Written Tuesday June 10th at 12:11 PM
Updated Tuesday December 23rd at 10:45 AM
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. Pontiac, 2. Goodrich, 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 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: The Phoenix stand as the team to beat in this district as of now. Goodrich has not been the same team which included a loss to Waterford Mott but they have home court and still is a very dangerous team. Lake Fenton is off to a solid start. Linden looks to be locked in for the four seed in this district. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep has been struggling while Brandon has also struggled as well. Overall for now this looks to be Pontiac's district to lose but they need to beware of the Martians.
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. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Detroit Edwin Denby Tech, 3. Detroit East English Village Prep, 4. Harper Woods, 5. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 6. Eastpointe.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: I've been getting more impressed with Harper Woods Chandler Park as the season gone on. The Eagles have had BIG wins over Macomb Dakota and Troy Athens which is why I have them as a lock for the top seed and they have home court. Detroit Denby Tech one of the favorites but they seem to be locked into the two seed. I think the three through five seeds can go any way. Harper Woods is a very young team but there are some concerns surrounding the Pioneers. Detroit East English Village Prep has an above 500 record but strength of schedule is not as strong. St. Clair Shores South Lake has a chance to make some ground in the Macomb Area Conference despite a slow start. I'm not convinced with Eastpointe for now. Overall this district looks like it's Harper Woods Chandler Park's district to lose.
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. Detroit Lincoln King Academy, 4. Hazel Park, 5. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy, 6. Ferndale University.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district could come down to Detroit Old Redford Academy and Ferndale for the top two seeds. Both teams play in a ton of Showcase games and have very tough non conference schedules but the Ravens have home court. Hazel Park and Detroit Lincoln King Academy could battle for the three seed while Ferndale University and Detroit Jalen Rose Academy could battle for the fifth and sixth seeds. Overall this district will be either the Eagles or the Ravens.
District 29 @ Troy Athens
TROY ATHENS
TROY
ROYAL OAK
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Warren Mott
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Royal Oak, 2. Troy, 3. Troy Athens, 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district could get very interesting at Troy Athens. Troy is much better than thought after experts projected the Colts would struggle this season but they have had several players step up. Troy Athens has been up and down lately but they have a ton of district championship experience. Royal Oak is off to a strong start but their test will be when they get into the Blue. Troy, Troy Athens, and Royal Oak will be very familiar with one another since they will play each other twice and it's possible they could play three times. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood and Warren Mott look to be locked into the fourth and fifth seeds respectively. This should be a fun three way to decide who has to play in the two/three game and who gets the top seed, a lot of opportunity awaits.
District 28 @ Utica Eisenhower
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
ROCHESTER
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Romeo
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Adams, 3. Stoney Creek, 4. Utica, 5. Utica Eisenhower, 6. Romeo.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district is very interesting since it's at Utica Eisenhower which is a smaller gym. Being at home should help the Eagles but they have been decimated by injuries including a big one to Randall Rice but Utica Eisenhower was healthy when they lost to Stoney Creek earlier in the season. The Cougars are much improved under Coach Marco Tomich which included a blowout win over Romeo. The Bulldogs are a team that is really hard to trust in the postseason. Utica has improved and could be a spoiler to any of the top three White contenders in this district. Adams has been hit and miss lately but they still have the best player in Cannon Flynn. Rochester is the most dangerous team in this district. The Falcons play team ball and are off to a torrid start which included a blow out win over Chippewa Valley which in turn the Big Reds beat Waterford Mott. The MPR has Adams as the top seed for the moment but the eye ball test says the Falcons should be the top seed then it's the Highlanders for the two seed but I expect a lot of changes when it comes to seeding. Stoney Creek is clearly the third seed followed by Utica, Romeo, and Utica Eisenhower but there is a chance when healthy that the Eagles could pass the Bulldogs and get the fifth or maybe the four seed, it's very possible at the moment.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This will be a very tough district in Lake Orion. The district looks like the seeds are right for the time being. Avondale is off to a great start which is coming off a tough win over Grand Blanc as is Clarkston who has some big wins as well. Both the Yellow Jackets and Wolves will meet twice in the Red as will Mott and Lake Orion in the White. The Corsairs and Dragons are no strangers to one another as Mott has won the last two meetings against Lake Orion in the postseason. Kettering is locked as the fifth seed despite showing improvement winning two games thus far. Overall the district hasn't changed but when 2026 comes there could be some movement.
District 26 @ West Bloomfield
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Orchard Lake St. Marys
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Central
Lakeland
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Walled Lake Central, 2. Walled Lake Northern, 3. Lakeland, 4. Orchard Lake St. Marys, 5. West Bloomfield.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Anthony Camacho- Walled Lake Central
X FACTOR: Curtis Britton- West Bloomfield
PRONE TO GET UPSET: Orchard Lake St. Marys
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: Who would have ever thought that Lakeland would have the top spot in the MPR while Orchard Lake St. Marys has the fifth seed right now??? I expect a ton of movement once late February comes. The Eaglets play in the Catholic League Central which has Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Birmingham Brother Rice, and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. They also have a young team that seems to be getting better each day. The Eagles are off to a great start which included a big win over Oxford but can it last in the Lakes Valley Conference and there is Walled Lake Central to deal with and a much improved Walled Lake Northern squad. West Bloomfield has played a tough non conference schedule but the defense still concerns me with the Lakers. I think Orchard Lake St. Marys with the strength of the Catholic League will win some games and get the top spot. The Lakes Valley Conference looks strong with Lakeland, Walled Lake Central, and Walled Lake Northern battling it out. West Bloomfield despite the Red schedule, have some serious concerns defensively which is why they are in the fifth seed right now but it could all change for sure.
District 25 @ Oxford
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Flint Kearsley
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Davison, 3. Oxford, 4. Flint Kearsley, 5. Holly, 6. Lapeer.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: There really hasn't been any changes to this district besides Holly and Lapeer switching spots. Grand Blanc is expected to be the top seed in this district. Davison has turn things around after an 0-2 start going 3-1 in their last four games. Oxford has slipped back a little bit after starting the season 3-0. Flint Kearsley has been competitive despite the record. Holly looks to be improved despite their record. Lapeer is really struggling right now. Overall this district has no changes as mentioned but keep an eye on Flint Kearsley, Oxford, and Holly, there could be some changes there.
District 24 @ Southfield Arts and Tech
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district looks to be right except switch Birmingham Brother Rice and Bloomfield Hills which will likely happen in 2026. The Black Hawks are off to a very strong start but dangers are still there with Bloomfield Hills if they have a rough shooting performance. The Warriors could be the best team in the State despite falling to Toledo Catholic Central and they don't have Greg Grays which is arguably their best player. Groves is very young in a very tough division being in the Red. Southfield Arts and Tech has played a very tough non conference schedule. Seaholm starting off strong but has fallen off since. Berkley is a very hard team to figure out. Overall no real changes except the top two teams should switch seeds really soon.
District 23 @ Hamtramck
OAK PARK
Hamtramck
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Hamtramck, 2. Warren Fitzgerald, 3. Detroit Renaissance, 4. Detroit Mumford, 5. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, 6. Oak Park.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Colin Langdon- Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
X FACTOR: Jayden Miller- Detroit Renaissance
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Warren Fitzgerald
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district is getting tougher and tougher by the day. Warren Fitzgerald should be a very interesting team as they are favored in the Macomb Area Conference White and they play a tough non conference slate. Hamtramck has home court and motivation. The Cosmos have played a tough non conference slate which included a win over Ferndale and has a very talented team. Detroit Renaissance is the Phoenix, they've been very consistent in the Detroit Public School League. Detroit Mumford is off to a solid start. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is off to a rough start which is surprising considering they are a Catholic League power with their only win coming against Orchard Lake St. Marys thus far, better days should be ahead for the Cubs. Oak Park is off to a surprising start but they need to play more games to get a better idea with what they have. Overall this is a very tough district to say the least.
District 22 @ Livonia Stevenson
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington, 2. North Farmington, 3. Redford Thurston, 4. Livonia Stevenson, 5. Livonia Franklin, 6. Livonia Churchill.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This could be a really tough district when looking at the records. The top four teams have one loss. Farmington won in overtime over arch rival North Farmington and has won two straight with another game to go. Livonia Franklin had been hot which included a win over Lakeland but got blown out by Dearborn which is a cause of concern. Redford Thurston has been off to a strong start which included wins over Northville and Harper Woods with their only loss to Ann Arbor Huron. Livonia Stevenson has home court and is not too far behind. Livonia Churchill has struggled recently. This district is still blue and white or gold and brown but it seems to be changing by the day.
Boys Basketball Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Boys-Basketball/2026-Districts
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