Volleyball State Semifinal Preview.

Written Tuesday November 18th at 11:05 PM

The Black Hawks of Bloomfield Hills battled the Wildcats of Oxford in the Division One State Quarterfinals on Tuesday night in Port Huron at St. Clair Community College. The Black Hawks edged out the Wildcats in three sets 25-13, 27-25, and 25-19. 

Bloomfield Hills will play Rockford in the Division One State Semifinals at the Kelloggs Center in Battle Creek on Thursday. If the Black Hawks beat the Rams they could see Farmington Hills Mercy or Byron Center in the Division One State Finals on Saturday.

It should be a very interesting matchup with the Black Hawks and Rams. Both teams have star players that are looking to make a ton of noise. Bloomfield Hills is in their first trip to Battle Creek in school history.

Oxford had an incredible season, first district crown since 2002 and first regional crown since 1997. A lot to be proud with the Wildcats. 

Stay tuned to the blog and website for the latest updates on the Black Hawks journey in Battle Creek. 

Football State Semifinals Matchups.

Written Saturday November 15th at 4:15 PM

ADAMS vs Detroit Cass Tech: The Highlanders have relied on the veer offense. They have a proven quarterback in Ryland Watters along with stingy defense against Rochester, Stoney Creek, and Romeo. Adams will have their biggest test of the season when they play Detroit Cass Tech in the Division One State Semifinals. The Technicians have a proven quarterback in Donald Tabrun along with a proven wide receiver/defensive secondary player in Corey Sadler. Sadler had an impact on both sides of the football. He caught two touchdowns and had two picks a pick six for a score in their 42-28 win over Saline. They also have other proven athletes as well like Marquell Evans who has also made an impact on both sides of the football among others. The defense has been really good for Detroit Cass Tech led by linebacker Marcus Jennings among other proven players. The Highlanders will need to play time possession football which will be critical against a team that is full of proven Division One athletes like Detroit Cass Tech has.

GROVES vs Dexter: The Falcons were very experienced this time last season when they played Orchard Lake St. Marys but very questionable play calling from Coach Brendan Flaherty's staff cost Groves a trip to Ford Field falling 28-27 in overtime to the Eaglets in the Division Two State Semifinals. This season, the Falcons were suppose to have a down season after losing a ton of experience but they have overcome doubters heading into the season. Groves made the postseason and have a star running back in Jeremiah Whitley who has went over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this postseason against Warren Mott, Warren Cousino, and Dexter. The Falcons will have a tough matchup ahead of them as they will play the Dexter Dreadnoughts in the Division Two State Semifinals. Dexter has a high octane offense which they scored 56, 41, and 42 against Livonia Franklin, South Lyon, and Gibraltar Carlson. The Dreadnoughts brings a very dangerous quarterback, wide receiver duo in quarterback Cooper Arnedt and wide receiver Cole Novara. Arnedt had 576 passing yards and eight touchdowns while Novara had 11 catches for 230 receiving yards and four touchdowns against Gibraltar Carlson in a 56-42 shootout. Novara and Arnedt combined for over 650 yards in total offense with eight touchdowns with Novara having 293 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-27 win against South Lyon in the district finals. Dexter's defense has had times they have not been that impressive despite getting key turnovers against Gibraltar Carlson allowing 69 points in the last two games. This should be a very interesting matchup between the Falcons and the Dreadnoughts.

Regional Final Football Thoughts.

Written Friday November 14th at 9:30 PM

Clarkston: The Wolves defense was shredded by Novi Detroit Catholic Central on the ground and in the air on Friday night falling 42-13 on their home field. The Shamrocks are a very good team on both sides of the football. I took an interesting quote that Novi Detroit Catholic Central Coach Justin Cessante said to MIPrepZone's Brian Everson after the game. "Clarkston is a team that wants to keep things in front of them but if you start running the ball, they have to honor it" he said after the game. The Wolves for the most time in their games all season kept everything in front of them. Clarkston loses a lot of proven experience (40 seniors) which includes Hayden Flavin, Hank Horning, and the Boman twins to graduation. They will have a solid core coming back especially in the sub varsities which both teams went unbeaten and Alex Waszczenko coming back at quarterback. The Wolves will be back next season.

Adams: The Highlanders had some trouble with the Macomb Area Red Division Champions Romeo in the regional finals early trailing 7-6 on their home field but they didn't panic and followed their system. Adams exploded late in the second quarter and outscored the Bulldogs 23-6 from the second quarter on to win 29-13 on Friday night. Adams is going to need a lot more in the Division One State Semifinals with Detroit Cass Tech looming in what will be a very difficult game next week.

Groves: The Falcons was getting dominated in the time of possession game by the Huskies on the road that ran a Wing T offense but they hung in there despite only having the football for two minutes and thirty seconds and trailed 7-3 heading into halftime. Groves exploded in the second half outscoring St. Clair Shores Lakeview 34-7 in the second half earning a 37-14 win over the Huskies in St. Clair Shores. Jeremiah Whitley had 19 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns for Groves while the others got going which led to multiple points. The onside kick was big for the Falcons because it forced St. Clair Shores Lakeview to get out of the Wing T offense and force them to throw which gave Groves defense more opportunities to create mistakes. The Falcons have a tough matchup looming with Dexter in the Division Two State Semifinals next week. Groves fell 28-27 to Orchard Lake St. Marys in the Division Two State Semifinals last season but this could be an opportunity to get to Ford Field, all they have to do is beat the Dreadnoughts.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had special teams and offensive turnovers which cost them dearly against Dearborn Divine Child on Saturday afternoon falling 10-6 at Westland John Glenn. Harper Woods also had seven penalties which was also key in the game. Credit the Falcons defense for shutting down the Pioneers high octane offense. The Falcons went to a Wing T which they played time possession football along with the wildcat. The Pioneers made mistakes which ended up being the difference in the game. Harper Woods loses a lot of proven talent but will be back next season.

Football Regional Final Scores.

Written Friday November 14th at 9:20 PM

This will be updated after Harper Woods/Dearborn Divine Child game 

Detroit Catholic Central 42, CLARKSTON 13: The weather conditions hurt the Wolves and especially their pass defense and allowed for Novi Detroit Catholic Central to go to work with the run and offensive line to start. After the Wolves took a 7-0 lead on a Griffin Boman rushing touchdown which they led at the end of the first quarter. The Shamrocks exploited the Clarkston secondary with long passes which led to two Novi Detroit Catholic Central touchdowns. The Shamrocks have piled it on against the Wolves pass defense scoring 28 unanswered points in the second quarter taking a 28-7 lead into the half. Clarkston's offense struggled against the Novi Detroit Catholic Central defense (especially their pass rush) while the Wolves defense gave up another touchdown on the ground for the third time in the game. The Shamrocks shut down the Wolves and then went 68 yards to go up 42-7 on Clarkston. The Wolves stopped the running clock as Daniel Hein scored on a one yard run but failed on the two point conversion. Novi Detroit Catholic Central moves onto play East Kentwood in the Division One State Semifinals. Clarkston finishes the season with a 10-2 record.

ADAMS 29 Romeo 13: The Highlanders were in an early fight with the Bulldogs early but Adams took control scoring 16 unanswered points to take a 22-7 lead. Romeo scored a touchdown but missed the two point conversion. The Highlanders answered the Bulldogs adding a touchdown making it a 16 point game. Adams held on and the defense played solid beating Romeo for the second time this season 29-13. The Highlanders will play Detroit Cass Tech in the Division One State Semifinals.

GROVES 37, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 14: The Falcons had their hands full with St. Clair Shores Lakeview and the Wing T offense. The Huskies dominated the time of possession limiting Groves to three points and two minutes and thirty seconds of possession in the first half but patience is a virtue if your the Falcons. Jeremiah Whitley got going for the Falcons scoring a touchdown giving them a 10-7 lead. Groves recovered an onside kick which led to another Whitley three yard rushing touchdown to go up 17-7. Riley Armbrustmaker scored a touchdown giving Groves a 24-7 lead. The Falcons went to the air with quarterback LaVelle Shannon throwing to Jordan Thomas scoring 28 unanswered points for a 31-7 lead. St. Clair Shores Lakeview scored a touchdown but Carter Anderson responded for the Falcons putting them up 37-14 which that ended up being the final score. Whitley had 19 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns, he's had over a 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in the postseason. Groves won their fourth regional crown since 2018 will face Dexter in the Division Two State Semifinals.

Dearborn Divine Child 10, HARPER WOODS 6: The special teams have really hurt the Pioneers in this defensive slug fest with Dearborn Divine Child. The Falcons struck first with a 26 yard field goal to open up the scoring. Harper Woods fought back with Dakota Guerrant running the Wildcat with a 58 yard touchdown run. The extra point was no good as the Pioneers lead 6-3 heading to the half. Harper Woods fumbled the kickoff to start the second half which led to a Marcello Vitti wildcat touchdown putting the Falcons up 10-6 on the Pioneers. Harper Woods had a chance to go up 13-10 but Michael DeSalvo forced and recovered the ball at the goal line keeping it 10-6 Falcons. Dearborn Divine Child went to the Wing T offense to try to close things out but the Pioneers defense got stops which got them to offense. The Falcons defense would continue to be story as they would get multiple stops forcing the Pioneers to turn the ball over on downs on at least two occasions. Dearborn Divine Child would knee the ball ultimately winning their first Regional Championship since 1996 and moving on to play Goodrich in the semifinals. Harper Woods will end the year 11-1 but returns Guerrant next season. 

Girls Volleyball State Quarterfinal Preview.

Written Friday November 14th at 7:05 AM

Here is the early preview for the State Quarterfinals. 

FERNDALE vs Flat Rock @ Saline

THOUGHTS: The Eagles have had a special postseason run getting to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in school history winning a five set regional final over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the regional final after really not being tested in the districts or regional semifinals. This will be Ferndale's toughest test to date when they head to Saline to play Flat Rock. The Rams have been red hot lately this postseason which included a win in the regional semifinals over Wixom St. Catherine Sienna and in the regional final over Milan. Flat Rock has lost five times this season and has played a really tough schedule in Division Two. The winner will see Ogemaw Heights or Freemont in Battle Creek. 

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs OXFORD @ St. Clair Community College in Port Huron

THOUGHTS: The Wildcats have been the Cinderella of the postseason living by the edge by going to a fifth game in each matchup from Lake Orion, Clarkston, Chippewa Valley, and Romeo to get to this matchup in Port Huron winning a regional crown for the first time since 1997. The Black Hawks have relied on their star player in Kayla Nwabueze. Bloomfield Hills needed Nwabueze in their district final win over Birmingham Marian and really wasn't tested in their regional with wins over Grosse Pointe South and Groves. The Black Hawks have the volleyball IQ but the Wildcats program has played at St. Clair Community College in the past. Whoever wins will see Rockford or Traverse City Central in Battle Creek. 

OAA/MAC Challenge Boys Basketball Preview

Written Thursday November 13th at 8:15 AM

Here is a preview of the games at Rochester for the OAA/MAC Boys Basketball Challenge on December 6th at Rochester.

This will be updated with times and more information. 

 

STONEY CREEK vs Utica Eisenhower:

This could be a district preview between two neighbors who played in the football postseason recently (Stoney Creek 35-31 first round.) Both teams have young coaches (Stoney Creek-Marco Tomich, Utica Eisenhower-Anthony Muscat.) Both teams have proven guards and are looking to have bounce back years. The Cougars have experience but they need to overcome the losing mindset from the past. This should be a very interesting game.

 

ADAMS vs Macomb Dakota:

This looks to be a heavyweight fight of two teams that should make noise in their respective leagues this season. The Cougars are always loaded under Coach Paul Tocco while the Highlanders have Cannon Flynn for Coach Isiah Novak. Adams supporting cast will need to be huge in this game if they want to beat Macomb Dakota. 

 

ROCHESTER vs Chippewa Valley

This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that can go up and down and score in bunches. The Falcons have experience but so does the Big Reds. Chippewa Valley is very athletic but there are some questions in the interior. Rochester is team oriented which is the most dangerous. It's which style of play decides this game. 

 

TROY vs Utica

These are two teams that are very young and scrappy. The Colts lost a lot of experience from last season. The Chieftains were very young and should be much improved. This could be a low scoring game between two teams that preaches defense. 

 

TROY ATHENS vs Macomb Lutheran North

The Red Hawks have a lot of experience from winning a district crown last season. The Crusaders are a very proven program which should challenge Troy Athens. Macomb Lutheran North has been a proven power and has had deep postseason runs. This is an opportunity to show everyone what the Red Hawks are made of. 

 

OXFORD vs Fraser:

The coaching matchup between Coaches Joe Fedorchik and former Stoney Creek Coach Steve Norgrove is a really fun coaching matchup. The Ramblers have been improving as a program under Norgrove. The Wildcats lost a lot of talent but Oxford still is a force to be a recon with. This should be a fun and competitive game. 

Ferndale has a new Girls Basketball Coach.

Written Wednesday November 12th at 11:35 PM

The Eagles have a new girls basketball coach.

Ferndale named April Johnson as their new head coach. The MHSAA website confirmed the hire.

Johnson played at Detroit Renaissance and played at Bethune Cookham University. She played point guard and brings experience into the program.

Johnson takes over a program that has a ton of questions. Program strength is a serious concern and will be something to watch. Ferndale won ten games and a district crown last season but the Eagles saw a mass exit leave the school and head elsewhere. Johnson will be tasked into rebuilding the program and also getting non conference games for her new program.

Ferndale will be in the Blue with Adams, Southfield Arts and Tech, Harper Woods, Troy, and Troy Athens this season. They are in a tough district which has Ferndale University, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Madison Heights Lamphere, Center Line, and Hazel Park which could be at Birmingham Detroit Country Day but it's not confirmed yet.

The Eagles have only two players according to my notes coming back in Zahra Richardson and JaNiya Larry but it's unknown if they are in the program. Ferndale was not at Media Day on Tuesday at Groves.

The first day for girls basketball tryouts is November 19th. 

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story. 

MHSAA website confirming the hire.

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/ferndale/girls/varsity/basketball/2025