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.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
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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Monday, March 12, 2012
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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Saturday, March 10, 2012
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.
Friday, March 9, 2012
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
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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Monday, March 5, 2012
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
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
Saturday, March 3, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Girls Basketball District Preview
CLASS A
Holly District
Teams: Holly, Clarkston, Fenton, Schwartz Creek, Ortonville Brandon, Grand Blanc
Breakdown: Too bad that Holly and Clarkston meet in the opener, because both teams had a legitimate chance of playing in the finals. GiveClarkston has the edge because of its experience and ability to find scoring and defense from just about anywhere on the court
Winner: Clarkston
Novi District
Teams: Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth, Plymouth Salem, Plymouth Canton, Northville
Breakdown: Novi could get tested by Northville or Plymouth Canton, but ultimately, it’s the Wildcats District to lose. Novi hit a bit of a rough stretch late in the year with losses to quality Hartland and John Glenn teams, but they’ll bounce back in time for the playoffs.
Winner: Novi
Southfield-Lathrup District
Teams: Southfield-Lathrup, Southfield, Berkley, Royal Oak, Oak Park, Detroit Henry Ford
Breakdown: This district will likely come down to Lathrup and Royal Oak, Lathrup has played much better late in the season, but Royal Oak has the always dangerous Sami Stormont. Lathrup could have the advantage because of its very difficult regular season schedule and seems to have turned the corner as of late.
Winner: Lathrup
West Bloomfield District
Teams: West Bloomfield, North Farmington, Farmington Hills Mercy, Farmington, Farmington Hills Harrison, Walled Lake Western
Breakdown: This is a district that has some of Oakland County’s most dynamic players which include North Farmington’s Jasmine Harris and West Bloomfield’s Sydni Davis. But Mercy is the favorite in this district, especially after its 52-45 upset of No. 5 ranked Detroit Pershing on Thursday. However, if players like Harris or Davis have a big game, this district could be wide open.
Winner: Farmington Hills Mercy
Milford District
Teams: Milford, Hartland, Howell, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Northern, Lakeland
Breakdown: This district should be all Hartland as the Eagles have by far the best record out of the bunch and with players like Bailee Maggert and Lindsay Pajot, Hartland should make it look easy.
Winner: Hartland
Bloomfield Hills Andover District
Teams: Bloomfield Hills Andover, Bloomfield Hills Lahser, Birmingham Seaholm, Birmingham Marian, Birmingham Groves
Breakdown: This district should belong to host Andover with star sophomore Shannon Wilson, who is quickly becoming one of the most clutch players around, but don’t sleep on a young Marian team that could surprise some teams. But in the end, expect Wilson and Co. to take care of business and their home floor.
Winner: Andover
Auburn Hills Avondale District
Teams: Auburn Hills Avondale, Troy Athens, Troy, Waterford Kettering, Waterford Mott, Pontiac
Breakdown: A season opener rematch between Avondale and Kettering is more than a possibility as both teams have played stellar defense this season, but almost any team has a shot at making it to the district finals here. I have a feeling that it will be a district final showdown between Avondale and Kettering and I’m giving the slight edge to the “Defense Department”
Winner: Kettering
Rochester District
Teams: Rochester, Lake Orion, Rochester Adams, Stoney Creek, Oxford
Breakdown: After winning an OAA White title, Adams should be considered as the favorite in this district, but with a dynamic scorer like Gabby Yurik from Stoney Creek, anything can happen. However, in the end, I think that Adams is the deepest team in this district and it will show once the district is all wrapped up.
Winner: Adams
Class B
Livonia Clarenceville District
Teams: Livonia Clarenceville, Highland Park, Detroit Community, Ferndale, Detroit Old Redford, Highland Park Community, Detroit CMA, Ferndale University
Breakdown: Ferndale has a very good chance of picking up the district title here, especially with two very good scorers in Janecia Jenkins and Micaela Ellis, who are both averaging nearly 15 points per game, while Jenkins is also averaging well over 10 rebounds per contest.
Winner: Ferndale
Birmingham Detroit Country Day District
Teams: Birmingham Detroit Day, Hazel Park, Clawson, Warren Lincoln, Madison Heights Lamphere, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, Center Line
Breakdown: As always, it’s never a good thing when your team is in the same district as Country Day because every year it’s a lock that the Yellowjackets will make a run at going to the Breslin and they have as good of a shot as ever with guards Amber Deane and Aerial Powers.
Winner: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Capac District
Teams: Capac, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Macomb Lutheran North, Armada, Imlay City, Almont
Breakdown: Notre Dame Prep should be able to make it into the district finals, but it is going to have a tough uphill battle playing in a district final that will likely include a 15-4 Capac team. However, senior guard Kiaya Bowman and sophomore sharpshooter Sarah LewAllen should give the Fighting Irish a chance.
Winner: Capac
Linden District
Teams: Linden, Fowlerville, Lake Fenton, South Lyon East, Stockbridge
Breakdown: South Lyon East took big strides this season as the Cougars finished the season with an 11-9 mark. East will be challenged, facing a solid Lake Fenton team in the semifinals and either Stockbridge or Lake Fenton who hold 13-7 records and have proven to be very good scoring teams.
Winner: Stockbridge
CLASS C
Mt. Clemens District
Teams: Mt. Clemens, Harper Woods Heart Academy, Madison Heights Madison, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, Detroit Winans Academy, Warren Michigan Collegiate
Breakdown: This district should be all Liggett as the Knights have had a very impressive season which includes a 16-4 regular season record. Liggett could get a bit of a challenge from host Mt. Clemens, but Liggett should move on.
Winner: Liggett
Royal Oak Shrine District
Teams: Royal Oak Shrine, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart, Southfield Bradford, Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
Breakdown: Bishop Foley has the looks of a team that’s ready to make a run in the state tournament with a senior laden team. Guard Jackie Bieniewicz and forward Colleen Szakacs should provide plenty of scoring punch to lead the Ventures into the regional round. Don’t sleep on Lutheran Northwest though who has quietly put together a nice season.
Winner: Bishop Foley
CLASS D
Birmingham Roeper District
Teams: Birmingham Roeper, West Bloomfield Jewish Academy, Novi Franklin Road Christian, Southfield Christian, Detroit City
Breakdown: This district will likely come down to Franklin Road Christian and Southfield Christian. Southfield Christian will be a tough challenge for Franklin Road Christian, but the Warriors have been impressive all season long, holding a 16-4 record behind standout sophomore Kristen Massey who is averaging an impressive 27 points per game and nearly five rebounds per as well.
Winner: Novi Franklin Road Christian
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes District
Teams: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, New Haven Merritt, Clarkston Everest Collegiate, Marine City Cardinal Mooney, Auburn Hills Christian
Breakdown: Once again this district should belong to WOLL, with a lineup that can provide scoring from just about anywhere. The lone team that should test WOLL is rival Cardinal Mooney as both teams hold a 15-4 record heading into the playoffs. WOLL beat Cardinal Mooney twice this season, 37-35 on January 12th and 52-40 on February 2nd.
Winner: WOLL
Holly District
Teams: Holly, Clarkston, Fenton, Schwartz Creek, Ortonville Brandon, Grand Blanc
Breakdown: Too bad that Holly and Clarkston meet in the opener, because both teams had a legitimate chance of playing in the finals. GiveClarkston has the edge because of its experience and ability to find scoring and defense from just about anywhere on the court
Winner: Clarkston
Novi District
Teams: Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth, Plymouth Salem, Plymouth Canton, Northville
Breakdown: Novi could get tested by Northville or Plymouth Canton, but ultimately, it’s the Wildcats District to lose. Novi hit a bit of a rough stretch late in the year with losses to quality Hartland and John Glenn teams, but they’ll bounce back in time for the playoffs.
Winner: Novi
Southfield-Lathrup District
Teams: Southfield-Lathrup, Southfield, Berkley, Royal Oak, Oak Park, Detroit Henry Ford
Breakdown: This district will likely come down to Lathrup and Royal Oak, Lathrup has played much better late in the season, but Royal Oak has the always dangerous Sami Stormont. Lathrup could have the advantage because of its very difficult regular season schedule and seems to have turned the corner as of late.
Winner: Lathrup
West Bloomfield District
Teams: West Bloomfield, North Farmington, Farmington Hills Mercy, Farmington, Farmington Hills Harrison, Walled Lake Western
Breakdown: This is a district that has some of Oakland County’s most dynamic players which include North Farmington’s Jasmine Harris and West Bloomfield’s Sydni Davis. But Mercy is the favorite in this district, especially after its 52-45 upset of No. 5 ranked Detroit Pershing on Thursday. However, if players like Harris or Davis have a big game, this district could be wide open.
Winner: Farmington Hills Mercy
Milford District
Teams: Milford, Hartland, Howell, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Northern, Lakeland
Breakdown: This district should be all Hartland as the Eagles have by far the best record out of the bunch and with players like Bailee Maggert and Lindsay Pajot, Hartland should make it look easy.
Winner: Hartland
Bloomfield Hills Andover District
Teams: Bloomfield Hills Andover, Bloomfield Hills Lahser, Birmingham Seaholm, Birmingham Marian, Birmingham Groves
Breakdown: This district should belong to host Andover with star sophomore Shannon Wilson, who is quickly becoming one of the most clutch players around, but don’t sleep on a young Marian team that could surprise some teams. But in the end, expect Wilson and Co. to take care of business and their home floor.
Winner: Andover
Auburn Hills Avondale District
Teams: Auburn Hills Avondale, Troy Athens, Troy, Waterford Kettering, Waterford Mott, Pontiac
Breakdown: A season opener rematch between Avondale and Kettering is more than a possibility as both teams have played stellar defense this season, but almost any team has a shot at making it to the district finals here. I have a feeling that it will be a district final showdown between Avondale and Kettering and I’m giving the slight edge to the “Defense Department”
Winner: Kettering
Rochester District
Teams: Rochester, Lake Orion, Rochester Adams, Stoney Creek, Oxford
Breakdown: After winning an OAA White title, Adams should be considered as the favorite in this district, but with a dynamic scorer like Gabby Yurik from Stoney Creek, anything can happen. However, in the end, I think that Adams is the deepest team in this district and it will show once the district is all wrapped up.
Winner: Adams
Class B
Livonia Clarenceville District
Teams: Livonia Clarenceville, Highland Park, Detroit Community, Ferndale, Detroit Old Redford, Highland Park Community, Detroit CMA, Ferndale University
Breakdown: Ferndale has a very good chance of picking up the district title here, especially with two very good scorers in Janecia Jenkins and Micaela Ellis, who are both averaging nearly 15 points per game, while Jenkins is also averaging well over 10 rebounds per contest.
Winner: Ferndale
Birmingham Detroit Country Day District
Teams: Birmingham Detroit Day, Hazel Park, Clawson, Warren Lincoln, Madison Heights Lamphere, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, Center Line
Breakdown: As always, it’s never a good thing when your team is in the same district as Country Day because every year it’s a lock that the Yellowjackets will make a run at going to the Breslin and they have as good of a shot as ever with guards Amber Deane and Aerial Powers.
Winner: Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Capac District
Teams: Capac, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Macomb Lutheran North, Armada, Imlay City, Almont
Breakdown: Notre Dame Prep should be able to make it into the district finals, but it is going to have a tough uphill battle playing in a district final that will likely include a 15-4 Capac team. However, senior guard Kiaya Bowman and sophomore sharpshooter Sarah LewAllen should give the Fighting Irish a chance.
Winner: Capac
Linden District
Teams: Linden, Fowlerville, Lake Fenton, South Lyon East, Stockbridge
Breakdown: South Lyon East took big strides this season as the Cougars finished the season with an 11-9 mark. East will be challenged, facing a solid Lake Fenton team in the semifinals and either Stockbridge or Lake Fenton who hold 13-7 records and have proven to be very good scoring teams.
Winner: Stockbridge
CLASS C
Mt. Clemens District
Teams: Mt. Clemens, Harper Woods Heart Academy, Madison Heights Madison, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, Detroit Winans Academy, Warren Michigan Collegiate
Breakdown: This district should be all Liggett as the Knights have had a very impressive season which includes a 16-4 regular season record. Liggett could get a bit of a challenge from host Mt. Clemens, but Liggett should move on.
Winner: Liggett
Royal Oak Shrine District
Teams: Royal Oak Shrine, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart, Southfield Bradford, Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
Breakdown: Bishop Foley has the looks of a team that’s ready to make a run in the state tournament with a senior laden team. Guard Jackie Bieniewicz and forward Colleen Szakacs should provide plenty of scoring punch to lead the Ventures into the regional round. Don’t sleep on Lutheran Northwest though who has quietly put together a nice season.
Winner: Bishop Foley
CLASS D
Birmingham Roeper District
Teams: Birmingham Roeper, West Bloomfield Jewish Academy, Novi Franklin Road Christian, Southfield Christian, Detroit City
Breakdown: This district will likely come down to Franklin Road Christian and Southfield Christian. Southfield Christian will be a tough challenge for Franklin Road Christian, but the Warriors have been impressive all season long, holding a 16-4 record behind standout sophomore Kristen Massey who is averaging an impressive 27 points per game and nearly five rebounds per as well.
Winner: Novi Franklin Road Christian
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes District
Teams: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, New Haven Merritt, Clarkston Everest Collegiate, Marine City Cardinal Mooney, Auburn Hills Christian
Breakdown: Once again this district should belong to WOLL, with a lineup that can provide scoring from just about anywhere. The lone team that should test WOLL is rival Cardinal Mooney as both teams hold a 15-4 record heading into the playoffs. WOLL beat Cardinal Mooney twice this season, 37-35 on January 12th and 52-40 on February 2nd.
Winner: WOLL
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Boys Basketball Top 10 - A New Number 1
1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day
The Yellowjackets are playing their best basketball of the season, scoring as well as anybody and playing some stellar defense at the same time and it showed as Country Day blasted red-hot Ferndale 88-59 on Tuesday night.
2. Clarkston
Nick Tatu has continued to be one of the best all-around players that Oakland County has to offer, no only is he a lockdown defender, but he can score with the best of them with his deadly 3-point shooting ability and proved it last week with his mind-boggling 12 3-pointers and 47 points against Troy.
3.Rochester
Some how the Falcons have flown under the radar all season long, even with two of the county’s best scorers in Taylor Perry and Paris Pereira who have led Rochester to a 15-1 record and 15 straight wins.
4. Ferndale
Ferndale’s impressive 11 game winning streak finally came to an end on Tuesday night, but with Nate Stepney and Jordan Ellis playing some stellar basketball, there’s no reason to think that Ferndale can’t put together another long winning streak.
5. (Tie) North Farmington
The Raiders had one of the toughest schedules to start the season, but now they are streaking at the right time and are getting big time play from Dorrell Foster, Caleb Hogans and Sterling Sharp lately.
5. (Tie) Troy
It’s been a tough year for the Colts after losing a couple of big time contributors for different reasons, but the Colts have been looking like an improved team and are have quickly returned to the form that many expected them to be in at the start of the season.
6. Madison Heights Madison
Damon Bozeman can do it all for Madison, scoring 39 points and grabbing 16 rebounds on Tuesday night, but it’s not just the Bozeman show in Madison Heights. Tevin Washington, Will Bradley and Co. are quietly have some impressive seasons as well.
7. Waterford Mott
The Corsairs might have the most underrated frontcourt duo in Oakland County in Brady Losh and DaVonte Daniel and paired with all-everything senior Khalil Malone, Mott has shocked just about everyone in Oakland County and has grabbed a KLAA Lakes conference title.
8. Pontiac
The Phoenix have continued to improve this season, and with a young team highlighted by point guard Vezzie Carthane, Pontiac should be a team to keep an eye on in the playoffs and down the road next year.
9. Madison Heights Bishop Foley
The Ventures can find scoring from just about anywhere, with senior star Corey Green and sharpshooter Max Aleshire, Bishop Foley is a very tough team to shutdown and even after back to back losses, they will be a tough out in the playoffs.
10. (Tie) Milford
The Mavericks caught many by surprise this season, only suffering to losses on the year and fell just short of picking up a KLAA Lakes title. The Mavericks have one of the top defensive squads around and it should help them during the KLAA playoffs.
10. (Tie) Novi Detroit Catholic Central
The Shamrocks, much like Milford, have been one of the top defensive teams in Oakland County this year and haven’t let up so far. The only way to beat the Shamrocks is to hope they have an off night shooting the ball, because scoring on them really isn’t an option.
The Yellowjackets are playing their best basketball of the season, scoring as well as anybody and playing some stellar defense at the same time and it showed as Country Day blasted red-hot Ferndale 88-59 on Tuesday night.
2. Clarkston
Nick Tatu has continued to be one of the best all-around players that Oakland County has to offer, no only is he a lockdown defender, but he can score with the best of them with his deadly 3-point shooting ability and proved it last week with his mind-boggling 12 3-pointers and 47 points against Troy.
3.Rochester
Some how the Falcons have flown under the radar all season long, even with two of the county’s best scorers in Taylor Perry and Paris Pereira who have led Rochester to a 15-1 record and 15 straight wins.
4. Ferndale
Ferndale’s impressive 11 game winning streak finally came to an end on Tuesday night, but with Nate Stepney and Jordan Ellis playing some stellar basketball, there’s no reason to think that Ferndale can’t put together another long winning streak.
5. (Tie) North Farmington
The Raiders had one of the toughest schedules to start the season, but now they are streaking at the right time and are getting big time play from Dorrell Foster, Caleb Hogans and Sterling Sharp lately.
5. (Tie) Troy
It’s been a tough year for the Colts after losing a couple of big time contributors for different reasons, but the Colts have been looking like an improved team and are have quickly returned to the form that many expected them to be in at the start of the season.
6. Madison Heights Madison
Damon Bozeman can do it all for Madison, scoring 39 points and grabbing 16 rebounds on Tuesday night, but it’s not just the Bozeman show in Madison Heights. Tevin Washington, Will Bradley and Co. are quietly have some impressive seasons as well.
7. Waterford Mott
The Corsairs might have the most underrated frontcourt duo in Oakland County in Brady Losh and DaVonte Daniel and paired with all-everything senior Khalil Malone, Mott has shocked just about everyone in Oakland County and has grabbed a KLAA Lakes conference title.
8. Pontiac
The Phoenix have continued to improve this season, and with a young team highlighted by point guard Vezzie Carthane, Pontiac should be a team to keep an eye on in the playoffs and down the road next year.
9. Madison Heights Bishop Foley
The Ventures can find scoring from just about anywhere, with senior star Corey Green and sharpshooter Max Aleshire, Bishop Foley is a very tough team to shutdown and even after back to back losses, they will be a tough out in the playoffs.
10. (Tie) Milford
The Mavericks caught many by surprise this season, only suffering to losses on the year and fell just short of picking up a KLAA Lakes title. The Mavericks have one of the top defensive squads around and it should help them during the KLAA playoffs.
10. (Tie) Novi Detroit Catholic Central
The Shamrocks, much like Milford, have been one of the top defensive teams in Oakland County this year and haven’t let up so far. The only way to beat the Shamrocks is to hope they have an off night shooting the ball, because scoring on them really isn’t an option.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Girls Basketball Top 10
1. Birmingham Detroit Country Day
The Yellowjackets have arguably the best backcourt in the state with Aerial Powers and Amber Deane and they proved just that in their blowout win over former No. 1 ranked Detroit Pershing at the end of last month.
2. Waterford Kettering
Just one loss on the season, and the Captains continue to dominate teams defensively, holding teams to 30 points or less nine times and 20 points or less in five games out of their 14 wins this season.
3.Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
The Lakers have found scoring from just about everywhere this season which is another reason why they have locked up a third consecutive CHSL title. There’s no doubt that Lakes is gearing up for yet another deep playoff run.
4. Clarkston
A bit of a stumble after a couple of losses in the past few weeks at the hands of Auburn Hills Avondale and Southfield-Lathrup, but the Wolves will bounce back in time for the playoffs. Expect Clarkston to raise back to the top of its game during the course of the next week or so.
5. Auburn Hills Avondale
Avondale picked up that win over Clarkston and that could be the win the Yellowjackets have been waiting for to push them over the top and it’s more than possible that they are now hitting their stride.
6. Bloomfield Hills Andover
The buzzer beater from Shannon Wilson to lift Andover over Royal Oak and preserve a near perfect 14-1 record. With Wilson and Co., the Barons continue to find ways to win and that’s going to come in handy come playoffs time.
7. Farmington Hills Mercy
Mercy continues fly under the radar, but at the same time pick up the wins, and sophomore sniper Allie Gorcyca has given the Marlins an offensive boost to go with Sarah Benson and Candace Leatherwood.
8. Rochester Adams
Adams is one of the deeper teams in the OAA White, with a number of different players that can have a breakout game at any point, and it’s shown as the Highlanders have a 9-1 record in the White division
9. Madison Heights Bishop Foley
The Ventures have stumbled a bit here and there, but still remain as one of the most dangerous teams in the county heading into the playoffs with top-notch scoring from Jackie Bieniewicz and Collen Szakacs.
10. Novi
Much like Mercy, Novi has flown under the radar, but has been at the top of the KLAA Central all season long along with Livonia Stevenson. Novi has gotten the job done behind both its offense and its defense, which is why Novi will be a dangerous team once the playoffs get underway.
The Yellowjackets have arguably the best backcourt in the state with Aerial Powers and Amber Deane and they proved just that in their blowout win over former No. 1 ranked Detroit Pershing at the end of last month.
2. Waterford Kettering
Just one loss on the season, and the Captains continue to dominate teams defensively, holding teams to 30 points or less nine times and 20 points or less in five games out of their 14 wins this season.
3.Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
The Lakers have found scoring from just about everywhere this season which is another reason why they have locked up a third consecutive CHSL title. There’s no doubt that Lakes is gearing up for yet another deep playoff run.
4. Clarkston
A bit of a stumble after a couple of losses in the past few weeks at the hands of Auburn Hills Avondale and Southfield-Lathrup, but the Wolves will bounce back in time for the playoffs. Expect Clarkston to raise back to the top of its game during the course of the next week or so.
5. Auburn Hills Avondale
Avondale picked up that win over Clarkston and that could be the win the Yellowjackets have been waiting for to push them over the top and it’s more than possible that they are now hitting their stride.
6. Bloomfield Hills Andover
The buzzer beater from Shannon Wilson to lift Andover over Royal Oak and preserve a near perfect 14-1 record. With Wilson and Co., the Barons continue to find ways to win and that’s going to come in handy come playoffs time.
7. Farmington Hills Mercy
Mercy continues fly under the radar, but at the same time pick up the wins, and sophomore sniper Allie Gorcyca has given the Marlins an offensive boost to go with Sarah Benson and Candace Leatherwood.
8. Rochester Adams
Adams is one of the deeper teams in the OAA White, with a number of different players that can have a breakout game at any point, and it’s shown as the Highlanders have a 9-1 record in the White division
9. Madison Heights Bishop Foley
The Ventures have stumbled a bit here and there, but still remain as one of the most dangerous teams in the county heading into the playoffs with top-notch scoring from Jackie Bieniewicz and Collen Szakacs.
10. Novi
Much like Mercy, Novi has flown under the radar, but has been at the top of the KLAA Central all season long along with Livonia Stevenson. Novi has gotten the job done behind both its offense and its defense, which is why Novi will be a dangerous team once the playoffs get underway.
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