Written Saturday January 24th at 8:55 PM
As we head into February which means postseason is not too far away, here are some thoughts on each team as we head into February.
Boys
Ferndale University: The Eagles have been struggling under first year Coach Anton Bradford. Ferndale University is looking at the sixth seed looking at Hazel Park in the first round and if they get past the Vikings they could see Detroit Old Redford in the district semifinals which will be a tough challenge for the Eagles.
Ferndale: The Eagles have played a very tough schedule and look to be locked into the top seed in their district. Ferndale shouldn't be tested in their district but Detroit Old Redford could give them some fits if they see them in the district finals. The Eagles and Coach Juan Rickman should be all right until the regionals.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers are in a very interesting spot when it comes to the MPR. Harper Woods is the fourth seed which means they would play Detroit East English Village Prep in the first round which is a tough matchup. If they win that game then they could see Detroit Edwin Denby Tech in the district semifinals. It's a tough ask for Coach TaJuan Porter but if they can get that three seed and past Eastpointe, that could be a much better situation for them in the postseason.
Pontiac: The Phoenix are in a very interesting spot MPR wise. They are in a three way battle with Goodrich and Lake Fenton for the top seed in their district. Goodrich looks like they are going to get the top seed but it's who gets the third seed that has to play in the first round against Brandon or Pontiac Notre Dame Prep which is a tough matchup. If it's the Irish that Pontiac were to get in the first round that could pose problems. The Phoenix want to avoid the three seed at all costs.
Royal Oak: The Ravens are in a very interesting spot. Royal Oak has the three seed at the moment which means they would play Troy but they could slip into the four seed and play Warren Mott in the first round. Bottom line for Coach Aaron Smith and Royal Oak is they do not want to play on that Monday in the first round.
Troy: The Colts look to be locked into the two seed at the moment but they could get the top seed if they can get by Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. Troy would play Royal Oak in the district semifinals if the season ended. It would be a very interesting district semifinal if it were to happen. If the Colts can get the top seed then they would see Troy Athens or Warren Mott which if it's the Red Hawks would be a very interesting matchup. Troy looks like they might not play until the district semifinals which would be a good thing going forward.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are in a very interesting spot battling for the three seed with Royal Oak. Troy Athens would love to get another shot at Troy most likely in the district semifinals but there is a chance that the Red Hawks could get the four seed which means a first round matchup with Warren Mott. Troy Athens does not want to play on that Monday on their home floor.
Farmington: The Falcons are in a battle for the top seed in their district despite the early season struggles. Farmington has put some wins together. The Falcons would play Livonia Churchill in the first round which would set up a matchup with Redford Thurston in the district semifinals. This is a favorable path. Farmington would love to avoid North Farmington until the district finals which seems possible. If the Falcons can avoid playing until the district semifinals that would be a good thing.
North Farmington: The Raiders are in a battle for the top seed in their district. North Farmington has the fourth seed and would have a tough matchup with Livonia Stevenson in the first round and if they win that matchup they would play Livonia Franklin which they match up well with in the district semifinals. The Raiders would love to avoid arch rival Farmington until the district finals which seems possible. North Farmington will have some work to do.
Oak Park: The Knights look to be locked into the five seed in their district which sets up a first round matchup with Detroit Mumford but there is a chance Oak Park gets the sixth seed and has to play Hamtramck or Detroit Renaissance which are very tough matchups. If the Knights keep the five seed and beat the Mustangs they would see Warren Fitzgerald in the district semifinals. It's a tough matchup to say the least in the district semifinals for Oak Park.
Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks are likely locked into the two seed with Birmingham Brother Rice pulling away and getting the top seed. Bloomfield Hills would see either Seaholm or Berkley. The Maples could be a tough matchup for the Black Hawks in the district semifinals and if they win that they would likely see the Warriors in the district finals which will be an imposing challenge. Bloomfield Hills has a shot to win this district but they likely would need to get by Seaholm and Birmingham Brother Rice.
Groves: The Falcons are in a battle for the four seed with Southfield Arts and Tech but the three seed is in play for Groves. They play in the Red which should help. These two teams are on a collision course in the first round with the winner getting a tough matchup with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It's going to be a tough district for Coach Marc West and the Falcons.
Seaholm: The Maples look like for now they are locked into the three seed but Groves and Southfield Arts and Tech are close by. If Seaholm gets the four or even the five seed that could spell trouble with Birmingham Brother Rice looming in a district semifinals. The Maples would want to play Berkley in the first round and if they get that win they would see Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. Seaholm needs the three seed because if they get the four or five seed that could spell maybe a first round but likely a district semifinal exit.
Berkley: The Bears look like they are locked into the sixth seed which means an interesting matchup for Coach James McCullough going up against his former boss Coach Spenser Adams and Seaholm. It will be a very difficult matchup for Berkley. If they win that game, they could see Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. It's going to be tough for the Bears in the postseason.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are in a battle with Groves for the four seed as they are the fifth seed which means they would play each other. The winner would get Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It will be a tough matchup for Southfield Arts and Tech who has played a tough non conference schedule to say the least but the three seed is also in play if they can get that that would be a much better situation for Coach Josh Lyle and company.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers with all their struggles could be in line for the top seed in their district, that would be insane if West Bloomfield were to get the top seed in their district. They are the second seed which would set them up with Walled Lake Northern which is a tough matchup. If they get the top seed they would look at Orchard Lake St. Marys or Lakeland in the district semifinals. If the Lakers were to get the Eaglets that would be a very difficult matchup. If I'm Coach Arnette Jordan, I'm avoiding Orchard Lake St. Marys at any ways possible.
Oxford: The Wildcats look to be locked into the four seed at the moment which means they would see Holly in the first round which could be a very interesting game. The Bronchos are a well coached team under Coach Steve DeHart. If Oxford wins that game they could be seeing Grand Blanc in the district semifinals which is a very difficult matchup for the Wildcats. Oxford needs to get the three seed but Davison and Flint Kearsley are both playing well which makes things very complicated for Coach Joe Fedorchik and company at the moment. The Wildcats are in a tough spot right now.
Clarkston: The Wolves are likely locked as the two seed in their district which means they could see Waterford Mott in the district semifinals which is a great matchup especially at the guards. If Clarkston gets Lake Orion that could be very interesting in the district semifinals. The top seed is in play but it's not likely the Wolves get that seed however there is always a chance. If I'm Coach Tim Waslik I love that it's Waterford Mott in the district semifinals, not so if it's Lake Orion despite winning over the Dragons earlier in the season.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are likely locked into the top seed in their district. Avondale could have a tough time with Lake Orion in the district semifinals if they are not careful. The Yellow Jackets have been on a roll under Coach Aaron Fox and should be coming into the postseason with a ton of confidence. Avondale is loaded but the postseason is a different animal.
Waterford Mott: The Corsairs are in a very interesting spot locked as the three seed. Waterford Mott is looking at Clarkston in the district semifinals which is a very difficult matchup. If the Corsairs were to struggle they could look at the four seed which could be a better scenario for Coach Jeff Jayson's team despite having to play Waterford Kettering and most likely Avondale in the first round. The Corsairs are the three seed at the moment but playing Clarkston poses a ton of very challenging matchups ahead of them.
Waterford Kettering: The Captains are locked into the five seed and will have a really dangerous matchup with Lake Orion in the first round. It's going to be a tall task for Coach Will Campbell and Waterford Kettering in the first round at Lake Orion. If the Captains upset the Dragons they would most likely see Avondale in the district semifinals. It's going to be tough sledding for the Captains.
Adams: The Highlanders are in a very interesting spot when it comes to their MPR. Adams looks to be the three seed in their district which means they would play Romeo in the first round which should be a win and clash with Stoney Creek in the district semifinals. Whoever wins that game will likely see Rochester in the district finals. The Highlanders if they can get the two seed and send Stoney Creek to play Romeo is also possible but it looks like Adams is playing Romeo or sending Stoney Creek to play Romeo which is very interesting.
Rochester: The Falcons are having a special season but the postseason brings dangers. Rochester is locked as the top seed in their district which means they could see Utica or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals which they shouldn't have an issue with either one. The concern will be the district finals with most likely Adams or Stoney Creek. Both teams would play the Falcons twice and in the Cougars case, it's hard to beat a team three times. Rochester needs to be careful if it's Adams or Stoney Creek, I wouldn't be too concerned about the Macomb County schools at the moment.
Stoney Creek: What a time a coaching change matters like what Coach Marko Tomich has done with the Cougars. Stoney Creek looks like a very confident team. They have the two seed at the moment which means they would see most likely Adams in the district semifinals which should be a classic and if possible have a rematch with Rochester in the district finals which it's always hard to beat a team three times. The Cougars are a very dangerous team and are more than capable of winning this district.
Lake Orion: The Dragons look to be locked into the four seed which means they would play Waterford Kettering in the first round. It would most likely give their reserves a chance to see extended minutes. If Lake Orion were to advance they would see Avondale in the district semifinals which in a way is a better matchup for them considering Avondale likes to go up and down the floor and the size is about even. If the Dragons can keep winning games and get some help, the three seed could be in play. Lake Orion right now is looking at this postseason scenario.
Girls
Ferndale University: The Eagles are more than capable of getting the three seed which would set them up nicely to get to the district finals. Ferndale University would play Madison Heights Lamphere which they are struggling and could get Center Line in the district semifinals which the Eagles match up pretty well with the Panthers and if they win that game they could see Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district finals. Ferndale University is in a good spot right now.
Ferndale: The Eagles are in a rough spot, not playing a ton of games, they should be the sixth seed but they are not. Ferndale is the three seed at the moment which means they would play Madison Heights Lamphere in the first round which I don't see how this would be likely. I see the Eagles more of the fifth seed which would mean a matchup with Hazel Park which that winner would see Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district semifinals. It's a tall task to say the least.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers are in a great spot to get the top seed in their district. Harper Woods has the two seed at the moment which means they could see Warren Lincoln in the district semifinals. If the Pioneers were to get the top seed they could see St. Clair Shores South Lake or Eastpointe in the district semifinals with a clash with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the district finals. Coach LaToyna Tate's team looks to be in a very good spot right now.
Pontiac: The Phoenix look to be locked into the fifth seed which means they will see Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood in the first round and if they win that game they would see Warren Regina in the district semifinals. Either way this looks to be a very tough road for Coach Corray Lett's team.
Farmington: The Falcons look to be either the four or five seed which means they would see Redford Thurston in the first round with the winner seeing Farmington Hills Mercy or Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals which is a very tough matchup. Farmington could be in for a rough matchup in the district semifinals if they can't get by Redford Thurston most likely.
Oak Park: The Knights are locked into the sixth seed in their district which means they would see Southfield Arts and Tech or Warren Fitzgerald in the first round. If Oak Park wins their first round matchup they would see Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which is a tough matchup. Coach Tyler Washington will likely have a rough postseason first round matchup to deal with.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are in a battle for the three seed with Warren Fitzgerald. If they can get by the Spartans then they would see Oak Park in the first round with a better chance of getting to the district finals. Southfield Arts and Tech would see Detroit Mumford which they matchup much better than they would be the four seed which they would see Berkley in the first round and have to play Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. The three seed is very important for Coach Shakita Coltrane's program if they want to make it to the district finals.
Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks have been a big surprise getting the two seed which likely they would keep and see Seaholm in the district semifinals which should be a tough matchup. If they win that game they would see
Groves: The Falcons look prime to have a deep postseason run. Groves should likely get the top seed in their district which means they could see North Farmington or Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals. The Mustangs are a different team while the Raiders are much improved, they are the four seed in their district in the district semifinals and could see Seaholm or Bloomfield Hills in the district finals. The Falcons are living right right now.
Seaholm: The Maples are in a very interesting spot right now as the three seed looking at Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals but there is a chance they could get the four seed and see Birmingham Marian in the first round and play arch rival Groves in the district semifinals pending if they get by the Mustangs. Seaholm has to address their scoring issues but the matchups look challenging either way.
North Farmington: The Raiders are having a really good season but the non conference schedule has hurt them which is why they are the four seed and looking at the four seed looking at Birmingham Marian in the first round. It's a tough matchup for Coach Michael Allin. If North Farmington wins over the Mustangs they are looking at Groves in the district semifinals but they could get the three seed and see Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. It's going to be a tall order for the Raiders either way.
Berkley: The Bears are locked into the five seed in their district which means they would see Warren Fitzgerald or Southfield Arts and Tech in the first round. Berkley matches up much better with the Spartans than they do with the Warriors. Whoever wins that first round matchup has to play Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals which is a very tough matchup. This could be a rough district for Coach Clay Shaver and the Bears.
Oxford: The Wildcats are in a battle for the top seed in their district despite having a under 500 record. Oxford is battling Davison for the top seed. If this holds up the Wildcats would see Holly or Lapeer in the district semifinals with the second seed playing Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Oxford is in a good spot right now to get the top seed but so is the Cardinals.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers are locked as the two seed, they'll likely see Lakeland in the district semifinals with likely clashing with Orchard Lake St. Marys in what should be an epic district finals. West Bloomfield has been rolling as of late and will look to make some noise yet again.
Clarkston: The Wolves are locked as the top seed in the district. Clarkston would await the winner of Waterford and Avondale in the district semifinals. It is possible the Wolves could see Lake Orion for a third time this season but Adams is a tough out for anyone. Clarkston is in a good spot right now to make some noise.
Lake Orion: The Dragons despite all the struggles they have had this season look locked as the two seed thanks to a tough schedule. Lake Orion would see Adams in the district semifinals but they have a ton of games left to go. The Dragons need to get a ton of things addressed if they want to turn things around.
Avondale: It has been a struggle for the Yellow Jackets. Avondale has the four seed and if things end up as it is will play Waterford in the first round. Whoever wins that game would likely see Clarkston in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets still have a shot to move up to the three seed but they need to turn things around and quick.
Adams: The Highlanders are much improved under Coach Justin Howard. They are locked as the three seed at the moment and would see Lake Orion in the district semifinals. Adams has been up and down this season but they are in a position to make some noise.
Waterford: Waterford has been up and down in their first season in the OAA. Waterford would be the five seed and see Avondale in the first round with the winner likely seeing Clarkston in the district semifinals. It's going to be a tough challenge for Coach Andrew Wellman and Waterford if they want to make some noise in this district.
Rochester: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in the postseason. They are the four seed which means they would play Utica in the first round but have a very dangerous matchup with Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Rochester would like to get the three seed and make Romeo, a team they lost to earlier in the season and make them have to play Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals while they have a rematch with Stoney Creek. If I'm Coach Andy Toppie, I'm avoiding playing Utica Eisenhower at all costs in the district semifinals.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars are most likely going to have one of the top two seeds in the district. If I'm Coach Columbus Williams, I'm avoiding Rochester at all costs in the district semifinals and taking my chances with Romeo in that same round. I'm also remembering what happened on my home court with questionable officiating against Utica Eisenhower last season and imaging getting a rematch with the Eagles on their home floor in the district finals which could happen. Stoney Creek should be motivated but they have to possibly see Romeo or Rochester in the district semifinals.
Troy: The Colts are in a battle with Troy Athens for the top seed in their district. Troy has the top seed for now which means they would see Warren Cousino or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. The Colts do not want to see the Ravens in the district semifinals, that could be a scary matchup for Troy but if they are the two seed they would see Warren Mott which is a much better matchup. If I'm Coach Laura Guzman or my good friend Rusty Zeiter, I'm avoiding Royal Oak at all costs.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks are having a strong season and are in play for the top seed in their district. Troy Athens has the two seed and would play Warren Mott in the district semifinals. Coach Stacie Klump would like to avoid Royal Oak at all costs, the Ravens are a tough team for anyone and they are the five seed. The Red Hawks can catch their arch rival Troy and get the top seed as well. Troy Athens as mentioned would want to avoid Royal Oak in their district.
Royal Oak: The Ravens might be the most dangerous five seed in this district. They would see Warren Cousino in the first round which is a tough matchup but they could get Troy or Troy Athens in the district semifinals which is a very dangerous matchup for both Troy schools. Coach Brian Sopota if they can get the three seed and get the bye would be more dangerous. Royal Oak could be in line to make some noise in the postseason despite having a low MPR.
