Written Saturday November 20th at 11:00 AM
Here is the 2021 Boys Basketball preview heading into the season.
This blog article will be updated often with the most updated information.
INSIDE THE OAA TOP TEN
1. Ferndale
2. Clarkston
3. Adams
4. North Farmington
5. Bloomfield Hills
6. Lake Orion
7. Rochester
8. Berkley
9. Troy Athens
10. Troy
Red
INSIGHT: The Red has always have had
the reputation of being one of the toughest divisions in the State and this
season is no different with the quality in this division. Ferndale had a
very deep postseason run making the Division Two State semifinals last season.
They have the majority from that team coming back this season. Clarkston
is coming off a bad taste in their mouths after last season’s regional
semifinal loss. They have proven experience along with a transfer
and an incoming freshman ready to make some noise. Adams comes from the
White. They have a lot of proven experience coming back along with a transfer
that came back from out of state. North Farmington should be in the mix
after adding two transfers to an already deep team this offseason. Oak Park is much improved
after a very difficult district semifinal loss last season. They should be a
sleeper. West Bloomfield has a new coach. It will be very interesting to
see how they do this season. Farmington has a new coach and saw their
two best players transfer out this offseason. There is a lot of questions
surrounding them. The Red will be very interesting to watch this season.
EARLY THOUGHTS: I look at the Red as
being very interesting from the insight column. Ferndale and Clarkston really stand out as the two top
teams in the division with the experience that both teams have coming back. North Farmington should be in the conversation
with their incoming transfers and program strength. The team that I’m really watching
Adams. The Highlanders have a lot coming back and they brought back one of their own this offseason. Oak Park is
another wildcard to watch with the talent they have coming back and the
newcomers coming into the program. West Bloomfield and Farmington have new coaches and have to replace some key players that transferred out. They could be in
for really tough seasons ahead this year.
FERNDALE EAGLES
LAST SEASON: 13-5, 8-1 Red. Lost
81-55 to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Division Two State Semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Treyvon Lewis-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Williams-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Eagles
repeat last year’s magic???
STORYLINE: The Eagles made a ton of
noise in 2021. They won 13 games, won the Red, and getting to the Division Two State Semifinals falling
to a very good Grand Rapids Catholic Central program last season. This could be
Coach Juan Rickman’s best chance to win the Division Two State championship
with the proven experience coming back. Ferndale has Jason Drake, Treyvon Lewis, Cameron Reed, Caleb Renfroe, Maurice Boone,
Trenton Booth, and Chris Williams coming back. Depth is a concern for
Rickman. The Eagles have built program strength and fielded three teams last
season. They have a really tough non-league schedule and are in a ton of
showcase games. Rickman has done a really good job at Ferndale. The Eagles are the favorite in the Red because of proven experience. It seems like he
has built the program for the now and in the future which is a great sign going
forward.
CLARKSTON WOLVES
LAST SEASON: 14-4, 5-3 Red. Lost
38-37 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in regional semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Keegan Waslik-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Zach Austin-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can this group
replicate the success of old at Clarkston???
STORYLINE: It was a very interesting
2021 for the Wolves. They had three league losses (twice to Ferndale and once to Oak Park.) Clarkston finished second in the Red
behind Ferndale. They won 14 games and a district title. The Wolves were a shot
away from upsetting Orchard Lake St. Marys in the regional semifinals at
Lakeland last season. Clarkston is senior heavy this season. They have Keegan Waslik, Zach Austin, Nathan Steinman, Desman Stephens, Mike DePillo,
Brody Kosin, Bryce Jacob, Kaiden Dietlin, Griffin Yarberry, Cole Church, Brayden
Wiley, and Zach Scherler coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. The Wolves have two
additions that should make an impact for them and add to their depth. Clarkston has Cavanaugh
Diton into the program. Diton was a transfer from Plymouth Salem this offseason. He played
football for Coach Kurt Richardson this fall. The Wolves also have a newcomer in
freshman John Kaul. Kaul has gotten a ton of attention with his play this
offseason. He played football but was on their junior varsity team which also
was very good as well. Clarkston has a ton of multi-sport athletes in the
program. Program strength looks to be very solid. The Wolves should be very
good again but they better be careful not to believe their own press clippings
that could be very dangerous.
ADAMS HIGHLANDERS
LAST SEASON: 11-5, 4-3 White. Lost
61-37 to Clarkston in district finals.
TOP PLAYER: Justice Mims-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Gunner Walters-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the
Highlanders succeed in the Red???
STORYLINE: This program will
certainly be a storyline this season. What Coach Jaret Thomas has done with the
Highlanders in his two years is turn the program around and built them into a
legit contender. Adams won 11 games, shared the White with Stoney Creek and
Bloomfield Hills and went to the district finals where they fell to Clarkston
last season. Thomas has built program strength in his two years and has paid
dividends. The Highlanders have Justice Mims, Jon Urusy, Jacob Durand, and Brady
Prieskorn coming back. “We got a senior led group that is preparing to take on
a competitive schedule with many great matchups” said Thomas. They got a huge
bonus addition with Gunner Walters transferring back to Adams where he played as
a freshman in 2019 before going out of state but coming back for his senior
season. The Highlanders are very deep besides the five players mentioned with Nick
Paterra, Austin Yoon, and William Dee coming back as well. It will take some
time for them to fully be whole with Adams football is in mist of a deep
postseason run. “We have experienced guard play and depth led by Gunner Walters
and Justice Mims. Also have size that can play inside/out with Jon Ursuy, Brady
Prieskorn, and Jacob Durand” Thomas added. It could take some time for them to
adjust to basketball shape especially with Prieskorn and Paterra but once they get into basketball shape look out. The Highlanders have the program strength to make a significant
impact this season. “We are looking forward to this winter and the opportunity
to compete against the best in our league and the State” Thomas concluded.
NORTH FARMINGTON RAIDERS
LAST SEASON: 7-2, 6-2 Red.
TOP PLAYER: Landon Williams-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Hurst-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Raiders
maintain the consistency of success???
STORYLINE: The Raiders had a very
strong year winning seven games which included an upset road win at Ferndale but
COVID-19 protocols derailed their postseason dreams last season. They are in a
very interesting spot this season. North Farmington has proven
experience and added two transfers this offseason. They have the proven
experience in Landon Williams, PJ Gardner, Lee Hardy, Justin Ross and Tyler
Spratt coming back. The Raiders got stronger with the transfers in Ryan Hurst
(West Bloomfield) and Prince Jackson (Farmington.) They bring proven
experience to North Farmington. It will be very interesting to see how Hurst
and Jackson fits into Coach Todd Negoshian’s system. Program strength is very
solid and Negoshian’s record with transfers is solid. If they can mesh then the
Raiders could be a darkhorse in the Red this season.
OAK PARK KNIGHTS
LAST SEASON: 5-8, 3-6 Red. Lost
68-64 in 2 OT to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Ashton Henderson-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Derald Blackmon-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Knights
make the next step???
STORYLINE: 2021 was a weird season
for Oak Park which included a rare win over Clarkston despite winning five
games. It was a weird postseason for the Knights which saw them allow a
four point play to Sonny Wilson and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit only to fall
in double overtime in the district semifinals last season. Oak Park should be solid for Coach
Durand Sheppard. The Knights have Bwanda Miller, Ashton Henderson, and Derald Blackmon
coming back. They also have some impactful freshmen to watch as well.
Program strength is a concern. Oak Park should be in
the mix. Program strength is very concerning as mentioned they need to address and
soon.
WEST BLOOMFIELD LAKERS
LAST SEASON: 5-9, 2-6 Red.
TOP PLAYER: Mitchell Seay-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Shawn Patrick-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Lakers
adjust to a new coach???
STORYLINE: 2021 was a rough season
for West Bloomfield. They won five games and they along with their girls basketball program had to miss the postseason because of COVID-19 protocols. There were a
ton of changes this offseason for the Lakers. Coach Jeremy Dehna left the
program to take over at Utica Ford II. They also had their top player transfer
out of West Bloomfield as well. The Lakers went with Arnette Jordan as their
new head coach. He brings a proven pedigree to the program. Jordan is that he
has program strength which helps any new coach.
West Bloomfield has Mitchell Seay, Jayden Montgomery, Semaj Morgan, Jordan
Lewis, and Shawn Patrick coming back which helps. They will be a team to watch
especially with how the players mesh under Jordan. There are low expectations
which is a good thing for them. The Lakers could surprise some folks if things
go right.
FARMINGTON FALCONS
LAST SEASON: 4-12, 2-8 Red. Lost
47-45 to Seaholm in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Zion Carroll-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jalen Silver-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Falcons
survive life in the Red???
STORYLINE: It has been a really
interesting offseason for the Falcons which saw a new coach and their top two
players transfer out of Farmington in Robert Davis (Hamtramck) and Prince
Jackson (North Farmington) this offseason. The Falcons have Derrick McDowell
taking over the program after then coach Terrance Porter surprising stepped down this
offseason. I talked to Farmington Athletic Director Tim Micklash, he is very
high on his new head coach and for good reason. McDowell has a very strong
basketball IQ. He mentioned that he can rebuild programs quickly. Farmington
has Zion Carroll, Mohammad Farahani, and Jalen Silver coming back. The Falcons have a ton of concerns this season.
McDowell has to address program strength and has to overcome life in the Red.
It could be a very challenging season for Farmington this season.
White
INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a
very interesting division this season. Bloomfield Hills has a
lot of proven talent coming back from a program that shared the White last season.
Lake Orion is a very interesting team. They have had a very strong offseason
and should be in the mix this season. Groves is a very interesting team.
They have had a ton of close losses. Troy
is in a very interesting spot. They lost a ton of talent from last season but
are always in the hunt it seems. Stoney Creek lost a ton of talent from
last season but are always in the hunt. It will be interesting to see how
they do this season. The White should be a fun division all season long.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The White looks
to be very competitive with the teams that are in this division. Bloomfield Hills is the early favorite because of their
experience. Lake Orion should have a really strong say if they can follow the same
philosophy that won them 11 games last season. Stoney Creek and Troy both lost
a lot of experience last season but knowing both coaching staffs they will have
their programs ready. Groves has the talent but hasn’t been able to put it
together. This should be a very interesting division to watch.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS BLACKHAWKS
LAST SEASON: 8-5, 6-2 White. Lost
62-54 to Waterford Mott in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Noah Adamcyzk-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Derrick Lee-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Blackhawks
repeat???
STORYLINE: The Blackhawks had a really
great 2021. Bloomfield Hills won eight games and shared the White with Adams
and Stoney Creek. They had a very tough district semifinal loss to Waterford
Mott last season and is expected to be in a very tough district this
postseason. The Blackhawks decided to stay in the White this season with the proven
experience they have coming back. Bloomfield Hills has Noah Adamcyzk, Derrick
Lee, Carson Brodsky, Ben Canty, CJ Jackson, Mohammad Farhani, Noah Kam, Brock
Rowland, Julian Manta, Jordan Holman, Rion Ando, Nash Gilbert, Byron Brooks,
Ahmad Taylor, and David Hollands coming back for Coach Phil Kurajian. Adamcyzk,
Lee, Brodsky, and Canty have been getting a lot of attention from the media
this offseason. Program strength looks to be very strong for Kurajian. It
should be very interesting to watch how they do this season with that
experience and talent they have.
LAKE ORION DRAGONS
LAST SEASON: 11-4, 5-1 Blue. Lost
45-35 to Clarkston in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Alden Ritt-G/F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeff Perkowski-C
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Dragons
compete in the White???
STORYLINE: It was a very good 2021 for the
Dragons. They shared the Blue with Troy Athens and won 11 games but COVID-19
protocols forced them to miss the final few weeks of the regular season. Lake
Orion suffered a very controversial loss to Clarkston in the district
semifinals last season. The division title earned the Dragons a return to the
White this season. Lake Orion has a lost a lot proven experience in Nick
Fisher, Will McClear, Andrew Bryant, Mark Smith, Brennan Jones, and Xander
Blackney to graduation. With that being said they have some proven talent
returning as well which always helps. The Dragons have Alden Ritt, Blake
Leidell, DJ Morrow, CJ Witt, Trevor Witt, Nate Harvilla, Malakai Grandberry,
and Jeff Perkowski coming back for Coach Joel Schroeder. They also have a
sophomore in Quay Fly to watch this season. Program strength is a concern. Lake Orion has found themselves an identity on the defensive side
of the court which is a recipe of winning basketball games. Secondary scoring
is the key for the Dragons. Expect Lake Orion to be in the mix in the White
with this style of play this season.
TROY COLTS
LAST SEASON: 6-8, 4-5 White. Lost
42-36 to Stoney Creek in district finals.
TOP PLAYER: Darius Whiteside-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Zach Sadd-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Colts play
spoiler???
STORYLINE: The Colts had a ton of
expectations in 2021 but it was a very unusual year which saw them in COVID-19
protocol twice. The two delays because of COVID-19 protocols resulted in an
unusual under 500 record last season (won six games.) Troy lost a lot of
proven experience from a program that went to the district finals which included D’Anthony
Hamilton, Imad Hage, and Brody Parker. Hamilton and Parker are both playing
college basketball this season. The Colts will have to replace a ton of proven
experience as mentioned but they have a breakout player in Darius Whiteside.
Whiteside has really proven himself with his athleticism not only on the court
but also on the football field this past fall leading Troy to the postseason.
The Colts also have Zach Sadd, Dominic Thomas, Akram Alkhateeb, Chase Kuiper,
and Zach Fairless coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. They also have Bryce Parker,
Kyle Parker, Zach Penoza, Carter Cusmano, Jon Whiteside, Lalith Gudi, and very possibly
Mason Parker coming into the program. Program strength is a concern for Troy. There
will be some growing pains early but later in the year they could surprise some
people.
GROVES FALCONS
LAST SEASON: 8-8, 3-6 White. Lost
59-57 to Birmingham Brother Rice in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Aaron DuBose-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Nick Lurz-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Falcons
make that next step???
STORYLINE: The Falcons have had a
ton of ups and downs along with heartbreaking losses. Groves was 500 winning
seven games. They beat Southfield Arts and Tech at their place in the first
round and was a shot away from beating Birmingham Brother Rice also on the road
in the district semifinals last season. The Falcons are in a very interesting
spot because of their proven experience which Coach Benny White has coming back
but their past is against them. They are 29-29 in the three years under White. Groves
has Aaron DuBose, Nick Lurz, Quinton Steele, Charles Iverson, Daddy Barbee,
Bennett Roman, Armit Sran, DeMarion Watson, and John Abbott coming back. Program
strength is a concern for White. There is a lot to like with the Falcons but
there are also some dangers as well. They should be a team to watch this season.
STONEY CREEK COUGARS
LAST SEASON: 13-5, 5-3 White. Lost
58-52 to Macomb Dakota in regional finals.
TOP PLAYER: Peyton Rummler-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Leo Kent-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Cougars
maintain their same level of success???
STORYLINE: It was a very good 2021
for the Cougars winning 13 games. Stoney Creek made it to the regional finals
but fell to a very good Macomb Dakota program last season. The Cougars lost a
ton of experience from last season including star standout Trevor Smith. Stoney Creek is going to be very inexperienced this season however they have some talent coming back for Coach Steve Norgrove. The Cougars have Peyton Rummler coming back from an ACL injury he suffered last season. Rummler has
been getting some attention and should be their top player. They also have Gage Beers and
Calvin Becker coming back as well. Stoney Creek added a transfer in Leo Kent this offseason. Kent comes
from Flushing. Program strength is going to be very
interesting to watch for Norgrove. The Cougars are always tough minded and they will be this season.
Blue
INSIGHT: The Blue is a very
interesting division when looking at the teams. Rochester won the Gold
last season and moved up to the Blue. They have a new coach along with a ton of
proven experience coming back. Berkley had an interesting season last year. They don’t have a ton of varsity
experience but sub-varsities had a winning record last season. Troy Athens
has the proven guards coming back but the interior is the big question mark coming into the season. Oxford
is the wildcard. They have four starters coming back. Southfield Arts and
Tech comes from the White. They are a very young group but feels they
contend in the Blue. Seaholm lost a ton of talent from last season but
they are always scrappy. This should be a fun division to watch this season.
EARLY THOUGHTS: This division looks
very competitive and interesting at the same time. Rochester has a new coach along with proven
experience coming back. Berkley is a very interesting team with not a lot of
proven talent. Program strength was very strong last season and they’ll need to rely on
that this season. Troy Athens will certainly have the shooting to be in games
but interior play is a question for them. Oxford is always competitive no matter what
situation they’re in. Southfield Arts and Tech is going to be very unproven.
Seaholm is very young but program strength should help them get through the season.
This should be a fun division to watch.
ROCHESTER FALCONS
LAST SEASON: 7-8, 5-1 Gold. Lost
58-55 to Utica in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Matt Stone-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Preyston Schroyer-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Falcons
gel under a new coach???
STORYLINE: It has been a very interesting offseason in
Rochester. The Falcons won seven games and the Gold. They had a very disappointing first round loss to Utica on their home floor in the postseason last season. Rochester changed coaches this offseason with Nick Evola
taking over the program for Vance Kirkwood. Kirkwood is coaching girls
basketball at Sterling Heights Stevenson. Evola coached at Warren Woods Tower prior to his arrival at Rochester. Evola
is a teacher at the school which should ease the transition. The Falcons
have Preyston Schroyer, Matt Stone, Louis Bowes, Armaan Hussani, Connor Craium,
Grant Calcagno, and Gabe Mendoza coming back. Program strength is a concern for
Rochester. They should be in the mix for the Blue all season long.
BERKLEY BEARS
LAST SEASON: 6-8, 3-4 Blue. Lost
57-55 to Detroit Renaissance in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Jacob Sheriff-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: ???
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Bears
maintain the same level of success???
STORYLINE: The Bears had a really
interesting 2021 which saw a ton of drama and also heartbreak. They won six games and had an unusual under 500 record. They had to overcome COVID-19
protocols near the end of the season. Berkley had a really tough postseason loss to Detroit Renaissance on the road in
the district semifinals last season. This is a program that has a ton of storylines this season. They lost a ton of experience including Arshad Walker. The Bears have one starter in Jacob Sheriff coming back and the rest will be with new players. “We are junior and
sophomore heavy” said Coach Joe Sermo. Usually when teams have one
starter coming back it could be very challenging and rough but not for Berkley. The Bears
junior varsity team went undefeated along with their freshman program who also
had a strong year last season. They should fill the void very nicely for Sermo. Berkley will need to rely on program strength to carry them this season. They
are a wildcard in the Blue this season.
TROY ATHENS RED HAWKS
LAST SEASON: 8-6, 5-1 Blue. Lost
65-51 to Chippewa Valley in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Jonah Botardo-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Alex Justice-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can Alex Justice
excel in the interior???
STORYLINE: The Red Hawks had a very
interesting 2021. They won eight games and sharing the Blue with Lake Orion
however they had to use their junior varsity team in their postseason loss to
Chippewa Valley on their home floor. The majority of their varsity was in COVID-19 protocol
last season. Troy Athens despite sharing the division they stayed in the Blue. The Red Hawks are very guard heavy this season. They have the proven guards
and wings in Jonah Botardo, Christian Jemmoa, Jordan Sebaugh, Andre Shelton,
Tanvir Gill, Evan Bieber, Kyrie Harper, James Russell, and Havi Kolli coming
back for Coach Dave Scott. The interior should be the storyline all season
long. Alex Justice should be a very important player in the interior. They lost Jacob Thornton and Alex's older brother Michael Justice to graduation this offseason.
If Justice can stabilize the interior then Troy Athens will be right back in
the thick of things. They have earned the nickname “three point happies” with
their very strong outside shooting over the years. Program strength will be
very interesting to see for the Red Hawks. If things go right they should be in
the thick of things.
OXFORD WILDCATS
LAST SEASON: 4-10, 1-5 Blue. Lost
41-40 to Romeo in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Logan Rozanski-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jake Champagne-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Wildcats
play spoiler???
STORYLINE: It was a very rough 2021 for the Wildcats. They won four games and suffered a ton of heartbreaking losses including their postseason loss to Romeo on their home floor last season. I talked to Chicago Brothers
Pizza owner Dan Brown about the state of the basketball program. He mentioned
that they could struggle a little bit this season. It could be very
interesting for Coach Steve Laidlaw and his program. Oxford has Logan Rozanski,
Mitchell Vivano, Dylan Stone, Jon Ascuisto, Alec Brown, Ben Cruz, Mark Slezak, and
Bryce Essman coming back. There has been a ton of attention surrounding
newcomer Jake Champagne. Champagne made some noise this offseason. Program strength looks to be
on the rise especially in the younger levels. The Wildcats are a
darkhorse with the talent they have coming back and also the talent in the
younger levels. They could surprise some folks, watch out.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH WARRIORS
LAST SEASON: 5-10, 3-6 White. Lost
54-48 to Groves in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Craig Hayes-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Joshua Smith-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: How will the
Warriors adjust to life in the Blue???
STORYLINE: It was a very odd year
for the Warriors in 2021. They were under 500 which was very unusual for them. Southfield Arts and Tech won five games and had a very tough first round loss on their home floor to
Groves last season. The Warriors were 29-14 in the prior two years
under Coach Darreyle Buchanan. They are in the Blue after being
in the Red or White for the last six years as one school this offseason. Program strength is a
major concern. Southfield Arts and Tech has Joshua Smith, Xavier James, Quante
Pryor, Antonio King, Isiah Marshall, and Craig Hayes coming back. There are a ton of questions surrounding this
program this season.
SEAHOLM MAPLES
LAST SEASON: 6-9, 2-5 Blue. Lost
66-36 to Birmingham Brother Rice in district finals.
TOP PLAYER: John Chinosis-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Colton Kinne-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Maples
play spoiler???
STORYLINE: The Maples have had a lot
of twists and turns in 2021. It included a huge postseason upset of Farmington in the first
round on their home floor however with the unusual season the majority of their players went on spring break. It resulted in them get
blown out by Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals last season. Seaholm
will be very inexperienced. They have Jon Chinonis and Juan
Hammonds coming back for Coach Mike DeGeeter. The Maples are going to have to rely
on program strength this season. Their sophomore class was very good last season.
Seaholm could struggle with the inexperience on the varsity level but they will
be better in the next few years.
Gold
INSIGHT: The Gold should be a very interesting
division with the teams in this division. Harper Woods comes into the
OAA with a lot riding on them. They have a new coach and has proven experience
coming back. Pontiac should be motivated
after not winning the division last season. Avondale should be in the
mix even though they will be very young. Royal Oak has some experience
coming back but they haven’t put it together. Ferndale University has a
new coach and proven experience coming back. It should be as mentioned a very
interesting division to watch this season.
EARLY THOUGHTS: The Gold has a lot
of storylines this season to watch. Harper Woods has a new coach and is in a
new league. Pontiac is a program to watch with the talent that they have coming
back. Royal Oak is a very interesting team to watch with a ton of questions.
Avondale is a wildcard in this division. Ferndale University has a new coach
but he will have a ton of proven experience coming back. This division should
be very interesting to watch.
HARPER WOODS PIONEERS
LAST SEASON: 4-9, 0-7 Michigan Metro
Conference.
TOP PLAYER: Julian Young-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Isiah Lewis-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Pioneers
adjust to life in the OAA???
STORYLINE: The Pioneers enter a new
league and a new division this season. It was a struggle for Harper Woods with
the inexperience despite the record winning four games. They missed out on the
postseason due to COVID-19 protocols. The Pioneers are normally a powerhouse
program but it was very usual for them to struggle last season. They
have a new coach in TuJuan Porter taking over the program this offseason.
Porter played college basketball at Oregon and has a ton of proven coaching
experience in the Detroit area. He has a ton of proven experience in Julian
Young, Rozell Matthews, Quincey Dickinson, Marquise Kelly, Isiah Lewis, and
DeAndre Williams coming back. Program strength is a huge concern. There should be a transition period for them. The proven experience makes Harper Woods the early favorite but the key is can they adjust to life in the OAA and if they do look out.
PONTIAC PHOENIX
LAST SEASON: 6-3, 6-2 Gold. Lost
69-56 to Waterford Mott in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Dionte Harris-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tyree Young-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Program Strength.
STORYLINE: It was a really good 2021
for the Phoenix despite playing a league only schedule and winning six games
however they had very disappointing losses to Avondale, Rochester, and
Waterford Mott in the postseason really are the games that stand out which cost
them the Gold. Pontiac beat Rochester on the road which was their biggest
victory last season. The Phoenix are in a very interesting spot as a program. They
have Dionte Harris, Daveon Hall, and Tyree Young coming back for Coach Damon
O’Neil. Pontiac also has two 6.7 kids coming into the program this season. Program
strength has been a huge concern for the Phoenix. Pontiac needs to address
their non league schedule, there are options out there. This should be a team
to watch as they could be in contention for the Gold again this season.
AVONDALE YELLOW JACKETS
LAST SEASON: 6-8, 5-2 Gold. Lost
66-20 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in district semifinals.
TOP PLAYER: Malik Adams-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Abe Herrea-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Yellow
Jackets make that next step???
STORYLINE: There is a lot of
optimism surrounding the Yellow Jackets this season and for good reason. They are trying to turn around a
16-41 record since 2018 but it looks like they are on the right track. Avondale was much improved winning six games, five of them against divisional foes which
included beating arch rival Pontiac in the process. They had a really tough loss to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals last season. Coach Pat Clancy has the
program heading in the right direction in his third season with the program. The
Yellow Jackets have Malik Adams, Abe Herrea, Anthony Howard, Marshall Dennis,
Aaris Gordon, Issac Gordon, and Darren Pagel coming back. Program strength is a
concern for Avondale. If there is a darkhorse in the Gold this season, this is it
with the Yellow Jackets.
ROYAL OAK RAVENS
LAST SEASON: 2-13, 2-5 Gold. Lost
44-37 to Berkley in predistrict.
TOP PLAYER: Jessie Hoisington-F
PLAYER TO WATCH: Dylan Hoffman-G
BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Ravens
break the curse???
STORYLINE: It has been a struggle lately for Royal Oak. The Ravens have really
struggled in the last four years since they went 14-7 in the 2016-2017 season.
They are 21-56 since that season. Royal Oak is at a crossroads which is very
dangerous coming into the season. The postseason has been a huge problem also for Coach Aaron Smith. They have been very tough
districts where they have to deal with powerhouse programs and have to travel into Wayne County (Detroit Renaissance) at times. Royal Oak hosts their district this season but as mentioned there are some powerhouse programs in there as well. The Ravens have proven experience with Jessie
Hoisington, Dylan Hoffman, Camden Clark, Jason Gilbert, and Conner Champion
coming back. Program strength is a huge concern. Royal Oak has the experience to make some noise. It’s proving
it is the key to getting things turned around.
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY EAGLES
LAST SEASON: 0-12, 0-8 Gold. Lost
66-27 to Ferndale in district finals.
TOP PLAYER: Semaj McGee-G
PLAYER TO WATCH: Rasheed Jones-F
BIGGEST QUESTION: How will the
Eagles adjust with a new coach???
STORYLINE: The Eagles had a very
rough first year in the OAA. They were very young despite
getting to the district finals last season. Ferndale University made some
changes in the offseason. They have a new coach in Sammy Hines taking over the program. Hines takes
over a program that has been 26-66 since 2015. He comes from Madison Heights
Lamphere which posted a 21-33 record in his three seasons with the Rams. The Eagles
have Semaj McGee, Rasheed Jones, Zach Sillah, Javon Sanders, Aaron Tucker, and
John King coming back. Program strength is a concern for Ferndale University.
If Hines can address program strength and quickly then there is no
reason why the Eagles can make a comeback in a huge way. They have the
experience and the talent to win games and to be competitive.
