Orion Boys Struggling, Problems are Obvious.

Written Tuesday January 13th, at 2:00 PM

When looking at the daunting schedule the Orion Boys Basketball have had, you might have well said, well there is 0-8 right off the bat.

The first eight games were very daunting, having to play Oxford, Clarkston, Southfield, Adams, Lathrup, Stoney Creek, Bloomfield Hills, and Avondale. Later in the season you got Romeo, who is always a solid program in Macomb County.

Then you look at the league and you see Oak Park, Troy, Athens, and Pontiac. You have to play them all twice.

That's the schedule that the Orion Boys Basketball have to deal with.

The Dragons are a young team, lets look at that right there but are having some problems. In the team's four games the Dragons have allowed 65.5 points per game, which is not good. Offensively this team has struggled, only to average 45.5 points per game. Rebounding has also been a huge issue with this team, it has shown that this team has gotten crushed on the boards this season.

Orion lost a lot from last season's team and must do some sole searching. The schedule is no cake walk either and trust is also an issue with this team. When you look at last season's team trust wasn't an issue. This is an area that this team must fix if they want to make a run but coach Tom Risi knows a lot must change if this team wants to make that run.

Hope is not all lost with this team. Leaders must step up and take that role. Good teams have leaders who can take over and have an impact on the game.

Historically if Orion teams have had strong seasons the year prior then they do tend to struggle the next season and lets look at the 2011-2012 season the Dragons went 11-9 on the season but made a run and went to the State Quarterfinals.

The Dragons know what is ahead of them, mentally this schedule will get them stronger but its executing and getting wins that matter the most.

Opposite Directions

Written Friday January 9th, at 1:15 PM

Heading into the game on Thursday night, the Dragons knew it had a tough challenge with Clarkston's Marquette bound senior Erika Davenport.

Davenport scored 30 points, leading the Wolves to a 48-35 Girls Basketball win over Orion. It was the Dragons first loss of the season.

But also I look at two teams going opposite directions.

Orion has been here before, beating the teams they are suppose to beat and the lose to the teams that are suppose to lose. The Dragons were 12-8 last season but did not get that signature win a season ago.

I thought Orion played well for three quarters but foul trouble was the difference in the game and also Clarkston's defense showed up. They had a strong first half led by Sarah Voss, who had 11 of her 13 points in the second quarter. The Dragons led 23-16 at half.

Clarkston would then outscore Orion 32-12 in the second half but lets look at it from a different perspective.

The game told us that the two programs are going in opposite directions. The Wolves are so dependent on Davenport to carry them in games, which could be a huge problem if she gets shut down especially in league play. The Dragons are more balanced whether it's Hannah Hamay, Evelyn Wischmeyer, Delaney Haan, Cheyenne Lada-Sterling, Blair Stewart, or Sarah Voss carrying the load. Clarkston plays in the Red, Orion is in the White.

But it may not be long when Orion rejoins Clarkston in the Red.

In the Junior Varsity contest, the Dragons won 33-18. Despite the fact that Orion had a size mismatch against the much taller Wolves, the Dragons were balanced, they were the aggressive team and showed it on both sides of the floor. There was times that Clarkston's coach said that his team was scared of the Dragons and that was shocking to see. Got to give credit Orion coach Kevin Kopec and Courtney Kimmel, they had this team prepared for Clarkston.

In the Freshman contest, the words domination is an understatement. The Dragons dominated the Wolves 40-8 and led 28-2 at half. Orion had balanced scoring on the night and its a credit to coach Bob Brydges who returns back to the bench and has had successful coaching career at Bloomfield Hills Lahser along with his team.

The three games in Clarkston show two different programs going two different directions. One going up and one going down. Although it might not show this year, the games showed the direction both teams are going.

Dragons Update.

Written Sunday January 4th, at 12:15 AM

Happy New Year to all of Orion,

The Dragons Girls Basketball team is off to a 4-0 start and have relied on Hannah Hamay and Evelyn Wischmeyer to carry the team so far and they might have to do so again. The schedule is going to get tough after the Farmington game as Orion will play Clarkston, Adams, and Seaholm and in between they will open up league play against Avondale. I believe that the Dragons will be tested against Clarkston and Adams and will see what they are made of and expect Orion to be in the league race all season long.

The Dragons wrestling team took tenth place in Oakland County a few weeks ago but there is high expectations for first year coach Jeff Smart. Smart who is an assistant coach with the Orion Junior Varsity Football team and has a deep crew this season. Orion dropped down a division from the Red to the White. The White is manageable but will have teams like West Bloomfield, Pontiac, and Southfield to deal with this season.

The Dragons Boys Basketball team is off to a tough 0-2 start to start the season. The schedule is brutal though with Orion having to play Oxford, Adams, Clarkston, Southfield, Lathrup, Bloomfield Hills, and Stoney Creek early and that's not league play yet. The Dragons backcourt is solid led by Joe Turnbull and Elmalik Martin. Expect the Dragons boys to be tested mentally during the season.

Nothing much on Cheerleading, Bowling, and Power-lifting. Enjoy 2015 folks in Dragons Country.

Basketball Top 10

Written Saturday December 20th, at 1:45 PM

Hello all, I can say I'm a graduate but it doesn't keep me from unleashing my Top Ten Christmas and New Years edition of the Rankings so enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Boys:

1. North Farmington: The Raiders led by Jerome Rogers, Jacob Jobertt, and Anthony Quansacca look to do damage this season for coach Todd Negogation. They overcame a gutsy Farmington team and expect them to do the same in league play.

2. Oak Park: This Knights team might have the best front court in Oakland County once they get their transfers in during the second semester. They already have Rodney Scales and Kelvon Fuller then you add another transfer from Rover Rouge, good lord. Coach Bryan Tipton will have a good problem especially heading into tournament play.

3. Clarkston: The Wolves have the best freshman in the state in Foster Loyer and one of the best coaches in the State in Dan Fife but they have Andrew Myers who is also good as well. Clarkston maybe the best challenger to North Farmington this season and expect the Wolves to do well this season.

4. West Bloomfield: Tristian Jackson, Zach Allred, and Michael King could be the scariest combination in the State right now. The Blue could be anyone’s ball game here.

5. Southfield: The Blue Jays have two solid post players and one of them Isiah Green is being looked at by other colleges. Expect Southfield to be a player in the league this season.

6. Bloomfield Hills: Coach Dwayne Graves may not have the Big Three anymore that took them to the State Finals but they are off to a solid start so far and haven’t lost a game yet this season.

7. Oxford: The Wildcats are riding their big four, Mason Vires, Connor Elzerman, Jamal Thomas, and Del Alexander this season. So far they have played well, didn’t look good against Rochester but was very impressive winning at Orion and over a bad Detroit Henry Ford team at North Farmington the other night. Coach Stephan Henning has the Wildcats heading in the right direction.

8. Stoney Creek: The Cougars led by Jack Allen and Scott Reader beat Adams a few days ago but didn’t look good against Dakota. Coach Steve Norgrove will have his Stoney Creek team ready for the season but they have to rely on shooting to get things done.

9. Troy Athens: The Red Hawks have been inconsistent but they have been playing good teams lately. They lost a tough one to Goodrich on Friday night but right now things are going all right for coach Dave Scott and his Red Hawks led by Devon Terry and John Van Hoef.

10. Adams: The Highlanders have lost two of three games and had to go to overtime with Orion on Tuesday. They lost to Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower. Expect coach John Hall’s team to get better during the season led by Spencer Littleson.

Girls:

1. Harrison: The Hawks are surviving the daunting non-league schedule but got a reprieve when they destroyed Farmington. The Hawks led by Kyla Rowland, Kristen Nelson, and Amber Stephans look to keep the league championship in Farmington once again this season.

2. Lathrup: The Chargers may have the best duo outside of the Robinson sisters at Birmingham Marian in Oakland County in the Bello sisters (Taige, and Paige.) Lathrup has been battle tested so far and looks to get better heading into league play.

3. Adams: The Highlanders are looking more dangerous, led by Raiven Owusu, Ryian Owusu, Amber Jamison, Dazia Dinkins, and Olivia Aregros. They have a deep bench that has been doing well for coach Shay Lewis.

4. Clarkston: The Wolves lost two tough games, to Grosse Pointe South and Waterford Mott but with Clarkston they need someone besides Erica Davenport to carry the load. They will play Ann Arbor Skyline on December 30^th, at Clarkston.

5. Stoney Creek: The loss to Oxford, might want to put an asterisk there because Maria Zandi didn’t play in that game. Nice bounce back win against Dakota and they will see the Wildcats again with Zandi.

6. Oxford: The Wildcats started 0-2 but have reversed the ship led by Jessica Murphy and Skye Donaldson. They have an interesting test with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep on Saturday morning at Rochester in the Falcons Classic.

7. Orion: The Dragons like Bloomfield Hills haven’t been tested with the exception of Linden. Expect Orion to ride Hannah Hamay and Evelyn Wischmeyer heading into league play

8. Troy: The Colts have been battle tested, with their only loss to Waterford Mott. Expect Troy to continue riding the Grecky sisters (Rachel and Alyssa) heading into league play.

9. Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks haven’t been tested yet but Amanda Sape is making a difference along with Amanda Moss. The Lathrup game will prove where this team will be at.

T 10. West Bloomfield: Despite losing to Seaholm, the Lakers are doing well thanks to Charlika Stubbs and an improving rebounding core. The Lakers will be ready on Saturday against Yale in the Falcon Invite at Rochester.

T 10. Seaholm: The Maples led by Mackenzie Harbort had two tough games this week, they beat a tough Rochester team and a good West Bloomfield team. They still have to play Orion, Adams, and Stoney Creek, which won't be easy games.

Basketball Outlook for 2014-2015 Season.

Written Thursday December 4th, at 9:45 AM

Hello all, sorry I’ve haven’t been around: been busy with papers. It’s that time again here are my thoughts heading into both Boys and Girls season heading into 2015. Also stay tuned to OAA Now for complete coverage of the 2014-2015 season.

1. Seaholm is overwhelming favorite in the Blue:

The Maples this season is expected to do wonders in year two under January Hlaski but the non-conference schedule is brutal for Seaholm. The Maples play Troy, Stoney Creek, Adams, and Lake Orion along with Blue teams, Farmington, Royal Oak, and Oak Park. Seaholm will be led by sophomore Mackenzie Harbott who has a good three point shooter and good floor general. Expect an interesting season at Birmingham Seaholm this season.

2. Dinkins influences two teams:

With the sudden transfer of Dazia Dinkins to Rochester Adams, it already brought an effect on two teams. Dinkins led Adams on Tuesday night against Oxford, being a penetratior, and good passer to go along with her shooting. Dinkins brings experience to the Red and is now paired with Raven Owusu, Ryian Owusu, Amber Jamison, and Olivia Aregors to form one of the best starting fives in Oakland County for first year coach Shay Lewis, who takes over for long time Highlanders coach Fran Schiowitcz. Dinkins transferred from West Bloomfield and the Lakers did not look good against Clarkston losing 68-25 on Tuesday night. Dinkins was their scorer and leader. It could be a tough season for Matt Hibers, Lakers crew but they still have Rachel Harnish and others who has to step up their games and they play in a tough division, the White.

3. North Farmington is Clarkston’s biggest threat:

The Raiders are the biggest threat to Clarkston this season. Both North Farmington and Clarkston will have very good teams. The Raiders are led by Jerome Rogers and Jacob Joubert and have a lot of experience back for coach Todd Negogation. The Wolves are led by Drew Myers, Tabin Throgmorton, Merrick Canada, and Cole Chewins but feature former Detroit Pistons coach John Loyer’s son Foster Loyer. Expect Clarkston and North Farmington to battle it out for the Red but teams like Bloomfield Hills, Adams, and Southfield will have a strong say about that this season.

4. The Red in Girls is toughest division in the State:

When looking at the divisions, the Red may have each team at or above 500 this season. Lathrup, Harrison, Adams, and Clarkston are expected to be very good. Stoney Creek and North Farmington will be very good as well. They will beat each other up in league play, expect this race to be fun all season long. Any team can be beat on any given day.

5. Harrison has the most vicious schedule in the State:

Harrison coach Tim Micklash will have his money’s worth when it came to the scheduling this season. Besides the Red where the Hawks play Lathrup, Clarkston, Adams, Stoney Creek, and North Farmington they have to play Ann Arbor Huron, Highland Park Chandler Park Academy, Plymouth, and a team from Chicago in the Roundball classic that is very good. Also mention their district is at Birmingham Marian and they could see the Mustangs in that district. This is a brutal schedule for Micklash but he has the talent in Amber Stephans, Katie Conrad, Kristen Nelson, and Kyla Rowland to make a run this season.

6. West Bloomfield better not sleep on Oxford:

The Lakers are favored in the Blue and for good reason, they are led by Tristian Jackson, Michael King, and Zach Allread and not to mention they have a deep bench as well but the Wildcats could derail West Bloomfield’s league hopes. Oxford is led by coach Stephan Henning, the Wildcats return three of their five starters from last season led by Delvon Alexander, Conner Elzerman, and Jamal Thomas. Add to the mix transfer Mason Vires from Clarkston and you may have one of the best teams in Oakland County that could seriously challenge West Bloomfield. Groves and Stoney Creek will be players as well this season but Oxford has the best chance to take West Bloomfield to the limit this season.

7. Berkley, Southfield, and Troy Athens will go down to the wire in Girls:

The Bears despite the fact they lost to Warren Mott 38-31 on Wednesday night will be in contention for a league title. Berkley will be led by sophomore Makayla Denham along with senior Grace Hammele and junior Celia Somers. Troy Athens meanwhile got destroyed by Stoney Creek 68-20 on Tuesday night will be the other team to contend. Southfield is solid this season led by Kristen Lynn Defoe. The Red Hawks have the talent to compete with the Bears and Blue Jays. Expect this race to go down to the wire this season.

8. Lake Orion will be better than people think:

The Dragons looking at the schedule in the girls have a manageable schedule in December. January is where they will be tested but this team is led by Hannah Hamay and Evelyn Wischmeyer and is expected to contend with Oxford, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and Avondale for the White. The first four games they play Brandon, Linden, Groves, and Rochester. No one is talking about the lady Dragons and that maybe a good thing. The Dragons boys I expect to be good this season despite the fact that their first eight games are against very good competition (Oxford, Adams, Southfield, Clarkston, Lathrup, Stoney Creek, and Bloomfield Hills and that’s not league play yet with Oak Park, Troy, and Troy Athens. Also mention that Romeo is on the schedule and they will play them in March. Expect the Dragons ladies and guys to be ready for March.

9. Ben Kelso at Pontiac could be trouble:

Pontiac did hire a new coach in Ben Kelso, who takes over for Robert Rogers. Kelso took over at Waterford Kettering last season is mostly known for his defensive intensity. He has won three straight titles but it will be a tough chore this season with the Phoenix for a few reasons why they could struggle off the get go. First they play in a tough division where Oak Park, Troy Athens, Troy, and Lake Orion reside, the White. Second, the transition period, the Phoenix did gain a transfer in Kelso’s son Jalen but the team has to gel and get used to each other. Expect growing pains in year one of the Kelso era in Pontiac.

10. Scales at Oak Park makes Knights serious state contender:

When looking at Oak Park this season, the Knights are favored in the White, have a favorable district until they run into U-D Jesuit in the regional final. When looking at Bryan Tipton, he was the right guy for this job.  Oak Park returns one of the biggest front courts in the county in Kevon Fuller and with the return of Rodney Scales it gives Tipton a good option along with transfer from River Rouge, Johnathan Raines. I expect this three headed monster will be a force for the Knights once playoff time looms.

OAA Picks: Week Eleven.

Written Friday November 7th, at 8:30 AM

Lapeer at Clarkston: The Lightning have had a successful season so far in winning the Saginaw Valley Conference but they haven't seen a team like the Wolves who will give them different looks. If Lapeer has any chance to win, it must score and score often with Clarkston. DD PICK: CLARKSTON 28, LAPEER 17.

Walled Lake Central at West Bloomfield: This is an interesting game between the Vikings and Lakers. West Bloomfield deals with Nate Krumm who has been a machine but Walled Lake Central hasn't seen a defensive line or a quarterback/running back duo like Tristian Jackson and Michael King. It will be like the volleyball match on Wednesday night. DD PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 35, WALLED LAKE CENTRAL 14.

Southfield at Oak Park: The Knights lost 20-16 to the Blue Jays a few weeks ago at Southfield but the game is at Oak Park, it gives the Knights a chance but also Southfield went into Detroit and made Detroit Martin Luther King look bad last week. DD PICK: OAK PARK 24, SOUTHFIELD 18.


Harrison at Walled Lake Western: With news of Javon Shaw's season ending ACL injury might leave the Hawks in limbo against the Warriors but lets not forget without Shaw, Harrison beat Fenton on the road last week. Western will be game but thinks Harrison will prevail close. DD PICK: HARRISON 28, WALLED LAKE WESTERN 24.

Groves at Birmingham Brother Rice: This is a bad match up for the Falcons but they will give it their best shot against the Warriors. DD PICK: BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE 35, GROVES 21.

Volleyball District Finals:
With Groves advancing to the regional finals here are the rest of my picks in the district finals.

Clarkston at Orion: This is a big match for Orion as a school. The Dragons haven't beaten the Wolves in a big time matchup since 2011 at Battle Creek. Clarkston has eliminated Orion the last two seasons. Both teams are state ranked, Dragons fourth, Wolves fifth. The key here is the crowd, since the Wolves are splitting their fan base between the football game with Lapeer and this game, expect Orion to have a big crowd. The other key is who ever becomes the aggressor will have a good shot at winning this match up. Home court plays a big factor here. DD PICK: ORION IN FIVE.

Troy Athens at Troy: This is a big match-up for Troy. The Colts lost in four games in the regular season to the Red Hawks and shocked Avondale in the district semifinals on Wednesday. The key for Athens is the motivation factor and health. The Red Hawks believe they can win here and is the defending district champs, if they win tonight they host the regional. The Colts needs their experience to come through in the clutch, expect this one to go five. DD PICK: TROY ATHENS IN FIVE.

Seaholm at Marian: This is as good of a match-up as you can think. Both the Maples and Mustangs have played each other and know each other. The crowds will be neutralized and like Bill Watson said the key is X's and O's here. I like the road team here because of the experience factor and they have went into Marian and won here before. DD PICK: SEAHOLM IN FIVE

OAA Picks: Week Ten.

Written Friday October 31st at 9:15 AM

Week Ten: First Round:

Oxford at Clarkston: The weather in this game could play a huge roll in determining who wins this game. The Wolves have enough weapons to move on over the Wildcats. DD PICK: CLARKSTON 42, OXFORD 21.

Livonia Stevenson at West Bloomfield: First home playoff game has built a lot of excitement in Laker land. They will be hyped up because they will get another one next week. DD PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, LIVONIA STEVENSON 7.

Southfield at Detroit Martin Luther King:  The Blue Jays have won the last two meetings with the Crusaders. Southfield is more balanced in this match up while Detroit Martin Luther King relays on the run. This game will be close but going with the Oakland County team because of balance. DD PICK: SOUTHFIELD 31, DETROIT MARTIN LUTHER KING 21.

Farmington at Oak Park: Is there any doubt who is the better team here, the Falcons have won the last two meetings with the Knights but Farmington played in a lower division and that will hurt them against Oak Park. DD PICK: OAK PARK 42, FARMINGTON 0.

Berkley at Groves: This is a rematch of a 32-29 victory won by the Bears. The Falcons are at home here and should get a measure of revenge and then for a reward they get Birmingham Brother Rice. DD PICK: GROVES 31, BERKLEY 21.

Harrison at Fenton: The Hawks remember what happened two years ago in Genesee Country but this Harrison team is different against an undefeated Tigers team that has done well in the Flint Metro League all season. The outcome however will be different. DD PICK: HARRISON 35, FENTON 21.

Happy Halloween all. Stay tuned to OAA Now for complete recaps.