Written Thursday February 23rd, at 12:27 AM
Hello everyone this is my 2012 Boys Basketball projections for the districts for everyone in the OAA. So here they are, some interesting match ups.
Italic is for teams who I think will win.
District 8 @ Swartz Creek
Clarkston vs. Grand Blanc
Winner plays Holly: Clarkston vs. Holly
Fenton vs. Swartz Creek
Winner plays Brandon: Fenton vs. Brandon
Clarkston vs. Fenton
Clarkston plays in the very dangerous OAA Red and is the OAA Red Champions once again under coach Dan Fife. Fenton is the Flint Metro League Champions. Swartz Creek is also dangerous and could be a spoiler but this district is Clarkston’s to lose and add another district crown to the collection of Dan Fife.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Clarkston
District 25 @ OLSM
Walled Lake Western vs. North Farmington
Winner plays Orchard Lake St. Mary’s: North Farmington vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Farmington vs. Harrison
Winner plays West Bloomfield: Farmington vs. West Bloomfield
Farmington vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Longtime coach George Porritt is retiring at seasons end at St. Mary’s. This district is very manageable for St. Mary’s to move onto the regional but North Farmington and Farmington stand in the way.
DISTRICT CHAMP: OLSM
District 24 @ Southfield
Southfield vs. Berkley
Winner plays Royal Oak: Southfield vs. Royal Oak
Lathrup vs. Detroit Henry Ford
Winner plays Oak Park: Lathrup vs. Oak Park
Southfield vs. Lathrup
Lathrup and Detroit Henry Ford is the best match up in this district but don’t count out Southfield in this district either. Southfield has had a rough season but they can make amends with home court. Don’t count out Royal Oak either, they have had a good season as well but they play in the OAA Gold. Anyway I see a city rivalry between the school from 10 mile and the school from 12 mile. It will be a tough one to call but have to go with the school on 12 mile.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lathrup
District 29 @ Athens.
Troy vs. Waterford Kettering
Winner plays Pontiac: Troy vs. Pontiac
Avondale vs. Athens
Winner plays Waterford Mott: Athens vs. Waterford Mott
Troy vs. Athens
This district is very interesting when it comes to teams. there are four teams that could win this district. Troy has gone through chemistry issues and adversity issues with two players dismissed from their team. Troy Athens is a very good home team and did beat Troy earlier in the season. Mott is well tested. Pontiac has had an up and down season but will give Troy some problems in the semifinals. Kettering has played better and Avondale has struggled this season as well. As for the district both Troy schools want to face each other and a possible rematch could happen, both teams have gone through adversity. (Troy: Ferndale, Adams) (Athens: Orion, Rochester, Farmington, and Seaholm.) Troy has the best player in this district but Athens has the best team but don’t count Troy out. It will be a one or two point game once again.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Troy
District 24 @ Seaholm
Brother Rice vs. Lahser
Winner plays Andover: Andover vs. Lahser
Seaholm vs. Groves
Seaholm vs. Lahser
Lahser has had a strong season in the OAA Gold. Seaholm has had a good season despite playing in the very tough OAA Blue. Brother Rice has had some heartbreaking losses, including two to Seaholm and Lahser. Seaholm is at home and should move on but be careful of Lahser.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Seaholm
District 30 @ Adams
Lake Orion vs. Stoney Creek
Winner plays Oxford: Lake Orion vs. Oxford
Rochester vs. Adams
Rochester vs. Lake Orion
Lake Orion and Rochester are destine to play one another for a third time this season but both teams will be tested in the semifinals in Oxford and Adams respectably. Adams will be without their head coach John Hall after a suspension. Stoney Creek has nothing to lose and is dangerous. Rochester has not won a district championship in a while and neither has Lake Orion, one will be victorious this year.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lake Orion
District 41 @ Ferndale
Highland Park Community vs. Detroit CMA
Winner plays Ferndale: Ferndale vs. Highland Park Community
Old Redford vs. Hamtramck
Ferndale University vs. Livonia Clarenceville
Old Redford vs. Ferndale University
Ferndale University vs. Ferndale
Ferndale moved down from Class A to Class B. Ferndale University is a very good team and will give Ferndale problems but the experience of playing in the OAA White should give Ferndale what they want, a district title even if it is in Class B.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Ferndale
District 43 @ Warren Lincoln
Warren Lincoln vs. Clawson
Winner plays Center Line: Clawson vs. Center Line
Country Day vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Hazel Park
Country Day vs. Cranbrook Kingswood
Clawson vs. Country Day
Clawson has had a strong season but Country Day is in this district and it would be very difficult for Clawson just to go to the regional with Country Day in this district.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Country Day
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Girls Basketball Districts Preview
Written Wednesday February 22nd, at 11:07 PM
Hello all I'm sorry but I've been so busy with school work, along with Between Taorminas and my work as a coach and working girls and boys basketball games. Anyway here are my previews and picks for the Girls Basketball districts happening Monday through Friday of next week.
Italic are teams I think will win their games.
District 8 @ Holly.
Ortonville Brandon vs. Swartz Creek
Winner plays Grand Blanc: Grand Blanc vs. Swartz Creek
Holly vs. Clarkston
Winner plays Fenton: Fenton vs. Clarkston
Clarkston vs. Grand Blanc
Experts will likely pick Clarkston to win the district because of their experience, last season Clarkston was a Sweet 16 team when they fell to Midland in the Regional Final.
Clarkston is led by Ana Manila, Megan Hastings, Erin Davenport, Erica Davenport, Delaney Kenny, and Christina Jokish. They feature a deep bench and can be a force in the playoffs.
The team that could threaten Clarkston is Holly for two reasons. The first reason is the home court, the district is at Holly. The second reason is Holly features a six foot sophomore forward Alyssa Copley. She could give Clarkston's interior everything they can handle, especially with her size and attacking the basket.
Holly had to survive Swartz Creek 29-27 last Friday night and could give Grand Blanc problems in the district semifinals. Grand Blanc is also a team to watch in this district especially with a 66-63 win over Waterford Mott a few weeks ago and is expected to contend.
I think Clarkston is too talented enough even for Holly, Swartz Creek, and Grand Blanc to beat them. Clarkston will move on to the regional with a rematch with Midland on the horizon.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Clarkston.
District 25 @ West Bloomfield.
North Farmington vs. Mercy
Winner plays Harrison: Mercy vs. Harrison
West Bloomfield vs. Farmington
Winner vs. Walled Lake Western: Walled Lake Western vs. Farmington
Mercy vs. Farmington
This district is one of the toughest in the county with it's star power. Experts say Mercy should win this district but don’t under estimate the other teams in this district.
Walled Lake Western has had an improved year and could be a dangerous spoiler after finishing second in the Kensington Lakes Athletic Association Lakes Division behind 7th ranked Waterford Kettering.
West Bloomfield has the district’s dynamic player in Sydni Davis and has home court.
Farmington has the best duo backcourt in the district in Aaron Howell and Cheris Willis and also the tallest player in 6.8 Keshia Todd.
North Farmington has Jasmine Harris who is going to Massachusetts to play basketball next year and also the Caruthers sisters who are a wildcard in this district.
Harrison has a very good backcourt as well in Tierra Parker and Marissa Cotton, both of them combined for 31 points against Troy Athens and is capable of carrying Harrison in tight games.
Mercy features six sophomores who can play and score. Mercy did lose in the Catholic League A/B Final to Dearborn Divine Child last Saturday in Detroit but did get a bit of revenge by taking down 5th ranked Detroit Pershing last Thursday night 52-45.
This district looks like its Mercy’s to lose but Farmington, West Bloomfield and North Farmington have chances to take down Mercy.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Mercy
District 24 @ Lathrup.
Royal Oak vs. Southfield
Winner plays Detroit Henry Ford: Royal Oak vs. Detroit Henry Ford
Lathrup vs. Berkley
Winner plays Oak Park: Oak Park vs. Lathrup
Lathrup vs. Royal Oak
Experts say Lathrup and Detroit Henry Ford will meet in the district finals if things go both teams way but don’t count out Royal Oak.
Royal Oak has had a strong season themselves in the OAA Blue and is led by point guard Sami Stormont.
Southfield has also had a great year and is led by Courtney Williams and Kiara Salisbury. Southfield and Royal Oak rematch each other in the first round. Royal Oak beat Southfield 30-27 last Friday night and should be yet another war.
Berkley has had a nice year and has some good players in Lucy McNaly, Aarica McCray, and Diamond Wilford but they match up against the hosts in the first round which is not a good match up for Berkley.
Lathrup is led by Michele Hayes, who on a team that had to replace three of their five starters on their team from last season. Lathrup does have some nice wins over Clarkston, Stoney Creek, Troy twice, and Avondale.
I think Royal Oak could make a serious run in the district playoffs and beat Detroit Henry Ford in the process but as for the district final, it's is the hosts to lose.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lathrup
District 29 @ Avondale.
Avondale vs. Athens
Winner plays Troy: Avondale vs. Troy
Waterford Kettering vs. Waterford Mott
Winner plays Pontiac: Pontiac vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Kettering vs. Avondale
This district is the toughest in Oakland County.
Waterford Kettering is 7th in the state and wants revenge after last year’s shocking opening round loss against Troy. Kettering does have experience on their side and is nicknamed "The defense department." Kettering is led by Allison Bicknell, Shelby Watts, Hannah Huff, and Arjanai Washington. Another motivational factor that might be motivating Kettering is that they are coming off an emotional 48-46 overtime loss in the KLAA Championship game to Westland John Glenn. The defense department allowed 28 points against Brighton on the road in the semifinals but an alarming 48 points to Westland John Glenn at home.
Avondale is dangerous and is led by point guard Hannah Little. Little is one of the state's top players and defensibly has kept players like Stoney Creek's Gabby Yurik and Clarkston's Megan Hastings from going off in games. Avondale has had some big wins this season. (Clarkston on the road, Southfield Lathrup, and Stoney Creek at home.) Avondale did put up 70 points against West Bloomfield last Friday night and is more than capable of putting up points especially on their home court.
Troy has Karin Moss who is going to Buffalo next season as well as Sabrina Cotton and Sydney Heath. Troy has had a disappointing season and has lost some really bad games but can make amends in the district.
Troy Athens has Sinclair Russell who is going to Oakland next season. Troy Athens did struggle this season but did have three wins (Ferndale University, at Rochester, Farmington.)
Mott is led by Lauren Hung. Hung had 20 points against Grand Blanc in a 66-63 loss and had 25 points in a 57-47 loss to Livonia Stevenson. Mott has rebounded well from a tough start last season
Pontiac under first year coach Lance Davis features Nia Barton and Meshia Smith will be tough out and has had a nice season. Pontiac could give Kettering in the district semifinals some problems especially with their defense.
This district has had 64 wins combined between these five teams in this bracket.
The district finals could be a war especially with the possibility of Kettering and Avondale meeting again in a possible rematch if everything works out for both teams. They did play each other the first game of the season and Kettering won that game 57-45. If they do play each other than it would be yet another battle like it was in the first game of the season. The game will be close but experience favors Kettering over the hosts.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Waterford Kettering
District 27 @ Andover.
Lahser vs. Seaholm
Winner plays Marian: Seaholm vs. Marian
Andover vs. Groves
Andover vs. Marian
This district is wide open. Birmingham Marian is a young team while Groves is a veteran team and dangerous team. Seaholm and Lahser are both dangerous teams as well and either one will give Marian everything they can handle in the district semifinals.
Marian did play in a tougher league in the Catholic League than the rest of the teams (Andover, Seaholm, Lahser) whom played in the OAA Blue with the exception of Groves who played in the OAA White.
Groves is led by Jessica Turner and Jordan Blackwell. Groves can be dark-horse in this district and could give Andover problems especially with the advantage at the forward spot.
Seaholm is also going to be a threat along with Lahser but they play each other in the first round
The favorite in this district is Andover. Andover won the OAA Blue outright after a crazy win over Ferndale last Friday night. Andover features a star center in sophomore Shannon Wilson and shooting guard Rachel Rea. Wilson has had a strong season scoring and rebounding wise and is expected to be the star in this district while Rea had 20 points in their win over Ferndale.
I think that you may see the hosts moving on because of the home court advantage and two dangerous players in Rea and Wilson. It would also be the first time since 1977 that Andover has won a District Championship and this could be their year to do so.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Andover
District 30 @ Rochester.
Lake Orion vs. Rochester
Winner plays Oxford: Lake Orion vs. Oxford
Adams vs. Stoney Creek
Lake Orion vs. Adams
This district is wide open but there are four teams that could win this district. Experts are going to say that Stoney Creek is the favorite because they play in the OAA Red and they have the team’s leading scorer in Stoney Creek history in Gabby Yurik. Stoney Creek has played everyone who is in the district except for Lake Orion this season but don't count out the OAA White this season. The three top teams in the White: Adams, Lake Orion, and Oxford are also in this district.
Stoney Creek is a veteran team and has other weapons besides Yurik in post players Lauren and Natalie Voss. Small forward Keri Scipione and point guard Lauren Bolhuis are also dangerous three point shooters. They have to connect with them or Stoney Creek could go home.
Lake Orion has had to rebuild its foundation and is one of the best defensive teams in this district. Lake Orion features Marissa Secontine, Laura Turnbull, Hannah Hamay, Emile Kipp, and Nicole Krier. Lake Orion has won seven of it's last eight games and is a dangerous team in this district.
The OAA White Champion, Adams features depth, length, and experience in Lauren Boyle, Taylor Houghtlin, Karissa Roveda, and Lexi Lewandowski. Adams is 2-0 since the loss to Andover and is expected to give Stoney Creek everything they can handle in the semifinals.
Oxford under first year coach Matt Emert has became a dangerous team after a brutal November and December. They are led by Miranda Murphy, Shelby Davis, Jessica Murphy, Kelsey Harrison, and Megan Neff. Oxford did suffer a big loss when they lost Michelle Gilmore for the district due to a suspension that she received during their 39-34 loss to Lake Orion for throwing two punches but Oxford still has enough balance to play without Gilmore.
Rochester features Zhana Randolph, Aubrey Konal, Lindsey Larivee, and Anne Tucker. Rochester has had a struggle this season but could make amends in the district.
This district has 55 wins combined between the five teams.
I can see Lake Orion, Adams, Stoney Creek, or Oxford in the district finals. Lake Orion won the volleyball district at Rochester in 2011 and the regional is at Lake Orion, its shaping up to be an interesting district.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lake Orion
District 41 @ Livonia Clarenceville
Livonia Clarenceville vs. Ferndale University
Detroit CMA vs. Highland Park Community
Hamtramck vs. Detroit Community
Old Redford vs. Ferndale
Ferndale University vs. Detroit CMA
Detroit Community vs. Ferndale
Ferndale University vs. Ferndale
This is not a good district when it comes to wins and losses this season. Only Ferndale University and Ferndale have winning records coming into this district. One guarantee for sure is that a team from Ferndale will move on to the Regional. Ferndale did put up 54 points in a tough 54-53 loss to Andover last Friday night and is the favorite to move on past the district.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Ferndale
District 43 @ Detroit Country Day
Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
Winner plays Center Line: Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Center Line
Country Day vs. Warren Lincoln
Clawson vs. Hazel Park
Clawson vs. Country Day
Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Country Day
This district is Country Day's to lose. Country Day has so much firepower lead by Amber Deane. They also have experience and also add the home court advantage. This won't be much of a district it will likely be a Detroit Country Day massacre.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Detroit Country Day
Hello all I'm sorry but I've been so busy with school work, along with Between Taorminas and my work as a coach and working girls and boys basketball games. Anyway here are my previews and picks for the Girls Basketball districts happening Monday through Friday of next week.
Italic are teams I think will win their games.
District 8 @ Holly.
Ortonville Brandon vs. Swartz Creek
Winner plays Grand Blanc: Grand Blanc vs. Swartz Creek
Holly vs. Clarkston
Winner plays Fenton: Fenton vs. Clarkston
Clarkston vs. Grand Blanc
Experts will likely pick Clarkston to win the district because of their experience, last season Clarkston was a Sweet 16 team when they fell to Midland in the Regional Final.
Clarkston is led by Ana Manila, Megan Hastings, Erin Davenport, Erica Davenport, Delaney Kenny, and Christina Jokish. They feature a deep bench and can be a force in the playoffs.
The team that could threaten Clarkston is Holly for two reasons. The first reason is the home court, the district is at Holly. The second reason is Holly features a six foot sophomore forward Alyssa Copley. She could give Clarkston's interior everything they can handle, especially with her size and attacking the basket.
Holly had to survive Swartz Creek 29-27 last Friday night and could give Grand Blanc problems in the district semifinals. Grand Blanc is also a team to watch in this district especially with a 66-63 win over Waterford Mott a few weeks ago and is expected to contend.
I think Clarkston is too talented enough even for Holly, Swartz Creek, and Grand Blanc to beat them. Clarkston will move on to the regional with a rematch with Midland on the horizon.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Clarkston.
District 25 @ West Bloomfield.
North Farmington vs. Mercy
Winner plays Harrison: Mercy vs. Harrison
West Bloomfield vs. Farmington
Winner vs. Walled Lake Western: Walled Lake Western vs. Farmington
Mercy vs. Farmington
This district is one of the toughest in the county with it's star power. Experts say Mercy should win this district but don’t under estimate the other teams in this district.
Walled Lake Western has had an improved year and could be a dangerous spoiler after finishing second in the Kensington Lakes Athletic Association Lakes Division behind 7th ranked Waterford Kettering.
West Bloomfield has the district’s dynamic player in Sydni Davis and has home court.
Farmington has the best duo backcourt in the district in Aaron Howell and Cheris Willis and also the tallest player in 6.8 Keshia Todd.
North Farmington has Jasmine Harris who is going to Massachusetts to play basketball next year and also the Caruthers sisters who are a wildcard in this district.
Harrison has a very good backcourt as well in Tierra Parker and Marissa Cotton, both of them combined for 31 points against Troy Athens and is capable of carrying Harrison in tight games.
Mercy features six sophomores who can play and score. Mercy did lose in the Catholic League A/B Final to Dearborn Divine Child last Saturday in Detroit but did get a bit of revenge by taking down 5th ranked Detroit Pershing last Thursday night 52-45.
This district looks like its Mercy’s to lose but Farmington, West Bloomfield and North Farmington have chances to take down Mercy.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Mercy
District 24 @ Lathrup.
Royal Oak vs. Southfield
Winner plays Detroit Henry Ford: Royal Oak vs. Detroit Henry Ford
Lathrup vs. Berkley
Winner plays Oak Park: Oak Park vs. Lathrup
Lathrup vs. Royal Oak
Experts say Lathrup and Detroit Henry Ford will meet in the district finals if things go both teams way but don’t count out Royal Oak.
Royal Oak has had a strong season themselves in the OAA Blue and is led by point guard Sami Stormont.
Southfield has also had a great year and is led by Courtney Williams and Kiara Salisbury. Southfield and Royal Oak rematch each other in the first round. Royal Oak beat Southfield 30-27 last Friday night and should be yet another war.
Berkley has had a nice year and has some good players in Lucy McNaly, Aarica McCray, and Diamond Wilford but they match up against the hosts in the first round which is not a good match up for Berkley.
Lathrup is led by Michele Hayes, who on a team that had to replace three of their five starters on their team from last season. Lathrup does have some nice wins over Clarkston, Stoney Creek, Troy twice, and Avondale.
I think Royal Oak could make a serious run in the district playoffs and beat Detroit Henry Ford in the process but as for the district final, it's is the hosts to lose.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lathrup
District 29 @ Avondale.
Avondale vs. Athens
Winner plays Troy: Avondale vs. Troy
Waterford Kettering vs. Waterford Mott
Winner plays Pontiac: Pontiac vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Kettering vs. Avondale
This district is the toughest in Oakland County.
Waterford Kettering is 7th in the state and wants revenge after last year’s shocking opening round loss against Troy. Kettering does have experience on their side and is nicknamed "The defense department." Kettering is led by Allison Bicknell, Shelby Watts, Hannah Huff, and Arjanai Washington. Another motivational factor that might be motivating Kettering is that they are coming off an emotional 48-46 overtime loss in the KLAA Championship game to Westland John Glenn. The defense department allowed 28 points against Brighton on the road in the semifinals but an alarming 48 points to Westland John Glenn at home.
Avondale is dangerous and is led by point guard Hannah Little. Little is one of the state's top players and defensibly has kept players like Stoney Creek's Gabby Yurik and Clarkston's Megan Hastings from going off in games. Avondale has had some big wins this season. (Clarkston on the road, Southfield Lathrup, and Stoney Creek at home.) Avondale did put up 70 points against West Bloomfield last Friday night and is more than capable of putting up points especially on their home court.
Troy has Karin Moss who is going to Buffalo next season as well as Sabrina Cotton and Sydney Heath. Troy has had a disappointing season and has lost some really bad games but can make amends in the district.
Troy Athens has Sinclair Russell who is going to Oakland next season. Troy Athens did struggle this season but did have three wins (Ferndale University, at Rochester, Farmington.)
Mott is led by Lauren Hung. Hung had 20 points against Grand Blanc in a 66-63 loss and had 25 points in a 57-47 loss to Livonia Stevenson. Mott has rebounded well from a tough start last season
Pontiac under first year coach Lance Davis features Nia Barton and Meshia Smith will be tough out and has had a nice season. Pontiac could give Kettering in the district semifinals some problems especially with their defense.
This district has had 64 wins combined between these five teams in this bracket.
The district finals could be a war especially with the possibility of Kettering and Avondale meeting again in a possible rematch if everything works out for both teams. They did play each other the first game of the season and Kettering won that game 57-45. If they do play each other than it would be yet another battle like it was in the first game of the season. The game will be close but experience favors Kettering over the hosts.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Waterford Kettering
District 27 @ Andover.
Lahser vs. Seaholm
Winner plays Marian: Seaholm vs. Marian
Andover vs. Groves
Andover vs. Marian
This district is wide open. Birmingham Marian is a young team while Groves is a veteran team and dangerous team. Seaholm and Lahser are both dangerous teams as well and either one will give Marian everything they can handle in the district semifinals.
Marian did play in a tougher league in the Catholic League than the rest of the teams (Andover, Seaholm, Lahser) whom played in the OAA Blue with the exception of Groves who played in the OAA White.
Groves is led by Jessica Turner and Jordan Blackwell. Groves can be dark-horse in this district and could give Andover problems especially with the advantage at the forward spot.
Seaholm is also going to be a threat along with Lahser but they play each other in the first round
The favorite in this district is Andover. Andover won the OAA Blue outright after a crazy win over Ferndale last Friday night. Andover features a star center in sophomore Shannon Wilson and shooting guard Rachel Rea. Wilson has had a strong season scoring and rebounding wise and is expected to be the star in this district while Rea had 20 points in their win over Ferndale.
I think that you may see the hosts moving on because of the home court advantage and two dangerous players in Rea and Wilson. It would also be the first time since 1977 that Andover has won a District Championship and this could be their year to do so.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Andover
District 30 @ Rochester.
Lake Orion vs. Rochester
Winner plays Oxford: Lake Orion vs. Oxford
Adams vs. Stoney Creek
Lake Orion vs. Adams
This district is wide open but there are four teams that could win this district. Experts are going to say that Stoney Creek is the favorite because they play in the OAA Red and they have the team’s leading scorer in Stoney Creek history in Gabby Yurik. Stoney Creek has played everyone who is in the district except for Lake Orion this season but don't count out the OAA White this season. The three top teams in the White: Adams, Lake Orion, and Oxford are also in this district.
Stoney Creek is a veteran team and has other weapons besides Yurik in post players Lauren and Natalie Voss. Small forward Keri Scipione and point guard Lauren Bolhuis are also dangerous three point shooters. They have to connect with them or Stoney Creek could go home.
Lake Orion has had to rebuild its foundation and is one of the best defensive teams in this district. Lake Orion features Marissa Secontine, Laura Turnbull, Hannah Hamay, Emile Kipp, and Nicole Krier. Lake Orion has won seven of it's last eight games and is a dangerous team in this district.
The OAA White Champion, Adams features depth, length, and experience in Lauren Boyle, Taylor Houghtlin, Karissa Roveda, and Lexi Lewandowski. Adams is 2-0 since the loss to Andover and is expected to give Stoney Creek everything they can handle in the semifinals.
Oxford under first year coach Matt Emert has became a dangerous team after a brutal November and December. They are led by Miranda Murphy, Shelby Davis, Jessica Murphy, Kelsey Harrison, and Megan Neff. Oxford did suffer a big loss when they lost Michelle Gilmore for the district due to a suspension that she received during their 39-34 loss to Lake Orion for throwing two punches but Oxford still has enough balance to play without Gilmore.
Rochester features Zhana Randolph, Aubrey Konal, Lindsey Larivee, and Anne Tucker. Rochester has had a struggle this season but could make amends in the district.
This district has 55 wins combined between the five teams.
I can see Lake Orion, Adams, Stoney Creek, or Oxford in the district finals. Lake Orion won the volleyball district at Rochester in 2011 and the regional is at Lake Orion, its shaping up to be an interesting district.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Lake Orion
District 41 @ Livonia Clarenceville
Livonia Clarenceville vs. Ferndale University
Detroit CMA vs. Highland Park Community
Hamtramck vs. Detroit Community
Old Redford vs. Ferndale
Ferndale University vs. Detroit CMA
Detroit Community vs. Ferndale
Ferndale University vs. Ferndale
This is not a good district when it comes to wins and losses this season. Only Ferndale University and Ferndale have winning records coming into this district. One guarantee for sure is that a team from Ferndale will move on to the Regional. Ferndale did put up 54 points in a tough 54-53 loss to Andover last Friday night and is the favorite to move on past the district.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Ferndale
District 43 @ Detroit Country Day
Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
Winner plays Center Line: Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Center Line
Country Day vs. Warren Lincoln
Clawson vs. Hazel Park
Clawson vs. Country Day
Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Country Day
This district is Country Day's to lose. Country Day has so much firepower lead by Amber Deane. They also have experience and also add the home court advantage. This won't be much of a district it will likely be a Detroit Country Day massacre.
DISTRICT CHAMP: Detroit Country Day
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Rams humble Dragons in State Finals in three games.
Written Saturday November 19th at 7:52 PM
It wasn't a story book ending for the Dragons volleyball team hoped for on Saturday.
The second ranked Rockford Rams (60-9) used it's size and firepower to beat the seventh ranked Dragons in three games 25-21, 25-23, 25-10 in the Class A State volleyball finals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams out killed the Dragons 49-27 which proved to be a huge difference.
The Rams held the Dragons major players in check holding them to under four kills. Dragons senior Liz Kalugar played her worse game of the season, only being limited to three kills. Junior Sophie Murdock had four kills. Senior Shannon Murdock was the only bright spot she had 13 kills to lead the Dragons.
The Dragons finished the volleyball season at 54-13-3, which was the best in team history. Lake Orion had a great run in the state tournament by eliminating three state ranked teams (Birmingham Marian (No. 3), Macomb Dakota (No. 6), and Clarkston (No.4)
Next season it could be possible that the Dragons volleyball program could be back in Battle Creek despite losing eight seniors. "We made it to the final day. That’s something to be a proud of. No team from our league has been able to that," Dragons Coach Bob Howey said to reporters about being the first team from the OAA to be in the state finals in the conference."We had a great group of girls. We set the bar."
It wasn't a story book ending for the Dragons volleyball team hoped for on Saturday.
The second ranked Rockford Rams (60-9) used it's size and firepower to beat the seventh ranked Dragons in three games 25-21, 25-23, 25-10 in the Class A State volleyball finals at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams out killed the Dragons 49-27 which proved to be a huge difference.
The Rams held the Dragons major players in check holding them to under four kills. Dragons senior Liz Kalugar played her worse game of the season, only being limited to three kills. Junior Sophie Murdock had four kills. Senior Shannon Murdock was the only bright spot she had 13 kills to lead the Dragons.
The Dragons finished the volleyball season at 54-13-3, which was the best in team history. Lake Orion had a great run in the state tournament by eliminating three state ranked teams (Birmingham Marian (No. 3), Macomb Dakota (No. 6), and Clarkston (No.4)
Next season it could be possible that the Dragons volleyball program could be back in Battle Creek despite losing eight seniors. "We made it to the final day. That’s something to be a proud of. No team from our league has been able to that," Dragons Coach Bob Howey said to reporters about being the first team from the OAA to be in the state finals in the conference."We had a great group of girls. We set the bar."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Class A Preview State Finals.
Written Friday November 18th at 12:47 AM
The State Finals are set and the match up has been announced. Anyway here is the prediction the Dragons Den is going with this game.
#7. Lake Orion vs. #2. Rockford: This is usually a football state final, it happened in 2008 with the Rams beating the Dragons 26-14 at Ford Field. This time it will be on the volleyball court. This will be the first time that both teams are in the state finals for volleyball. Both the Dragons and the Rams are senior heavy teams (Lake Orion: eight seniors, Rockford: seven seniors.)
Rockford is 2-1 this season against Lake Orion. Both teams played in Wixom in the East/West showcase when the Rams beat the Dragons earlier in the season. Rockford and Lake Orion then played in a tournament a few weeks later in Kalamazoo County in the Portage Central Invitational. The Dragons won the pool play match but the Rams got revenge in the final over a tired and exhausted Dragons team (whom had to play four consecutive games in a row) that day in Portage.
Rockford is a big in size, athletic, and feature multiple weapons that they can show on the court. The Rams are led by two division one recruits in senior middle hitter Andrea Kacsits and senior setter Halle Peterson. Kacsits is going to be a Buckeye next fall and is one of the finalists in the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year award. Peterson is a future Spartan for volleyball next fall and is also a dangerous player.
Rockford does have other players besides Peterson and Kacsits that are very capable as well in senior's Jessica Majerle, Jennifer VanCuren, Murphy Heyer, Rachel Henry, and Sidney Rodriguez. The path the Rams has took has not been strong though with some of the west side schools are down this season. Rockford has wins over two state ranked teams to get to the championship game. The Rams beat the ninth ranked Richland Gull Lake Blue Devils in four games in the State Quarterfinals Tuesday night in Caledonia. Rockford beat the tenth ranked Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules in three games 25-22, 25-14, 25-20 on Thursday night at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek.
Lake Orion meanwhile also has multiple weapons to feature on the court as well. The Dragons are led by the Murdock sisters, senior Shannon Murdock and junior Sophie Murdock but that is not all they have. The Dragons have capable players that can give havoc like they have all season long in senior's Taylor Hargraves, Angelica LeDonne, Maddie Hutchinson, Gwen Motley, Liz Kalugar, Dana Schrauben, and Kristina Hill. Junior Melanie Heath is a threat to score from the outside and sophomore Gabby Kalugar can get an ace or two. Besides a murderous regular season the Dragons have played this season(teams included were fourth ranked Clarkston, Birmingham Seaholm, top ranked Farmington Hills Mercy, third ranked Birmingham Marian, ninth ranked Richland Gull Lake, tenth ranked Temperance Bedford, second ranked in Class B Fruitport, among others.)
The Dragons path in the playoffs has been a adventure of brutality. Lake Orion beat four state ranked teams to get into the championship game. The Dragons beat third ranked Birmingham Marian in the regional semifinals on their home floor in four games. On Tuesday night the Dragons went into Macomb County and St. Clair Shores Lake Shores and beat the sixth ranked Macomb Dakota Cougars in five games. On Thursday night at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Lake Orion gained revenge on arch rival and the OAA Red Champion the fourth ranked Clarkston Wolves 25-17, 16-25, 25-16, and 25-22 in four games.
For Rockford to win: The Rams do have the star power and notoriety especially with Peterson and Kacsits, their two Big Ten recruits along with others. If the Rams get going with the size advantage Rockford that has then Lake Orion is in trouble. Geographically favors Rockford, they could bring in the numbers from Kent County on down into Calhoun County but the problem could be it's fan base. The Rams fan base will likely be split in the Battle Creek area between Kellogg Arena and Battle Creek Central, (Rockford's football team plays Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Battle Creek Central while the volleyball game is at 2:00 PM.) The Rams will try and use it's size to beat the Dragons and if they do then they could win it's first state title in volleyball.
For Lake Orion to win: The Dragons clearly has the team aspect believing in each other and not all on one person. Lake Orion needs to limit the mistakes, play smart, don't make any service errors, force Rockford into making service errors, and use the Rams size against them. The Dragons need to keep the ball away from the two Big Ten recruits, execute on offense, and play strong defense. The Dragons need Liz Kalugar, Shannon Murdock, and Sophie Murdock to kill the ball like they have been doing all season long and not make mistakes. If they are on their game then the Dragons could win it's first state title in volleyball. Lake Orion needs it's fans to be loud and vocal, like they were against Clarkston on Thursday night.
Pick: This has 15-13 written all over it but the team that has had the most difficult path to the State Finals will win this one in a wild finish. PICK: #7. LAKE ORION IN FIVE.
The State Finals are set and the match up has been announced. Anyway here is the prediction the Dragons Den is going with this game.
#7. Lake Orion vs. #2. Rockford: This is usually a football state final, it happened in 2008 with the Rams beating the Dragons 26-14 at Ford Field. This time it will be on the volleyball court. This will be the first time that both teams are in the state finals for volleyball. Both the Dragons and the Rams are senior heavy teams (Lake Orion: eight seniors, Rockford: seven seniors.)
Rockford is 2-1 this season against Lake Orion. Both teams played in Wixom in the East/West showcase when the Rams beat the Dragons earlier in the season. Rockford and Lake Orion then played in a tournament a few weeks later in Kalamazoo County in the Portage Central Invitational. The Dragons won the pool play match but the Rams got revenge in the final over a tired and exhausted Dragons team (whom had to play four consecutive games in a row) that day in Portage.
Rockford is a big in size, athletic, and feature multiple weapons that they can show on the court. The Rams are led by two division one recruits in senior middle hitter Andrea Kacsits and senior setter Halle Peterson. Kacsits is going to be a Buckeye next fall and is one of the finalists in the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year award. Peterson is a future Spartan for volleyball next fall and is also a dangerous player.
Rockford does have other players besides Peterson and Kacsits that are very capable as well in senior's Jessica Majerle, Jennifer VanCuren, Murphy Heyer, Rachel Henry, and Sidney Rodriguez. The path the Rams has took has not been strong though with some of the west side schools are down this season. Rockford has wins over two state ranked teams to get to the championship game. The Rams beat the ninth ranked Richland Gull Lake Blue Devils in four games in the State Quarterfinals Tuesday night in Caledonia. Rockford beat the tenth ranked Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules in three games 25-22, 25-14, 25-20 on Thursday night at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek.
Lake Orion meanwhile also has multiple weapons to feature on the court as well. The Dragons are led by the Murdock sisters, senior Shannon Murdock and junior Sophie Murdock but that is not all they have. The Dragons have capable players that can give havoc like they have all season long in senior's Taylor Hargraves, Angelica LeDonne, Maddie Hutchinson, Gwen Motley, Liz Kalugar, Dana Schrauben, and Kristina Hill. Junior Melanie Heath is a threat to score from the outside and sophomore Gabby Kalugar can get an ace or two. Besides a murderous regular season the Dragons have played this season(teams included were fourth ranked Clarkston, Birmingham Seaholm, top ranked Farmington Hills Mercy, third ranked Birmingham Marian, ninth ranked Richland Gull Lake, tenth ranked Temperance Bedford, second ranked in Class B Fruitport, among others.)
The Dragons path in the playoffs has been a adventure of brutality. Lake Orion beat four state ranked teams to get into the championship game. The Dragons beat third ranked Birmingham Marian in the regional semifinals on their home floor in four games. On Tuesday night the Dragons went into Macomb County and St. Clair Shores Lake Shores and beat the sixth ranked Macomb Dakota Cougars in five games. On Thursday night at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Lake Orion gained revenge on arch rival and the OAA Red Champion the fourth ranked Clarkston Wolves 25-17, 16-25, 25-16, and 25-22 in four games.
For Rockford to win: The Rams do have the star power and notoriety especially with Peterson and Kacsits, their two Big Ten recruits along with others. If the Rams get going with the size advantage Rockford that has then Lake Orion is in trouble. Geographically favors Rockford, they could bring in the numbers from Kent County on down into Calhoun County but the problem could be it's fan base. The Rams fan base will likely be split in the Battle Creek area between Kellogg Arena and Battle Creek Central, (Rockford's football team plays Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Battle Creek Central while the volleyball game is at 2:00 PM.) The Rams will try and use it's size to beat the Dragons and if they do then they could win it's first state title in volleyball.
For Lake Orion to win: The Dragons clearly has the team aspect believing in each other and not all on one person. Lake Orion needs to limit the mistakes, play smart, don't make any service errors, force Rockford into making service errors, and use the Rams size against them. The Dragons need to keep the ball away from the two Big Ten recruits, execute on offense, and play strong defense. The Dragons need Liz Kalugar, Shannon Murdock, and Sophie Murdock to kill the ball like they have been doing all season long and not make mistakes. If they are on their game then the Dragons could win it's first state title in volleyball. Lake Orion needs it's fans to be loud and vocal, like they were against Clarkston on Thursday night.
Pick: This has 15-13 written all over it but the team that has had the most difficult path to the State Finals will win this one in a wild finish. PICK: #7. LAKE ORION IN FIVE.
Dragons gain revenge, eliminate Wolves from playoffs. Await Rams for the crown.
Written Friday November 18th at 12:34 AM
In the terms of the late Randy "Macho Man" Savage. "Oh Revenge is Sweet"
Revenge was the term the Dragons volleyball team had in mind.
The seventh ranked Dragons put the hammer to the medal on Thursday night in the MHSAA Class A State semifinals in Battle Creek as they defeated the fourth ranked Wolves 25-17, 16-25, 25-16, and 25-22. The Dragons made up for that loss on October 18th when the Wolves beat the Dragons in five games on Seniors night in Lake Orion.
"This is so much better. Obviously, we could care less about our league championship now. We’re going to the STATE championships. It’s like such a bigger deal than leagues. It’s awesome," Lake Orion senior Shannon Murdock said to reporters. "Every single game that we win, just feels so much better, because we’re that much closer to winning states. And we just have one game left, and hopefully, we can pull it out."
Lake Orion is now 54-12-3 will now advance and face the second ranked Rockford Rams (59-8) on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM for the Class A State Championship at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. The second ranked Rams behind two Big Ten recruits swept the tenth ranked Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules in three games 25-22, 25-14, 25-20. The Dragons are the first team in the Oakland Activities Association to have a chance at a State Championship in volleyball. Ferndale was the last team to do so in 1976 but the Eagles weren't a member of the OAA. The OAA was formed in 1994.
Dragons Coach Bob Howey along with his staff dressed up in shirt and ties for the match up with Clarkston will likely wear it again on Saturday. "I've said this before, but at the end of last year, we knew we had a special group coming back. And we talked about what we could accomplish with that, and the rest of the team," Howey said to reporters. "This was our goal, and we've made it this far although I don’t think anyone thinks we’ve reached the final goal yet.
Rockford is 2-1 against the Dragons this season The Dragons and Rams have played each other in two tournaments. The first one was in the East/West showcase in Wixom. Rockford won that showdown but most notably both teams met in the Portage Central tournament in Portage. The Dragons won the pool play match over the Rams but Rockford won the tournament by beating Orion in the finals of that tournament. "They are 1-2 against us so I think it’s our turn again," Howey added to reporters about facing Rockford again.
In the first set the Dragons controlled tempo. They dominated the Wolves early by going up 16-8 then Clarkston and Lake Orion went 9-9 in the frame. The Dragons outplayed the Wolves winning 25-17, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead.
In the second set it was role reversal. The Wolves dominated the Dragons early by going on a 6-2 run. Orion answered by tying the score up 9-9. However the Wolves responded by going on a 16-7 run to close out the second set 25-16 tying the set 1-1.
In the third set the Dragons controlled the game by going on a 6-1 run. At one point the score got out of hand that the Dragons led 20-10. Lake Orion won the third game 25-16, the win gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead.
The fourth set was drama, Clarkston built a 7-4 lead then Lake Orion answered by overcoming a 17-15 lead and taking a 20-18 lead. However the Wolves answered by taking a 21-20 lead before Howey called a timeout. After the timeout the Dragons rolled after that, outscoring Clarkston 5-1, taking the match in four games.
The Dragons were led by senior Liz Kalguar's 16 kills and 19 digs. Junior Sophie Murdock had 11 kills and six blocks. Sophie's older sister Shannon had 14 kills. Seniors Dana Schrauben (29 assists) and Gwen Motley (23 assists) combined for 52 assists on the night and senior liberio Maddie Hutchinson had 45 digs to lead the green attack.
The Wolves (56-6) were led by senior liberio Maddie Lightfoot who had 31 digs while junior Kaley Konjarevich added 13 kills for the blue and yellow.
"I just feel like Orion was on top of their match. They rarely made mistakes, and when they did, they didn’t make mistake upon mistake. They made one mistake, and then they’d answer back with five great attacks at us," Clarkston coach Kelly Avenall said to reporters. "They brought all their firepower tonight. Swinging hard. We struggled to pass, and when we could pass, we struggled to attack. It just wasn’t a good combination for us tonight, playing down, and them playing up. It was tough."
The Dragons live on and play another day on Saturday. Tonight the Dragons earned revenge now they have a chance to be the best team in the state.
In the terms of the late Randy "Macho Man" Savage. "Oh Revenge is Sweet"
Revenge was the term the Dragons volleyball team had in mind.
The seventh ranked Dragons put the hammer to the medal on Thursday night in the MHSAA Class A State semifinals in Battle Creek as they defeated the fourth ranked Wolves 25-17, 16-25, 25-16, and 25-22. The Dragons made up for that loss on October 18th when the Wolves beat the Dragons in five games on Seniors night in Lake Orion.
"This is so much better. Obviously, we could care less about our league championship now. We’re going to the STATE championships. It’s like such a bigger deal than leagues. It’s awesome," Lake Orion senior Shannon Murdock said to reporters. "Every single game that we win, just feels so much better, because we’re that much closer to winning states. And we just have one game left, and hopefully, we can pull it out."
Lake Orion is now 54-12-3 will now advance and face the second ranked Rockford Rams (59-8) on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM for the Class A State Championship at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. The second ranked Rams behind two Big Ten recruits swept the tenth ranked Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules in three games 25-22, 25-14, 25-20. The Dragons are the first team in the Oakland Activities Association to have a chance at a State Championship in volleyball. Ferndale was the last team to do so in 1976 but the Eagles weren't a member of the OAA. The OAA was formed in 1994.
Dragons Coach Bob Howey along with his staff dressed up in shirt and ties for the match up with Clarkston will likely wear it again on Saturday. "I've said this before, but at the end of last year, we knew we had a special group coming back. And we talked about what we could accomplish with that, and the rest of the team," Howey said to reporters. "This was our goal, and we've made it this far although I don’t think anyone thinks we’ve reached the final goal yet.
Rockford is 2-1 against the Dragons this season The Dragons and Rams have played each other in two tournaments. The first one was in the East/West showcase in Wixom. Rockford won that showdown but most notably both teams met in the Portage Central tournament in Portage. The Dragons won the pool play match over the Rams but Rockford won the tournament by beating Orion in the finals of that tournament. "They are 1-2 against us so I think it’s our turn again," Howey added to reporters about facing Rockford again.
In the first set the Dragons controlled tempo. They dominated the Wolves early by going up 16-8 then Clarkston and Lake Orion went 9-9 in the frame. The Dragons outplayed the Wolves winning 25-17, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead.
In the second set it was role reversal. The Wolves dominated the Dragons early by going on a 6-2 run. Orion answered by tying the score up 9-9. However the Wolves responded by going on a 16-7 run to close out the second set 25-16 tying the set 1-1.
In the third set the Dragons controlled the game by going on a 6-1 run. At one point the score got out of hand that the Dragons led 20-10. Lake Orion won the third game 25-16, the win gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead.
The fourth set was drama, Clarkston built a 7-4 lead then Lake Orion answered by overcoming a 17-15 lead and taking a 20-18 lead. However the Wolves answered by taking a 21-20 lead before Howey called a timeout. After the timeout the Dragons rolled after that, outscoring Clarkston 5-1, taking the match in four games.
The Dragons were led by senior Liz Kalguar's 16 kills and 19 digs. Junior Sophie Murdock had 11 kills and six blocks. Sophie's older sister Shannon had 14 kills. Seniors Dana Schrauben (29 assists) and Gwen Motley (23 assists) combined for 52 assists on the night and senior liberio Maddie Hutchinson had 45 digs to lead the green attack.
The Wolves (56-6) were led by senior liberio Maddie Lightfoot who had 31 digs while junior Kaley Konjarevich added 13 kills for the blue and yellow.
"I just feel like Orion was on top of their match. They rarely made mistakes, and when they did, they didn’t make mistake upon mistake. They made one mistake, and then they’d answer back with five great attacks at us," Clarkston coach Kelly Avenall said to reporters. "They brought all their firepower tonight. Swinging hard. We struggled to pass, and when we could pass, we struggled to attack. It just wasn’t a good combination for us tonight, playing down, and them playing up. It was tough."
The Dragons live on and play another day on Saturday. Tonight the Dragons earned revenge now they have a chance to be the best team in the state.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Class A Preview State Semifinals.
Written Wednesday November 16th at 11:25 AM
These are the previews from the Dragons Den for the Class A State Volleyball semifinals, not the finals yet but it should be interesting. All games are Thursday night.
#7. Lake Orion vs #4. Clarkston: 7:15 PM. Both of these teams came off five dramatic games. The Dragons at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore over #6. Macomb Dakota and Clarkston over #5. Plymouth Canton. This match up is a good one, both have very strong and good players. The Dragons should be well motivated for this one after what happened on October 18th when the Wolves stunned the Dragons on Seniors night in Lake Orion in a five game thriller for the OAA Red championship. The Dragons should be well motivated and able to gain revenge but it will be another classic of two arch rivals. PICK: #7. LAKE ORION IN 5.
#10. Temperance Bedford vs #2. Rockford: 5:30 PM. Everything has been going well for Rockford sports lately with the Rams in the State semis for football (play Novi-Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday at Battle Creek Central and volleyball. The Kicking Mules have had an easy path to the state semifinals including a four game win over Livonia Stevenson on Tuesday. Rockford won over #9 Richland Gull Lake on Tuesday in four games. The Rockford fan base will be divided if the Rams get to the State finals on Saturday. The Rams have played a tougher schedule and their path to the playoffs has been much tougher, got to go with the Rams in this one. PICK: #2. ROCKFORD IN 4.
These are the previews from the Dragons Den for the Class A State Volleyball semifinals, not the finals yet but it should be interesting. All games are Thursday night.
#7. Lake Orion vs #4. Clarkston: 7:15 PM. Both of these teams came off five dramatic games. The Dragons at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore over #6. Macomb Dakota and Clarkston over #5. Plymouth Canton. This match up is a good one, both have very strong and good players. The Dragons should be well motivated for this one after what happened on October 18th when the Wolves stunned the Dragons on Seniors night in Lake Orion in a five game thriller for the OAA Red championship. The Dragons should be well motivated and able to gain revenge but it will be another classic of two arch rivals. PICK: #7. LAKE ORION IN 5.
#10. Temperance Bedford vs #2. Rockford: 5:30 PM. Everything has been going well for Rockford sports lately with the Rams in the State semis for football (play Novi-Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday at Battle Creek Central and volleyball. The Kicking Mules have had an easy path to the state semifinals including a four game win over Livonia Stevenson on Tuesday. Rockford won over #9 Richland Gull Lake on Tuesday in four games. The Rockford fan base will be divided if the Rams get to the State finals on Saturday. The Rams have played a tougher schedule and their path to the playoffs has been much tougher, got to go with the Rams in this one. PICK: #2. ROCKFORD IN 4.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Dragons punch first ever ticket to Battle Creek, defeat Cougars in five games. Play the arch rival Wolves in Battle Creek next.
Written Tuesday November 15th at 11:56 PM
The Lake Orion Dragons theme this season is "Refuse to Lose."
With the fans from Macomb County, the referees, most from Macomb County were against them. It seemed like everything was against them and lets not add to the fact that the Dragons were down two sets to none to the Macomb Dakota Cougars heading into the third game.
People would originally thought that the Dragons would panic, fold, and prepare for next year but this isn't your ordinarily team, this team is something special.
The seventh ranked Dragons (53-12-3) went on and defeated the sixth ranked and Co Macomb Area Conference Red Division champion Cougars (32-13-2 and shared the MAC red championship with Marysville) in a five game thriller 26-28, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22, and 15-13 in the Class A State quarterfinals at Lake Shore in St. Clair Shores.
The Dragons now advance to the Kellogg Center in Battle Creek in the Class A State semifinals and play a familiar foe in arch rival and the fourth ranked Clarkston Wolves (57-5) at 7:15 PM on Thursday night. Clarkston eliminated fifth ranked Plymouth Canton in a five game thriller in which one call changed the entire outcome.
Now back to the game in St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, every set was close except for the third game where the Dragons seemed to change tempo in a rowdy game featuring both student sections.
Both the Dragons and Cougars went back in fourth in the first game. The Cougars were led by sophomore Carli Snyder who matched Dragons senior Shannon Murdock kill after kill. The game went either way but the Cougars and Snyder found a way to survive set one despite bad officiating 28-26 and going up one game to none.
Set two went to the Cougars 25-21 and they went up two games to none. Macomb Dakota controlled tempo, forcing Lake Orion to make some crucial mistakes with side outs and serving errors and also Snyder took control of the game as well for Macomb Dakota.
With the Dragons down two sets, Dragons Coach Bob Howey told his team that they have been down this path before. “After that second game we told them to take it one game at a time. We’ve been here before. Just find our game. We can’t keep playing their game.” Howey said to reporters.
Set three went to the Dragons, with their backs against the wall. Lake Orion went on a 13-1 run led by aces by senior Gwen Motley and kills by Murdock and fellow seniors Liz Kalugar and Taylor Hargraves and ran way with a 25-14 victory making the match at two sets to one in favor of Macomb Dakota.
Dragons junior Sophie Murdock knew that after the third game her teammates started to gain the confidence they needed. "They were really vocal, we all said, stay strong. Stay motivated. We can’t get down. We wouldn’t let ourselves get down and we came back and won (the third set and eventually the match). “That third game gave us a lot of confidence. It gave us momentum and took it away from them.” Murdock said to reporters.
Macomb Dakota coach Tracie Ferguson knew that game three was going to be tough but they did force the Dragons to call timeouts, so it wasn't all bad. "Our serve-receive kind of collapsed and one thing led to another in that third game," Ferguson said to reporters. "We’ve talked about mental toughness all year and being able to shake things off, but sometimes it gets a little tough. They still fought. We made them call timeouts in the third game."
Set four was dramatic, both sides were even during the contest. The only negative was a yellow card on assistant coach John Kalugar, which did not make the Orion faithful happy. The largest lead any team had was four when the Dragons took a 15-11 lead but the Cougars answered by tying the score up at 19-19 and then going ahead 21-20 before Howey called a timeout calming his team down. Lake Orion then responded by going on a six to three run to close the fourth set and win 25-22, tying the game up at two games a peace.
Set five was also dramatic. The Dragons built a nine to five lead early. Then the Cougars answered by cutting the game within two points. The Dragons then built their lead yet again to 13-8 thanks to kills by Kalugar, Shannon Murdock, Sophie Murdock, and senior Maddie Hutchinson but the Cougars yet again responded, going on a 5-0 run to tie the score up at 13-13 a piece but the Dragons behind Murdock and Kalugar got the final two points and won 15-13, sending the Orion crowd in a crazy madhouse.
Lake Orion was led by Murdock's 21 kills, three blocks, three aces and 13 digs. Murdock's sister Sophie had nine kills and four blocks. Kalugar had 11 kills and 18 digs. Senior Angelica LeDonne had four kills, all four of them came from the middle of the court. Hutchinson added 32 digs, senior Dana Schrauben had 27 assists and fellow senior Gwen Motley had 24 assists.
Macomb Dakota was led by Snyder's 18 kills, four blocks, and 22 digs. Snyder is also being looked at by scouts to go to possible Division One schools for volleyball as a sophomore. Junior Megan Downey had 11 kills while fellow junior Kylie Churches had seven kills and four blocks. Senior Jessica DeVriendt had 17 digs and senior Danielle Spicuzzi and junior Megan Manierski combined for 36 assists.
Ferguson added that "They were the better team tonight. They have a lot of weapons and we just came up a couple points short. We came out strong and to keep up that momentum might seem easy, but it’s not. Knowing the way we played them this season, we knew they wouldn’t give up. If they know what’s working for them, they’ll do anything and everything to make sure it keeps happening until we adapt. We just adapted a little too late today."
The Dragons and the Wolves are very familiar with each other despite the fact they are rivals. The Dragons in tournament play have beaten the Wolves twice while the Wolves have beaten the Dragons once in tournament play but the Wolves took the OAA Red Championship in a five game thriller over the Dragons on October 18th in Lake Orion. That game will have the Dragons motivated and wanting a bit of revenge for that loss.
We'll see what happens but the Dragons live another day and a trip to Battle Creek is in the very near future.
The Lake Orion Dragons theme this season is "Refuse to Lose."
With the fans from Macomb County, the referees, most from Macomb County were against them. It seemed like everything was against them and lets not add to the fact that the Dragons were down two sets to none to the Macomb Dakota Cougars heading into the third game.
People would originally thought that the Dragons would panic, fold, and prepare for next year but this isn't your ordinarily team, this team is something special.
The seventh ranked Dragons (53-12-3) went on and defeated the sixth ranked and Co Macomb Area Conference Red Division champion Cougars (32-13-2 and shared the MAC red championship with Marysville) in a five game thriller 26-28, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22, and 15-13 in the Class A State quarterfinals at Lake Shore in St. Clair Shores.
The Dragons now advance to the Kellogg Center in Battle Creek in the Class A State semifinals and play a familiar foe in arch rival and the fourth ranked Clarkston Wolves (57-5) at 7:15 PM on Thursday night. Clarkston eliminated fifth ranked Plymouth Canton in a five game thriller in which one call changed the entire outcome.
Now back to the game in St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, every set was close except for the third game where the Dragons seemed to change tempo in a rowdy game featuring both student sections.
Both the Dragons and Cougars went back in fourth in the first game. The Cougars were led by sophomore Carli Snyder who matched Dragons senior Shannon Murdock kill after kill. The game went either way but the Cougars and Snyder found a way to survive set one despite bad officiating 28-26 and going up one game to none.
Set two went to the Cougars 25-21 and they went up two games to none. Macomb Dakota controlled tempo, forcing Lake Orion to make some crucial mistakes with side outs and serving errors and also Snyder took control of the game as well for Macomb Dakota.
With the Dragons down two sets, Dragons Coach Bob Howey told his team that they have been down this path before. “After that second game we told them to take it one game at a time. We’ve been here before. Just find our game. We can’t keep playing their game.” Howey said to reporters.
Set three went to the Dragons, with their backs against the wall. Lake Orion went on a 13-1 run led by aces by senior Gwen Motley and kills by Murdock and fellow seniors Liz Kalugar and Taylor Hargraves and ran way with a 25-14 victory making the match at two sets to one in favor of Macomb Dakota.
Dragons junior Sophie Murdock knew that after the third game her teammates started to gain the confidence they needed. "They were really vocal, we all said, stay strong. Stay motivated. We can’t get down. We wouldn’t let ourselves get down and we came back and won (the third set and eventually the match). “That third game gave us a lot of confidence. It gave us momentum and took it away from them.” Murdock said to reporters.
Macomb Dakota coach Tracie Ferguson knew that game three was going to be tough but they did force the Dragons to call timeouts, so it wasn't all bad. "Our serve-receive kind of collapsed and one thing led to another in that third game," Ferguson said to reporters. "We’ve talked about mental toughness all year and being able to shake things off, but sometimes it gets a little tough. They still fought. We made them call timeouts in the third game."
Set four was dramatic, both sides were even during the contest. The only negative was a yellow card on assistant coach John Kalugar, which did not make the Orion faithful happy. The largest lead any team had was four when the Dragons took a 15-11 lead but the Cougars answered by tying the score up at 19-19 and then going ahead 21-20 before Howey called a timeout calming his team down. Lake Orion then responded by going on a six to three run to close the fourth set and win 25-22, tying the game up at two games a peace.
Set five was also dramatic. The Dragons built a nine to five lead early. Then the Cougars answered by cutting the game within two points. The Dragons then built their lead yet again to 13-8 thanks to kills by Kalugar, Shannon Murdock, Sophie Murdock, and senior Maddie Hutchinson but the Cougars yet again responded, going on a 5-0 run to tie the score up at 13-13 a piece but the Dragons behind Murdock and Kalugar got the final two points and won 15-13, sending the Orion crowd in a crazy madhouse.
Lake Orion was led by Murdock's 21 kills, three blocks, three aces and 13 digs. Murdock's sister Sophie had nine kills and four blocks. Kalugar had 11 kills and 18 digs. Senior Angelica LeDonne had four kills, all four of them came from the middle of the court. Hutchinson added 32 digs, senior Dana Schrauben had 27 assists and fellow senior Gwen Motley had 24 assists.
Macomb Dakota was led by Snyder's 18 kills, four blocks, and 22 digs. Snyder is also being looked at by scouts to go to possible Division One schools for volleyball as a sophomore. Junior Megan Downey had 11 kills while fellow junior Kylie Churches had seven kills and four blocks. Senior Jessica DeVriendt had 17 digs and senior Danielle Spicuzzi and junior Megan Manierski combined for 36 assists.
Ferguson added that "They were the better team tonight. They have a lot of weapons and we just came up a couple points short. We came out strong and to keep up that momentum might seem easy, but it’s not. Knowing the way we played them this season, we knew they wouldn’t give up. If they know what’s working for them, they’ll do anything and everything to make sure it keeps happening until we adapt. We just adapted a little too late today."
The Dragons and the Wolves are very familiar with each other despite the fact they are rivals. The Dragons in tournament play have beaten the Wolves twice while the Wolves have beaten the Dragons once in tournament play but the Wolves took the OAA Red Championship in a five game thriller over the Dragons on October 18th in Lake Orion. That game will have the Dragons motivated and wanting a bit of revenge for that loss.
We'll see what happens but the Dragons live another day and a trip to Battle Creek is in the very near future.
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