Volleyball District Preview.

Written Wednesday October 29th, at 2:10 PM

These are the preview of OAA teams who are in districts as we start district play starting on Monday. Now I don’t have an official match up preview of each game and each team’s chances at winning their respective district. The games will be played on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

District 21: at Detroit Renaissance.

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Cody

Detroit Mumford

Mercy

Farmington

Southfield

Favorite: Mercy.

Team that Challenges the Favorite: No One.

Preview: Mercy is the overwhelming favorite in this district and the Marlins had a bad three game loss in the Catholic League semifinals to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep a few weeks ago. I’m not sure how the Detroit teams would do against the OAA or Mercy. The best Detroit team looks to be Detroit Renaissance although Detroit Cody and Detroit Mumford will have some says. Farmington and Southfield will give Mercy a battle but in this district this one is Mercy’s to lose.

Dragons Den Pick: District 21: Mercy.

District 23: at Warren Mott:

Warren Mott

Warren Cousino

Warren Woods Tower

Sterling Heights

Hazel Park

Favorite: Sterling Heights.

Team that Challenges the Favorite: Hazel Park.

Preview: Sterling Heights have the talent to advance in this bad district, not sold on any of the four other teams including the Vikings. Warren Mott and Warren Cousino were beaten handily last week and Warren Woods Tower is not very good. Hazel Park could give Sterling Heights its best game but they don’t have the horses or experience to compete with the Stallions this year.

Dragons Den Pick: District 23: Sterling Heights.

District 24: at Groves.

Groves

Lathrup

Oak Park

Royal Oak

Berkley

Favorite: Groves.

Teams that Challenges the Favorite: Royal Oak, Oak Park, Berkley.

Preview: When looking at this district, Groves is the favorite because of home court but keep an eye on Berkley, Royal Oak, and Oak Park. These three teams can beat the defending district champs. Oak Park has talent, Berkley has experience and Groves has struggled lately. Lathrup has a long shot. Expect a four team race, I'm leaning Royal Oak because of experience.

Dragons Den Pick: District 24: Royal Oak

District 25: at Birmingham Marian.

Marian

North Farmington

Harrison

Seaholm

Bloomfield Hills

Favorite: Marian

Team That Challenges the Favorite: Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills.

Preview: This district is interesting because you have two state powers in Birmingham Marian and Birmingham Seaholm. Bloomfield Hills, North Farmington, and Harrison are expected to give it their best but this is a two team district. Marian won the Catholic League and was in the state finals last season. Seaholm placed third in the Red and went to the state quarterfinals two seasons ago. The key is the Maple Forest, if they make it a hostile environment in Marian's small gym then they have a shot at winning this district.

Dragons Den: District 25: Seaholm.

District 26: at Walled Lake Northern.

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Western

Walled Lake Central

Lakeland

West Bloomfield

Favorite: Lakeland

Team that Challenge's Favorite: Walled Lake Central, West Bloomfield.

Preview: The Eagles are favorite here because of experience but Walled Lake Central will be a factor. Walled Lake Northern and Walled Lake Western will struggle here but West Bloomfield is the dark horse.

Dragons Den Pick: District 26: Lakeland.

District 31: at Troy
Waterford Kettering 

Waterford Mott

Troy

Troy Athens

Pontiac

Avondale

Favorite: Troy Athens.

Teams that Challenges the Favorite: Avondale, Troy.

Preview: The Red Hawks are the defending district champs, won the White, and have a win at Troy. Avondale has motivation because they fell to Troy Athens last season in the district finals. Troy has experience and have played a tough schedule. Kettering and Mott could struggle and Pontiac as well. This district is huge for Athens because the regional is on their home court.

Dragons Den Pick: District 31: Troy Athens

District 32: at Orion.

Orion

Clarkston

Adams

Stoney Creek

Rochester

Oxford

Favorite: Clarkston

Teams that Challenge's Favorite: Orion, Stoney Creek.

Preview: There are two state powers, a legionary coach and three blue collar teams. Lake Orion and Clarkston are the top two teams here. Stoney Creek is the dark horse while Adams has played better. Rochester is young but talented. Oxford is young and experienced but doesn't have the star talent from a season ago. Expect this one to be a good. I like the team with the home court and modivation to win out.

Dragons Den Pick: District 32: Orion.

District 42: at Warren Fitzgerald.

Warren Fitzgerald

Detroit Central

Detroit Henry Ford

Detroit Old Redford

Ferndale

Favorite: Warren Fitzgearld

Team that Challenges Favorite: Ferndale

Preview: The early favorite is Warren Fitzgerald but Ferndale will be a factor. Not sure about Detroit Central, Detroit Old Redford, and Detroit Henry Ford. I like Ferndale coming out of this district.

Dragons Den Pick: District 42: Ferndale

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