Written Tuesday June 10th at 12:11 PM
Updated Tuesday December 23rd at 10:45 AM
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. Center Line, 3. Ferndale University, 4. Hazel Park, 5. Madison Heights Lamphere, 6. Ferndale.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Cira Racco- Birmingham Detroit Country Day
X FACTOR- ???
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This could be a very interesting district to figure out. Birmingham Detroit Country Day is still the team to beat despite Center Line, and Ferndale University showing considerable improvement. Hazel Park has struggled a little bit. Madison Heights Lamphere is very suspect but they could turn things around and quick. Ferndale hasn't played a game yet which is very concerning. Overall the Yellow Jackets are still the favorite to win this district.
District 59 @ Eastpointe
HARPER WOODS
Eastpointe
Harper Woods Chandler Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Warren Lincoln
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods, 2. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 3. Eastpointe, 4. Warren Lincoln, 5. St. Clair Shores South Lake.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Laynah West- Harper Woods
X FACTOR- Jayda Davis- Harper Woods
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Harper Woods Chandler Park
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: When seeds three through five are a combined 0-8 that's not a good sign at the moment. Harper Woods and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy really stand out and could be on a collision course to meet in the district finals. I don't really see anyone matching up with the two Harper Woods schools for the time being.
District 61 @ Warren Regina
PONTIAC
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Warren Regina
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Macomb Lutheran North
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Warren Regina, 2. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 3. Macomb Lutheran North, 4. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, 5. Pontiac.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: There really isn't a ton of changes with this district. It should come down to Warren Regina and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep for the top seed. Pontiac concerns me with the way they've been playing lately. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood and Macomb Lutheran North are off to rough starts but they should bounce back. Overall there are a few changes but not much that could make an impact.
District 29 @ Warren Mott
TROY
TROY ATHENS
ROYAL OAK
Warren Mott
Warren Cousino
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Troy Athens, 3. Royal Oak, 4. Warren Cousino, 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Troy and Troy Athens are off to strong starts but the Red Hawks have played a tougher schedule despite the Colts having the top seed at the moment. Troy has played much better but so has Troy Athens. It will be very interesting when they meet twice. Royal Oak has been off to a slow start. Warren Cousino has been off to a very slow start as well. Warren Mott has been up and down and could sneak up on someone like they did last season. Overall this has the makings of an even like district.
District 28 @ Utica Eisenhower
ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK
Utica
Romeo
Utica Eisenhower
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Utica Eisenhower, 2. Stoney Creek, 3. Romeo, 4. Rochester, 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 ton of proven experience in 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This is a very strong district. I still think Utica Eisenhower will pass Stoney Creek for the top seed and they have home court as well. I have a lot of serious concerns with the Cougars when it comes to depth and foul trouble. The Eagles have a very good team led by the Turner twins and Natalya Stojevski among others. Rochester is a different team than in past years but they were upset by Romeo 38-37 which is why they are the four seed at the moment. Utica is locked as the fifth seed. It will be tough for whoever the four seed is to play on that opening night and the winner likely would get the top seed which if predictions are right it should be Utica Eisenhower. Stoney Creek would like to stay away from Rochester if the Falcons get the three seed. Overall this district is still the Eagles district to lose.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: I don't see really any changes to the seeding. I'm surprised that Avondale is struggling a little bit but better days are ahead for the Yellow Jackets. Waterford is off to a strong start but I don't trust them in a matchup with the other four teams in this district. Adams is off to a strong start despite only playing three games. Lake Orion has a very young team that has seem to have found an identity. Clarkston is off to a strong start despite the tough schedule and have gotten contributions from players like Ava Waslik to go along with their big three. Overall no changes to the seeding to what I'm seeing even though the MPR sees things differently.
District 26 @ Oxford
OXFORD
Davison
Grand Blanc
Holly
Lapeer
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Oxford, 2. Davison, 3. Lapeer, 4. Grand Blanc, 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This has the makings of a very interesting district at Ian Smith Gym. Oxford has a big 48-47 win over Macomb Dakota and has a talented player in Brockway as mentioned in the early thoughts. Davison has turned things around since their loss to Rochester, they have a win over Lake Orion as well. Grand Blanc has struggled with the coaching change and was blown out by Clarkston recently. Lapeer has been solid but they could struggle in the Saginaw Valley League as the season goes along. Holly has been struggling and they could struggle well into the Flint Metro League part of their season. Overall I see this district being Davison or Oxford's district to lose.
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This is going to be a really tough district when looking at the teams. Walled Lake Central is locked as the fifth seed. West Bloomfield should be the one or two seeds which means the two Bogie Lake Schools could be in some trouble especially whoever is the third seed. That would mean the third seed could see either the Lakers or Orchard Lake St. Marys. The Eaglets have been on a tear lately which included blowout wins over Oxford and Clarkston and have shown no signs of slowing down. Lakeland has wins over Lake Orion and Oxford. Walled Lake Northern is always tough and well coached. This should be a fun district as mentioned
District 24 @ Bloomfield Hills
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
GROVES
SEAHOLM
NORTH FARMINGTON
Birmingham Marian
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Groves, 2. Bloomfield Hills, 3. Birmingham Marian, 4. North Farmington, 5. Seaholm.
PLAYER ON THE SPOT- Ella Swanson- Birmingham Marian
X FACTOR- Harlem Simpson- Groves
PRONE TO BE UPSET: Bloomfield Hills
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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: Groves is on a serious tear right now scoring points in bunches and they could be on a path to win a district crown. Bloomfield Hills has surprised people since their blowout loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys. Birmingham Marian is going through a transition period that has to happen during the season. North Farmington has turned things around since their loss to Walled Lake Western. Seaholm has been very disappointing thus far especially from an offensive perspective. This district looks to be the Falcons district to lose.
District 23 @ Southfield Arts and Tech
BERKLEY
OAK PARK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit Mumford
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Warren Fitzgerald, 3. Detroit Mumford, 4. Southfield Arts and Tech, 5. Berkley, 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: This district looks to be Detroit Renaissance's district to lose, the Phoenix are loaded with proven athletes everywhere. Warren Fitzgerald looks to be one of the favorites in the Macomb Area Conference. Detroit Mumford has a proven team and are well coached. Berkley has disappointed me a little bit despite being competitive. Oak Park hasn't been consistent. Southfield Arts and Tech could make some big ground if they can keep winning. Overall no one is touching Detroit Renaissance based on styles.
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. Farmington, 5. Redford Thurston.
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 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.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS: The MHSAA made a change and moved Livonia Churchill to a different district but the situations in the district really doesn't change. Livonia Stevenson and Farmington Hills Mercy are still the two top teams to beat in this district. Farmington has some question marks as does Livonia Franklin and Redford Thurston to see if they can compete with the two top teams. There really isn't any changes when it comes to the outcome especially in the second round of the districts.
Girls Basketball Districts
https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2026-Districts
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