Written Tuesday June 10th at 12:11 PM
This will be updated very often. I'll have more information on future podcasts.
District 60 @ Birmingham Detroit Country Day
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
Hazel Park
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Madison Heights Lamphere
Center Line
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 2. Madison Heights Lamphere, 3. Hazel Park, 4. Center Line, 5. Ferndale University, 6. Ferndale.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Cira Racco- Birmingham Detroit Country Day
X FACTOR- Zahra Richardson- Ferndale
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Madison Heights Lamphere
MOST DANGEROUS: Ferndale University
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district on paper although no one has confirmed who is hosing the district. It's most likely that this district will be at Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets should be the overwhelming favorite with the talent they have coming back for Coach Amber Deane. Ferndale University could be the sleeper in this district. The Eagles have experience and could make some serious noise but Coach Bennie Szczepkowski stepped down coaching the program and Brian Pinkett has taken over the program. Madison Heights Lamphere struggled some last season under Coach Griffin Burton. The Rams have the experience to make some noise. Hazel Park really struggled last season but have a new coach in former Ferndale Coach Devin Pettaway. Center Line really struggled last season for Coach Josh Banks and they could again this season. Ferndale has a ton of questions when it comes to program strength which is why they are sixth. The Eagles have a new coach in April Johnson taking over the program Overall no one is touching the Yellow Jackets.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: Not much has changed since doing this preview except Ferndale University will have a new coach in Brian Pinkett taking over the program. It is unknown at this time if Ferndale will have a program or not. Several big name players and those who were supposed to have come to Ferndale have transferred out but they have a new coach in April Johnson but program questions remain. Everything for now remains the same.
District 59 @ Eastpointe
HARPER WOODS
Eastpointe
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Warren Lincoln
PROJECTED MPR: 1. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 2. Harper Woods, 3. Eastpointe, 4. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 5. Warren Lincoln.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Laynah West- Harper Woods
X FACTOR- Jayda Davis- Harper Woods
PRONE TO BE UPSET: St. Clair Shores South Lake
MOST DANGEROUS: Harper Woods
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district on paper. St. Clair Shores South Lake won 14 games last season for Coach Wilbur Jones. Harper Woods was up and down at 500 last season for Coach LaTonya Tate. Harper Woods Chandler Park had a really rough year winning eight games for Coach Rodrick Glover last season. Warren Lincoln really struggled last season under Coach Jalen Ford. Eastpointe won 11 games but fell to Harper Woods Chandler Park in the postseason last season. The Shamrocks could be a sleeper to watch for Coach Deon Woods. Overall this looks very even on paper when looking at the teams, it's anyone's district to take.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: Not much has changed from the early thoughts. The Cavaliers remain the favorite to come out of this district. If the Pioneers can get more depth they should be St. Clair Shores South Lake's biggest threat in the postseason.
District 61 @ Warren Regina
PONTIAC
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Warren Regina
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Macomb Lutheran North
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 2. Warren Regina, 3. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 4. Pontiac, 5. Macomb Lutheran North.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Kaylyn Sowers- Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
X FACTOR- Emerson Holder- Warren Regina
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Warren Regina
MOST DANGEROUS: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district on paper. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep comes into this district after years with Birmingham Detroit Country Day but the Yellow Jackets are in a different district. The Fighting Irish have a new coach in Matthew Matuza after being the Junior Varsity coach last season. He has Pontiac Notre Dame Prep playing really well this summer. Warren Regina has a ton of proven experience and a proven track record for Coach Joe Charrette. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood had a down year for Coach Micaela Ellis last season. Macomb Lutheran North was up and down winning eight games under Coach Andrea Avery-Tiedt last season. Pontiac has been improving and won nine games going above 500 last season. The Phoenix will look to take the next step for Coach Corray Lett. Overall this looks like a two team race between the Fighting Irish and the Satellites but you never know with anyone in this district.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There really hasn't been too much change. I still believe it's a two team district between Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Warren Regina. Pontiac will be the team to keep an eye on, I think they are too low in the projected MPR but they have the most upside to do some damage with everyone coming back even though their non conference schedule is very concerning. Overall this will come down to Warren Regina and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.
District 29 @ Warren Mott
TROY
TROY ATHENS
ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott
Warren Cousino
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Warren Cousino, 2. Troy, 3. Royal Oak, 4. Troy Athens, 5. Warren Mott.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Maci Zeiter- Troy
X FACTOR- Katrina Tasich- Troy Athens
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Troy
MOST DANGEROUS: Royal Oak
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district on paper. Warren Cousino has been a proven powerhouse in the State. The Patriots won their district for Coach Amy Mitchell and blew out 55-21 Royal Oak in the regional semifinals last season. Warren Mott shared the Macomb Area Conference Silver crown with Clawson but the Marauders went 2-5 in their last seven games including a four game losing streak which led to them falling 65-28 to Royal Oak in the district semifinals for Coach Patrick Schmidt last season. Royal Oak has been a consistent power and also won a district over Berkley for Coach Brian Sopota last season. Troy Athens has shown a ton of promise this summer under Coach Stacie Klump and should be improved. Troy should be much improved and having some key players like Diamond Prince coming back should make the Colts in line make some serious noise this season for Coach Laura Guzman. Overall this is a really tough district and hard to predict.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There really is no changes when it comes to the projections. The team to seriously watch is Troy because they could go either way with most of their roster coming back but they really under performed even with several key players back from last season. Royal Oak is Royal Oak. Troy Athens should be much improved. Warren Cousino is still the favorite because of experience and tough competition.
District 28 @ Utica Eisenhower
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
Utica
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Utica Eisenhower, 2. Stoney Creek, 3. Rochester, 4. Romeo, 5. Utica.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Sam Fulkerson- Stoney Creek
X FACTOR- Taylor Parsons-Rochester
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Stoney Creek
MOST DANGEROUS: Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This almost the same district as last season but Adams moved north into Lake Orion. Utica Eisenhower stunned Stoney Creek 49-46 on their home floor albeit there was a ton of controversy with the officiating when it came to the clock in the district finals last season (timekeeper was correct.) The Cougars haven't forgotten that game and would love to return the favor to the Eagles on their home floor. Utica Eisenhower has a lot of proven experience with the Turner Twins (Mackenzie and Janelle) along with Natalya Stojevski coming back for Coach Madison Ristovski. Ritstovski has done a really nice job building program strength and it's her second year with the Eagles. Stoney Creek is a very interesting team that is in a precarious spot. The Cougars have the Ivezaj sisters (Izzy, Calista, and, Abigail) Sam Fulkerson, and Jaylen Freeman coming back for Coach Columbus Williams but depth is a concern for the Cougars. Romeo should be in the mix with a workman like group for Coach Ron LeBlanc. Rochester will be a different team without Alice Max and Kylie Robinson but they will still be in the discussion for Coach Andy Toppie. Utica struggled with a season ending injury to their top player. They should be better this season for Coach James Muchortow. Overall, the Eagles have to be the favorite because of experience and home court but the Cougars are right there with them with the Falcons as the darkhorse.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: Really no changes when it comes to this district. Utica Eisenhower is the favorite because of proven experience and home court. Stoney Creek has a strong starting five coming back however depth and discipline are big concerns along with program strength. Rochester will be a different team losing their two bigs in the post to graduation but the Falcons have program strength and several key returners ready to make some noise. Romeo is a team to watch because they could go either way. Utica should be much improved heading into the season. The Eagles are the favorite but the Cougars and Falcons could have strong says.
District 27 @ Lake Orion
LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON
ADAMS
AVONDALE
WATERFORD
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion, 3. Adams, 4. Avondale, 5. Waterford.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Faith Zoldus- Adams
X FACTOR- Sasha McClellan-Avondale
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Clarkston
MOST DANGEROUS: Avondale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting district on paper. Adams comes north into the district. This will be the first time since 2021 that Adams will not be in a district with their city rivals Rochester and Stoney Creek. The Highlanders have a ton of experience and a new but a very familiar coach in Coach Justin Howard taking over the program. Adams should be a player in the Blue this season. Lake Orion is a really young team and has two key injuries they have been dealing with but under Coach Bob Brydges his teams usually get better as the season goes on. Clarkston has been solid winning two district crowns over Lake Orion by a combined four points including a 59-56 district final overtime classic last season on their home floor. The Wolves have the talent in Elliana Robak, Bella Flavin and Brooklyn Covert coming back but there are some questions of staleness that lingers for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Avondale lost a ton of talent after winning the Blue last season but they have a proven talent in Sasha McClellan coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Waterford will be very young this season but they have a star player in Savannah Sartotius coming back for Coach Andrew Wellman. Overall on paper the Wolves are the favorite because of their proven experienced guards followed by the Dragons, Highlanders, Yellow Jackets, and Waterford.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: There is no changes to this district. I have concerns about Lake Orion possibly being to the four seed although unlikely but the strength of schedule despite having a very young team and they seem to get much better as the season goes on under Coach Bob Brydges is the other reason even though Avondale and Adams have much easier schedules than Lake Orion however the strength of schedule along with past history under Brydges is why I have the Dragons as the two seed. Clarkston is the favorite because of their three headed monster of Robak, Flavin, and Covert along with a very tough schedule but staleness is a concern surrounding the Wolves. Adams has a new coach along with proven experience. Avondale lost a lot of proven talent but they have their starting point guard coming back which is always huge. Waterford should be competitive in a new league which they will be this season. The Wolves are still the favorite but the Dragons despite their inexperience looks to be their biggest challenger in this district.
District 26 @ Oxford
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison, 3. Oxford, 4. Lapeer, 5. Holly.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Kaitlyn Brockway- Oxford
X FACTOR- Savannah Rice- Davison
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Davison
MOST DANGEROUS: Oxford
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district at Ian Smith Gym on paper. Oxford has some key pieces in Mia Champagne and Kaitlyn Brockway coming back for Coach Trevor Marshall. Grand Blanc looks to be the favorite with a ton of proven talent coming back but they have a new coach in Sylvester Liggins taking over the program after Bob Taylor retired from coaching this offseason. Davison was up and down last season. The Cardinals should be in the mix with their size in the interior and they have an emerging freshman to watch in Nia Wilson for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Holly really struggled last season for Coach Ben Varner. Lapeer was up and down as well for Coach Joseph LoBaido last season. Overall the Bobcats should be the favorite but keep an eye on the Cardinals and the Wildcats.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: I had thoughts about this district for a while and really see no changes in this district. Oxford should be competitive despite losing several key players to graduation. Grand Blanc has a new coach taking over the program with proven talent but the transition period remains to be seen. Davison has a nice blend of youth and experience and has two girls that are over six foot two or above to watch along with a very talented freshman. Lapeer has struggled but should be competitive. Holly will struggle again. No real changes as mentioned with the Bobcats still favored to win this district.
District 25 @ Lakeland
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
Lakeland
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 3. Lakeland, 4. Walled Lake Northern, 5. Walled Lake Central.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Sheridan Beal- West Bloomfield
X FACTOR- Allie Crighton- Orchard Lake St. Marys
PRONE TO BE UPSET: West Bloomfield
MOST DANGEROUS: Walled Lake Northern
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district. West Bloomfield made it to the Final Four four of the last five years but have lost several key players from their roster. Program strength will be something to watch for the Lakers and Coach Darrin McAllister despite getting some key players like Iyanna Davis coming from Ferndale. Orchard Lake St. Marys looks to be a serious contender to end West Bloomfield's reign as district champs. The Eaglets have a ton of loaded and proven talent led by Allie Crighton coming back for former Stoney Creek girls and Adams boys basketball coach Brad Crighton. Lakeland is a very tough team. They have home court which helps and is very competitive for Coach Mike Leitheim. Walled Lake Northern is very similar to their rivals on Bougie Lake Road. The Knights are a very competitive and have the Younes sisters in Zeina and Fatima coming back for Coach Josh Pees. Walled Lake Central really struggled last season but should be better this season for Coach Ken Nelson. Overall this looks like it could be West Bloomfield/Orchard Lake St. Marys part two but Lakeland and Walled Lake Northern could have strong says.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: This district looks to be very interesting. West Bloomfield added several Ferndale transfers this offseason and could make a serious impact. Orchard Lake St. Marys has a lot of experience coming back and is well coached. Walled Lake Northern has the Younes sisters and is well coached. Lakeland will be very competitive and has home court. Walled Lake Central should be improved. This looks like a tough district on paper but still it will come to the Lakers and the Eaglets.
District 24 @ Bloomfield Hills
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES
SEAHOLM
NORTH FARMINGTON
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Groves, 2. Birmingham Marian, 3. Bloomfield Hills, 4. Seaholm, 5. North Farmington.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Ella Swanson- Birmingham Marian
X FACTOR- Harlem Simpson- Groves
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Birmingham Marian
MOST DANGEROUS: Groves
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district which has four OAA teams and a proven Catholic League powerhouse. North Farmington was really young last season and should be better for Coach Michael Allin in their final season in the OAA before they leave for the Lakes Valley Conference. This could be Groves best chance to win a district crown for the first time since 2021. The Falcons have two proven guards in Jaycee Roy and Harlem Simpson coming back but interior play is the biggest question for Coach Jessica Duleba. Seaholm lost a ton of proven experience and has some questions for Coach Chris Manchester. Bloomfield Hills has some questions for Coach Renardo Brown. Birmingham Marian won a district crown last season and is loaded with proven experience but they have a new coach in Curt Rotter taking over the program. The Mustangs should be the favorite but you never know.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: If you said to me this district last season then this would be a competitive district. Birmingham Marian looks to be the favorite because of their experience but they have a new coach and they have to go through a transition period which has to happen during the season. Groves should be the Mustangs top challenger because of Roy and Simpson, I have serious concerns about their depth but because of Roy and Simpson they have the top seed for now. Seaholm and Bloomfield Hills lost a lot of proven experience. North Farmington should be improved but not ready to make the next step in my opinion. Overall this district looks like it's Birmingham Marian's to lose.
District 23 @ TBA
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Berkley, 3. Warren Fitzgerald, 4. Detroit Mumford, 5. Southfield Arts and Tech, 6. Oak Park.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Nicqo Shoulders- Berkley
X FACTOR- Jaebrian Autry- Detroit Renaissance
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Detroit Renaissance
MOST DANGEROUS: Berkley
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district when it comes to different styles which is something I talked to Berkley Coach Clay Shaver about during Media Day last season and it was Detroit Renaissance for this reason. Detroit Renaissance is the overwhelming favorite in this district because of proven talent and experience for Coach DaShaun Wood. Berkley could challenge Detroit Renaissance if they play well and handle the speed and pressure the Phoenix could give them. Detroit Mumford has been solid for Coach Kareem Hogan. Southfield Arts and Tech has a strong year last season but there are some questions for Coach and Athletic Director Shaquita Coltrane that she'll need to address. Oak Park really struggled last season for Coach Tyler Washington. Warren Fitzgerald was up and down for Coach Juwan Shakespher last season. Overall this district has to favor the Phoenix but the Bears could have a say if they get to the district finals.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: No changes to this district but Berkley has shown signs they can challenge anyone. It's Detroit Renaissance's system and pace that will challenge the Bears. Other than Berkley I don't see anyone challenging the Phoenix.
District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
Farmington Hills Mercy
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson, 3. Livonia Franklin, 4. Redford Thurston, 5. Livonia Churchill, 6. Farmington.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Elle Geerings- Farmington Hills Mercy
X FACTOR- Sydney Nogas- Farmington
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Farmington Hills Mercy
MOST DANGEROUS: Livonia Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting district when looking at all the teams. Farmington Hills Mercy looks to be the favorite on paper but don't count out Livonia Stevenson or Farmington. The Spartans have a ton of proven experience coming back and they are well coached under former Groves Coach Alison Hidey. The Marlins beat Livonia Stevenson 60-45 in the district final last season on their home floor. Farmington won the Gold last season. The Falcons have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Natalie Nowak in their final season in the OAA heading for the Lakes Valley Conference next season. Livonia Churchill was at 500 last season but have three starters coming back for Coach K'Len Morris. Livonia Franklin really struggled last season but they have all five starters coming back for Coach Collen Flaherty. Redford Thurston won 12 games last season and should be very interesting for Coach Princess Scott this season. This district could come down to the Marlins and the Spartans which could be another classic again.
OCTOBER THOUGHTS: This could be a tight district between Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson. This could be the Spartans year to get the Marlins if they play each other. I don't really see anyone in this district that could get past the two top teams, maybe Livonia Franklin and Redford Thurston could but other than that it's the two top teams as mentioned.
Girls Basketball Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2026-Districts
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