West Bloomfield returns to Michigan State.

Written Tuesday March 14th at 8:45 PM

Maybe the Lakers took things personally on Tuesday night in Bay City.

After a very rough regional, West Bloomfield blew out Flint Carman Ainsworth 66-32 in the Division One Girls Basketball State Quarterfinals on Tuesday night at Bay City Central.

The Lakers return back to Michigan State for the second straight year. They will play Plymouth Salem in the State Semifinals on Friday afternoon at the Breslin Center. On the other side of the bracket it will feature Detroit Renaissance and Rockford.

The winners will meet in the Division One State Finals on Saturday afternoon at Michigan State.

Summer Davis had 28 points (20 in the first half,) Indya Davis had 16 points, and Sydney Hendrix added 14 points. The Davis sisters and Hendrix combined for 58 of West Bloomfield's 66 points.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with the Lakers going forward as they prepare to head back to East Lansing to defend their Division One State crown.

Boys Swim and Competitive Cheerleading Recaps.

Written Sunday March 12th at 9:45 AM

Groves is back on top of the Boys Swimming Mountain.

The Falcons won their seventh State crown and their first since 2010 with a 274 score in the Division Two State meet at the Holland Aquatic Center on Saturday afternoon.

Groves had two individual and one relay winners on the day.

Seaholm finished third behind the Falcons and Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit with 210 points. Farmington was seventh with 110 points. Stoney Creek was ninth with 104 points and Adams was fifteenth with 52 points.

In Division One at Calvin College, Rochester finished ninth with 78 points while Oxford finished eleventh with 62 points, Lake Orion was eighteenth with 55 points, West Bloomfield was twenty second with 32 points, Bloomfield Hills was thirty third with four points, and Troy was thirty fourth with four points.

Overall it wasn’t a bad day for the swimmers around OAA Nation. Groves earning themselves their first State crown since 2010.

 

City of Rochester dominates Division One in Competitive Cheerleading.

The city of Rochester continues to hold their grip on the Division One State crown in Competitive Cheerleading.

Rochester, Adams, and Stoney Creek have dominated competitive cheerleading winning the State title in the last decade. The Falcons took home the State crown last Friday afternoon at Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant beating city rivals Adams and Stoney Creek whom finished second and third respectively.

Rochester scored a 790.62 while Adams was second with 789.72, and Stoney Creek was third with a 787.56 score.

The Division One State crown has lived in the city of Rochester for a long while as mentioned especially with how successful the three Rochester schools have been in this sport.

Boys Basketball Regional and Girls Basketball State Quarterfinal Previews and Projections.

Written Saturday March 11th at 11:20 AM

Here are the previews and projections heading into the quarterfinals and projections.

Boys Regionals

Region 15 @ Hazel Park

 

FERNDALE vs Detroit University Prep

 

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Michigan Collegiate

 

THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Hazel Park. Ferndale really hasn’t needed to change much when it comes to location being at the same place as their district. The Eagles had a really tough time with Detroit Old Redford Academy until the fourth quarter when they pulled away. Detroit University Prep is coached by former Hazel Park Coach Brendon Barrett. Ferndale and Detroit University Prep did play each other in the first game of the season when the Panthers beat the Eagles 55-53 on December 5th at Wayne State. They weren’t really tested in their district with two blowout wins. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy was tested by Detroit Denby in the district finals but their district wasn't very strong. Warren Michigan Collegiate has played in the toughest district out of the four teams that are here. The Cougars had to survive the Abes 60-55 at Warren Lincoln in the district finals to get to this regional.

 

PROJECTION: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Hazel Park. It's a very tough regional with three teams that has a shot to win it. I think Ferndale gets by Detroit University Prep this time around in the district semifinals. It should be much closer like the first meeting between the teams. I can also see Warren Michigan Collegiate getting by Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy. We should be in line for a great regional final between the Eagles and the Cougars. Both of these teams have been battle tested and have played really tough schedules. I think Ferndale moves onto the State Quarterfinals because they were battle tested more but Warren Michigan Collegiate will have a strong say who moves on.

 

 

Region Seven @ Troy

 

TROY vs NORTH FARMINGTON

 

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

 

THOUGHTS: This should be the toughest regional in the State at Troy. There is a lot of star power in this regional and you have four proven coaches with four proven teams as well. North Farmington has a ton of proven depth in Ryan Hurst, Landon Williams, Tyler Spratt, and Malachi Jackson. Troy has Bryce Parker, Chase Kuiper, Carter Cusmano, Darius Whiteside, Jon Whiteside, and Zach Penoza. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has a solid sophomore class along with Sonny Wilson. Orchard Lake St. Marys is coming off a stunning upset of Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals has Sharon Barnes, Daniel Smythe, and Trey McKinney. The Raiders had the easiest path to the regionals so out of the three teams they should be the most rested.

 

PROJECTION: It could be a public relations nightmare for the MHSAA if Orchard Lake St. Marys wins the State crown this season considering the federal court case against three players whom were deemed ineligible by the MHSAA. The Eaglets are riding on cloud nine after their stunning upset of Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals. It’s an interesting star studded matchup between Wilson and McKinney between the two Catholic League Central rivals. I see the Eaglets getting past the Cubs in this matchup. The OAA matchup features the Colts and the Raiders. I think North Farmington’s depth should be the difference in this matchup. This would set up North Farmington vs Orchard Lake St. Marys. It should be a classic regional final but the Raiders depth should be too much for the star power of the Eaglets. McKinney, Smythe, and Barnes along Hurst, Williams, and Jackson could cancel each other out. Tyler Spratt could be the difference maker in this regional. I think North Farmington moves on because of their depth.

 

Region Two @ Fenton

 

ADAMS vs Milford

 

CLARKSTON vs Fenton

 

THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting regional which saw a ton of dramatics. Adams is coming into this regional with a ton of confidence after two really tough physical games against Lake Orion and Utica Eisenhower. Noah Kim got the offensive rebound that set up the game winning three by William Gee against Utica Eisenhower to get them here. Milford has been a scrappy team all season but they had a really hard time with Lakeland in the district semifinals and Walled Lake Central in the district finals. Fenton has been very good all season. They are quick, athletic, and is riding with a ton of confidence after beating Howell and Hartland in the districts. The Tigers have proven experience and home court. Clarkston hasn’t been that strong all season but they are still dangerous. The Wolves beat a solid Waterford Mott program in the district finals. Anytime you have Brody Kosin, Desman Stephens, Jon Kaul, Brayden Wiley, and Cavanaugh Diton you are going to be a very dangerous team.

 

PROJECTION: I think Adams wins this regional for a few reasons. They have Brady Prieskorn inside along with William Gee and Peter Karkasis. Noah Kim is the X factor with his energy and rebounding. The Highlanders should get by Milford because of proven basketball experience. The Clarkston/Fenton game should be very interesting. This is a rematch of a 53-49 Wolves win over the Tigers on January 4th at Fenton. Kaul was out for that game with a hand injury but he is back now. I think this is an all Red final but the Highlanders have had the Wolves number as of late but it’s hard to beat a team three times in one season and Clarkston beat Adams in the regional semifinals last season.

 

Girls Basketball Quarterfinals

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Flint Carman Ainsworth at Bay City Central

 

THOUGHTS: The Lakers have been rolling as of late. They really weren’t tested in the districts at White Lake Lakeland but they were really tested in the regionals. West Bloomfield had to get by their Red rivals in Rochester and Lake Orion. The games against the Falcons and the Dragons were a lot closer than the scores indicated especially the regional finals. The Lakers have not been playing like themselves which is a concern for Coach Darrell McAllister. West Bloomfield will have to make the long trip into Bay City to take on an undefeated Flint Carman Ainsworth squad that had to survive Grand Blanc in Flushing and Sault Ste. Marie 47-45 in overtime in the regional final at Houghton Lake. Flint Carman Ainsworth did play in the West Bloomfield MLK Classic and picked up an emotional win over Westfield Prep at the time while the Lakers hosted that classic.

 

PROJECTION: The regional did expose West Bloomfield a little bit especially with depth and three point defense. The Cavaliers have a very good big and a good guard but it’s not anything that the Lakers haven’t seen before. If West Bloomfield is healthy they are fine especially with the Davis and Hendrix sisters along with Destiny Washington. Bench play is very critical in this game and that does not favor West Bloomfield. Postseason experience is also key which favors the Lakers. I see West Bloomfield moving onto the Breslin Center because of experience but it could be much closer than expected.

The Reward of Hosting Your Regional and the Motivation to Win Districts.

Written Sunday March 5th at 10:30 AM

When Athletic Directors put in for regionals to the MHSAA and it’s granted. They tend to feel that their team can get to the regional where they would host.

Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.

It’s very rough for the losing team in districts and knowing that their opponent is heading to your regional in your own gym.

The reward for some schools is that they get to host their regional.

Lake Orion, Macomb Dakota, Coldwater, Dearborn Fordson, Frankenmuth, Yale, Saline, Sandusky, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Dansville, Petersburg Sumfield, Athens, and Kingston will host their respective girls basketball regionals and their team are playing in their regionals throughout the State.

The common theme is that each of these teams won their district in an opposing gym. That is the biggest motivation is to host their own regional.

Rochester, Detroit Cass Tech, Grosse Pointe North, Redford Westfield Prep, Detroit Edison, Dearborn Divine Child, Hart, West Iron County, Oscoda, Grass Lake, Dansville, Hanover-Horton, Blissfield, Riverview Gabriel Richard, New Lothrup, Fowler, Petersburg Summerfield, Gaylord St. Mary, Au Gres Sims, St. Charles, Fruitport Calvary Christian, Climax Scott, and Athens all won girls basketball districts on their home floors.

It happens in any sport.

Having home court this late in the season is very important. Those teams are familiar with the gym and the surroundings. Now all these teams won’t make it past regionals but that feeling of playing at home is very rewarding to those who have gotten this far.

Like I said before, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t that's the bottom line.

Boys Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday March 4th at 11:00 PM

These are the final Boys Basketball Top 23 for the regular season.

1. North Farmington (19-1): Raiders rolling with confidence into the postseason.

2. Ferndale (14-8): Eagles gearing up for hopefully a run in Division Two.

3. Adams (13-8): Highlanders have some momentum despite loss to North Farmington.

4. West Bloomfield (15-6): Lakers have a really tough test looming in the postseason.

5. Groves (16-6): Marc West has done a very good job with the Falcons in his first year back.

6. Troy (16-6): Colts better beware of Utica in the district semifinals.

7. Oak Park (11-7): Knights struggling a little bit heading into a very tough district.

8. Bloomfield Hills (15-7): Blackhawks have a really tough test looming in the postseason.

9. Harper Woods (15-7): Pioneers have a very interesting matchup with Grosse Pointe North looming.

10. Clarkston (13-9): Wolves should be fine in their district.

11. Lake Orion (11-11): Dragons have played a tough schedule this season.

12. Seaholm (12-10): Maples won the Blue with a strong 2023.

13. Oxford (13-9): Wildcats have some confidence heading into the postseason.

14. Troy Athens (11-9): Red Hawks have no momentum heading into the postseason.

15. Berkley (14-8): Bears staring at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals.

16. Royal Oak (13-8): Ravens have a very tough matchup with Detroit Renaissance looming.

17. Stoney Creek (3-18): Cougars have no momentum heading into the postseason.

18. Rochester (5-17): Max Mohl has been very impressive lately.

19. Farmington (6-15): Falcons are in a very tough spot without Jaden Turner.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech (9-13): Warriors have no momentum heading in the postseason.

21. Avondale (10-12): Yellow Jackets are a wildcard in their district.

22. Ferndale University (9-12): Eagles have been inconsistent heading into the postseason.

23. Pontiac (3-18): Phoenix have really struggled heading into the postseason.

Boys Basketball Top 23.

Written Sunday February 26th at 6:45 PM

Here is the Top 23 for Boys Basketball for the week.

1. North Farmington (17-1): Raiders loaded lineup is ready for the postseason.

2. Ferndale (12-7): Eagles starting to turn the corner and just in time too.

3. Oak Park (10-6): Knights need to bounce back and quick.

4. Adams (12-7): Highlanders guards are gaining experience and confidence right now.

5. West Bloomfield (14-5): Donnie Watts has been a great addition for the Lakers.

6. Groves (14-6): Josh Gibson and Josh Simpson are future stars in the making.

7. Troy (15-5): Colts riding the proven experience into the postseason.

8. Bloomfield Hills (14-6): Noah Adamcyzk needs to be on college scouts radar now.

9. Troy Athens (11-7): Red Hawks are 8-1 in their last nine games.

10. Clarkston (12-8): Wolves have lost three straight which is very unusual.

11. Lake Orion (10-10): Quay Fly has had some monster games lately.

12. Harper Woods (12-7): Pioneers have the Gold all but locked up.

13. Seaholm (10-10): Maples are 10-5 since the New Year started.

14. Berkley (13-7): Tamir Runkenvich is going to need to be huge for the Bears this postseason.

15. Royal Oak (12-7): Everyone needs to click for the Ravens to make some noise in the postseason.

16. Stoney Creek (3-16): Welcome back Peyton Rummler.

17. Oxford (10-9): Jake Champagne and company need to make some noise late in the season.

18. Farmington (6-13): Greg Grays is going to be a star in the making.

19. Southfield Arts and Tech (8-12): Warriors have been up and down this season.

20. Avondale (9-11): Yellow Jackets have a shot to beat Waterford Mott but they have to play well.

21. Rochester (5-15): Falcons have been up and down lately.

22. Ferndale University (9-11): Eagles will be a very interesting team to watch.

23. Pontiac (3-16): Phoenix are really struggling right now.

Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Saturday February 25th at 5:00 PM

Updated Sunday March 5th at 7:50 PM

Pontiac: The Phoenix have had a very difficult year this season. They will be the B team in District Six. Pontiac has a Waterford Kettering in the pre-district. Both teams have really struggled this season. If the Phoenix were to beat the Captains then they would play Clarkston in the district semifinals which is a very tough matchup. It’s a tough path for Pontiac in the postseason.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have a tough path ahead of them. They are the B team in District 59 which means they will see Hazel Park in the pre-district and if they win that game they would see arch rival Ferndale in the district semifinals. With where they are at with the MPR this will be the likely outcome for Ferndale University.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets have had things very rough. They made a coaching change mid-season which can always be tough on anyone. Avondale is the A team in District Six which means they will play Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. The Yellow Jackets have a really tough path this postseason for sure.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers will be second seed for District 30. Harper Woods would play Grosse Pointe North in the district semifinals. Roseville and St. Clair Shores Lakeview will play each other in the pre-district with the winner getting Grosse Pointe South in the district semifinals. It will be very interesting to see how the Pioneers handle this at Grosse Pointe North.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been up and down this season. Southfield Arts and Tech will be C team in District 26. They will play Livonia Stevenson in the pre-district. If they can get by the Spartans they would play North Farmington in the district semifinals. The Warriors have a tough path that is for sure.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have been improving as a program but the postseason is another animal where this program needs to take the next step. Royal Oak is the D team in District 25 which means they have a really difficult matchup with Detroit Renaissance in the pre-district. If they get by the Phoenix then they would play Oak Park in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a tough path for Royal Oak but if they are executing at a high level then maybe there is always a chance.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks kept the second seed in District 28 which means they would play Sterling Heights Stevenson in the district semifinals. The Red Hawks have the better draw with Sterling Heights Stevenson even though it is a road game technically but it’s the better side of the draw. The winner of that game could see either Utica or arch rival Troy in the district finals. A lot to play for Troy Athens right now.

Seaholm: The Maples will have it very tough in the postseason. They are the B team in District 27 which means they would play arch rival Groves in the pre-district. If Seaholm can get by Groves then they would see Birmingham Brother Rice whom is the top seed and Catholic League champs in the district semifinals. This is a very tough path for the Maples if they want to make some noise in this district.

Oxford: The Wildcats have a very difficult path ahead of them going back to Genesee County. They are the C team in District Four. Oxford will play Lapeer in the pre-district with the winner playing top seed and host Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a very tough path for sure for the Wildcats.

Berkley: The Bears have been a very odd team to figure out. They will be the A team in District 25 which means they would play Detroit Mumford in the pre-district. If Berkley gets by the Mustangs they would play Detroit-University-Detroit Jesuit in the district semifinals. It will be a tough matchup for the Bears but they have home court which helps. Berkley is the wildcard in this district that is for sure.

Rochester: The Falcons are in a very interesting spot in District Five. Rochester is the B team and play Lake Orion which is a much tougher matchup. The Falcons have been struggling which is a concern going forward. If Rochester gets by Lake Orion then they would have a rematch with Adams in the district semifinals. It will be very interesting to see how the Falcons do in the postseason.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars have had a really rough year with injuries, a brutal non conference, and a tough transition period. Stoney Creek will be the C team in District Five which means they will play Romeo in the pre-district. If they beat the Bulldogs they would play Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. It's a very tough road for the Cougars that is for sure going against the heart of Macomb County.

Groves: The Falcons have had a very good season. They are the A team in District 27 which means they would play arch rival Seaholm in the pre-district. If they win over the Maples they would play top seed and Catholic League champions Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It’s going to be a tall order for Groves but they could be a dangerous team for Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals for sure.

Farmington: The Falcons are much better than their record indicates. They have an up and coming star in Greg Grays and despite what they have been going through Farmington is much improved than last season. Their district should be very interesting. They are the A team in District 26 which means they would play Detroit Henry Ford in the district semifinals. If they can win that game then they would have a rematch with arch rival North Farmington in the district finals. Farmington is in a very interesting spot right now.

Lake Orion: The Dragons are in a very complex spot when it comes to the postseason. They will be the A team and play Rochester in the pre-district with the winner playing Adams in the district semifinals. The Dragons beat the Falcons earlier in the season but Rochester had a great fourth quarter in that game. Lake Orion is in a very interesting spot with a ton to play for just for confidence.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers have had a big turnaround this season. The district could be a very tall task for West Bloomfield. They are the D team in District 27. The Lakers will play Bloomfield Hills in the pre-district. West Bloomfield won at Bloomfield Hills earlier in the season but fell on their home floor to them last week. If they can win over the Blackhawks they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. I like this path for the Lakers if they can knock off Bloomfield Hills which they have already done on their home floor. I’m not real trustworthy of the Eaglets in the postseason because of the distractions off the court.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have been up and down lately. Bloomfield Hills is in a very tough district despite having home court. They are the C team in District 27 which means they will rematch with arch rival West Bloomfield in the pre-district. If they beat the Lakers in the pre-district then they would play Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district semifinals. West Bloomfield beat the Blackhawks earlier in the season at Bloomfield Hills but they got them back at West Bloomfield. They could if they win over West Bloomfield and beat Orchard Lake St. Marys which they have a chance they would play top seed and Catholic League Champion Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals on their home floor. Like West Bloomfield, I like the Blackhawks path pending if they can get by the Lakers in the pre-district. It's really hard for me to trust the Eaglets this postseason with their distractions off the court. Expect Noah Adamcyzk to make a ton of noise on his home court.

Troy: The Colts have the top seed in District 28. Troy will likely see either Utica Ford II or Utica in the district semifinals. If they can win that matchup they could see either Sterling Heights Stevenson or arch rival Troy Athens in the district finals. The Colts matchup very well in this district. Troy is in a great position to do well although Utica could pose some matchup problems in the district semifinals.

Adams: The Highlanders have the top seed in District Five. Adams will play either Rochester or Lake Orion in the district semifinals. The Falcons beat the Highlanders back in December but that win was without Brady Prieskorn while the Dragons were without DJ Morrow and Nate Havrilla in their loss to Adams. It will be a very interesting district semifinal to say the least for the Highlanders. Adams is a very interesting team to watch in the postseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves have home court in District Six and have the top seed. They would play either Waterford Kettering or Pontiac in the district semifinals. Clarkston should have that likely rematch with Waterford Mott in the district finals. It was the Wolves that beat the Corsairs in the district finals last season in Waterford when Waterford Mott had the top seed. There are some pundits that are picking the Corsairs to win this district which should further motivate Clarkston that much more.

Oak Park: The Knights are the second seed in District 25. They would play either Detroit Renaissance or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. This is a program that wants Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit in the worst way possible. Could this be the year that the Knights get the Cubs??? We’ll see.

Ferndale: The Eagles postseason path looks very secure with where they are at in the MPR. They have the top seed in District 59. Ferndale would play either Ferndale University or Hazel Park in the district semifinals. They would see Detroit Old Redford in the district finals. Either way this is a great path for the Eagles in the postseason.

North Farmington: The Raiders are the top team in the MPR, have home court, and have the top seed in District 26. North Farmington would see either Southfield Arts and Tech or Livonia Stevenson in the district semifinals and if they win that they could see Detroit Henry Ford or Farmington in the district finals. North Farmington is in a really good spot to make some noise in the postseason.