Postseason Updates.

Written Saturday February 7th at 11:30 AM

Pontiac

GIRLS: The Phoenix will not be in the postseason this season.

BOYS: The Phoenix are in a battle with Goodrich for the top seed in their district. Pontiac if they get the second seed will have to see Lake Fenton which is a very tough matchup. The Phoenix need to avoid the third seed which would set them up to play on that Monday against Ortonville Brandon in the first round. If I'm Coach Dion Harris I'm really keeping a close eye on the Martians and Blue Devils, they stand to be Pontiac's toughest challengers.

Ferndale University 

GIRLS: The Eagles are locked into the three seed which means they would likely see Ferndale in the first round with the winner seeing Center Line in the district semifinals. I like this matchup with Center Line if it were to occur for Ferndale University but seeing them win the district is not likely with Birmingham Detroit Country Day on the other side of the bracket. It will be tough sledding for Coach Brian Pickett and the Eagles.

BOYS: The Eagles are locked into the sixth seed but they might have a chance against Hazel Park or Detroit Old Redford in the first round and or district semifinals respectively. Ferndale University has played much better despite their record. This is a team that is much better than their record indicates.

Ferndale 

GIRLS: The Eagles are more likely going to be the sixth seed in their district which would set up a matchup with Ferndale University in the first round and if they win that they could see Center Line in the district semifinals. Ferndale will need to improve a lot and quick if they want to pull off what would be a major upset in the first round. It's going to be a really tough draw for the Eagles.

BOYS: The Eagles are likely locked into the top seed in their district. Detroit Old Redford or Hazel Park could be their toughest competitors in this district but they would be on the other side of the bracket and they wouldn't see them until the district finals. If I'm Coach Juan Rickman this district gives the perfect opportunity to play players who haven't played much and rest your starters until the later rounds.

 

Harper Woods 

GIRLS: The Pioneers are locked into the second seed which means they would play Warren Lincoln in the district semifinals. Harper Woods has a chance to get the top seed but it will be a tall ask for Coach LaToya Tate's team and Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has been playing really good basketball. Harper Woods is in a good spot with the two seed right now.

BOYS: The Pioneers look locked into the four seed which means they would play Detroit East English Village Prep. If that's the case they would see Detroit Edwin Denby Tech in the district semifinals if they win in the district semifinals. It's going to be a tough matchup for Coach TaJuan Porter and Harper Woods if this plays out. It's going to be a tall order to catch Eastpointe who is the third seed at the moment.

 

Farmington 

GIRLS: The Falcons are the five seed at the moment which means they would play Redford Thurston in the first round and if they win they would have to see Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals. It's looking more and more likely this will be the matchup for Farmington which is going to be tough for sure.

BOYS: The Falcons are the four seed at the moment which means they would see Livonia Stevenson in the first round which is a scary matchup for Coach Byron Johnson. If they were to win that game they would see Redford Thurston which is a favorable matchup. If Farmington gets the three seed and sends North Farmington to the four seed they would avoid Livonia Stevenson and play Livonia Churchill in the first round and if they win then they would see Livonia Franklin in the district semifinals. The Falcons are in a very interesting spot and they would have a great chance to get to the district finals but they need to find that consistency that won them a district crown last season.

 

North Farmington 

GIRLS: The Raiders are having a special season however they are in a battle with Seaholm for the three seed. If North Farmington gets the three seed they would see Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals which is a tough matchup but if they are the four seed they would see Birmingham Marian in the first round with the possibility of seeing Groves in the district semifinals which will be tough. Either case will be tough for Coach Michael Allin and his program going forward.

BOYS: The Raiders are in a very interesting spot. If they get the three seed they would see Livonia Churchill in the first round then if they win they would see Livonia Franklin in the district semifinals but there is a chance they could switch with the Patriots. If North Farmington were to get past by Farmington it would get tougher and much tougher. Coach Pete Matayla's team would see Livonia Stevenson which is a very scary matchup and if they win they would see Redford Thurston. The question for Matayla is which path will the Raiders choose???

 

Oak Park 

GIRLS: The Knights are locked into the sixth seed but there are concerns that they might not have enough players and have forfeited games recently. Oak Park when they get some players back could see Warren Fitzgerald or Southfield Arts and Tech in the first round which both teams will be a tall order for Coach Tyler Washington and her program. It's going to be tough for Oak Park in the postseason.

BOYS: The Knights are locked into the four seed at the moment which means they would play Detroit Mumford however Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit is sneaking up and could catch the Mustangs which would be very dangerous matchup for Coach Durrand Sheppard in the first round. If Oak Park makes it to the district semifinals they would see Warren Fitzgerald which is a very daunting task. It's going to be a challenge for the Knights in their district.

 

Berkley 

GIRLS: The Bears are locked into the fifth seed which means they would see Southfield Arts and Tech or Warren Fitzgerald which both are not easy matchups for Coach Clay Shaver. If Berkley were to win over the four seed the likelihood of seeing Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals is very real. It's going to be a tough road for Shaver and the Bears in this district.

BOYS: The Bears are locked into the sixth seed which means they will see Seaholm which is a tough matchup considering the length the Maples have. This looks to be the likely matchup at the moment and it's a daunting task to say the least.

Southfield Arts and Tech 

GIRLS: The Warriors are in a battle with Detroit Mumford for the three seed. Southfield Arts and Tech is the four seed at the moment and would see Berkley which is a tough matchup in the first round but if they get the three seed they would play Oak Park in the first round and if they win that they would see Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals which is very favorable but if they stay the four seed and see the Bears and win that game then the likelihood of seeing Detroit Renaissance is very real. For Coach and Athletic Director Shaquita Coltrane the Warriors need the three seed if they don't get it then they could see the Phoenix in the district semifinals.

BOYS: The Warriors are locked into the four five matchup with Groves, it's a battle to see who is the home team at this point in the first round. The winner gets a tough matchup with Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. There is always a chance for Southfield Arts and Tech and Coach Josh Lyle, they could surprise some folks but it will be tough sledding for them.

 

Groves 

GIRLS: The Falcons are locked into the top seed in their district which means they would see North Farmington, Seaholm, or Birmingham Marian in the district semifinals. Groves matches all three teams up pretty well. They would see Bloomfield Hills most likely in the district semifinals. Everything is set up for Coach Jessica Duebla and her program to have a deep postseason run.

BOYS: The Falcons are in that four five matchup with Southfield Arts and Tech in the first round which means they would see Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals if they win over the Warriors. It's been a tough season for Coach Marc West and Groves. This will not be an easy path that is for sure.

 

Seaholm 

GIRLS: The Maples have a tough draw for Coach Chris Manchester. If they get the four seed they would see Birmingham Marian in the first round and then Groves in the district semifinals. If they get the three seed it's Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. It's going to be a tough one to say the least for Seaholm.

BOYS: The Maples are locked into the three seed which means they would see Berkley in the first round with the winner getting Bloomfield Hills in the district semifinals. This is a better case for Coach Spenser Adams based on familiarity. I don't see right now how anyone will catch Seaholm for the third seed in the district. This is the best case right now for the Maples.

 

West Bloomfield 

GIRLS: The Lakers are locked into the two seed which means they would play either Lakeland or Walled Lake Northern in the district semifinals with that winner seeing Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals. This is looking like this will be the likely case between these two teams.

BOYS: The Lakers really miss Curtis Britton which is why they are the four seed which means they would play Lakeland in the first round with the winner getting Walled Lake Northern in the district semifinals however Orchard Lake St. Marys is in play in this district. For Coach Arnette Jordan it is clear they need to stay away from the Eaglets at all times or until Britton comes back.

Bloomfield Hills

GIRLS: The Black Hawks are locked into the two seed which means they would see North Farmington or Seaholm in the district semifinals and then if they win that then it's likely Groves in the district finals. It's been a good season for Coach Renardo Brown and Bloomfield Hills but it will be a tough district to say the least.

BOYS: The Black Hawks are locked into the two seed which means they would see Seaholm in the district semifinals should they get past Berkley. Bloomfield Hills has a shot should they get by their district semifinal matchup against Birmingham Brother Rice which they matchup pretty well. Coach Brian Canfield has a great shot to win this district but they need everyone to be on the same page and clicking at the same time if they want to pull this off.

 

Oxford 

GIRLS: When talking to former Lake Orion girls and boys basketball assistant Kevin Kopec who's daughter Sarah is on the team, I explained the postseason bracket with him. It is important that the Wildcats get the top seed in their district and wait out Lapeer and Holly which likely it will be Lapeer in the district semifinals however if they get the two seed and Davison passes Oxford that could pose some challenges with Grand Blanc despite the Bobcats are having a rough season but it's still Grand Blanc. It is key for Coach Trevor Marshall for the Wildcats to hold off the Cardinals because the two seed despite it's advantages is looking very tricky at the moment.

BOYS: The Wildcats are in a really tough spot. They are the four seed but Holly is on their heals for the four seed. Either way that winner is going to see Grand Blanc in the district semifinals which is going to be very tough. Oxford could get the three seed but that will be a tough task with Flint Kearsley likely securing the three seed. It's going to be tough sledding for Coach Joe Fedorchik and the Wildcats.

 

Avondale 

GIRLS: The Yellow Jackets is the five seed which means they will play Waterford in the first round with the winner getting Clarkston in the district semifinals. Avondale is a very dangerous five seed and could give anyone problems in this district.

BOYS: The Yellow Jackets are locked as the top seed in the district. Avondale would likely get Lake Orion in the district semifinals which is very a dangerous matchup. The Dragons can defend and knows JaKobe Louris inside out. If the Yellow Jackets win that matchup then they would get Clarkston in the district finals. It's very interesting but it's a good time to be a Yellow Jacket right now.

 

Clarkston 

GIRLS: The Wolves are locked into the top seed which means they would see Avondale or Waterford in the district semifinals and Lake Orion or Adams in the district finals. Clarkston has had a strong season and will look to continue their path into the postseason.

BOYS: The Wolves are locked into the second seed which means they would see Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. There is an outside chance they could see arch rival Lake Orion in the district semifinals should the Dragons pass the Corsairs. It's going to be very interesting to see what Coach Tim Waslik does with Clarkston.

 

Waterford Mott 

GIRLS: Waterford is merged with Kettering and Mott together.

BOYS: The Corsairs are locked into the three seed which means they would see Clarkston in the district semifinals. This is a really bad matchup for Coach Jeff Jayson considering the Wolves are a systematic team and could give Jayson's guards nightmares. If Waterford Mott were the four seed and Lake Orion passes them which is possible they would play arch rival Waterford Kettering in the first round and then Avondale in the district semifinals. The Corsairs would present some big problems in the district semifinals with Tori Robinson and DaMari Stephens if this were to occur. So far it's looking like it's more likely Waterford Mott could see Clarkston in the district semifinals.

 

Waterford Kettering/Waterford

GIRLS: Waterford is the four seed at the moment which means they would see Avondale in the first round which is a really tough matchup. If they were to get past the Yellow Jackets then they would see Clarkston in the district semifinals which is a tough matchup. It's going to be tough sledding for Coach Andrew Wellman and Waterford.

BOYS: The Captains are locked into the five seed which means they would likely see Lake Orion in the first round but there is an outside chance they could see arch rival Waterford Mott in the first round with that winner seeing Avondale in the district semifinals. It's going to be real tough sledding for Coach Will Campbell and Waterford Kettering.

 

Lake Orion 

GIRLS: The Dragons looked locked as the two seed at the moment but they need to win games in the worst way possible. The MPR for the two is getting murkier at the moment. Lake Orion has played a really tough schedule but they need to turn things around and quick or Adams could catch them. The Dragons and Highlanders are on a collision course to play each other but it's clear Lake Orion needs to win some games or risk losing the two seed.

BOYS: The Dragons are locked into the four seed which means they would play Waterford Kettering in the first round. This could be a perfect opportunity for Coach Jose Andredas to rest his starters and play some players that haven't played a lot and also prepare for Avondale in the district semifinals. Avondale and Lake Orion would be a really interesting district semifinals if this were to occur. There is an outside chance the Dragons could play Clarkston if they were to pass Waterford Mott for the three seed. Anything is possible for Lake Orion when it comes to the postseason.

 

Adams 

GIRLS: The Highlanders are locked into the three seed at the moment which means they would see Lake Orion in the district semifinals which would be a really interesting rematch. Adams has had a strong year this season and there is a possibility that the Highlanders could catch the Dragons for the two seed considering Lake Orion's struggles this season. Either way it's inevitable that these two teams will meet again.

BOYS: The Highlanders are in a battle with Stoney Creek for the two seed which they currently hold at the moment. Adams would see Stoney Creek or Romeo in the district semifinals which Highlanders/Cougars round three seems very likely. The Highlanders also see Rochester again to close the season. It's going to be very interesting to see what Adams does but Coach Isiah Novak knows his program is in a very good spot.

 

Stoney Creek 

GIRLS: The Cougars are in a battle for the top seed with Utica Eisenhower but they maybe better off with the two seed. It would set a very interesting matchup with Romeo in the district semifinals but if they get the top seed they could see Rochester in the district semifinals. Depth is a serious concern for Coach Columbus Williams. Stoney Creek is a motivated team, they want Utica Eisenhower in the worst way possible.

BOYS: The Cougars are in a battle with Adams for the two seed but if they get the three seed that shouldn't be a big deal with Romeo in the first round and then they see the Highlanders in the district semifinals. Coach Marko Tomich has done a great job with Stoney Creek and the district presents a different challenge.

 

Rochester

GIRLS: The Falcons are locked into the four seed which means they would play Utica in the first round and then have a really dangerous matchup with Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Rochester could see Stoney Creek which is possible if the Cougars get the top seed and hold off Utica Eisenhower. It's going to be a tough road for Coach Andrew Toppie and the Falcons.

BOYS: The Falcons are locked as a top seed and will see Utica or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals which is tricky at best. Rochester could see Adams or Stoney Creek in the district finals which will be very tough especially with having an unbeaten season. Rochester is having a dream season but the postseason could be very dangerous for Coach Nick Evola and the Falcons.

 

Troy 

GIRLS: The Colts 56-55 home loss to Southfield Arts and Tech really hurt. They are the second seed at the moment which sets them to play Warren Mott in the district semifinals. The top seed is still in play for Troy but they need to beat Troy Athens and pass them if not they will be locked into the two seed. It will be interesting to see what happens for Coach Laura Guzman and the Colts.

BOYS: The Colts hold the second seed at the moment but there is a chance they can catch Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. Troy needs to win and have the Cranes lose at least two games. Troy would see Troy Athens if the current rankings hold in the district semifinals but if I'm Coach Gary Fralick, they need to try and get that top seed.

 

Troy Athens 

GIRLS: The Red Hawks hold control of the Blue and the top seed in the district at the moment. Troy Athens controls it's destiny right now. It's a battle with Troy for the top two seeds. It's a guarantee at the moment that the Red Hawks will get either the top or the second seed.

BOYS: The Red Hawks have really struggled but they are still in the conversation for the top seed in their district with Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood holding the top seed at the moment. Bottom line for Troy Athens is if they want to avoid Troy in the district semifinals they need to get the top seed which they are more than capable of doing but they need to win.

 

Royal Oak 

GIRLS: The Ravens despite their struggles have a chance to get the three seed and not need to play on Monday but they need to win. Royal Oak can pass Warren Mott and Warren Cousino for the three seed.  There is a big difference from playing Wednesday against the two seed to having to play on that Monday and playing the top seed in the district semifinals.

BOYS: The Ravens remain in a battle for the two seed with Troy and Troy Athens. There is a chance for Coach Aaron Smith to catch Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood for the top seed but Royal Oak needs to likely win out if they want to get the top seed in their district.