Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday February 11th at 10:25 AM

Updated Sunday February 18th at 8:28 AM

Here's how the teams would be placed by using the MHSAA formula. Also included district numbers where the teams are at in the districts based on their assignments.

North Farmington (24): The Raiders have not been themselves despite being locked as the top seed in their district. North Farmington has been up and down which un Coach Todd Negoshian like. Negoshian will get either Livonia Stevenson or Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals which is very favorable. North Farmington is in a good spot to have a deep postseason run despite their recent struggles.

Ferndale (59): The Eagles have been up and down this season. They are locked as the two seed in the district behind Warren Lincoln. They would see either Detroit Osborn or Ferndale University in the district semifinals. Coach Juan Rickman knew before the season started was that they would have to go through the Abes if they wanted to defend the Division Two State crown. Rickman will have his hands full in this district.

West Bloomfield (25): This will not be an easy postseason for Coach Arnette Jordan and company. The Lakers are the two seed behind Orchard Lake St. Marys. West Bloomfield could see Walled Lake Central in the district semifinals pending if they don’t get upset by Walled Lake Western in the first round. It has been a really good season for Jordan and West Bloomfield. If the Lakers get by the Vikings which that would be most likely then they would see Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals. It’s going to be a tough ask for Jordan and company but they know they have to get by their neighbors to the north at some point during the season.

Adams (30): The Highlanders host the district but they are locked into the two seed in the district which is okay however there is an outside shot that they could get the top seed but it's not likely at this point. They would play Romeo or Rochester on Wednesday in the district semifinals and then possibly Utica, Stoney Creek, or Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. I like where Coach Isiah Novak’s team is at in the district considering they host the district and have a very manageable path in the postseason.

Clarkston (28): The Wolves have been very inconsistent but have played a very tough schedule for Coach Tim Waslik. They are the A team in the district which means they would have to play Pontiac on Monday in the first round which is unheard of for Clarkston standards. It’s an interesting spot for the Wolves but it’s manageable considering the schedule they have played all season long.

Oak Park (23): The Knights have had an injury riddled season for Coach Durrand Sheppard but they could make up for it come in the postseason. They have an outside shot of being seeded but they are likely the A team in the district which means they would see Royal Oak in the first round and if they get by the Ravens they would have to play Groves in the district semifinals but there is an outside chance they could get the two seed pending what happens to Berkley which would be huge for Sheppard if they got the two seed. Oak Park hasn’t been healthy all season, we know what Sheppard’s team is capable of being when healthy. The Knights have a shot to win this district.

Groves (23): The Falcons host and are locked as the top seed in their district. Groves has survived the gauntlet in the Red under Coach Marc West along with a ton of injuries to their star players as well. The Falcons would see either Oak Park or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. If the Knights get healthy then that district semifinal game could be a doozy. Groves has a shot to do some great things and win the district crown but if they get a healthy Oak Park then that would be very interesting to see.

Troy (29): The Colts are locked into the two seed in their district which means they would play Troy Athens in the district semifinals. It’s always interesting to see a team play each other three times in the district which is the likely case between the Colts and the Red Hawks with the winner likely playing Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals. Either way you’re playing Wednesday and that’s the bottom line. If they want to host the regional again you have to get past Birmingham Brother Rice, that’s the bottom line.

Harper Woods (58): The Pioneers are in a very interesting spot. If they keep winning, they would have the top seed along with hosting the district. If they are the second seed that’s all right as well. Coach TaJuan Porter’s team wouldn’t be playing until Wednesday in a district that doesn’t look that strong. Harper Woods has the two seed right now which means they wouldn’t have to play Detroit East English Village Prep in the district semifinal.They would see either Detroit Denby Tech or Eastpointe in the district semifinals instead. It’s a great spot for Porter and company.

Troy Athens (29): The Red Hawks are the C team in the postseason which means they would get Troy on Wednesday in the district semifinals on their home floor. If they get by the Colts then they would see Birmingham Brother Rice likely in the district finals. It’s a tough path but a great opportunity for Coach Dave Scott to go against your arch rival in the district semifinals.

Seaholm (29): The Maples are locked in as the A team which means they would play Bloomfield Hills on Monday in the first round. It would be the third time in three weeks these two teams have played each other. If they beat the Blackhawks they would see Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It will be a tough chore for interim coach Will Broner especially with everything that is affecting the Seaholm Boys Basketball program right now.

Lake Orion (28): The Dragons are locked in as the B team in the district which means they will play the hosts Waterford Kettering in the first round. If they get by the Captains then they would play Waterford Mott in the district semifinals which would be a very interesting matchup considering how tough the White has been this season. It’s a tough but a great opportunity for Coach Jose Andrades and Lake Orion to make some noise with a very young team who have been up and down this season.

Farmington (24): The Falcons took a huge hit with the loss to Warren Michigan Collegiate. The loss dropped Farmington out of the second seed to becoming the A team in the district. It also means that Coach Bryan Johnson's team will play Redford Thurston in the first round on Monday. If they win that matchup then it sets up a game with Livonia Stevenson, the team that past Farmington in the district semifinals. The path just got a bit tougher now for Farmington.

Bloomfield Hills (29): The Blackhawks are locked as the B team in their district which means they would play Seaholm on Monday with the winner getting Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It would be the third time in three weeks these two teams have played each other. It has been a rough year for Coach Brian Canfield and Bloomfield Hills but they have shown a ton of improvement. It should be very interesting if they do get the Warriors but they have the Maples first.

Southfield Arts and Tech (24): It has been a very tough season for Coach Terrance Porter and the Warriors. They are locked as the D team in the postseason which means they will play Livonia Franklin in the first round. If they win that game then they would see North Farmington in the district semifinals. It will be a very tough ask for Porter and Southfield Arts and Tech in the postseason.

Stoney Creek (30): It has been a very tough year for Coach Jeff Olind and the Cougars. The formula gave the Cougars no favors. They are the B team in the district which means they would play a very good Utica Eisenhower program in the first round. If they manage to win that game they would play Utica in the district semifinals. Whoever plays Utica, I like their chances considering the Chieftains haven’t really played the schedule that both Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower have despite Utica having a win over Utica Eisenhower during the season. If the Cougars can win over the Eagles and Chieftains which they are more than capable of doing then it’s anyone’s ball game in the district finals. Getting to the district finals would be a huge accomplishment for Stoney Creek.

Avondale (28): The Yellow Jackets are in a very interesting spot. Avondale will be the two seed in the district which means they won't have to play until the district semifinals on Wednesday against Clarkston or Pontiac. The Yellow Jackets have been rolling under Coach Jaret Thomas but seeing Clarkston or Pontiac who has a win over Avondale this season is a real possibility. It’s a tough spot for Thomas knowing the likelihood of having to see the Wolves or the Phoenix in the postseason.

Oxford (27): The Wildcats are in a very tough spot. They are locked as the C team which means they will play Grand Blanc on Wednesday in the district semifinals in their building. The Bobcats have really improved and have played a really tough schedule. It has been a really good year for Coach Joe Fedorichik in his first year with Oxford. They have a shot if they play very well, it’s a tough chore and if they manage to upset the Bobcats then they would play either Davison or Holly in the district finals. It’s a tough ask for Fedorichik and the Wildcats in the postseason.

Rochester (30): The Falcons have a somewhat manageable first round matchup as the A team in the district. They would play Romeo which sets up a very interesting guard matchup between Max Mohl and Aiden Tague. Whoever wins gets Adams in the district semifinals. It will be very interesting to see how this goes but it’s a great first round but a tough district semifinal matchup for Coach Nick Evola and company.

Berkley (23): The Bears are locked into the two seed in their district which means they will see Warren Mott in the district semifinals. Berkley has had a strong year under Coach Joe Sermo but have had some road blocks along the way. The Bears have a much easier path to the district finals but it will be against either Oak Park and Groves in the district finals. It will be a tough district final but Sermo feels they this team has the chance to do it.

Pontiac (28): The Phoenix are going to have a really tough road in the postseason. They are the C team in the district which means they will see Clarkston in the first round. Coach Andrew Myers has done an outstanding job with the Phoenix in his first season. It’s going to be very tough for the Phoenix and especially for Myers having to face his former school in the first round of the postseason.

Royal Oak (23): The Ravens are locked as the B team in their district which means they would play Oak Park in the first round. Royal Oak has been up and down under Coach Aaron Smith. They are more than capable of playing spoiler to anyone who plays them. It will be a tall task for the Ravens in the postseason that is for sure.

Ferndale University (59): The Eagles have really struggled this season. They are locked in as the C team and would play Detroit Osborn in the first round. If they get by the Knights on Monday then a clash with Ferndale is very possible in the district semifinals. It will be very tough for Coach Josh Nicks and Ferndale University in the postseason.

Here is the MPR formula

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2023-24/2023-24%20FINAL%20BBB.pdf

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday February 10th at 7:40 PM

Here is the Top 23 Basketball rankings for the week.

Boys

1. Troy (16-1): Colts have been a team on a mission.

2. West Bloomfield (13-5): Lakers control their own destiny in the Red.

3. North Farmington (15-2): Ah Raiders what’s going on???

4. Ferndale (10-7): Eagles could be in some trouble if they don’t figure some things out.

5. Groves (8-10): Paul Hubbard has become that second option behind Josh Gibson.

6. Adams (11-6): When the Highlanders get good shooting they are usually tough to beat.

7. Clarkston (9-9): Wolves are very similar to Michigan State on the hardwood.

8. Troy Athens (12-6): Red Hawks will be fine after a really rough loss.

9. Farmington (10-8): Falcons slowly gaining some confidence to finish strong.

10. Avondale (14-5): Yellow Jackets control their destiny in the Blue.

11. Harper Woods (7-9): Pioneers have had a ton of close games lately.

12. Oxford (13-5): Jake Champagne has led the Wildcats charge.

13. Lake Orion (12-7): It was a rough week for the Dragons.

14. Berkley (12-6): Bears have been an odd team to figure out.

15. Pontiac (11-7): Phoenix picking things up at the right time.

16. Seaholm (6-12): Princeton works well with the Maples.

17. Stoney Creek (5-12): Cougars have been an odd team to figure out.

18. Bloomfield Hills (3-13): Blackhawks are getting better.

19. Oak Park (4-12): Injuries have really hurt the Knights this season.

20. Royal Oak (9-10): When the Ravens shoot the ball well good things happen.

21. Rochester (4-15): Falcons really need Max Mohl to be on the floor at all times.

22. Ferndale University (2-15): Eagles are really struggling right now.

23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-16): Warriors are really struggling right now.

 

 

 

Girls

1. West Bloomfield (15-1): Lakers are back rolling again.

2. Clarkston (14-4): Wolves have been very good at home and the stats prove it.

3. Ferndale (11-3): Eagles are very good and no one expects the program and here notices.

4. Stoney Creek (12-3): Cougars bounced back in Walled Lake but what happened in Clarkston???

5. Royal Oak (12-3): Ravens control their destiny in the White.

6. Oxford (9-7): Wildcats split their series with Rochester.

7. Rochester (6-9): Falcons split their series with Oxford.

8. Lake Orion (8-7): Dragons are slowly getting their confidence back.

9. Troy (10-7): Colts are as good as Diamond Prince takes them.

10. Berkley (13-4): Clay Shaver should be mentioned for League Coach of the Year.

11. Seaholm (9-6): Maples starting to get back on track.

12. Troy Athens (7-9): Red Hawks haven’t been the same team since losing to Troy.

13. Bloomfield Hills (7-8): Blackhawks have been a very hard team to figure out.

14. Harper Woods (7-5): Pioneers had been rolling until they played Bloomfield Hills.

15. Southfield Arts and Tech (8-6): Warriors have been an odd team to figure out.

16. Groves (4-11): Falcons been showing signs of improvement.

17. North Farmington (9-7): Raiders have been very inconsistent since early start.

18. Adams (5-12): Highlanders are slowly improving.

19. Avondale (5-11): Yellow Jackets have been up and down lately.

20. Oak Park (3-8): Knights have been struggling to score lately.

21. Pontiac (5-10): Phoenix have been up and down lately.

22. Farmington (1-14): It’s been very tough for the Falcons.

23. Ferndale University (0-14): It’s been very tough for the Eagles.

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday February 3rd at 9:05 AM

Updated Saturday February 3rd at 6:50 PM

 Here is the top 23.

Boys

1. North Farmington (14-1): Congrats to Coach Todd Negoshian on your 200th win as head coach.

2. Troy (14-1): Colts big three moving along toward a possible clash with Birmingham Brother Rice.

3. West Bloomfield (11-5): Drew Wilson is playing his best basketball right now.

4. Ferndale (9-6): Can’t blow an 18 point lead if you want to make another deep postseason run Eagles.

5. Adams (10-5): When the three ball goes, so does the Highlanders.

6. Clarkston (8-8): Wolves took the podcast call out to heart.

7. Lake Orion (12-5): Dragons finding different ways to win.

8. Groves (7-10): Falcons are playing much better despite the record.

9. Troy Athens (11-5): Red Hawks need Emmanuel Robinson to be at his best come postseason time.

10. Avondale (12-5): Yellow Jackets went 6-1 in January, that’s very good.

11. Oxford (11-5): Jake Champagne has been playing very well lately.

12. Berkley (11-5): Bears have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.

13. Pontiac (9-7): Jeremiah Claudio and Trey’von Peters are the real deal.

 14. Farmington (9-8): Falcons went 6-1 in January, that’s very good.

15. Seaholm (5-11): Will Soderwall has been very impressive lately.

16. Stoney Creek (5-10): Have the Cougars finally started to turn the corner???

17. Oak Park (4-10): Knights went 2-7 in January, that’s not good.

18. Harper Woods (5-9): Pioneers are a really hard team to figure out.

19. Royal Oak (9-8): Ravens are 2-7 in their last nine games, that’s not good at all.

20. Bloomfield Hills (3-11): D’Ron Mason and Philip Muhammad are two building blocks to build on in the future.

21. Rochester (3-14): Falcons need to shore up the defense if they want to make any noise in the postseason.

22. Ferndale University (2-13): Eagles are really struggling right now.

23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-14): Warriors are really struggling right now.

 

 

Girls

1. West Bloomfield (12-1): Lakers will be fine after a tough loss to Anthony Wayne, Ohio.

2. Stoney Creek (11-1): Cougars had a rough one with West Bloomfield, they’ll be fine.

3. Ferndale (9-3): Eagles are clicking on all cylinders but questions still remain.

4. Clarkston (12-4): Wolves much different team on the road than at home.

5. Royal Oak (10-3): Ravens starting to get back on track.

6. Oxford (8-6): Wildcats will be fine.

7. Rochester (4-8): Falcons are fine despite rough week.

8. Lake Orion (7-6): Dragons are fine despite offensive struggles.

9. Troy (8-7): Diamond Prince is really something.

10. Berkley (10-4): Bears are back to their winning ways.

11. Harper Woods (7-3): Pioneers control their own destiny.

12. Seaholm (8-5): Maples have won five of six with only loss to Harper Woods.

13. Troy Athens (7-7): Red Hawks will be fine.

14. Southfield Arts and Tech (9-4): Warriors have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.

15. Groves (4-9): Falcons have been up and down lately.

16. Avondale (5-8): Yellow Jackets have put together two really good games.

17. North Farmington (8-7): Raiders have been very inconsistent.

18. Bloomfield Hills (5-8): Blackhawks have been very inconsistent right now.

19. Adams (4-11): Highlanders have been playing better despite record.

20. Oak Park (2-7): Knights have been up and down lately.

21. Pontiac (4-10): Phoenix have been struggling lately.

22. Farmington (1-12): Falcons are really struggling right now.

23. Ferndale University (0-12): Eagles are really struggling right now.