Survive and advance: Rochester, Stoney Creek, Lake Orion, Adams all advance to regional round

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

TROY — Sometimes everybody will have the feat of falling. In competitive cheer, it happens quite frequently.

For four ranked schools Saturday afternoon, they all had their fair share of stumbles, but had enough to land a top-four finished at Saturday’s Division 1 district at Troy Athens.

In the end, third-ranked Rochester captured its sixth straight district title — the Falcons have won a district every year since the MHSAA added a district round to the state tournament — rolling up a three-round total of 793.7064 points.

That total was just ahead of 10^th-ranked Rochester Stoney Creek, which scored 793.4368 points to grab runner-up honors. Ninth-ranked Lake Orion was third (787.4888) and eighth-ranked Rochester Adams (7985.6800) was fourth.

The four teams from each district advance to the regional round Feb. 24-25 across the state. The above-mentioned four schools all advance to the Division 1 Lake Orion regional, which takes place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 25.

SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT: Rochester captured its sixth straight district title Saturday winning the Division 1 Troy Athens district. File Photo | Dan Stickradt

“You have to have three good rounds,” admitted Rochester coach Susan Wood, noting the importance of no major slipups during the state tournament. “It used to be you could have to have one round that was a little off. You have to have three good rounds. I think we skipped by the skin of our teeth today.”

Rochester had the top score in the first two rounds and the fourth-highest score in the stunt round to keep Stoney Creek at bay. The Cougars, who won their first-ever state title two years ago, finished second in the first two rounds and had the best effort in Round III to finish just behind Rochester in the final standings.

Troy was the first of the nine schools left on the outside looking in at the conclusion of the 13-schol event. The Colts finished with 769.7016 points to finish fifth. Utica Eisenhower was sixth with 756.7664 points, followed by Troy Athens (716.7569), Warren Mott (697.4452), Utica (654.5472), Warren Mot (659.7860), Clarkston (645.1224), Royal Oak (637.3784) and Waterford Kettering (630.7952) rounded out the field.

Stoney Creek coach Tricia Williams said its al about finishing in the top four in both the district and regional rounds. A team cannot challenge for championship hardware if it doesn’t reach the final weekend.

“Were really pleased with how we performed,” she said. “There’s still some areas we’re we need to work on. But you don’t want to peak too early. Right now, it’s all about getting to the regionals and then hopefully (to the state finals).”

Lake Orion was fourth, fourth and second, respectively, while Adams was third in each round but slipped to fourth overall.

“We have some things to tighten up on but we’re still (alive),” said Lake Orion coach Nancy DeAvila. “It’s going to be really tough next weekend. In my 17 years of coaching, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tougher regional. There will be two of the best teams in the state that won’t go to the state finals.”

Rochester, Stoney Creek, Lake Orion and Adams will be joined by two other state-ranked teams, fourth-ranked Sterling Heights Stevenson and fifth-ranked Southgate Anderson at the Lake Orion regional.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Adams coach Courtney Kezlarian-Abela. “It’s going to be some great competition.”

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* Have photos or video of this event that you wish to share? E-mail pertinent information to www.northoaklandsports.com Senior Editor Dan Stickradt at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or e-mail results@northoaklandsports.com.

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