Top 5 Girls Basketball MVP's

Aerial Powers, Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Powers was simply the best player in Oakland County this season, finishing in 5^th place in the Miss Basketball voting and is heading to Michigan State to join former teammate Madison Williams. Powers, who averaged nearly 20 points per game this season, wasn’t just a scorer, but was an all-around threat especially with her ability to drive into the lane and make the extra pass which usually led to a wide open shot for teammates. Powers was also one of the best defenders as well, defending in the post as well as guarding the perimeter against some of the best outside players in the state.

Carlee Cottrell, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

Cottrell proved that she was one of the most complete players in Oakland County this season with her ability to score, pass and rebound and defend, averaging better than 11 points, four rebounds and three assists per game. Cottrell was the “x-factor” in just about every game for WOLL because of her ability to do just about anything, she might not have lit up the stat sheet with points on a night-in, night-out basis, but her presence was felt in every single game for a number of different reasons.

Amber Deane, Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Deane might not have gotten the same consideration for the Miss Basketball award as teammate Aerial Powers did, but while Powers was out due to injury, Deane was able to carry the Yellowjackets all the way to the quarterfinals. Deane, headed to play at Dayton, did her best work in transition, getting out on the fast break and gave Country Day that added dimension that set it apart from most teams. Deane averaged over 21 points per game in her senior season for the Yellowjackets.

Sami Stormont, Royal Oak

Stormont was nearly unstoppable this season, constantly showing her ability to score on an every game basis and carried Royal Oak in plenty of games this season. Stormont averaged nearly 23 points per game last season, including a school record 42 points against Ferndale in late January, and also averaged just over nine rebounds per game, which earned the junior All-State honors in Class A this season.

Gabby Yurik, Stoney Creek

Yurik will go down as one of the best pure scorers and 3-point shooters in state history and her senior campaign wasn’t any exception as she averaged about 20 points per contest while grabbing five rebounds per game as well. Yurik capped off her career by topping the 1,400 point plateau while leading Stoney Creek to its first district title in school history this season.

Honorable Mention: Tori Duffey (Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes); Lexie Robak (Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes); Hannah Little (Auburn Hills Avondale); Jasmine Harris (North Farmington); Jackie Bieniewicz (Madison Heights Bishop Foley); Allison Bicknell (Waterford Kettering); Arjanai Washington (Waterford Kettering); Delaney Kenny (Clarkston); Shannon Wilson (Bloomfield Hills Andover)

Top 5 Boys Basketball MVP's

1.Jon-Jon Williams, Southfield Lathrup

Williams was by far the most consistent player in Oakland County this season, proving to not only be an elite scorer, but a top notch passer as well which is why he earns MVP honors this season in my book. What set Williams apart from the rest of the big-time scoring threats in Oakland County this season was his ability to knock down 3-pointers at an extremely high rate. It’s hard to believe that Williams is just a junior, and there’s no doubt that Williams will be back and even better next season.

2. Gavin Toma, Southfield Christian

All season long, Toma flew under the radar, but was playing as well as anyone in Oakland County from start to finish. Toma proved to be multi-dimensional, whether scoring 30 points at any time and also dished out the assists like a top-notch point guard. Toma was the extra piece that put the Eagles over the top to win the first state title in school history after missing the majority of the past two seasons due to injury.

3. James Young, Troy

It was quite an interesting season for Troy this season, but luckily for the Colts, they had the state’s top college prospect in Young on the roster. After Troy lost two of its key starters for different reasons, Young simply put Troy on his back, and almost picked up a district title this season. Young had some big games this season, including a 49-point outing against Clarkston, but he showed his true value when Troy needed him most this season.

4. Corey Green, Madison Heights Bishop Foley

Green proved to be the best athlete on the floor in almost every one of the Ventures games this season as Green dominated in almost every game he played in. The senior wasn’t only one of the area’s best scorers and rebounders, but as the season went on he became one of the top defensive post players the county had to offer this season.

5. Damon Bozeman, Madison Heights Madison

Bozeman was without a doubt one of the County’s best scorers throughout much of his career and this season was no different as Bozeman was the centerpiece for a team that was arguably the best scoring team in Oakland County as Madison went over the 100-point plateau a couple of different times this season. Bozeman too showed off his scoring ability scoring 40 or more points in a game this season on several occasions and helped Madison to a 21-3 record.

Honorable Mention (No Order): Chris Dewberry (Southfield Christian); Lindsey Hunter III (Southfield Christian); Chuck Taylor (Walled Lake Central); DaVonte Daniel (Waterford Mott); Khalil Malone (Waterford Mott); Dorrell Foster (North Farmington); Yante Maten (Bloomfield Hills Lahser); Taylor Perry (Rochester); Paris Pereira (Rochester); Nick Tatu (Clarkston)

Boys Basketball Quarterfinals Picks

Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s vs. Saginaw

Oakland County has a couple of surprise teams in the quarterfinals, but Saginaw is no surprise. The Eaglets should give Saginaw an early test, but the Trojans are just too good this year and will likely be playing for the state title next weekend.

Pick: Saginaw

Lake Orion vs. L’Anse Creuse North

Nobody really expected Lake Orion to knock off Rochester in the district final. Even fewer thought the Dragons could overcome an 18-0 deficit against Bloomfield Hills Lahser. They were considered by many to be the underdog against Waterford Mott in the regional final on their home floor as well. And more than likely, the Dragons will be the underdog facing a 21-4 North team. But who’s to say that the Dragon’s won’t pull off another upset?

Pick: Lake Orion

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Goodrich

In a season where Country Day hasn’t had much of a star presence, Country Day big man Robert Puleikis put together a star performance in the regional final against Chandler Park, dropping in 28 points. Mix in super soph Mory Diane starting to catch fire right now and they Yellowjackets could find itself back at the Breslin Center playing for a title.

Pick: Country Day

Southfield Christian vs. Saginaw Lutheran Seminary

The Eagles got a bit of a bye last week, winning a regional title via forfeit and that’s only going to help Southfield Christian. The Eagles will be the fresher team and with the ability to score 90 on any night, Saginaw Lutheran is in deep trouble on Tuesday.

Just how good is this Southfield Christian team? I am going to put it in stone RIGHT NOW: Southfield Christian WILL win the Class D state title. They are the deepest team in Class D and it’s shown all year long.

Pick: Southfield Chistian

Boys Basketball Regional Final Picks

Catholic Central vs. OLSM
Catholic Central has been without a doubt the hottest team in the state over the course of the past few weeks. But the hottest player around during that time has been St. Mary's Chewy Ukandu in my opinion and that has helped the Eaglets play very well in the playoffs, so I'll go with the mini upset tonight.
Pick: OLSM

Waterford Mott vs. Lake Orion
As I said earlier in the week, I've been underestimating the Corsairs all year long and I won't do it any more. DaVonte Daniel  and Khalil Malone should be their usual selves, while the big difference maker tonight should be sharpshooter Andrew Hovsepian who can knock down shots from just about anywhere.
Pick Mott

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. HW Chandler Park
Chandler Park might have the best player on the court in point guard Derrick Walton, but Country Day still remains as the more complete team. Look for Country Day to take advantage inside and move on to the quarterfinals behind some serious post play.
Pick: Country Day

BONUS PICK:
Flint Beecher vs. Detroit Consortium
I know neither of these teams have Oakland County ties, but after getting a chance to see both teams play on Monday, there's no doubt that one of these teams should be the Class C state champions. Flint Beecher's Monte Morris proved exactly why he's one of the nation's top players and is only a junior. Many believe this will be a close game, but I could see Beecher winning by double digits.
Pick Beecher

NOTE:
Southfield Christian advances to the quarterfinals because Westside Christian was using an ineligible player throughout the playoffs.

The End of an Era In Madison Heights

On Monday night, Madison Heights Bishop Foley and Madison Heights Madison both saw its season come to an end. But Monday night also marked the end of an era in Madison Heights as well. Bishop Foley’s Corey Green and Madison’s Damon Bozeman both ended their brilliant high school careers.

Green who was one of the Catholic League’s most dangerous players over the past few seasons showing off his abilities to both score and rebound and also was an elite defender in the post shutting down most teams best inside scorer.

Bozeman was one of, if not the best scorer in Oakland County this season, showing the ability to score 40 points at any time this season and finished his season averaging over 30 points per game. Bozeman was also one of Madison’s best passers, averaging around five assists per game.

It was an incredibly tough draw for both Madison Heights schools, as Bishop Foley had to face No. 3 ranked Detroit Consortium and Madison who had to take on unbeaten and top ranked Flint Beecher. Not the type of regional draw that any coach or team wants to see.

A couple of era’s that sadly came to an end as well on Monday night was the senior class at Walled Lake Central headlined by Zac Leimbach, Chuck Taylor and K.J. Schultz who helped lead the Vikings to their first district title since 2006 this year.

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Girls Quarterfinals and Boys Regional Semifinals Predictions

Girls Basketball quarterfinals

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Goodrich

It will be tough for Country Day to beat Goodrich without Miss Basketball candidate Aerial Powers, but if Powers isn’t able to go look for Asia Doss to continue to pick up the scoring on Tuesday. If Country Day can get out and run the floor and push tempo as much as possible, there is a chance that the Yellowjackets can take down top ranked Goodrich.

Pick: Country Day in OT

Waterford Kettering vs. Grosse Pointe South

Kettering has been a defensive juggernaut all season long, and that’s well known. But a player to keep an eye on is Shelby Watts, who brings much needed size to an undersized Captain squad. If Watts can continue to bring her usual strong defensive presence in the post, then Kettering has an excellent shot at heading to the Breslin Center.

Pick: Watterford Kettering

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes vs. Saginaw Martin Lutheran Seminary

Lakes has rolled over teams all throughout the playoffs and I don’t see Tuesday being any different for the Lakers. Everybody is aware of WOLL’s big three of Lexie Robak, Carlee Cotrell and Tori Duffey, but a player that has put the Lakers over the top once again this season is Ava Doetsch who continues to pour in double digits in scoring and give Lakes that extra punch on a game in, game out basis.

Pick: WOLL

Boys Regional Semifinals preview

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Ann Arbor Huron

In most cases Huron would likely move on to the regional finals, but OLSM has been red hot as of late behind Chibunna Ukandu and is playing some of its best basketball right now and that will be the difference on Monday.

Pick: OLSM

Walled Lake Central vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

I’m extremely tempted to go with the upset and pick WL Central, but Catholic Central just might be the hottest team in the state right now, and unfortunately for WL Central, I don’t think that it will change on the Shamrock’s home floor.

Pick: Catholic Central

Southfield vs. Waterford Mott

I’m officially done underestimating the Corsairs. I’ve learned my lesson. Khalil Malone and Da’Vonte Daniel have been nothing short of dominant inside all year long and it’s going to continue again in regionals.

Pick: Mott

Lake Orion vs. Bloomfield Hills Lahser

At this time of year, when a team has a strong presence in the post (Like Mott), it’s going to be incredibly hard to beat that team. Lahser has Yante Maten, who could be the best big man around and he’s just a sophomore. He will be the difference.

Pick: Lahser

Ferndale vs. Dearborn Heights Robichaud

This might end up deciding who wins the regional, but Kent State bound Khaliq Spencer and 19-3 Robichaud will be a definite challenge, but Nate Stepney, fresh off of a 28 point performance in the district finals might be able to sneak Ferndale into the finals.

Pick: Ferndale in 2OT

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Imlay City

Country Day, as always rolled through districts, but might have a bit of an issue with beating Imlay City in the same fashion. Imlay City has a pair of bigs that can match-up well with the Yellowjackets, but if Robert Pluekis can take care of business in the low post, Country Day will once again move on.

Pick: Country Day

Madison Heights Bishop Foley vs. Detroit Consortium

Consortium might best team in the state regardless of class and unfortunately for Bishop Foley, they’re running into the wrong team at the wrong time. Corey Green might be able to keep the Ventures in the game for a while, but Consortium will likely move on.

Pick: Consortium

Madison Heights Madison vs. Flint Beecher

Flint Beecher is ranked No. 1 in Class C for good reason, being one of the most complete teams in the state. Damon Bozeman and Co. at Madison are ranked No. 4, but the question is whether or not they can keep pace with Beecher. In the end, Beecher is going to be just a bit too much for Madison and it will set up a showdown between Beecher and Consortium.

Pick: Beecher

Southfield Christian vs. Clarkston Everest Collegiate

It looks as if Chris Dewberry has found himself a home at Southfield Christian, scoring 30 points on any given night this season and now Southfield Christian, an offensive powerhouse should be picking a regional title by the end of the week.

Pick: Southfield Christian

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Unsung Heroes

All season long, Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s Aerial Powers and Amber Deane have been grabbing the headlines, and rightfully so. Powers recently signed with Michigan State and Deane has signed to play for Dayton and the duo is averaging nearly 40 points per game combined.

But Country day has a couple of unsung heroes this year in the frontcourt in seniors Mary Kate MacLean and Kasey Crockett. Neither will wow you with the amount of points they score, but each do just about everything for the Yellowjackets.

MacLean was faced with the unenviable challenge of filling the shoes of the 2010 Gatorade National player of the year, Madison Williams last year and has done the job well. This season, MacLean has averaged seven points per game, nine rebounds and over three blocks per contest.

MacLean is also extremely valuable because of her ability to pass the ball, whether it’s outlet passes for the Yellowjackets to get out an run or in half court sets, MacLean makes a number of passes to set up scoring opportunities. It really wouldn’t be a surprise to many if MacLean was one of Oakland County’s assists leaders.

Crockett is one of the top low-post defenders in the County, having the ability to shut down any teams inside scoring threat in just about any game. Crockett also has similar stats to MacLean, averaging about six points per game and grabbing seven rebounds while blocking on average two shots per as well. Crockett is also a big help to the Yellowjackets in the transition game with getting the ball to Deane, Powers or junior guard Asia Doss in situations where Country Day tries to push tempo.

Also, keep an eye on Doss, especially next season as Doss will likely carry the scoring load for the Yellowjackets as she has continued to become an all-around scorer with her ability to score in the lane and still knock down some shots from the outside.

Boys Basketball District Finals Predictions

Clarkston vs. Fenton
Clarkston, fresh off of a 73-19 drubbing of a quality Holly team will have a bit more trouble with Fenton, but should once again move onto to the regional round.
Pick: Clarkston

Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Plymouth Salem
I’ll admit that I was one of the last ones to jump on the Catholic Central bandwagon, but after impressive wins over Warren De La Salle and Detroit MLK, the Shamrocks are the hottest team in the state.
Pick: Catholic Central

Oak Park vs. Southfield
Oak Park had would could be considered as THE upset of the playoffs by beating Southfield-Lathrup on Wednesday, but behind Brandon Bean and Co. the Blue Jays will pick up yet another district title.
Pick: Southfield

Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s vs. Farmington
I’m tempted to go with the upset here with Farmington behind Chris Hare and Bryan Green, but St. Mary’s is playing what is without a doubt its best basketball of the season after a big time win over North Farmington.
Pick: OLSM

Walled Lake Central vs. Milford
I picked Central heading into the playoffs, and I’m sticking with them, but this might be the closest game of the night and likely the best defensive battle there will be all night long.
Pick: Central in 2OT

Bloomfield Hills Lahser vs. Birmingham Groves
Lahser’s Yante Maten dominate on Wednesday, almost tallying a triple double, after blocking nine shots and with a presence like his in the middle Lahser will be hoisting the District title at the end of the night.
Pick: Lahser

Troy vs. Waterford Mott
After beating Pontiac, most believe that the district is the Colts’ to lose, but people have underestimated Waterford Mott all season long and it continues to prove people wrong so don’t sleep on the Corsairs.
Pick: Troy in OT

Lake Orion vs. Rochester
Rochester is fresh off of an emotional double overtime win over rival Adams and the Falcons cannot overlook Lake Orion or they will be in big trouble.
Pick: Rochester

Ferndale vs. Ferndale University OR Detroit Old Redford
This district was Ferndale’s to lose to begin with and there’s no reason to think that that will change.
Pick: Ferndale

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs. Imlay City
Notre Dame Prep is playing some of its best basketball now and it’s shown with blowout wins over Macomb Lutheran North and Armada.
Pick: Notre Dame Prep

Clawson vs. Birmingham Detroit Country Day
This has been Clawson’s best team in a long time, but it really is too bad that it will have to face the powerhouse that is Country Day.
Pick: Country Day

Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett vs. Madison Heights Madison
Damon Bozeman and Co. have racked up the points in districts so far, and the next team to fall victim to the Eagles happens to be Liggett.
Pick: Madison

Southfield Bradford vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley
I would be tempted to pick Bradford, but without the presence of Erik Murphy, I think Bishop Foley should be able to take advantage and roll right on to the next round.
Pick: Bishop Foley

Southfield Christian vs. Birmingham Roeper
Southfield Christian is one of the top teams in Class D and it shows on a game-in game-out basis. After scoring 186 points total in their last two games combined, the Eagles have proven to be an offensive juggernaut that nobody wants to face.
Pick: Southfield Christian

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes vs. Clarkston Everest Collegiate
Both teams had solid showings in the district semi’s on Wednesday, but the edge is going to go to Lakes behind some top notch defense.
Pick: WOLL

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Boys Basketball District Preview

CLASS A
Swartz Creek District
Teams: Swartz Creek, Clarkston, Holly, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Ortonville Brandon
Breakdown: Clarkston should have no trouble in this district with its nearly unblemished record this season. The only team that could prove to be a test for Clarkston is Fenton who had a very impressive regulars season which included a Flint Metro League title.
Winner: Clarkston


Novi Detroit Catholic Central District
Teams: Canton, Northville, Novi, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Plymouth, Salem, South Lyon
Breakdown: Catholic Central has been playing some of its basketball as of late, including a CHSL title game upset of Warren De La Salle. Don’t sleep on KLAA Association champion Plymouth Salem or a dangerous 15-5 Plymouth Canton team in this district either.
Winner: Catholic Central


Southfield District
Teams: Berkley, Detroit Henry Ford, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Southfield, Southfield-Lathrup
Breakdown: This district will without a doubt come down to Detroit Henry Ford and Southfield-Lathrup and it’s too bad that we can’t see the two teams in the district final, because they face off right out of the gates on Monday. I’ll give the edge to the team with the best player on the floor and that is Jon-Jon Williams.
Winner: Southfield-Lathrup


Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s District
Teams: Walled Lake Western, North Farmington, Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s, Farmington Hills Harrison, West Bloomfield, Farmington
Breakdown: North Farmington has been overlooked for the majority of the season, but once the playoffs get underway, the Raiders won’t be under the radar any longer. The Raiders will have their hands full with Walled Lake Western in the opener and Saint Mary’s on Wednesday, but North Farmington should come out on top.
Winner: North Farmington


Lakeland District
Teams: Lakeland, Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Central, Milford, Hartland, Howell
Breakdown: This district should come down to Central or Milford, Milford has been one of the top defensive teams in Oakland County all season long, but the Vikings have the edge because of some top-notch front-court play with Chuck Taylor and Tai Abiola.
Winner: Walled Lake Central


Birmingham Seaholm District
Teams: Birmingham Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills Lahser, Bloomfield Hills Andover, Birmingham Groves, Birmingham Brother Rice
Breakdown: Lahser’s dynamic sophomore duo of Yante Maten and Armand Cartwright are as good as it gets in the class of  2014 and after securing an OAA gold title, it’s apparent that the district title is the Knight’s to lose and this team is only going to get better.
Winner: Lahser


Troy Athens District
Teams: Troy Athens, Troy, Pontiac, Waterford  Kettering, Waterford Mott
Breakdown: Pontiac has a reputation of being one of the dominant teams in Oakland County in district play, and while the Phoenix will have a tough road in one of the top districts in the state. Troy and junior sensation James Young will without a doubt be the biggest challenge to Pontiac, but once again Pontiac will come out with a district title on Friday.
Winner: Pontiac


Rochester Adams District
Teams: Rochester Adams, Rochester, Lake Orion, Stoney Creek, Oxford
Breakdown: Monday could end up having the game that decides the winner as Rochester faces Rochester Adams. Rochester should be considered the favorite here, with Taylor Perry and Paris Pereira, but something tells me that Rochester Adams is primed to pull off the upset. Akhemji Williams will come up big in the clutch.
Winner: Rochester Adams


CLASS B
Ferndale District
Teams: Ferndale, Ferndale University, Highland Park, Detroit CMA, Detroit Old Redord, Livonia Clarenceville, Hamtramck
Breakdown: Ferndale’s “Big 3” of Nate Stepney, Jordan Ellis and Jacob Dotson should have no trouble at all in bringing home a district title for the Eagles in what looks like a very easy district, but neighbor Ferndale University could pose a bit of a challenge to the Eagles.
Winner: Ferndale


Warren Lincoln District
Teams: Warren Lincoln, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, Madison Heights Lamphere, Clawson, Centrer Line, Hazel Park
Breakdown: As always, being in the same district as Country Day is never a good sign. The Yellowjackets might have the best shot of any Oakland County team at making it back to the Breslin.
Winner: Country Day


Imlay City District
Teams: Imlay City, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Almont, Armada, Macomb Lutheran North
Breakdown: Notre Dame Prep has improved in the second half of the season, and with Kellen McCormick and Co., the Fighting Irish will head back to the regional round.
Winner: Notre Dame Prep

Mt. Clemens District
Teams: Mt. Clemens, Madison Heights Madison, Detroit Winnans, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, Hamtramck Frontier International, Warren Michigan Collegiate
Breakdown: There isn’t a more explosive offensive team around than Madison as the Eagles have shown te ability to put up 100 points on any night and it wouldn’t be a surprise to many if they put up 100 at some point this week.
Winner: Madison Heights Madison


Madison Heights Bishop Foley District
Teams: Bishop Foley, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, Southfield Bradford, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, Royal Oak Shrine
Breakdown: This one is tricky, Bishop Foley is the favorite to win the district, but Southfield Bradford is very capable of picking up a district title as well. Corey Green and Max Aleshire are capable of putting up some big numbers at any time, and that’s why I’ll give them the slight edge. But don’t sleep on Bradford.
Winner: Bishop Foley

CLASS D
Birmingham Roeper District
Teams: Roeper, Detroit City, Southfield Christian, Novi Franklin Road Christian
Breakdown: This district is Southfield Christian’s to lose, the Eagles are too deep for any other team in this district to handle. It would have to take a huge upset for Southfield Christian to not move on to regionals.
Winner: Southfield Christian

Clarkston Everest Collegiate District
Teams: Everest Collegiate, WOLL, New Haven Merrit, Cardinal Mooney, Auburn Hills Christian, West Bloomfield Jewish Academy
Breakdown: It’s tough to beat a team three times in a row, but it looks like that’s what WOLL will have to do in order to win a District title if Clarkston Everest Collegiate can sneak past 13-5 New Haven Merrit, which I believe they will do. In the finals it will come down to Everest and WOLL and the game might not be decided until the final seconds.
Winner: WOLL

Friday's Finest - Girls District Finals Edition

In what was quite possibly the biggest upset of the night, Birmingham Roeper knocked off defending district champion Southfield Christian 45-41 thanks in large part to super-sophomore Alyssa Flynn who poured in a game-high 11 points to lead Roeper onto the Regional rounds.

Stoney Creek is putting everyone on notice. The Cougars aren’t just a one person team, with Rochester shutting down senior sharpshooter Gabby Yurik, Stoney Creek found another source of offense from sophomore twins Lauren and Natalie Voss who combined for 31 points to lead the Cougars to a district title. Don’t forget freshman Maria Zandi’s clutch performance on Monday as she drilled a game-winning 3-pointer with under a minute to go to beat Rochester Adams. Stoney Creek is in good shape for the present and the future.

The 1-2 punch of Jackie Bieniewicz and Collen Szakacs has been a lethal combo all year long and Friday night was no exception as the two combined for 31 of Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s 50 points as the Ventures rolled to a 50-39 win over Royal.

Speaking of dynamic duo’s, Birmingham Marian’s combination of Jolene Jadou and Brittany Gray combined for 30 points as Marian put together a dominant performance in a 61-35 runaway win over Bloomfield Hills Andover.

Amber Deane made it look easy on Friday night as the senior standout poured in a game high 21 points to lead Birmingham Detroit Country Day to a 77-24 blowout win over Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood.

The West Bloomfield district was without a doubt the wildest district from the start. After Farmington Hills Mercy knocked off No. 5 ranked Detroit Pershing, it looked as if the district was theirs to lose. But North Farmington pulled off an overtime thriller in the District opener to knock off the Marlins behind 20 points from Jasmine Harris, putting the Raiders in the driver’s seat. However, the host Lakers ended up having the last laugh as Sydni Davis (19 points) and Co. knocked off North Farmington 60-49 on Friday night.