD8