Volleyball Preview-2026.

Written Friday August 14th at 6:35 PM

Here is my preview for the OAA in volleyball. The order is projected of finish.

AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN

1. Bloomfield Hills

2. Oxford

3. Ferndale

4. Clarkston

5. Stoney Creek

6. Lake Orion

7. Groves

8. Troy Athens

9. Adams

10. Rochester

RED

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks made the Division One State Finals falling to Farmington Hills Mercy last season. Bloomfield Hills lost a Miss Volleyball candidate but there is another that could be on the rise. The Black Hawks could make some noise, but when they get to the postseason Orchard Lake St. Marys will likely await.

Oxford: The Wildcats won the White and they made a special postseason run in which they upset Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Romeo before falling to Bloomfield Hills in the Division One State Quarterfinals. Oxford will rely on team ball like they did in the postseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves finished third in the Red but they were shocked by Oxford in the district finals last season. Clarkston will ride the Smith sisters this season. The Wolves want to get to Battle Creek this season and they are more than capable of doing so.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars were stellar last season and they have one of the top players in Calista Ivezaj coming back. Stoney Creek should be a sleeper in the Red and a darkhorse contender in the postseason.

Lake Orion: The Dragons were very young and inconsistent falling to archrival Oxford in the district semifinals last season. Lake Orion has a ton of experience to have a bounce back season. If the Dragons can get off to a strong start and keep the momentum going this is going to be a very dangerous team this season.

Adams: The Highlanders were near 500 last season. Adams should be much better and it wasn't to their standards. The Highlanders could surprise some people this season.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers struggled last season, but they are in the Red. West Bloomfield should be much better this season but there are a ton of good teams in the Red.

WHITE

Rochester: The Falcons come from the Red. They should be the favorite in the White. Having Red experience will help a ton for Rochester.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks were solid last season. Troy Athens has a ton of proven experience coming back. They should be a sleeper to watch this season.

Groves: The Falcons were very inconsistent, but they won a district crown but ran into Bloomfield Hills in the regional semifinals. Groves will look to have a strong season with the experience they got from last season. The Falcons should be in the conversation this season.

Berkley: The Bears were very inconsistent last season. Berkley has had postseason success, but they struggled last season as mentioned. The Bears should be much better this season. 

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets were at 500 last season. Avondale will look to have a much better season this season. The Yellow Jackets could be in line to make some noise.

Seaholm: The Maples have really struggled which is not to their standards last season. Seaholm should be much better this season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens really struggled last season winning seven games. Royal Oak will look to have a much better year this season. The Ravens could be in line for a turn around this season.

Troy: The Colts had a rough year last season winning two games. Troy will look for a much better year this season.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains are back in the OAA from the Lakes Valley Conference. They weren't bad last season. Waterford Kettering will look to make some noise in the White and could surprise some people.

BLUE

Ferndale: The Eagles were a State quarterfinalist in Division Two last season. That experience should help them heading into this season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors were near 500 last season. Southfield Arts and Tech have been improving as a program and should be a team to watch for heading into this season.

Oak Park: The Knights were near 500 last season. Oak Park should be in the conversation in the Blue. It will be very interesting to see how the Knights do this season.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs enter the OAA from the Lakes Valley Conference where they really struggled now there are some powerhouse programs in that league. Waterford Mott should be better in the OAA but they need to improve after winning one match last season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix were up and down last season. They were competitive in almost every match. Pontiac could be in line to have a solid year this season.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers were up and down last season. Harper Woods was very inconsistent at times. They should be in line to have a much better year this season.

Ferndale University: The Eagles really struggled last season. It will be really interesting to see what Ferndale University does this season.

FUTURE MEMBERS:

Northville: The Mustangs could be a possible State title contender. They were stunned by South Lyon East on their home court in the districts last season. Northville has a lot to prove heading into the final year in the KLAA.

Novi: The Wildcats have slowly been climbing back to where they want to be. Novi should be a sleeper in the KLAA. The Wildcats should be in line for a much better regular season in the KLAA, but they might have to deal with Farmington Hills Mercy in the districts.

Grand Blanc: The Bobcats were very disappointing last season winning eight matches. Grand Blanc should be better this season in their final year in the Saginaw Valley League. The Bobcats are in need of a bounce back season.

Davison: The Cardinals had an incredible season getting to the regional finals falling to Traverse City Central. Davison should be one of the favorites in the Saginaw Valley League in their final season in the league. The Cardinals could be back again in the regional finals especially going north where it is very favorable.

Clawson: The Trojans were solid last season. Clawson should be again this season and could be a factor when they get to the postseason in their final season in the Macomb Area Conference.