Boys Basketball Preview.

Written Friday November 21st at 6:40 PM

Here is the Boys Basketball Preview Outlook. I have the teams in this projected order of finish along with the top ten. I'll post the podcast for the preview show and the outlook for the season. I also have the district outlook as well that will be on here as well. Here they are.

Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xns0DPj52fc 

 

Districts

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2025/06/boys-basketball-districts-2026.html 

 

Early teams to watch

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2025/09/basketball-way-too-early-oaa-teams-to.html 

 

TOP TEN TO START

1. Avondale

2. Pontiac

3. Clarkston

4. Ferndale

5. Farmington

6. Waterford Mott 

7. Lake Orion

8. Bloomfield Hills 

9. Rochester

10. Adams 

 

Red

RANKING NON CONFERENCE SCHEDULES TOUGHEST TO EASIEST.

1. Ferndale

2. West Bloomfield

3. Avondale

4. Groves

5. Clarkston

6. Farmington

7. North Farmington

 

AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS

16-8, 8-4 Red. Lost 46-45 to Waterford Mott in District Finals

STRENGTH: Athleticism, Guards, Wings.

CONCERN: Size. 

KEY PLAYER: JaKobe Louris- SF

WILDCARD: Max Muhl- G

WATCH FOR: Noah Bonds- G

STORYLINE: How will the Yellow Jackets adjust to Coach Aaron Fox's system??? 

The Yellow Jackets have had a very interesting offseason and some huge expectations coming into this season. Avondale won 32 games in the last two years but have not made it past the districts however they have been very challenging districts falling to Waterford Mott on their home floor in the district finals 46-45 last season. The Yellow Jackets is looking for the same success from past years but with several major changes. They have a ton of proven experience in JaKobe Louris, Noah Bonds, Anthony Burton, Jaidon Burgeois, and Javonte Anderson coming back. They added Max Muhl who transferred from Rochester this offseason. Avondale will have a new coach in Aaron Fox taking over the program. Fox takes over for Jaret Thomas after he became the associate coach at Oakland Community College this offseason. Fox was the interim coach at Avondale when then Coach Pat Clancy stepped down mid season before Thomas took over the program. Fox stayed on as Thomas assistant when he took over the program.The Yellow Jackets have two sophomores in Kaleb Ross and DaKari Ross who could be players to watch. The non conference slate looks very challenging with Pontiac, Stoney Creek, Freeland, Grand Blanc, Hamtramck, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, Harper Woods, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Program strength will be something to watch with the Yellow Jackets. Avondale should be a team to watch this season.  

 

CLARKSTON WOLVES

15-8, 6-6 Red. Lost 58-51 to Avondale in District Semifinals

STRENGTH: Three Point Shooting, Guards.

CONCERN: Size 

KEY PLAYER: Cole Charter- G

WILDCARD: Ace Walters- G

WATCH FOR: Shane Dasuqi- F

STORYLINE: Can the Wolves return to the past like Fife teams??? 

The Wolves had a really strong summer but unusually struggled in the Red losing six games with three losses at home (North Farmington, Avondale, and Groves.) They had a very disappointing 58-51 district semifinal loss to Avondale in which the Yellow Jackets won three times over the Wolves. Clarkston had a strong summer but last season as mentioned they struggled especially in the Red. There are some questions for Coach Tim Waslik to address heading into this season. The Wolves have Cole Charter, Drew French, Ace Walters, and Hayden Barlow coming back for Waslik. They have Shane Dasuqi, Shayne Waslik, Aiden Rose, Chris Quayle, Wyatt O'Halloran, Brody Champagne, Max Harmon, and Waylon Hunter waiting in the wings. Owen Poole could be another top name to watch in the future. Clarkston has had program strength which always helps when losing ton of proven players to graduation (Clarkston Jr. High and Sashabaw.) Legendary Coach Dan Fife always preached on program strength which Waslik has continued at Clarkston. The non conference looks challenging with Lake Orion, Adams, Stoney Creek, Walled Lake Western, Saginaw Heritage, Grand Rapids West Catholic, Grand Blanc, Bloomfield Hills, Troy Athens, and Sterling Heights Stevenson. The Wolves have been consistent year in and year out. Could we see the return of Clarkston to the top of the Red???, that remains to be seen.

FERNDALE EAGLES

10-14, 6-6 Red. Lost 63-60 to Detroit Pershing in District Semifinals

STRENGTH: Guards, Wings.

CONCERN: Interior, Depth. 

KEY PLAYER: Eden Vinyard-F

WILDCARD: Torriano Adams-G

WATCH FOR: Darrell Coleman-G

STORYLINE: Can the Eagles catch a break with the schedule??? 

The Eagles have been very consistent under Coach and Athletic Director Juan Rickman since their 2023 Division Two State Championship. The problem has been for Ferndale has been their district where they have had the eventual two time State Champions Warren Lincoln and Detroit Pershing they've had to deal with. They fell 63-60 to the Doughboys in the district semifinals. The Abes or the Doughboys are in this year's district but Rickman knows they could see them in the regionals in the future. Rickman has put a very tough non conference schedule which is why the Eagles had an under 500 record last season (won 10 games.) Ferndale is more than capable of turning things around. The Eagles have Eden Vinyard, Kari Ouwinga, Darrell Cochran, and Torriano Adams coming back with the majority having varsity experience. Rickman has always played a tough non conference which it will be challenging again with Birmingham Brother Rice, River Rouge, Ohio Reynoldsburg, Warren Lincoln, Detroit Renaissance, Rockford, Lansing Catholic, Cleveland Saint Ignatius, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids Christian. Program strength will be very interesting for Ferndale especially with school size but they have athletes that do come out and play basketball. The Eagles will be very interesting to see what happens this season. 

 

FARMINGTON FALCONS

19-6, 10-4 White. Lost 89-45 to Wayne Memorial in Regional Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.

CONCERN: Depth. 

KEY PLAYER: Myles Smith-F

WILDCARD: Anthony Bailey-G

WATCH FOR: Randall Rice-G

STORYLINE: Can the Falcons keep the postseason momentum heading into this season??? 

The Falcons had a strong year which they won 19 games, a district crown, and upset arch rival North Farmington in the district semifinals before falling 89-45 to Wayne Memorial in the regional semifinals. Farmington has a great chance to do make some noise in their final season in the OAA before heading to the Lakes Valley Conference next season. "From what I hear its going to be a very difficult adjustment, our schedule is loaded, we try to play the best competition, we feel like the OAA Red is one of the best in the State, we'll see where the chips fall when it's all set and done" said Coach Byron Johnson. Johnson has a very experienced team that will look to step up their game this season as mentioned. The Falcons have Anthony Bailey, Randall Rice, and Myles Smith coming back for Johnson. Farmington looks to keep the momentum going in the Red which they could see their arch rival (North Farmington) three times this season. The non conference looks very interesting with Ann Arbor Pioneer, Detroit University Prep, Southfield Arts and Tech, Hamtramck, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Macomb Dakota, they are in the Mitten Classic at Waterford Mott, they also have Waterford Mott, and Lansing Holt. Program strength also looks solid for Johnson. The Falcons will be a team to watch this season.

 

NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS

12-10, 7-5 Red. Lost 69-60 to Farmington in District Semifinals

STRENGTH: Athleticism, Guards, Wings.

CONCERN: Interior. 

KEY PLAYER: DJ Morgan-G

WILDCARD: Quran Creary- G

WATCH FOR: Jayden Glinz- G

STORYLINE: Can the Raiders bounce back after a disappointing postseason??? 

The Raiders will have a new coach coaching the program this season but it's a very familiar face within the program. North Farmington named Pete Mantyla as their new head coach taking over for Todd Negoshian who is the athletic director at Stoney Creek. "It's been real smooth, we've been in the gym almost 100 days been in the gym, with summer workouts, it's great, we've had a great turnout, 20 kids so I'm looking forward to it" said Mantyla. Mantyla brings experience and stability to a program that had some questions regarding program direction after Negoshian left. He also coached the summer league which also helped as well. The Raiders have Jayden Glinz, Troy Waldron, DJ Morgan, Quran Creary, Brendyn Flowers, Dylan Brown, and Connor Brown coming back along with program strength. "Todd did a great job with the team he was well orginazed, his dad was a real force in the gym" Mantyla added about the Negoshian's. The non conference looks challenging as it always had been under Negoshian with Plymouth Canton, Davison, Saginaw, Warren DeLaSalle, Warren Lincoln, Detroit University Science and Math, and they have the MLK Classic and Northville Classics as well.  North Farmington looks to be prepared and ready in their final season in the OAA before they head to the Lakes Valley Conference next season. 

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS

6-17, 2-10 Red. Lost 69-44 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in District Finals

STRENGTH: Guards, Proven Scorers.

CONCERN: Defense. 

KEY PLAYER: Curtis Britton- G

WILDCARD: Terry Lowe- G

WATCH FOR: Willie Edwards- F

STORYLINE: Can the Lakers defend??? 

The Lakers had a really unusual year winning six games but they got to the district finals where they fell to Orchard Lake St. Marys last season. West Bloomfield will look to have a much better year if they want to be competitive this season. "I've been fortunate to finish first in the league twice and last in the league twice, last year we were last in the league" said Coach Arnette Jordan. Defense was a big problem for Jordan. They allowed over 50 points in every game last season. "The defense will be good, I think with the new additions, Brian Hood coming back and Bruce coming back from Orchard Lake (St. Marys), our defense will be secure, our JV they were very defensive minded, we'll be very good" said Jordan. If they want to make the next step they need to address the defensive end of the court. The Lakers have Curtis Britton, Jayden Brown, Zach Boisvenu, Branslav Stojanovski, Quinn Davis, Willie Edwards, Prince Miles-El, Kylo Dickerson, Carter Gorge, and Terry Lowe coming back for Jordan. The non conference looks brutal with Detroit University Prep, Detroit Cass Tech, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, East Kentwood, Detroit Redford, Harper Woods, Redford Union, Adams, Ypsilanti Lincoln, and River Rouge. Program strength will be very interesting to watch for West Bloomfield as well. Defense is the key for success for the Lakers, it will go a long way if they want to make some noise this season.

 

GROVES FALCONS

19-6, 10-2 Red. Lost 64-61 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Finals 

STRENGTH: Wings, Interior.

CONCERN: Experience, Guards. 

KEY PLAYER: Beau Kennard- F

WILDCARD: David Upshaw- G

WATCH FOR: David Jones- G

STORYLINE: Can the young guys step up for the Falcons??? 

The Falcons had a really good year winning 19 games with a veteran lineup but they had a really tough district final to which former Farmington standout Greg Grays scored seven straight points for bitter rival Birmingham Brother Rice. Grays basically took over the game and stunned Groves on their home court 64-61 in the district finals. The Falcons lost a lot of proven experience to graduation which makes this season very interesting for Coach Marc West. "It was a great season, when you win the OAA Red, the first time in school history, it was an accomplishment, it was a ton of fun, the guys that were here they got to watch then and consistency compete as this level" said West. Groves has Beau Kennard, David Upshaw, and David Jones coming back for West. Program strength is a concern and something to watch this season. "It's going to be tough, it going to take some time to gain experience, the first time will be a great challenge, our goal is to play our best basketball by February" West said.  The non conference looks very challenging with Oxford, Warren DeLaSalle, Imlay City, Bloomfield Hills, Adams, Stoney Creek, Troy, Macomb Lutheran North, Seaholm, and Detroit Western. Falcons should be competitive despite having a lot of inexperience. They could be a sleeper to watch this season. 

 

 

White

RANKING TOP NON CONFERENCE SCHEDULE TOUGHEST TO EASIEST

1. Waterford Mott

2. Lake Orion

3. Stoney Creek

4. Adams

5. Oxford

6. Rochester

 

WATERFORD MOTT CORSAIRS

22-4, 14-2 Lakes Valley Conference. Lost 54-37 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Regional Finals.

STRENGTH: Athleticism.

CONCERN: Adjusting to a new league. 

KEY PLAYER: DaMari Stephens- F

WILDCARD Greg White- G

WATCH FOR: Jordan White- G

STORYLINE: How will the Corsairs adjust to life in the OAA??? 

The Corsairs come back into the OAA after sharing the Lakes Valley Conference crown with Walled Lake Central and winning a district crown but ran into a very good Orchard Lake St. Marys program falling 54-37 in the regional finals last season. Waterford Mott lost a lot of key talent like JaKoby Manyweathers, Gavin Ort, among others to graduation but they're still a very deep team despite having a very tough summer. The Corsairs have nine proven returners in Tori Robinson, DaMari Stephens, Jasiah Benson, Jordan White, Greg White, J'Vaughn Jones, Caleb Stevinson, Anderson Gray, and Matthew White coming back for Coach Jeff Jayson. White, Stephens, and Robinson looks to be the main focal points this season. Program strength looks very concerning for Waterford Mott and Jayson this season. The non conference looks very tough for the Corsairs with Northville, Hartland, Flint Kearsley, Chippewa Valley, Lansing Catholic, Goodrich, Flint Carman Ainsworth, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Farmington. They are also in the North Farmington Classic as well. Waterford Mott should be solid but injuries and guard play could be a issue but with this team they should be in the conversation.

 

LAKE ORION DRAGONS

16-8, 11-3 White. Lost 41-40 to Waterford Mott in the District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Motivation, Guards, Wings, Chemistry, Competitiveness.

CONCERN: Size. 

KEY PLAYER: Nate Giacolone- G

WILDCARD: Brecken Powers- F

WATCH FOR: Kaline Scott- F

STORYLINE: Team Play and Chemistry will be the story for the Dragons. 

The Dragons have been very consistent under Coach Jose Andrades which has become the norm and also this is a very deep team which Andrades loves to have. Lake Orion lost Gabe Scott, Nick Gablen, Joey Neering, Ryan Rocheleau, and Zack Parks to graduation from a team that won 16 games which included a tough 41-40 buzzer beating loss to Waterford Mott last season. The chemistry has been very strong throughout the summer and they have something to prove, that's what makes this team very dangerous heading into the season. Size could be an issue but mental grit, effort, and togetherness makes up for that. Also with football missing of the postseason (1-8) along with soccer's 2-0 district final loss to Clarkston in the district finals are also motivators for a program that really does not need enough motivation coming into the season. "It's very important, both classes, (juniors and seniors) they bring much chemistry, it's going to be a fun exciting year for us" Andrades said. The Dragons have Nate Giacolone, Max Neering, Will Farmer, Joey Duggan (sat out last season- transferred from Orchard Lake St. Marys), and Jackson Shoskey coming back along with incoming players like Ricky Howles, Marcello Castillo, Connor Hale, Brecken Powers, Kaline Scott, Max Hinderer, and Jackson Hall. They are looking to make an impact for Andrades for a team that reminds Lake Orion of past teams. "I like the guys we got, they got a lot of leadership, they play together, they play hard together. I think we have the best guard at Lake Orion in the last five years, I'm excited about coaching them" said Andrades. Program strength looks solid with the three Middle Schools (Scripps, Waldon, Oakview.) The non conference looks challenging with Clarkston, Davison, Detroit Pershing, Novi, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Troy Athens, Walled Lake Western, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Plymouth Salem, Lapeer, and Utica Eisenhower. When healthy, motivated, driven, and together this is a very dangerous team to watch this season. 

 

ADAMS HIGHLANDERS

9-16, 3-9 Red. Lost 44-42 to Rochester in District Finals 

STRENGTH: Guards, Wings

CONCERN: Interior 

KEY PLAYER: Cannon Flynn- F

WILDCARD: Daniel Terski- F

WATCH FOR: Zeke Wilson- G

STORYLINE: Can the Highlanders get enough help for Cannon Flynn??? 

The Highlanders had a one off last season (lost 44-42 to Rochester in the district finals) despite everything that went against them regarding to two top players (Langdon brothers to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit) transferred out of Adams along with having to change and things in the middle of the season but hopefully this season they won't have to change much. "This whole thing has been great, we've been building our program from the top on down, our numbers have been up from the summer and fall, the coaches have been doing a hell of a job this summer developing, we've been focused on the White focusing on competing" said Novak about the development. The Highlanders have Cannon Flynn, Brady Lindstrom, Daniel Terski, and Zeke Wilson coming back for Coach Isiah Novak. Reed Stanton could be a player to watch in the interior. Flynn has made an impact this summer which included a 47 point game in AAU. "He's awesome, he's as good as they get, I know a lot of the things that get hyped is the stats but the things I and we love about him is the leadership, he's not a guy that is going out there looking for points, he's willing to win and do it in anyway possible" Novak said about Flynn. They have others who can make noise as well like Brody Schroeder who is the son of former Pontiac and Lake Orion Coach Joel Schroeder. The non conference looks very challenging with Macomb Dakota, Troy Athens, Clarkston, Seaholm, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe South, Troy, Groves, Dearborn Divine Child, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, and West Bloomfield. Program strength should be solid for Adams. The Highlanders could be a team to watch this season.

STONEY CREEK COUGARS

10-12, 7-7 Blue. Lost 48-46 to Adams in District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Experience, Motivation.

CONCERN: Mental Sickie, Transition Period.

KEY PLAYER: Quentin Rangi- F

WILDCARD: Jack Fredenburg- F

WATCH FOR: Brodie Telagadas- G

STORYLINE: How will the Cougars look in the Negoshian/Tomich era??? 

The Cougars have had a lot of changeover within their program in the last four years that has seen big wins (Adams 71-56) along with some really bad home losses (Southfield Arts and Tech 49-46, and Ferndale University 62-54.) They fell to Adams 48-46 in the district semifinals last season. Stoney Creek changed coaches after Coach Jeff Olind was let go after a 19-47 record in his three years with the program. The Cougars hired Marko Tomich as their new head coach this spring. Tomich is the third coach in six years at Stoney Creek. He learned from coaches like Birmingham Brother Rice Coach Ricky Palmer. They have a new athletic director in former North Farmington Coach Todd Negoshian. Negoshian brings a lot of basketball knowledge and experience to Rochester from his days at Oakland University and also at North Farmington. The Cougars have proven experience in KJ Schuster, Brodie Telagadas, Anthony Arlinghaus, Quentin Rangi, Jack Fredenburg, Charlie Carson, and Joey Miller coming back. Program strength was solid for the Cougars but it will be curious to see how the transition period goes with the program. There is also motivation during the summer wanting to get rid of the losing culture that has hindered Stoney Creek in the last four years. The non conference is tough with Utica Eisenhower, Utica, Clarkston, Macomb L'Anse Creuse, Romeo, Lansing Holt, Royal Oak Shrine, Groves, Avondale, Birmingham Brother Rice, and Sterling Heights Stevenson. The Cougars have had a strong summer building their depth. If they can continue building the lower levels this will be a tough program to watch for the years to come.

 

ROCHESTER FALCONS

19-6, 13-1 Blue. Lost 53-34 to Waterford Mott in Regional Semifinals

STRENGTH: Experience, Chemistry.

CONCERN: Interior, Wings, if Tandy gets into foul trouble

KEY PLAYER: Logan Pleasent- G

WILDCARD: Anthony Chirco- G

WATCH FOR: Nate Tandy- F

STORYLINE: How will the Falcons adjust to the White???

The Falcons are coming off a season where they won 19 games, 13 in the Blue, and a district crown when they beat Adams 44-42 in a classic district final last season. They will have some obstacles to overcome this season. Rochester lost Max Muhl who transferred to Avondale along with several other talented players to graduation but what should help Coach Nick Evola is they have program strength despite the challenge of moving up to the White and this program has a ton of chemistry. The Falcons have Logan Pleasent, Andrew Smith, Ben Bissett, Anthony Chirco, and Luke Lower coming back with Nate Tandy as a player to watch for Evola along with several others from a junior varsity program that was very strong. "We got a lot of guys that are returning, multiple three year guys, chemistry is very good, they like each other, competing with each other, they've been in the gym all summer working hard, they're all friends, very selfless players, they celebrate the success of others, it's real fun they share the ball, there is no ego about one common goal, they love to compete, it's a special group" said Evola. The non conference is tough with St. Clair Shores Lakeview, Utica, Chippewa Valley, Lapeer, Troy Athens, Seaholm, Ann Arbor Skyline, Grosse Pointe North, Utica Ford II, Troy, Berkley, and Sterling Heights Stevenson. Program strength is very strong with Evola. Rochester should be a team to watch this season. 

 

OXFORD WILDCATS

21-2, 14-0 White. Lost 49-42 to Davison in District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Wings

CONCERN: Guards, Interior, Experience 

KEY PLAYER: Brennan Elling- F

WILDCARD: Cade Lindamood- G

WATCH FOR: Jacob Perkowski- F

STORYLINE: Who will be the guards for the Wildcats this season??? 

The Wildcats had a strong year winning 21 games along with the White crown, but they had a very disappointing 49-42 loss to Davison in the district semifinals last season. Oxford has to almost basically start over after losing the majority of their team like Jake Champagne, Luke Stoffan, Jay Cady, etc to graduation. "I don't think you can replace those boys, those guys were tough, made my life easy" said Coach Joe Fedorchik. They have had a very tough transition period this summer but there is optimism surrounding the Wildcats when it comes to their work ethic and their competitiveness. "A lot of unknowns but we got kids in the pipeline, they've put in a lot of time, made a lot of commitment in the offseason, and put in the work. I'm looking forward to the growth of those kids" Fedorchik. The Wildcats have Brennan Elling, Brody Casper, Greyson Boyle, Carter Jacobson, Cam Moore, Jaxen Tackaberry, Easton Kogelman, Bradley Bieniasz, and Brady Hasslebring coming back. They added Cade Lindamood who played two years ago but didn't play last season along with Lake Orion transfer Jacob Perkowski who brings size in the interior. The non conference is tough with the Milford Classic (Milford, South Lyon East or Hartland) along with Groves, Pontiac, Fraser, Utica Eisenhower, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Troy, Lakeland, Utica, and Goodrich. Program strength is something to watch with Oxford. They could have things rough early but they could be a team that is more than capable of making some noise.

 

 

Blue

RANKING NON CONFERENCE SCHEDULE TOUGHEST TO EASIEST

1. Bloomfield Hills

2. Seaholm

3. Pontiac

4. Troy

5. Troy Athens

6. Royal Oak

 

PONTIAC PHOENIX

14-10, 10-4 Blue. Lost 55-52 to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in District Finals.

STRENGTH: Athleticism

CONCERN: Depth 

KEY PLAYER: JJ Claudio- G

WILDCARD: Jaiden Price- F

WATCH FOR: Fa'Marzay Jeffery- F

STORYLINE: Can the Phoenix freshman make the same impact they did in Middle School??? 

The Phoenix made a lot of changes this offseason giving them a chance to return to their normal selves as a traditional powerhouse from past Pontiac Northern and Pontiac Central schools along with what they were under former Coach Joel Schroeder when he had that program rolling. Pontiac had a bounce back winning 14 games but had a really disappointing 55-52 loss on their home floor to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the district finals. The Phoenix have a new coach in Dion Harris taking over the program. Harris is Pontiac's fifth coach in the last six years so program stability will be a challenge for them this season. "I've been taking the values I've learned as a player (Detroit Redford and Michigan) and bringing them into this program, everything has been smooth thus far, kind of not a struggle but you got to get these kids to buy in and who you are as a coach" said Harris. The Phoenix have JJ Claudio, Faheim Jeffery, Fa'Marzay Jeffery, and Jaiden Price coming back. They also have a very talented freshman class that has played a lot of basketball in the middle school ranks but there are some questions if they are ready for the varsity level. "We got three tremendous freshmen coming in and they'll be key, they'll play some minutes, and they'll fit in with our older guys who have experience and have been doing this for three, four years, we got some juniors and seniors but those freshman guys they will impact us and contribute for us this season" Harris said. Pontiac has had an impactful summer which they gelled under Harris and have gotten on the same page. If the Phoenix can continue developing their chemistry especially with the talented freshman class and if Harris can develop program strength for the future. The non conference slate looks challenging with Fenton, Avondale, Oxford, Stoney Creek, Detroit Edison, Lansing Eastern, Detroit Pershing, and they are in the Warren Lincoln Classic. Pontiac could be a very scary program for years to come.

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACK HAWKS

14-11, 9-5 Blue. Lost 74-50 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Guards

CONCERN: Interior 

KEY PLAYER: DaRon Mason- G

WILDCARD: Mason Hitchcock- F

WATCH FOR: Brennan Bies- F

STORYLINE: Can the Black Hawks find that balance in the postseason??? 

The Black Hawks have been up and coming ever since Coach Brian Canfield took over the program a few years ago. Bloomfield Hills has been getting better and better improving on their record which has resulted in a ton of success despite falling 74-50 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals last season. "We'll see if we're loaded on the court, we won 14 games went 14-10, we got to earn that on the court and not take things for granted" Canfield said about not getting overconfident. The Black Hawks have Mason Hitchcock, DaRon Mason, Carter Canfield, Brennan Bies, Ryan Hunt, and Carter Hartfield coming back. Program strength is a concern and will be something to watch especially when  these proven players graduate. Bloomfield Hills has had a strong summer which they have been playing high level basketball. The non conference looks challenging with Walled Lake Western, Grosse Pointe North, Groves, Warren Woods Tower, Berkley, Brighton, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Waterford Kettering, and Lansing Catholic. The Black Hawks could be a team to make some serious noise despite having some questions in the interior. 

SEAHOLM MAPLES

5-18, 4-10 White. Lost 48-41 to Bloomfield Hills in District First Round. 

STRENGTH: Guards, Interior, Length

CONCERN: Wings, Offensive Consistency

KEY PLAYER: Patrick Hughes- G

WILDCARD: Everett Wertz- F

WATCH FOR: Brody Fieldmaker- G

STORYLINE: Has the Maples fully turned things around in Coach Spenser Adams second season??? 

The Maples seen some progress despite the record (won five games, falling 48-41 to Bloomfield Hills) and having a new coach along with learning a new system last season. "It's been fun, year one you got a lot of stuff you kind of have stay on top off, making sure that you don't drop the the ball from year one to year two you have that different style, different mindset, different mentality, now the kids are taking over and taking that over and taking it upon themselves and trying to take that standard on their own, it's been really fun to see as a coach" said Coach Spenser Adams. Seaholm looks to be that dark horse in the Blue with a lot of length coming back in the program "It's going to play a big role for us, we got some size and some length it gives us advantages on the glass, you know what to expect from year one to year two, they've been working hard in the weight room with not just height but strength" Adams said about the length, height, and strength. The Maples have Patrick Hughes, Drew Heckman, Everett Wertz, Aiden Pero, and Brody Fieldmaker coming back. Program strength has been solid for Adams and will look to be so again this season. The non conference is very interesting with arch rival Groves, South Lyon, Berkley, Adams, South Lyon East, Rochester, Madison Heights Lamphere, Walled Lake Northern, Detroit Henry Ford, Saline, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, and the D-Zone showcase. Seaholm is a sleeper as mentioned because of their length but offensive consistency will be something to watch with the Maples.  

 

TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS

9-16, 5-9 White. Lost 76-41 to Warren DeLaSalle in Regional Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Guards, Wings

CONCERN: Interior

KEY PLAYER: Alan Spahic- G

WILDCARD: Caiden Hanburry- G

WATCH FOR: Donnie Payne- F

STORYLINE: Are the Red Hawks the OAA's version of the Detroit Tigers??? 

The Red Hawks got hot almost similar to the Detroit Tigers in 2024 when they had their rally despite having a losing record (9-16.) Troy Athens upset arch rival Troy 53-44 in the district semifinals and won their district 39-37 over Royal Oak but ran into Warren De LaSalle in the regional semifinals last season. They are looking for more and could be a sleeper in the Blue this season for Coach Mitchell Vercellino in his second year with the Red Hawks taking over for longtime Coach Dave Scott who is at Lake Orion. "It gave me personally creditably as a first year coach with the parents, with the guys we're looking forward to using that as a launching pad" said Vercellino. The Red Hawks have Enir Fjolla, Caiden Hanburry, Donnie Payne, Braeden Hupman, Alan Spahic, Nathan Johnson, Abdu Mahmoud, and Maddex Snipes coming back for Vercellino. Spahic has really been making noise this summer. "Alan has been a ready to take a leap, his name has been mentioned on social media a little bit, I'm pretty sure everyone is going to know who Alan is, he scores in all three levels, we're hoping he does some special things this season" Vercellino said about Spahic. It is unknown if Nathan Piggott will play this season but if he does they will be an even more dangerous team than they already are. The non conference looks very interesting with Berkley, Ferndale University, Macomb L'Anse Creuse North, Oxford, Rochester, Lake Orion, Utica Eisenhower, Waterford Kettering, Adams, Novi, Madison Heights Lamphere, and Clarkston. Program strength should be solid for Vercellino. Troy Athens is a dangerous team to watch in the Blue as mentioned.

 

ROYAL OAK RAVENS

14-10, 8-6 Blue. Lost 39-37 to Troy Athens in District Finals

STRENGTH: Guards, three point shooting

CONCERN: Depth

KEY PLAYER: CJ Hairston- G

WILDCARD: Sam Zeller- G

WATCH FOR: Yurmen Patino- F

STORYLINE: How will the Ravens do in the newly made Blue??? 

The Ravens had a successful year under Coach Aaron Smith than they had in years past winning 14 games. Royal Oak made the district finals but fell 39-37 to Troy Athens on their home floor. "It was somewhat successful, we could have challenged for the top spot, and I think that district final was important to us so our mantra this year is two points and that could be as simple as a box out in the first quarter or you didn't roll out in the second quarter so we're just two or three points away so we've kind of doing something the school has never done which is win a district title this year" said Smith. Smith made that loss as a measuring stick heading into this season. "The experience we got playing Athens is the measuring stick for us" said Smith. The Blue is much improved it means the Ravens need to step their game up if they want to make some noise. Smith has relied a lot on making Royal Oak to that of where Smith works with the Detroit Pistons as the senior director of youth and engagement. He wants to envision his Ravens teams that are similar to the Detroit Pistons."I want to mimic that, we got to pay a lot of attention on that side of the court and that doesn't win basketball games, it sounds good, that's something me and my staff want to do is bring that energy and enthusiasm level on the defensive end" Smith said. Royal Oak has a lot of proven talent in CJ Hairston, Sam Zeller, Taylor Vance, Ethan Couzens, Jackson Bofferding, Pontez Bates, and Yurmen Patino coming back. Smith has had high praises for Hariston for everything he has done with the program. "We feel like we have one of those ones in CJ, he averaged 15 points per game and had the school record 73 three pointers made, we think he's pretty special, he won the offseason, he went to the weight room a little bit more, he got really good skill development. I think we will see a really good guard that is competing for one of the best guards not only in the OAA but in the State, our engine is him but we surround him with others like Sam Zeller, our leading rebounder, second leading scorer, he's a gym rat, we're going to rely a lot on those two offensively but we'll be a better defensive team as well, we have Pontez Bates, Taylor Vance, we're going to bring back seniors that are on both sides of the court and we surround them with two very good offensive players" Smith said. Program strength is a concern for Smith and is something to watch. The non conference slate doesn't look as impressive but they have Holly, Madison Heights Lamphere, Walled Lake Western, Adams, Waterford Kettering, Southfield Arts and Tech, Southfield Christian, St. Clair, Madison Heights Madison, and arch rival Berkley. The Ravens should be a team to watch this season. 

 

TROY COLTS

10-13, 7-7 White. Lost 53-44 to Troy Athens in District Semifinals

STRENGTH: Wings

CONCERN: Guards

KEY PLAYER: Blake Kuiper- G

WILDCARD: Lawrence Russell- G

WATCH FOR: Jack Sobotka- F

STORYLINE: How will the Colts look without Mason Parker and Leo Penoza??? 

The Colts had a very interesting year which they were around 500 all season. They were upset 53-44 by arch rival Troy Athens in the district semifinals after winning over the Red Hawks twice (54-40 and 69-65) last season. Troy lost Mason Parker, Andrew Lake, and Leo Penoza to graduation which are huge losses. "It's going to be very difficult to replace them, we're going to need to pick up the defense, play a little better defense than we did last year, dive on the floor for loose balls, and press people. We got to make open shots that we get and play ferociously, no holds bared just get after it" said legendary Hall of Fame Coach Gary Fralick. The Colts have Blake Kuiper, Lawrence Russell, Will De Armit, and Jack Sobotka coming back for Fralick. Program strength is something to watch with a ton of questions. The non conference is very interesting with Waterford Kettering, Utica, Madison Heights Lamphere, Harper Woods, Oxford, Lake Orion, Fraser, Rochester, Groves, Adams, Brighton, and Sterling Heights. Knowing Fralick he will like to play scrappy and play with a lot of effort. If they can do that then they should be in a lot of games this season. 

 

 

Gold

RANKING NON CONFERENCE SCHEDULES TOUGHEST TO EASIEST

1. Southfield Arts and Tech

2. Harper Woods

3. Waterford Kettering

4. Berkley

5. Ferndale University

6. Oak Park

 

WATERFORD KETTERING CAPTAINS

1-22, 0-16 Lakes Valley Conference. Lost 66-19 to Lake Orion in the District First Round.

STRENGTH: Experience

CONCERN: Mental Mindset, Transition Period

KEY PLAYER: Jordan Jarrell- G

WILDCARD: Haiden Bigelow- F

WATCH FOR: Katim Jallow- G

STORYLINE: How will the Captains look after a rough summer??? 

The Captains have really struggled in the last four years going 9-81 which included a 66-19 first round loss to Lake Orion. What hasn't helped Waterford Kettering is the consistent changeover within the program. There has been a lot of change during the summer from Steve Emmert stepping down and now coaching girls basketball at Walled Lake Western or Rex Walters who originally took the job but left for Regis University in Colorado. Will Campbell takes over the program as their third coach in six months. Campbell brings experience as an assistant coach under Emmert and played at Waterford Kettering. What should help Waterford Kettering is in a new league, the OAA is an opportunity for a fresh start but there has to be a transition period which has to happen during the season. The Captains have a lot of proven experience which should help Campbell in Jordan Jarrell, Gustas Garbenis, Haiden Bigelow, Braycen Harrington, Dylan Hamel, Josh Wagner, Eli Love, Jessie Redick, Brycen Land, Jack Buczek and Katim Jallow coming back. Program strength is a concern for Campbell as he tries to build the program in his own image. The non conference looks very interesting with Troy, Lapeer, North Branch, Royal Oak, Livonia Clarenceville, Macomb L'Anse Creuse, Troy Athens, Wyandotte, Bloomfield Hills, Romeo, and arch rival Waterford Mott. Waterford Kettering should be in the conversation for the Gold in their first season back in the OAA because of proven experience.

 

HARPER WOODS PIONEERS

3-17, 1-13 White. Lost 53-49 to Eastpointe in District First Round.

STRENGTH: Athleticism.

CONCERN: Depth, Interior. 

KEY PLAYER: Andre Cast- G

WILDCARD: DeAndre Bidden- F

WATCH FOR: ????

STORYLINE: Is Andre Cast good enough to lead the Pioneers??? 

The Pioneers have a lot of questions this season. They won three games which is very unusual and had very disappointing 53-49 first round loss to Eastpointe last season. Harper Woods went from the White to the Gold this offseason. They should be much improved despite having a major setback from last season. The Pioneers have DeAndre Bidden and Andre Cast coming back for Coach TaJuan Porter. Program strength is a major concern for Porter despite having a strong sub varsity program last season. The non conference looks challenging with Avondale, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Carrollton, Redford Thurston,West Bloomfield, Detroit University Prep, Troy, and Temperance Bedford. Harper Woods should be better especially with the excitement Cast brings but they could also struggle again if things don't go right. 

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS

7-16, 4-10 Blue. Lost 62-55 to Oak Park in the District First Round

STRENGTH: Guards

CONCERN: Mental Mindset, Transition Period

KEY PLAYER: Cameron Dickinson- G

WILDCARD: Byron Webb- G

WATCH FOR: Nolan Thompson- F

STORYLINE: Can the Warriors overcome a tough transition period and a tough schedule ahead??? 

The Warriors have really struggled after the pandemic going 32-74 which included a tough 62-55 loss to Oak Park in the first round. They went 15-6 in the 2019-2020 season but hasn't been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic. Southfield Arts and Tech will look to have a bounce back season under new Coach Josh Lyle. Lyle comes to Southfield after having a ton of success within the AAU ranks where he runs his own AAU program and has played college basketball at numerous colleges. "This year being a first year coach my top priority is to change the culture from the beginning when I was first hired in the summer and then it started in the fall like that" Lyle said to the D-Zone's Stu Carlin. Lyle also hired Travis Brown to his staff. The Warriors have Cameron Dickinson, Byron Webb, Marquise Colston, and Nolan Thompson coming back but they will be a predominately young team. Program strength is a concern for Lyle and will be something to watch. The non conference is very brutal with Orchard Lake St. Marys, Detroit East English Village Prep, Plymouth Canton, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Farmington, Detroit Pershing, Royal Oak, Flint Powers, Rogers City, Detroit Denby Tech, and Detroit Mumford. It will be very interesting to see what the Warriors have this season but it is clear that they want to change the culture and turn things around in Southfield.

 

BERKLEY BEARS

6-18, 1-13 Blue. Lost 58-38 to Royal Oak in District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Wings.

CONCERN: Interior, Transition Period. 

KEY PLAYER: Sam Sermo- G

WILDCARD: Ries Tuttle- F

WATCH FOR: Drew Sermo- G

STORYLINE: How will the Bears adjust and can Coach James McCulloh overcome his past??? 

The Bears have had a very interesting offseason which seen a ton of changes after winning six games which was very unusual and lost 58-38 in the district semifinals to arch rival Royal Oak. Coach Joe Sermo stepped down and James McCulloh takes over the program. McCulloh was formerly at Livonia Churchill for seven years posting a 16-153 record with the Chargers but he was an assistant at Seaholm under Coach Spenser Adams last season. Berkley will look to have a bounce back year with a new coach and a new system but they have to go through a transition period which has to happen during the season. The Bears have Ries Tuttle, Sam Sermo, Drew Sermo, Ben Sanborn, and Henry Herron coming back. They also have Owen Rickard, Isiah Dagle, Kam Patterson, Parker Rost, Paul Cascade, Asa Somers, Josh Bhagwan, Logan Fishman, Anthony Gatewood, and Landon Lutz coming back. The non conference looks very interesting with Troy Athens, Seaholm, Detroit Jalen Rose Academy, Inkster American Academy, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Madison Heights Madison, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, Bloomfield Hills, Waterford Oakdale Prep, Rochester, and Madison Heights Lamphere. Program strength will be something to watch with Berkley. The Bears could be a team to watch in the Gold this season.

 

OAK PARK KNIGHTS

8-11, 4-10 White. Lost 66-21 to Birmingham Brother Rice in District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Athleticism, Guards

CONCERN: Depth

KEY PLAYER: Hammad Moore- G

WILDCARD: Jay LaMore- G

WATCH FOR: Gabin Taylor- G

STORYLINE: Can the Knights develop depth and chemistry for a tough road ahead??? 

The Knights have gone through a lot of transition in the last two years which seen a proud program come from the Red to the Gold. Oak Park is 13-26 in the last two years which included a 66-21 loss to Birmingham Brother Rice in the first round, they were 27-14 in the last two years. Program strength has been a big problem for the Knights which they have used numerous players use the five quarter rule and they could very well do it again this season. The Knights have Jay LaMore, Gabin Taylor, and Hammad Moore coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. The non conference isn't complete with Center Line Prep, Melvindale, Detroit Western, and Hazel Park. It's clear Oak Park has to get the program back to where they need to be if they want to turn things around.

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES 

10-12, 4-10 Blue. Lost 78-37 to Warren Lincoln in the District Semifinals.

STRENGTH: Athleticism

CONCERN: Transition Period, Depth 

KEY PLAYER: ????

WILDCARD: ????

WATCH FOR: ????

STORYLINE: How will the Eagles look with a new staff and new system this season??? 

The Eagles have seen a lot of changes after having a successful year this offseason. Ferndale University won ten games which included a road upset over Stoney Creek (62-54) however they ran into a buzz saw in Warren Lincoln squad falling 78-37 in the district semifinals. Coach Josh Nicks left Ferndale University and is now at Hazel Park. The Eagles went with former Detroit Osborn boys basketball coach Anton Bradford in taking over the program. They have several players coming back along with four kids he is bringing into the program. Program strength will be something to watch with Ferndale University. The non conference looks very interesting with Troy Athens, Pontiac, Center Line Prep twice, Detroit Lincoln King Academy, Dearborn Advance Tech, and Grosse Isle. It will take some time for things to figure themselves out with the Eagles.