Way too Early District Outlooks.

Written Thursday November 28th, at 10:30 PM

Now these aren't my predictions but I have a good idea on what the district might look like but not accurately though for each team.

Girls Basketball:

District 21 @ Detroit Mumford

Farmington Hills Mercy

Farmington

Southfield

Detroit International Academy

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

The favorite is Farmington Hills Mercy because of its team. The Marlins return their top eight scorers and got screwed last season on a couple bad calls that did not go their way against Detroit Martin Luther King. The team that could give Farmington Hills Mercy fits will be Detroit Renaissance. The Phoenix have always been talented and if they get the right draw they should meet the Marlins in the Finals. There are two others to keep an eye on as well in both Southfield and Farmington, the Blue Jays have two good players who could make an impact and the Falcons could make a splash with it's experience.

District 24 @ Southfield-Lathrup:

Southfield-Lathrup

Beverly Hills Wylie E. Groves

Berkley

Royal Oak

Oak Park

This district is a two team race this season. Southfield-Lathrup will be loaded yet again this season and is favored because of home court and talent they brought in. The team that could challenge the Chargers will be Oak Park because of first year Coach Diane Jones whom came back from retirement after spending decades at Detroit Renaissance winning state crowns there and is currently the assistant athletic director to football coach Greg Carter. Jones brought several transfers from Detroit Renaissance and Inkster to Knight Valley and have already created an impact. We’ll see what happens, the favorite is Southfield-Lathrup but Oak Park is well in play here and also keep an eye on Berkley. The Bears maybe the sleeper depending on the match up they get.

District 25 @ White Lake Lakeland:

White Lake Lakeland

West Bloomfield

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

This district is wide open with the loss of Amanda Lock at Lakeland for most of the season because of an ACL injury. Lakeland will still be a factor even without Lock but the Eagles are a different team without her. West Bloomfield is guard heavy led by Dazia Dinkins, Rachel Haranish, Lexi Corke, and forward Kasey Brown. Walled Lake Central has a new coach and could struggle. Walled Lake Western struggled early in the season could be in for a long season. Walled Lake Northern maybe the best team in Walled Lake but the Knights could be a sleeper in the district. The favorite are the Lakers because of the three guards and one forward.

District 27 @ Birmingham Marian:

Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Seaholm

Bloomfield Hills

North Farmington

Harrison

This maybe the toughest district because you have four legit teams that can win this district. Birmingham Marian made the final four and returns a solid group of players back. Harrison was in the regional finals last season and has four of five starters back last season but depth will be a major concern. Bloomfield Hills merged and features a solid group of players and gains depth with the merger. North Farmington is always solid as well and could be more athletic than last season. Who ever wins this district will have earned it. The Mustangs an early favorite because of home court and experience but the Hawks, Raiders, and Blackhawks are not that far off and could beat Birmingham Marian.

District 29 @ Troy Athens:

Troy Athens

Troy

Pontiac

Avondale

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

This district is interesting with a lot of parity. I think that Waterford Kettering is favored here in this district because of experience and talent that the Captains have. Waterford Mott has the district’s best player in Lauren Hung and a strong supporting cast. Troy is the dark horse because the Colts return everybody back from a team that struggled in the Red last season and is now in the White. Troy Athens has some experience back and could be a major player if the Red Hawks can get consistent guard play. Pontiac could struggle badly here in this district. Defending district champion Avondale has some players back from last season's district championship team. There are four teams that could make noise here but still Waterford Kettering has the team that could come out of this district and should be motivated after losing to arch rival Waterford Mott in the pre-district last season.

District 30 @ Clarkston:

Lake Orion

Clarkston

Oxford

Adams

Stoney Creek

Rochester

I can see five legit teams that can win this district. Clarkston might be the favorite because of home court and has the district's best player in Erika Davenport. Stoney Creek returns everyone back from a team that went to the district finals last season. Lake Orion will be a dark horse with it's talent and returning players it has back. Adams has two top juniors and a very good senior who can carry them in games. Oxford has two solid players that could make an impact and their strong press defense. Rochester could struggle but could be a tough out for anyone to handle. It will depend on the match up on how this district would look for each team.

District 42 @ ???:

Ferndale

Hazel Park

Detroit Central

Detroit Old Redford

Detroit University

Ferndale University

This district is Ferndale’s to lose. The Eagles return their three top players Michaela Ellis, Amber Williams, and Tauryn Stephens for coach Eric Lloyd from last season's regional final team that lost to Birmingham Detroit Country Day and if this district is at Ferndale then it gives them a more advantage that they already have.

Boys Basketball:

District 21 @ Farmington:

Farmington

Southfield

Detroit U-D Jesuit

Detroit Mumford

Detroit Renaissance

This district is interesting. U-D Jesuit is favored but Southfield could be the Cubs biggest challenger to the district crown. The Blue Jays will have the speed to compete with anyone and should be motivated after being upset by Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves on their home court last season. Detroit Renaissance will have a say along with Detroit Mumford. Both the Phoneix and Maroons will have speed and quickness to go up and down with anyone. Farmington will also have a say here as well with the district being on their home court. U-D Jesuit is a Catholic League power in basketball and will be favored but don't count Southfield, Detroit Renaissance, or the Falcons out for one second.

District 24 @ Southfield-Lathrup:

Southfield-Lathrup

Beverly Hills Wylie E. Groves

Berkley

Royal Oak

Oak Park

Oak Park will be the overwhelming favorite in this district especially with the talent they have. I don’t know if any of these teams can beat the Knights until the regional. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves might have the best shot at beating Oak Park but it's a far cry though in this district. This district is Oak Park's to lose.

District 25 @ West Bloomfield:

West Bloomfield

Orchard Lake St. Marys

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

White Lake Lakeland

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s is the favorite in this district because of experience and the Catholic League they play in is very difficult. Walled Lake Central will also be solid and returns some experience. Walled Lake Western will be strong again after a disappointing 2012-2013 season and already has a big win against Birmingham Detroit Country Day. West Bloomfield will have a strong say in this district because of it's guards even though they are small. Lakeland will always be in the discussion with its defense but offense is a concern. Walled Lake Northern could struggle as well. The Eaglets is the favorite while the Vikings, Eagles, Warriors, and Lakers could have a strong say who wins this district.

District 27 @ North Farmington:

North Farmington
Harrison
Bloomfield Hills
Birmingham Seaholm
Birmingham Brother Rice

This district is interesting. Bloomfield Hills is the favorite but don't count out North Farmington and Birmingham Seaholm. The Raiders can defiantly beat the Blackhawks with the players they have and the recent return of Jerome Rogers from Texas helps that cause. The Maples could be dangerous as well especially with the experience those players could get. Birmingham Brother Rice has an outside shot but they could struggle as well not only in this district but in the Catholic League. Harrison will be down as well. However the Big Three and strong shooting has Bloomfield Hills as the early favorite.

District 29 @ Pontiac:

Pontiac
Avondale

Troy

Troy Athens

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

This district is also interesting and challenging with the environment it is in. I can see Troy Athens repeating as district champions because of experience but don’t count out Troy, Avondale, and Pontiac. This district is in Sy Green Gym and Pontiac is a good home team. The Phoenix will be quick to guard and could score in bunches. The Colts are very scrappy but small and does relay on the jump shot a lot. The Yellow Jackets are a run and gun team who can run with anyone. The favorite though is the Red Hawks because of their experience.

District 30 @ Orion:

Lake Orion

Clarkston

Oxford

Rochester

Adams

Stoney Creek

This district looks like it will be a three team race between Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Adams. The Wolves have guards and size, the Dragons have chemistry, and the Highlanders have the district’s best player. This district will be interesting and depends whom gets the right draw.

District 42 @ Detroit Central:

Ferndale

Ferndale University

Hazel Park

Detroit Central

Detroit Old Redford

Warren Fitzgerald

Detroit Fredrick Douglass

This district is interesting to say the least. Warren Fitzgerald is favored here because they took the district last season but keep an eye on Ferndale and Detroit Douglass. The Eagles will have experience to work with this season. This will be a district to see, we’ll see what happens.

OAA Boys Basketball Preview

Written Wednesday November 27th, at 6:45 PM

Top 10:

10. Farmington Falcons: Strong JV team could be a huge difference in the Blue for the Falcons.

9. Troy Colts: Strong defense and opportunistic shooting has the Colts right here.

8. Troy Athens Red Hawks: Experience and momentum from beating Waterford Mott last season in the district finals will be huge for the Red Hawks this season.

7. Rochester Adams Highlanders: There likely won’t be another 20-0 season like they did last season and one of those wins was at Clarkston.

6. Southfield Blue Jays: The Blue Jays will always have speed to be in games this season.

5. Oak Park Knights: Chemistry might be an issue in Knight Valley this season despite the fact they have two division one players on the roster.

4. Lake Orion Dragons: Chemistry is huge for the Dragons this season.

3. North Farmington Raiders: Return of Buddha has the Raiders riding high.

2. Clarkston Wolves: Football playoff run could affect Wolves early but not late.

1. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks: Big Three and Andover shooters could lead the Blackhawks to a special season together.

Red:

The Red this season is tough with six top teams. Three teams are near the top but the dark horses are going to be good as well. Bloomfield Hills merged this season with Lahser’s Big Three back along with an Andover team who was a very good shooting team from a season ago for Coach Dwayne Graves. Clarkston has some size this season but will relay on its guards to score for Coach Dan Fife. North Farmington got a huge gift as Jerome Rogers returned from Texas to play for Coach Todd Negoshian and the Raiders. He has a very dangerous point guard as well returning. Expect them to make noise this season. Southfield will relay on speed. Adams returns Ajemji Williams for Coach John Hall after a 20-0 season last season. Pontiac has some questions but they always will have speed and talent for Coach Robert Rogers. Southfield-Lathrup will struggle this season after losing two key players, in Jonathan Williams and Ja-Christian Biles and Rochester lost James Young and Aman Carjai and is in big trouble for Coach John Pleasant after a trip to the State Quarterfinals last season where it lost to Detroit Southeastern.

Projections in Order:

Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks: Big Three and Andover’s shooters from a season ago give the Blackhawks a good chance to win the Red.

Clarkston Wolves: Size and good guard play gives the Wolves a good chance. The problem could be early as Clarkston tries to gel from their football playoff run.

North Farmington Raiders: Return of Buddha gives the Raiders a shot to win the Red.

Southfield Blue Jays: Speed gives the Blue Jays a chance to compete.

Rochester Adams Highlanders: Williams will be the key for the Highlanders to have a great season.

Pontiac Phoenix: Speed and quickness will be the key for the Phoenix this season.

Southfield-Lathrup Chargers: Losses of two key players will leave the Chargers in trouble.

Rochester Falcons: It could be a long season in Rochester this season after last season’s trip to the State Quarterfinals.

White:

The White just got interesting this season with the additions of Lake Orion and Birmingham Seaholm from the Blue. Beverly Hills Wylie E. Groves from the Gold and Troy, Avondale, and West Bloomfield all move down from the Red. Oak Park had a coaching change last season as Bryan Tipton comes over from Detroit Cody to coach at Oak Park this season. Tipton brought in some good players from a team that was under 500 (Detroit Cody was 8-9 last season) and add a Southfield Lathrup transfer to the mix, the Knights could be the team to beat. The defending Blue Champions Lake Orion might have a very strong say to that. The Dragons have a lot of experience and chemistry back for coach Tom Risi and have a brutal non conference schedule. Troy Athens is in the same boat as Lake Orion as well when it comes to experience as the Red Hawks return all five starters from a season ago that beat Waterford Mott in the district championship game. Troy will be small but does shoot the ball and defends well for coach Gary Fralik. Avondale brought back a familiar face in Coach Tim Morten who guided the Yellow Jackets to their state championship in Class B in 2002. Morten will bring a run and gun approach just like he did in Auburn Hills a season ago. West Bloomfield will have speed and experience and have Tristan Jackson leading them as their point guard this season. Birmingham Seaholm lost Paris Bass but their junior varsity team was solid last season and will have some struggles early for Coach Jose Andreaus. Beverly Hills Wylie E Groves moved up from the Gold to the White could struggle this season. The Falcons lost a lot of talent from a district championship a season ago.

Projected in Order:

Lake Orion Dragons: Team chemistry will be huge this season for the Dragons. No true star on this team.

Oak Park Knights: New additions, two division one players will keep the Knights in the race all season long.

Troy Athens Red Hawks: Junior laded Red Hawks led by senior Lucas Bezerra will be solid this season

Troy Colts: Size will be an issue but defense and shooting will keep the Colts in games this season.

Avondale Yellow Jackets: New and old will be the key in Auburn Hills. Tim Morten will have his troops ready to go this season.

West Bloomfield Lakers: Guard play will be the key for the Lakers this season.

Birmingham Seaholm Maples: Young team. They might take its lumps early. Don’t want to see the Maples in March.

Beverly Hills Wylie E. Groves Falcons: Falcons could struggle this season after an emotional season last season.

Blue:

The Blue is a madhouse of a league. Most of the Gold teams are here in this division. Ferndale moves from the White to the Blue. The Blue has four stellar teams while three of those could struggle. The favorite looks to be Farmington. Last season the Falcons struggled and now they have some key peaces back and their junior varsity team was 18-2 last season and expect them to do some damage. Ferndale moves down from the White to the Blue bring a lot of experience back. Stoney Creek is well coached under Steve Norgrove and will have a strong say in who wins the Blue. Oxford has a new coach in Stephan Henning and two good players to lead the Wildcats. Berkley will have some experience back. Royal Oak is a senior laden team and could create an impact. Harrison could struggle this season and Hazel Park will as well.

Projected in Order:

Farmington Falcons: Strong junior varsity team gives Falcons good chance.

Ferndale Eagles: Eagles return experience and have experience playing in the White last season.

Stoney Creek Cougars: Co-Gold champs expected to do a lot of damage this season.

Oxford Wildcats: New coach Stephan Henning will have the Wildcats scoring in bunches but defense will be an issue.

Royal Oak Ravens: Senior laden team and experience will do wonders for the Ravens.

Berkley Bears: The Bears could have a very good season, they could surprise people.

Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks: The Hawks lost a lot of peaces. They could struggle in the Blue this season.

Hazel Park Vikings: The Vikings will struggle this season, a lot.

Clarkston vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central Predictions.

Written Wednesday November 27th, at 5:20 PM

This week on our show Between Taorminas, we previewed the Clarkston vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central Division One State Finals match up that is to be played at Ford Field on Saturday at 1 PM. My brother Anthony and myself picked winners in this game and the reasons why they will win will be here. We both are Lake Orion guys and of course were there when the Dragons went to the State Finals in 2008 where they lost to Rockford and 2010 where Orion beat Plymouth. Here are the picks and why:

Anthony is picking Clarkston.

The reasons my brother is picking the Wolves is because of line play. The offensive line is the biggest reason why Clarkston is at Ford Field as it has opened many holes for running back Ian Eriksen and allowed quarterback DJ Zezula to throw whenever he wants to.

The defense as a whole has not been bad but it can be challenged as we saw with Lake Orion and Oxford.

The Wolves has been living in the shadow of Lake Orion for years when the Dragons went to the state finals in two of the last five years.

Anthony thinks the key to this game is Eriksen. He has proven to be a difference maker in games. Anthony is pretty certain that Novi Detroit Catholic Central hasn’t seen a running back like this.

Anthony is going with the Wolves because of line play and Ian Eriksen’s running will give Clarkston their first state title.

I am picking Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

The reasons why I’m going with the Shamrocks is really simple, experience. They have been the State Finals the last three seasons. Clarkston has not been this far and have not seen a team like this what they will see with Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

The playoff path both these teams took has been in two different area codes. The Wolves have had pretty much an easy playoff path with the exception of Oxford and avoided having to play Rockford (in the state semifinals and the team that beat Clarkston at home last season.) The Shamrocks went through Northville, Walled Lake Western, and Temperance Bedford all on the road and let’s not forget they play in the Catholic League where they have to play Birmingham Brother Rice twice, Warren De LaSalle, U-D Jesuit, and Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s.

Clarkston had to adapt to it’s passing game as Eriksen got hurt earlier in the season but if Eriksen gets shut down by the Novi Detroit Catholic Central defensive line then it could be trouble for DJ Zezula and their receivers Tim Cason, Cole Chewins, and Caine Wallington. This will be the toughest defense that the Wolves have seen this season. The Shamrocks shut out Detroit Cass Tech and quarterback Jayru Campbell last week at Troy Athens to get a big monkey off its back.

Clarkston’s defense is not the brightest either as it has proven to be vulnerable in the past two weeks, allowing 28 points to Rochester Adams and 26 points to Flint Carman Ainsworth. The most points Clarkston has allowed is 28 and that was against Lake Orion and Rochester Adams, both of them were wins.

I see the Shamrocks winning this game because of experience and motivation. Novi Detroit Catholic Central can neutralize Clarkston’s offense both running the football and passing the ball as well and also Detroit Cass Tech has several Division One recruits and Clarkston is in the same boat.

OAA Girls Basketball Preview.

Written Saturday November 16th, at 12:15 AM

Girls basketball will soon be here and most teams are already setting up their final rosters for the 2013-2014 season. Here are the projections for the upcoming girls basketball season.

Top 10:

10. North Farmington Raiders: Raiders return some key players to be competitive this season.

9. Oxford Wildcats: Wildcats are a solid group but experience is a huge concern this season.

8. Lake Orion Dragons: Dragons are finally healthy this season. Last season this team was 6-15 and injuries and youth played a big part in that.

7. Rochester Adams Highlanders: Three solid returnees will carry the Highlanders this season.

6. Stoney Creek Cougars: Cougars return everyone from a team that went to the district finals last season.

5. Southfield-Lathrup Chargers: Chargers reload with strong freshman class and transfer from Ferndale.

4. Clarkston Wolves: Wolves have a good forward, guard combination. The question is how will this team respond to losing all that senior talent last season.

3. Ferndale Eagles: Eagles return everyone back on a team that went to the regional finals last season.

2. Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks: Merger makes Blackhawks a dangerous team this season.

1. Harrison Hawks: Four of Five starters return. They should be hungry yet again this season.

Red:

The Red will be a tough league in 2013-2014. Farmington Hills Harrison moves up from the White return four of five starters to their starting lineup after last season’s heartbreaking regional final loss to Dexter. Defending Red champion Clarkston will have some questions after losing four key experienced players from a season ago but return their big girl and have guard play is good as well. Stoney Creek has everyone back from a team that lost in the district finals to Utica Ford last season. North Farmington will be very athletic and has some depth. Southfield-Lathrup lost their starting five from a season ago but coach Michelle Jackson finds a way to get her team’s to do well and has two freshman twins that will make an impact along with a transfer from Ferndale. West Bloomfield will have another year of experience in their run and gun system. Avondale lost a ton of experience from last season’s shocking district championship team and will be young. Pontiac will also be young as well and could struggle again.

Projections in projected order:

Harrison Hawks.

Four of Five returning starters give the Hawks a chance to win the Red but depth and a brutal district could be a big problem this season for coach Tim Micklash.

Clarkston Wolves.

The Wolves top rebounder and scorer from last season returns and good guard play will give Clarkston a chance to do well. If the Wolves can get production at the wing position then coach Tim Wasilik and Clarkston could be right back where they were last season.

Southfield-Lathrup Chargers.

Chargers lost a lot of transfer talent from a season ago but coach Michelle Jackson has a couple of talented freshman and a Ferndale transfer to rely on this season.

Stoney Creek Cougars.

Cougars return its entire starting five and could be its best team under coach Brad Crighton and that’s saying something when this was a program that has had Gabby Yurik and Brittney Nelson in the program.

North Farmington Raiders.

The Raiders will be more athletic than in years past for coach Tim Caruthers.

West Bloomfield Lakers.

Lakers run and gun offense will be a load to handle this season.

Avondale Yellow Jackets.

Yellow Jackets will rely on young talent to carry them this season.

Pontiac Phoenix.

Phoenix struggled last season and could very well do it again under coach Lance Davis.

White:

The White is an interesting league. The league could be the most balanced out of the three divisions. Bloomfield Hills merged together this season and features a solid group of former Bloomfield Hills Lahser and Bloomfield Hills Andover players. Second through fifth place is about as even as it could be this season. Rochester Adams will be solid this season with it's two star juniors and one senior back but was upset last season by Romeo in the pre district playoffs. Lake Orion was 6-15 in an injury riddled season last season after falling to Clarkston returns four of five starters. Oxford has some questions inside but will be good especially with their guards and small forward. Troy returns everyone back from a team that struggled in the Red last season. Rochester lost everyone from last season’s district semifinal team and will be rebuilding a bit. Groves returns just one starter back from last season. Farmington will struggle this season as well as it starts life without its best player from a season ago but does return some key players that will take them toward that path.

Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks:

Merger gives Blackhawks a strong chance to do well for coach Jeff Rubin.

Rochester Adams Highlanders:

Highlanders return three starters whom should give them balance this season for Fran Szchowitz.

Lake Orion Dragons:

A clean bill of health should make the Dragons dangerous this season for coach Steve Roberts.

Oxford Wildcats:

Wildcats will have one starter back but the sixth girl on the bench becomes a starter this season for coach Steve Emmert.

Troy Colts:

Colts return everyone and should be better with the move down from the Red to the White for coach Sam Bato.

Rochester Falcons:

Falcons lost a lot of talent last season and could struggle like Lake Orion did last season. It’s something that coach Adam Sheldon doesn’t want to see.

Farmington Falcons:

Loss of best player to graduation could mean more responsibility for the young Falcons led by coach Dave Browne.

Groves Falcons:

One starter back for the Falcons means trouble for coach Amos Thompson.

Blue:

The Blue looks to be colored brown and yellow in the form of Ferndale. The Eagles went to the regional finals last season return three of its top players from a season ago will be an overwhelming favorite for second year coach Eric Lloyd. Berkley returns a lot of experience as well. Troy Athens also has experience as well moves down from the White to the Blue and a new coach but the same coach that took over the team last season. Oak Park has a new coach in Diane Jones whom took a one year hiatus and several transfers from Detroit Renaissance and Inkster. Southfield will have some talent and speed returning as well. Royal Oak lost its top player and their center from a season ago. Seaholm could struggle once again. Hazel Park could also struggle as well.

Ferndale Eagles:

Eagles are the queens of the Blue. They have speed, quickness, and experience on their side for coach Eric Lloyd.

Oak Park Knights:

New coach Diane Jones will give the Knights a boost this season along with several transfers from Detroit Renaissance and Inkster.

Troy Athens Red Hawks:

Red Hawks have experience on guards and forwards for now permanent coach Stacie Krupp after taking over the team from a season ago. Now they need consistency and moving down from the White to the Blue to do that.

Southfield Blue Jays:

Blue Jays will have experience back with their two top players back and also speed this season.

Berkley Bears:

Bears do return a lot of experience and should be solid yet again.

Seaholm Maples:

Maples could be an interesting team to watch this season.

Hazel Park Vikings:

Size could be an issue in Hazel Park and they could struggle again.

We’ll see what happens in the 2013-2014 season.

Wolves Have Golden Opportunity To Get to Ford Field.

Written Friday November 8th, at 11:00 PM

The Clarkston Wolves have a golden opportunity to get the promise land.

With Rockford’s 19-14 upset loss to Hudsonville, the road will not go through Rockford like it always has been in the west side of the state.

Clarkston last season lost 25-14 to the Rams at home.

If the Wolves can get by Rochester Adams in a rematch that saw Clarkston lose 12-7 to the Highlanders in Week One in the regional final then it would get either Flint Carman Ainsworth or Hudsonville in the state semifinals.

Also add that Detroit Cass Tech, Macomb Dakota, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, and Temperance Bedford are all on the other side of the bracket and they have to go through each other.

This might be Clarkston’s best team they have had in its program history and under Coach Kurt Richardson. They have size, speed, and playmakers on both sides of the football. The Wolves have a strong defense, good kicking game, and a good offense.

The Wolves playoff history has been tough to say the least with painful playoff losses to Lake Orion, Romeo, Grand Blanc, and Utica Eisenhower. The loss that still stings and haunts Clarkston fans is the 2009 state semifinals at Troy Athens where the Wolves led 35-30 late and was attempting to run out the clock in what was the final football season for Rick Bye at Sterling Heights Stevenson. Clarkston fumbled the ball late against the Titans. That play led to a controversy in which the Wolves player did not fumble the ball and the officials said that he did. Sterling Heights Stevenson ended up getting the ball and scoring late by stunning Clarkston 37-35. That loss cost the Wolves a trip to Ford Field and to this day still haunts Clarkston.

This however could be the Wolves best opportunity to get to Ford Field and to overcome its demons. Clarkston might want to look at how their arch rivals accomplished their demons and their path to glory.

Clarkston like Lake Orion has had playoff dreams of someday reaching Ford Field in the early 2000’s but Lake Orion broke through by reaching the State Finals in 2008. The Dragons would go back to Ford Field two years later and won the State Championship by beating Plymouth 21-13. Lake Orion did have a more daunting run though having to go through the likes of Detroit Cass Tech (24-21-state semifinals) and Utica Eisenhower (14-10-regional finals) then what the Wolves might have to go through.

If I’m from Clarkston, I would enjoy the ride that your football team is going through. This ride doesn’t come often and enjoy the moment.

It seems like Lake Orion can't be Clarkston in most sports right now.

Written Wednesday November 6th, at 9:00 PM

It seems like these days that the Dragons can’t beat the Wolves in any sports.

I remember when Lake Orion was just dominating Clarkston in the early 2000’s in Football but lately the Wolves have beaten the Dragons five of the last six times since 2008 but Lake Orion has went to three state semifinal games in the last six seasons, including the 2010 Division One State Championship while Clarkston has been to one state semifinal game in 2009. The Wolves could be at Ford Field this season.

In Girls Basketball the Wolves beat the Dragons twice last season but remember Lake Orion struggled last season and also they have went to the state semifinals in 2008 and in 2006 the Dragons beat the Wolves in a district semifinal while Clarkston had a strong team. The Wolves won the Red last season but lost in the regional finals to Birmingham Marian.

In Girls Volleyball the Wolves beat the Dragons to win the Red and the district round as well. Clarkston has beaten Lake Orion five of the last six meetings since 2011. The year that both the Dragons and Wolves were in the final four and when they met it was Lake Orion that got the best of Clarkston in Battle Creek.

In Boys Basketball it has been a nightmare for Lake Orion against Clarkston. The Dragons have had good teams only to get beat by the Wolves in the district playoffs. Clarkston has beaten Lake Orion seven of the last eight seasons. The last Dragons win over the Wolves was in 2007.

It has been just a disaster for Lake Orion sports against Clarkston. Besides baseball, cross country, soccer, and track it has been rough for alumni like myself to see the Wolves beat the Dragons. It’s sickening to see.

Is Clarkston really that better than Lake Orion???

Clarkston does have more students than Lake Orion but it does produce the same number of athletes.

What is it going to take to beat Clarkston??? That’s the question I ask this group of students, can they beat Clarkston, then prove it.

Wolves eliminate Dragons for Second Straight Season.

Written Wednesday November 6th, at 8:45 PM

The Girls Volleyball season came to an end on Wednesday night at Clarkston. The Clarkston faithful chanted “just like football” in reference to the 49-28 victory over Lake Orion for the Wolves while the Lake Orion faithful was disappointed for a second straight season.

The Wolves beat the Dragons for the fifth time in six meetings with a four game win 24-26, 22-25, 25-17, and 23-25 in the district semifinals and eliminated Lake Orion for a second straight season.

The Dragons were led by Tess Marshall’s 12 kills but the Wolves were led by Taylor Dellinger’s 18 kills.

Lake Orion could not in the games they lost grab the lead from Clarkston whether it was from service errors or mental mistakes. I thought Hannah Murdock was average tonight, there were plays she did well but there were those she struggled tonight. I thought Rachel Giwa played well along with Kayla Rockey and Hannah Suciu in the inside.

The Wolves two seniors Katie Chadwell, who is going to Oakland on a volleyball scholarship and Kacy Robinson both did well in the inside and were gaining kills for Clarkston as well for coach Kelly Avernall.

Lake Orion concludes the season with question marks heading into next season. It looks like Kori Varney will be the next liberio replacing Ally Shinouskis but the Dragons lose Maddie Hargraves, Tess Marshall, Hannah Sucuiu, and Kayla Rockey in the middle but do return Murdock, Giwa, Marley Redd, Natalie Wehner, and Nicole Wehner but others will have to step up for Dragons coach Ross Talbott heading into 2014.

District 30 Girls Volleyball District Preview.

Written Monday November 4th, at 8:00 AM

DISTRICT 30 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW AT CLARKSTON:

The Girls Volleyball preview is here and it starts today with the pre district games. You got two state powers in this district along with the Rochester city Champs, an experienced legendary head coach at Rochester Adams in Irick Gardner and you got star players on each side. Here are my projections for the District round.

Monday:

STONEY CREEK VS CLARKSTON (5:30 pm): The last time the Cougars and Wolves met it only took three games for Clarkston to win. Stoney Creek is riding with a lot of emotion especially with winning the Rochester City Championship last week at Clarkston. The winner of this match up will play Lake Orion on Wednesday and that will be the Wolves. PICK: CLARKSTON IN THREE.

ROCHESTER VS OXFORD (7 pm): The Falcons and Wildcats are no stranger to each other especially in tournament play. Oxford has the star in Darien Bandell who has proven she can be a dominate force. The Oakland University commit has played well this season for coach Kristi McDermitt and she will lead her Wildcats to the second round. PICK:  OXFORD IN THREE.

Wednesday: All projected games.

CLARKSTON VS LAKE ORION (5:30 pm): This maybe the matchup of the tournament, I don’t understand why this is a 5:30 PM game and not a 7 PM game. The Wolves and Dragons met a few weeks ago in Lake Orion in which Clarkston won in four games. Lake Orion was at home and was second in the state at the time now the Wolves are ranked sixth in the state and is at home and have won four of the last five match ups with Lake Orion. This match will be very close but the Dragons in my opinion will get their revenge in the Wolves Den because of liberio play and motivation. PICK: LAKE ORION IN FIVE.

ADAMS VS OXFORD (7 pm): The Highlanders have been improving under Gardner but the Wildcats have Bandell and have played in a much tougher division than Adams (Adams-White: Oxford-Red.) Anything can happen but here it will be all Wildcats. PICK: OXFORD IN FOUR.

Thursday:

LAKE ORION VS OXFORD: The Wildcats and Dragons played a few weeks ago in Oxford with Lake Orion winning in five games. The Dragons are the deeper team here but Oxford has proven that it can play with Lake Orion but in the end I just think the motivation of playing at home in the regional will get the Dragons through this tough district. PICK: LAKE ORION IN FOUR.

Turnovers Doom Dragons Playoff Hopes.

Written Friday November 1st, at 11:40 PM

Turnovers in football hurt and sometimes it ends your season.

Just ask the Dragons that same question Friday night at Lake Orion against Romeo.

Lake Orion turned the ball over eight times, including five fumbles and an interception in a 24-21 upset loss to the Bulldogs in the pre district of the MHSAA playoffs in Region Two, District One in Division One.

The Dragons stopped Romeo on it’s first drive as Drew Casey recovered a Bulldogs fumble at the Lake Orion 16 yard line. On the next play Matt Krause fumbles the ball and Romeo recovers at the Dragons 16 yard line.

Lake Orion’s next two drives after that resulted in fumbles as Zach Arnold fumbled on the next drive in their own territory. Dominick Giovinnazo also lost a fumble as well, killing a Dragons drive but the Lake Orion defense got a stop and then got a pick of it’s own from Connor Grant.

Lake Orion would respond late in the second quarter when Grant found Corey Ester for a 14 yard touchdown pass on a fourth and seven making the score 7-3 Dragons.

The Dragons would then get a stop but instead of kneeing it to run the clock out Keith Fields fumbled the ball and was recovered by Romeo. The Bulldogs scored on a four yard touchdown pass from Paul Hurley to Mitchell Pacitti for a 10-7 Romeo lead heading into the half with Lake Orion having four turnovers.

Lake Orion came out in the second half driving down the field deep into Romeo territory. The drive ended with a Chris Leigh nine yard touchdown run making the score 14-10 Dragons.

The Dragons then got a pick from Kyle Bell but Romeo a few plays later picked off Grant off a tip pass for Lake Orion’s fifth turnover of the game with the Dragons still up 14-10 heading to the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs would then strike again connecting on yet another Hurley to Pacitti pass from 14 yards out making the score 17-14 Romeo with 6:26 left in the game.

Lake Orion would then respond with Matt Krause going 38 yards with four minutes left in the game giving the Dragons a 21-17 lead.

Romeo would then respond with a game clinching drive, which to Dragons fans was very similar to Walled Lake Central in 2011 and had a big pass play to tight end Blake Williams to the Dragons six yard line with over a minute left in the game. One play later, Hurley connected with Williams for a Romeo touchdown over Bell making the score 24-21 Bulldogs.

The Dragons would have one last chance but a fumble ended all hope when Romeo recovered the fumble and would run the clock out. It was the sixth of the night for Lake Orion and the season ended right there.

Lake Orion ends its season at 7-3 while Romeo is 6-4 moves on to face the Wolves next Friday at Clarkston.

The Dragons are now 3-1 all time against the Bulldogs in the playoffs and 0-2 since 2005 as a number two seed in the district.

I’ll be honest here I did not see this coming. The Bulldogs were coming into this game at 5-4. I was disappointed with the Dragons running backs, they could not hold on to the ball all night. Romeo’s defense played well but it was aided by Lake Orion’s mistakes. I thought the Dragons defense did well for one half but could not get the big stop late, it had Walled Lake Central from 2011 when Lake Orion lost 20-17 written all over it.

So many missed opportunities wasted and the Dragons paid for it with their playoff lives.