North Oakland Sports

GIRLS TENNIS: Fenton edges Holly for FML title

Dan Stickradt — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:28:23 +0000

Girls Tennis

FLINT METRO LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

TEAM SCORES — 1. Fenton, 58; 2. Holly, 27; 3. Ortonville Brandon, 46; 4. Lapeer West, 41; 5. Lapeer East, 28; 6. Clio, 26; 7. Swartz Creek, 18; 8. Flint Kearsley, 14.

DUAL MEET STANDINGS — 1. (tie) Holly (6-0-1); Fenton (6-0-1); 3. Ortonville Brandon (5-2-0); 4. Lapeer West (4-3-0); 5. Lapeer East (3-4-0); 6. Swartz Creek (1-5-1); 7. Flint Kearsley (0-5-2); 8. Clio (0-6-1).

FINAL STANDINGS — 1. Fenton, 15.5 points; 2. Holly, 14.5;3. Ortonville Brandon, 12; 10. Lapeer West, 10; 5. Lapeer East, 8; 6. Swartz Creek, 5; 7. Clio, 4; 8. Flint Kearsley, 3.

GIRLS TENNIS REGIONAL PREVIEW: Adams enjoying revival on courts, looks for state finals berth

Dan Stickradt — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:54:38 +0000

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

ROCHESTER HILLS — Rochester Adams was once a state power in girls tennis, winning the Clas sA state title in 1987 and having several state-finals teams throughout the past three-plus decades.

In recent years, the Highlanders have dropped off the map some, despite producing an individual state champion in Division 2 two years ago. It has been a decade since Adams last finished in the top 10 at the state finals.

Now back up in Division 1, Adams is having its best overall season in years. The OAA White Division champion Highlanders hope to be in contention for a state finals berth this Friday, when the Rochester Schools host a regional.

With Rochester High’s courts still under renovation, Adams, Stoney Creek and Auburn Hills Avondale’s courts will be used, with Adams serving as the main site.

“We didn’t really lose much to graduation,” admitted Adams coach Greg Burks last month. “We have some talent and I’m hoping at the end of the season that we can be competitive enough to hopefully make it to the state finals. That would be nice for this group.”

Clarkston is the defending D-1 state champ and won this regional last season. Rochester, ninth in the state last season, and West Bloomfield, which just missed out on a state berth last year, graduated high numbers and are not expected to qualify. Lake Orion and Rochester Stoney Creek could also score well and will join West Bloomfield and Rochester as other teams that could score well.

All which leaves Clarkston and Adams as the teams to beat. Clarkston enters the postseason ranked fourth and has an outside chance of defending its state tile, while Adams is fast-improving and could end up a top-10 team by season’s end with a young and talented lineup.

While Clarkston is going after its ninth straight state qualifying berth, Adams is going after just its fourth state qualifying mark in the past decade.

Adams finished tied for 12^th with five points in 2010 in Division 2, but all of those points came from No.1 singles player Anne Marie Morin. The Highlanders did not qualify as a team that season.

Adams made the cut in Division 2 in 2009 (18^th), 2004 (18^th) and 2003 (12^th), while the Highlanders were also ninth in Division 1 in 2002. That was the last time they qualified in Division 1.

“I think we might have a chance, but you never know for sure how those flights will end up,” noted Burks. “Clarkston is definitely the team to beat at the regional. They were state champs last year. But I think we’re better than we were last year. If that can result in us making the state meet, that will be nice accomplishment for a young team.”

DIVISION 1 AT GROSSE POINTE SOUTH: As in past years, Grosse Pointe South, Troy and Troy Athens will commence as the three teams with realistic aspirations of making it to the state finals. All three have solid teams, although host South is the favorite.

With the top two teams, plus additional teams scoring at least 18 points, earning state finals passes, all three teams could be able to make the cut. South enters the postseason ranked second with Troy ranked 10^th. Athens was second in the OAA White Division and has also fared well this season and hopes to earn a berth as an additional qualifier.

DIVISION 2 AT HOLLY: Fenton, Holly and flushing will all duke it out for state qualifying berths and all three have fielded competitive teams in 2012.

Lapeer West and Ortonville Brandon could also score well and take points away from the leaders.

Fenton edged Holly by one point at Tuesday’s Flint Metro League meet, snapping the Bronchos’ streak of league championships at 29 straight. The two teams tied 4-4 in a dual match earlier this month.

“That was tough, but we still feel that we should be in the hunt to make it back to the state finals,” said Holly coach Will Sophia. “I think there are three teams with a legitimate chance if everyone plays to the seeds.”

Holly has qualified for the state tournament every year in the past decade, including 16^th last season. The Bronchos’ best effort in the past decade was 2004, where they finished tied for third overall.

DIVISION 2 AT NORTH FARMINGTON: This is one of the state’s top regionals with No. 2 Bloomfield Hills Andover, No. 7 Bloomfield Hills Lahser and No. 8 Farmington Hills Mercy leading the cast of hopefulls. With Farmington, Auburn Hills Avondale and Farmington Harrison also in the group, those teams could pull enough points away to halt a third team from making the cut.

Andover was third in the tough OAA Red Division this season, while Lahser and Mercy are also perennial powerhouse schools.

DIVISION 4 AT ALMONT: Top-ranked Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart and sixth-ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep lead this group, which also features, Flint Powers Catholic, Armada.

While Sacred Heart has fielded many top-10 teams in recent years, Notre Dame Prep made a rare appearance at the state finals last season. The Irish were second at the regional and a school-best 12^th at the D-4 state finals last season.

“We’ve had a really nice year considering that we graduated seven players from last year,” offered Notre Dame Prep coach Pete Riley. “But we picked up a couple of players off our varsity reserves, a nice transfer, a couple of players from our junior varsity and then added some nice freshmen. I think our singles lineup might be better than last season, but our doubles lineup was more experienced last season because we had a ton of seniors at doubles. This year we have a lot of new players.”

That hasn’t deterred the Irish from having one of its best seasons in school history. Notre Dame Prep is 10-1-0 in duals, won the CHSL AA Division crown and placed fifth overall at the CHSL A-B League Tournament last weekend.

Another state finals pass and top-10 finish at the state finals would make this the most memorable year to date for the Irish.

HOW THEY FARED AT THE STATE FINALS IN THE PAST DECADE:

CLARKSTON

2011 (D-1, first, 27 points)

2010 (D-1, seventh, 14 points)

2009 (D-1, 14^th, four points)

2008 (D-1, eighth, 10 points)

2006 (D-1, seventh, 14 points)

2005 (D-1, fifth, 16 points)

2004 (D-1, fourth, 20 points)

2003 (D-1, 14^th, three points)

HOLLY

2011 (D-2, 16^th, two points)

2010 (D-2, 12^th, five points)

2009 (D-2, 13^th, six points)

2008 (D-2, 19^th, one point)

2006 (D-2, 13^th, five points)

2005 (D-2, 14^th, six points)

2004 (D-2, third, 15 points)

2003 (D-2, 12^th, six points

2002 (D-2, 16^th, three points)

ORTONVILLE BRANDON

2010 (D-2, 23^rd, 0 points)

2008 (D-2, 19^th, one point)

PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP

2011 (D-4, 12^th, seven points)

2004 (D-3, 25^th, 0 points)

ROCHESTER

2011 (D-1, ninth, 10 points)

2010 (D-1, 12^th, nine points)

2009 (D-1, ninth, nine points)

2008 (D-1, fourth, 15 points)

ROCHESTER ADAMS

2010 (D-2, 12^th, five points; only had one state qualifier)

2009 (D-2, 14^th, four points)

2008 (D-2, eighth, 10 points)

2004 (D-2, 18^th, one point)

2003 (D-2, 12^th, six points)

2002 (D-1, ninth, 10 points)

ROCHESTER STONEY CREEK

2008 (D-2, 17^th, two points)

2004 (D-2, 15th, three points)

TROY

2011 (D-1, ninth, 10 points)

2010 (D-1, sixth, 15 points)

2009 (D-1, eighth, 10 points)

2008 (D-1, 11^th, nine points)

2006 (D-1, seventh, 14 points)

2005 (D-1, fourth, 18 points)

2004 (D-1, fifth, 15 points)

2003 (D-1, first 28 points)

2002 (D-1, sixth, six points)

TROY ATHENS

2011 (D-1, 19^th, 0 points)

2010 (D-1, 24^th, 0 points)

2008 (D-1, 20^th, 0 points)

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Tennis&x=13&y=4

STATE RANKINGS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/05/16/prep-state-rankings-may-16-2/

LEAGUE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/05/16/girls-tennis-adams-royal-oak-clinch-oaa-titles/

To submit information to www.northoaklandsports.com, e-mail dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. To advertise, e-mail advertising@northoaklandsports.com . Follow us on Twitter @LocalSportsFans and more than a dozen other social media networks.

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.

TRACK REGIONAL PREVIEW: Lake Orion, Brandon, Adams, Troy all hope to contend for titles

Dan Stickradt — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:15:59 +0000

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

ORTONVILLE — Lake Orion has become a model of consistency when it comes to boys track and field in recent years. Rarely in the past two decades have the Dragons suffered through a down year.

This season has become one of Lake Orion’s best to date. The Dragons enter Friday’s Division 1 regional at Ortonville Brandon as one of the favorites and are undefeated on the season.

Lake Orion is 5-0-0 in duals, won the Brandon Invitational, Oxford Invitational and Birmingham Groves Invitational by convincing margins, and scored an impressive 179.5 points last Friday to win the OAA Red Division league meet, which clinched the school’s seventh league title in 12 years.

BURNING A TRAIL: Lake Orion senior Nick Balavich and the Dragons hope to contend for the regional.crown Friday in a loaded Division 1 regional field at Ortonville Brandon. File Photo

“We knew the league was going to be down a little this year, so I figured our best challenges would come at the big meets,” said veteran Lake Orion coach Stan Ford, whose team is shooting for its first regional title since 2006. “We are very deep in the distances and we have a great crop of sprinters, something we didn’t always have. And we have been getting better in the field events.”

LEAP OF FAITH: Rochester Adams junior Jessica Howell and the Highlanders hope to defend their Division 1 regional title Friday at Ortonville Brandon. File Photo

“Everything I’ve heard about Grand Blanc is that they are very good again. I know they have most of their team back from last year,” said Ford. “There are some other teams there that will score points.”

Clarkston, Holly, Swartz Creek, Rochester, Rochester Adams and Port Huron Northern will score well in various events in the 15-school field.

As for high seeds, Lake Orion and Grand Blanc should score in most events and are expected to contend for titles in all four relays.

“We are strong in each relay and we have depth for some of those relays,” added Ford. “In the (3,200) relay, we have 5-6 kids that we can put in there. We will have to make some tough choices. I know the distances races are going to be very tough. There are a lot of great kids in the region.”

The boys shot put should also turn some heads with three throwers, two from Swartz Creek and one from Romeo, all throwing around 55 feet. The boys 3,200 relay and 1,600 relay will also be contested at a blistering pace.

In the girls meet race, defending regional champion Rochester Adams is rounding back into form. The Highlanders only graduated two point scorers off last year’s team and has just three seniors in their lineup. Adams won the OAA Red Division league meet crown with 153 points last week, the first time all season the Highlanders fielded its full lineup.

“I think we can score well, but (Ortonville) Brandon is a lot better than last year and they beat us at the Oxford Invitational a couple of weeks ago,” said Adams coach Eric Lohr. “They are definitely going to be tough to beat. I do like our chances to compete for the regional if we compete.”

Ortonville Brandon has the deepest sprints core at the regional and has added some fine field events personal to the mix. The Blackhawks and Adams should be the co-favorites at the meet, while Clarkston, 2010 state champion Rochester, Pontiac, Oxford Holly and Rochester Stoney Creek expected to score well.

Clarkston defeated Adams in dual meet in early April and edged Rochester by one point for second place at last week’s league meet. This is the first time since 1988 that Rochester has competed in a Flint-area regional, spending the past 20 years at the West Bloomfield regional.

Watch for some blistering efforts in the distances races and some fast efforts in the sprint relays as well. The girls high jump is also expected to have several performers seeking state berths.

DIVISION 1 AT WARREN MOTT: Troy’s girls have finished first or second in each of the past seven years at this regional, although the Colts are not favored this time around.

Macomb Dakota is having its best season to date and enters the meet as the heavy favorite. Troy, Sterling Heights Stevenson, Fraser and Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse should also be in the race for top-five finishes. Last season, Troy edged Dakota 151.5-135 for the crown.

Dakota has the most balance with several quality performers in the distances and sprints, along with point-scorers spread elsewhere. Troy is not as deep in the distances as in years past, but will still score in those events.

Utica and Dakota could converge for the boys meet title, although Troy and Stevenson will also score well, along with New Baltimore Anchor Bay and Fraser. Troy’s boys have several young performers that have shined this season and could be a darkhorse if they perform well.

DIVISION 2 AT BLOOMFIELD HILLS LAHSER: This regional will be much deeper than in past years, as most of the teams are simply better than in the past and some new arrivals from the Detroit PSL bring forth some quality athletes.

In the boys meet, Auburn Hills Avondale and Birmingham Detroit Country Day, which tied for third at last year’s state meet, are the predominant favorites, although Ferndale and Bloomfield Hills Andover should be in the top five.

The girls meet will featured defending state champion Country Day, which is primed to contend again this season, looking to fend off Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Detroit Renaissance. A newcomer to the regional, Detroit Pershing, will add depth to the sprints races on both the boys and girls meets.

Expect some of the state’s better efforts in D-2 to come out of this regional, in the throws, sprints and middle distances races.

DIVISION 4 AT WEBBERVILLE: The Danville boys are hoping to defend their regional crown, with Flint Hamady, Birmingham Roeper and Webberville also eying top finishers.

The local connections, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes and Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, could also score well in various events.

Oakland Christian’s boys, second to Danville last season, were hard hit by graduation and defections from last year’s team and will drop a bit this Saturday.

Morrice’s girls team cleaned up last season and will be in the running this season, along with Hamady and Birmingham Roeper. Lutheran Northwest, Oakland Christian and Danville could also score well.

FOR MORE TRACK COVERAGE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=track&x=14&y=11

BOYS GOLF: Novi wins Oakland County D-I title

Dan Stickradt — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:30:12 +0000

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

COMPLETE STATS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/05/16/12860/

WATERFORD — Novi is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of first and only boys golf state championship in 2012.

Perhaps that celebration, along with Wednesday’s performance at the Oakland County Division I Tournament, could be a good omen for the unranked Wildcats.

Behind a play-five, count-four team score of 309, Novi toppled the star-studded field Wednesday at Pontiac Country Club to win its second County D-I tournament title. The Wildcats’ last squad to win a county championship? — the 2002 squad.

“They can beat anybody they play against if they play the way they did today,” smiled Novi coach Brad Huss. “I thought we could be up there this year, because we were third here last season. You never know for sure what’s going to happen at the county.

SOARING: Rochester Sophomore Mike Murri was one of golfer to shoot 75 and tie for third overall at Wednesday's Oakland County Division I Tournament.Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt

“We’re proud of what we accomplished. It’s always a nice thing to win the county,” continued Huss. “We haven’t done so since our state championship year. We are in a loaded district and regional coming up, so this is a nice (springboard) to the state tournament.”

Led by co-medalist Brad Kozinski, who finished with a one-over round of 73, Novi was able to finish two strokes ahead of Birmingham Brother Rice (311) and three strokes ahead of Novi Detroit Catholic Central (312). Rochester Stoney Creek, which won last year’s Oakland County Division II title, was fourth at 318, while Lake Orion (319), Birmingham Groves (320), North Farmington (321), defending County D-I champion Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (322), Rochester Adams (327) and Walled Lake Northern (325) rounded out the top 10 in the team standings.

Of the 25 schools that competed, five schools held a top-12 ranking in one of the state’s four divisions coming in — Brother Rice (No. 3 D-1), Detroit Catholic Central (No. 6 D-1), Rochester Adams (No. 12 D-1), Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (No. 1 D-2 ) and Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (No. 1 D-4). Cranbrook finished back in 13^thposition (328).

SWING AWAY: Oxford's Doug Schultz and the Wildcats posted a 333 team score to come in 16th place at the Oakland County D-I Tournament. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt

The aforementioned Kozinski was joined by Johnny Walker (76), Garret Buckley (80), Mike Wenzel (80) and Bryan Fograt (83) as part of Novi’s winning group.

“Coming into today, I thought a sub-70 round would win it,” said Kozinski, who tied for seventh with a 74 at last year’s county event. “But it was playing tricky. The wind was blowing and the greens were tough to putt on. A 73 ended up coming through. It was surprising, but it felt good. It’s always nice to win a tournament like the county.”

South Lyon’s Garris joined Kozinski in the winner’s circle as co-medalist, as he became the first South Lyon golfer to win the Oakland County D-I Tournament.

“My chipping was close, I had some good drives and I put the ball in the right places,” said Garris, who shot a 76 and placed ninth last season. “I got some more putts to fall this year. I expected some scores to be in the 60s today with all of the good players.

“This (was my) best score all year and the right time to do it,” added Garris. “It means a lot with all of the good teams and players here each year.”

SMOOTH STROKE: Tyler Coyne and Auburn Hills Oakland Christian finished eighth at Wednesday's Oakland County Division I Tournament. Coyne carded a 79. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt

A total of 14 golfers shot 76 or better in the field of 125 golfers, with five competitors tying for third at 75 and seven golfers shooting 76 to tie for eighth overall.

Walled Lake Northern’s Nick Vick, Rochester’s Mike Murri, Stoney Creek’s Spencer Lendzion and Rochester Adams freshman Brandon Barrows all carded 75s, while the Ortonville Brandon duo of Ben Stowers and Tyler Lewis, Oxford’s Nick Hocker, Novi’s Walker, Catholic Central’s Joey Hanba, Lake Orion’s Alex Waechli and Brother Rice’s Sean Friel all followed at 76.

COMPLETE 2012 STATS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/05/16/12860/

2011 COUNTY STATS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2011/05/18/boys-golf-oakland-county-division-i-tournament-results/

STATE RANKINGS: http://northoaklandsports.com/2012/05/16/prep-state-rankings-may-16-2/

FOR MORE GOLF COVERAGE: northoaklandsports.com/?s=Golf&x=9&y=14

GIRLS TENNIS: Adams, Royal Oak clinch OAA titles

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:21:36 +0000

Girls Tennis

OAA WHITE DIVISION TOURNAMENT

(Saturday at Rochester Schools)

TEAM SCORES — 1. Rochester Adams, 51; 2. Troy Athens, 48; 3. North Farmington, 47; 4. Birmingham Groves, 45; 5. Berkley 28; 6. Rochester Stoney Creek, 25; 7. Farmington Harrison, 24; 8. Lake Orion, 20.

DUAL MATCH STANDINGS — 1. Rochester Adams (7-0-0) …

FINAL STANDINGS — 1. Rochester Adams, 14 points …

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHTS

SINGLES — 1. Halle Hyman (Rochester Adams) d. Akanksha Vaishnav (North Farmington) 6-0, 6-0; 2. Maria Seaver (Rochester Adams) d. Stephanie Wagner (Berkley) 6-2, 6-1; 3. Maddie McCoy (Birmingham Groves) d. Jessica Gross (Berkley) 6-3, 6-2; 4. Grace Wu (Troy Athe3ns) d. Kate Cenko (Rochester Adams) 6-2, 6-4.

DOUBLES — 1. Sarah Tobin-Marian Vicini (North Farmington) d. Sanjana Kulkarni-Elizabeth Yang (Troy Athens) 6-1, 6-1; 2. Kelly Greer-Kasey Rechter (Birmingham Groves) d. Cathy Wang-Christine Weng (Rochester Adams) 7-5, 6-7 (6), 6-1; 3. Rasika Karnik-Emily Yee (Troy Athens) d. Samantha Olmstead-Shayna Brickman (Birmingham Groves) 4-6, 6-2, 6-4; 4. Rayanne Brode-Rayven Goodwin (Birmingham Groves) d. Smruti Desai-Aishawarya Singh (Troy Athens) 7-6 (4), 6-3.

OAA BLUE DIVISION TOURNAMENT
(Saturday at Royal Oak)

TEAM SCORES — 1. Royal Oak, 57; 2. Auburn Hills Avondale, 55; 3. Farmington, 49; 4. Southfield, 37; 5. Southfield-Lathrup, 33; 6. Hazel Park, 23; 7. Ferndale, 19; 8. Pontiac, 11

DUAL MATCH STANDINGS — 1. Royal Oak (7-0-0); 2. Auburn Hills Avondale (6-1-0)…

FINAL STANDINGS — 1. Royal Oak, 14 points; 2. Auburn Hills Avondale, 12.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHTS

SINGLES — 1. Lauren Hughes (Southfield) d. Fallon Richie (Auburn Hills Avondale Avondale) 6-0, 6-0; 2. Catherine Gray (Royal Oak) d. Lekha Mutyala (Ferndale) 7-5, 6-0; 3. Amy Swanson (Auburn Hills Avondale) d. Susan Rusinowski (Royal Oak) 6-2, 6-2; 4. Grace Couture (Ferndale) d. Abby Rogers (Royal Oak) 6-2, 6-1.

DOUBLES — 1. Nicole Hermiz-Sara Mulders (Auburn Hills Avondale) d. Anna Orletski-Christiana Schoenherr (Royal Oak) 6-3, 6-1; 2. Maria Peurach-Natalia Peurach (Ferndale) d. Dani Anticuar-Karen Nixon (Auburn Hills Avondale) 6-4, 6-0; 3. Meghan McCarthy-Sarah Rusinowski (Royal Oak) d. Laura Meyer-Taania Girgla (Ferndale) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2; 4. Ashlee Morris-Rachel Rusinowski (Royal Oak) d. Erina Wojtkiewicz-Anna DeVeaux (Ferndale) 6-4, 6-3.

CATHOLIC LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

(Combination of Central Division and AA Division schools)

TEAM SCORES — 1. Birmingham Marian, 23; 2. Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart, 13; 3. Farmington Hills Mercy, 13; 4. Livonia Ladywood, 10; 5. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 9; 6. Warren Regina, 3.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHTS

SINGLES — 1. Bailey Paradiso (Birmingham Marian ) d. Winnie Karoub (Farmington Hills Mercy) 6-3, 6-4; 2. Elaine Apaza (Birmingham Marian) d. Kelsey Hildebrand (Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart) 6-0, 6-0; 3. Catherine Christian (Birmingham Marian) d. Tyler Papazian (Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart) 6-0, 6-1; 4. Lauren Dietz (Birmingham Marian) d. Erin Moncrief (Pontiac Notre Dame Prep) 6-1, 6-1.
DOUBLES — 1. Kelly Lunghamer-Olivia Underwood (Birmingham Marian) d. Margaux Kabodian-Jessie Guindi (Farmingotn Hills Mercy) 7-6 (1), 7-6 (3); 2. Christy Snyder-Anna Hinrichs (Farmington Hills Mercy) d. Hannah Gerard-Elia Wilson (Bloomfield Hills Mercy) 6-0, 6-3; 3. Bianca Emde-Molly MacKenzie (Birmingham Marian) d. Julie Flanagan-Laura Williams (Farmington Hills Mercy) 6-3, 6-1; 4. Macy Hudson-Mallory Hudson (Birmingham Marian) d. Kendall Lehmann-Teresa Walawender (Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart) 6-0, 6-4.

PSL SOCCER: Michigan Bucks open with 6-0 rout of Jersey Shore

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:15:51 +0000

BY DAN DUGGAN

CORRESPONDENT

PONTIAC — Behind a six-goal outburst, the Michigan Bucks opened up the 2012 season Tuesday in fine fashion Tuesday.

The Bucks scored early and often in a 6-0 whitewash of the Jersey Shore Boca at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, as part of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The 6-0 shutout puts the Bucks into the-second-round match on May 22 in Pittsburgh, when they take on the USL Pro (D-III) Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Bucks and Riverhounds last met in round two of the 2006 US Open Cup when the Bucks upset the professional team, 2-0, in a thrilling match at Rochester Stoney Creek High School.

This year’s version of the Bucks Open Cup roster was new to Bucks fans, but the attacking style they are accustomed to was the same. Michigan came out attacking from the opening whistle and pounded the Boca goal relentlessly throughout the first half.

The star of the first stanza was Jersey Shore goalkeeper Bobby Feeny, who faced 23 shots in the first 45 minutes (40 overall) and made several point-blank saves in keeping the Bucks off the scoreboard for the first 30 minutes of play. The Bucks inability to put the ball in the back of the net became a bit easier in the 17th minute when Jersey Shore defender Nick Tarquino was sent off for a straight red card when he brought down Bucks forward Stefan St. Louis, who was heading in alone from the top of the box.

The Bucks finally broke the deadlock when a pair of former Oakland University Grizzlies connected to bring the crowd to their feet. St. Louis smacked home a close-range rocket to the top of the net after collecting a perfect through ball from former college team mate Tom Catalano in the 31st minute.

Catalano, the Man of the Match, would set up newcomer Nermin Crnkic for his first tally in a Bucks uniform just five minutes later. In the 38th minute, St. Louis would give the Bucks a 3-0 lead with one of the most bizarre goals ever scored in Bucks history. After breaking in alone on Feeny after a perfect through ball from Steve Miller, St. Louis would trip over the ball, nutmeg himself and wind end up lying on the turf three yards from goal. With Feeny unable to collect the ball from underneath the Trinidad striker, St. Louis back heeled the ball into the corner of the goal while rising up from the turf.

Defensively, the Bucks were solid across the back led by PDL veterans Sebby Harris and Kevin Cope. Michigan only yielded nine shots on the evening and goalkeeper Adam Grinwas was forced to make only four saves. Although most of the night was quiet for the Michigan Wolverines goalie, he did make a couple of key first-half saves to keep Boca off the board in registering his first shutout in a Bucks uniform.

The second half started much more subdued for both teams, with Jersey Shore playing down a man and the Bucks in complete control. Bucks head coach Gary Parsons made a couple of second half substitutions early bringing in Thomas Schmitt and Ethan Miller to lead the offense and both would figure in the second half scoring.

Schmitt, the University of Akron leading scorer this spring, would set up Catalano for the game’s fourth goal in the 74th minute.

The best goal of the game came six minutes later when Crnkic beat his defender down the flank and found Miller at the top of the box running free. Miller ripped a left-footed shot into the top corner to make the game 5-0.

Bim Ogunyemi would complete his homecoming party with the nightcap in the 89th minute off a pass from Crnkic to round out the scoring. Ogunyemi left the Bucks to pursue his pro career with the Portland Timbers (MLS) the past two seasons and won a PDL championship with the Timbers U23 team in 2010.

The Bucks will be off on Wednesday before training Thursday and Friday for the PDL season opener on Saturday night against the expansion Chicago Inferno. The first of eight regular season home games will also be played at Ultimate Soccer Arenas at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the gate for the match are $10 Adults and $7 Youth (16 and under). Kids 5 and under are always free to Bucks games. Fans who attended Tuesday’s US Open Cup game can get in for only $3 by showing their game ticket. Anyone can purchase tickets for the regular presale price of only $6 by going to the Bucks web site at www.buckssoccer.com and clicking the tickets link.

PREP STATE RANKINGS — May 16

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:10:46 +0000

PREP STATE RANKINGS

Boys Golf

(By the coaches association)

Division 1 — 1. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; 2. Muskegon Mona Shores; 3. Birmingham Brother Rice; 4. Traverse City West; 5. Battle Creek Lakeview; 6. Novi Detroit Catholic Central; 7. Plymouth; 8. Grand Blanc; 9. Pinckney; 10. North Farmington; 11. Grosse Pointe South; 12. Rochester Adams.

Division 2 — 1. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; 2. Grand Rapids South Christian; 3. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills; 4. Marshall; 5. East Grand Rapids; 6. DeWitt; 7. Grand Rapids Christian; 8. Richland Gull Lake; 9. Dearborn Divine Child; 10. Petoskey; 11. Tecumseh; 12. New Boston Huron.

Division 3 — 1. Jackson Lumen Christi; 2. Grand Rapids West Catholic; 3. Hanover-Horton; 4. Lansing Catholic Central; 5. Grosse Ile; 6. Grand Rapdis NorthPointe Christian; 7. Ithaca; 8.Williamston; 9. Portland; 10. Jackson Vandercook Lake; 11. Lake Odessa Lakewood; 12. Flint Powers Catholic

Division 4 — 1. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian; 2. Lake Leelanau St. Mary; 3. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett; 4. St. Ignace; 6. Manistee Catholic central; 7. Suttons Bay; 8. Ann Arbor Greenhills; 9. Saginaw Nouvel Catholic; 10. Clarkston Everest Collegiate-Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Unified; 11. Muskegon Western Michigan Christian; 12. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest.

Girls Tennis

(By the coaches association)

Division 1 — 1. Port Huron Northern; 2. Grosse Pointe South; 3. Ann Arbor Pioneer; 4. Clarkston; 5. Northville; 6. Saline; 7. Ann Arbor Huron; 8. Midland Dow; 9. Novi; 10. Troy.

Division 2 — 1. Birmingham Marian; 2. Bloomfield Hills Andover; 3. Birmingham Seaholm; 4. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; 5. Traverse City Central; 6. Okemos; 7. Bloomfield Hills Lahser; 8. Farmington Hills Mercy; 9. Battle Creek Lakeview; 10. Grand Rapids Northview.

Division 3 — 1. East Grand Rapids; 2. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood; 3. Allegan; 4. Birmingham Detroit Country Day; 5. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern; 6. Holland Christian; 7. Haslett; 8. Grand Rapids Catholic Central; 9. Cadillac; 10. St. Clair.

Division 4 — 1. Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart; 2.Williamston; 3. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central; 5. Jackson Lumen Christi; 6. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep; 7. Ann Arbor Richard; 8. Traverse City St. Francis; 9. Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic; 10. Ludington.

Baseball

(By the coaches association)

Division 1 — 1. Birmingham Brother Rice; 2. Midland;
3. Macomb Dakota; 4. Northville; 5. Hudsonville; 6. Bay City Western; 7. Rockford; 8. Saline; 9. Howell; 10. Plymouth.

Division 2 — 1. Richland Gull Lake; 2. Grand Rapids Christian; 3. Monroe Jefferson; 4. Bay City John Glenn; 5. Mt. Pleasant; 6. St. Clair; 7. Lapeer East; 8. Charlotte; 9. Tecumseh; 10. St. Joseph.

Division 3 — 1. Madison Heights Bishop Foley; 2. Lansing Catholic; 3. Parchment; 4. Shepherd; 5. Reese; 6. Watervliet; 7. Reading; 8. Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic; 9. Blissfield; 10. Hanover-Horton.

Division 4 — 1. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett; 2. Decatur; 3. New Lothrup; 4. Johannesburg-Lewiston; 5. Beal City; 6. Gobles; 7. Muskegon Catholic Central; 8. Buckley; 9. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; 10. Concord.

BOYS GOLF: Oakland County Division I Tournament Results

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:56:17 +0000

Boys Golf

OAKLAND COUNTY DIVISION I TOURNAMENT

(May 16 at Pontiac Country Club)

TEAM SCORES — 1. Novi, 309; 2. Birmingham Brother Rice, 311; 3. Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 312; 4. Rochester Stoney Creek, 318; 5. Lake Orion, 319; 6. Birmingham Groves, 320; 7. North Farmington, 321; 8. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, 322; 9. Rochester Adams, 327; 10. Walled Lake Northern, 325; 11. Auburn Hills Avondale, 326; 12. Birmingham Seaholm, 327; 13. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, 328; 14. Clarkston, 329; 15. Troy, 331; 16. (tie) Oxford, 333; South Lyon, 333; Walled Lake Northern, 333; 18. (tie) Rochester, 335; Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, 335; 20. White Lake Lakeland, 338; 21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 342; 22. Ortonville Brandon, 347; 23. Milford, 349; 24. Walled Lake Western, 354; 25. Birmingham Detroit Country Day, 369.

INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS — 1. (tie) Gavin Garris (South Lyon) 73; Brad Kozinski (Novi) 73; 3. (tie) Ryan Dykstra (Walled Lake Northern) 75; Nick Vick (Birmingham Seaholm) 75; Mike Murri (Rochester) 75; Brandon Barrows (Rochester Adams) 75; Spencer Lendzion (Rochester Stoney Creek)75; 8. (tie) Ben Stowers (Ortonville Brandon) 76; Tyler Lewis (Ortonville Brandon) 76; Nick Hocker (Oxford) 76; Johnny Walker (Novi) 76; Joey Hanba (Novi Detroit Catholic Central) 76; Alex Waechli (Lake Orion) 76; Sean Friel (Birmingham Brother Rice) 76.

WATCHING HER SAIL: Ortonville Brandon's Ben Stowers watches his tee shot fly down the fairway at Wednesday's Oakland county Division I Tournament at Pontiac Country Club. Stowers finished in the top 10. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt

TEAM RESULTS

NOVI (309): Brad Kozinski, 73; Johnny Walker, 76; Garret Buckley, 80; Mike Wenzel, 80; Bryan Fegert, 83.

BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE (311): Sean Friel, 76; Jeremy Glod, 77; Kyle Gaines, 79; Jeremy Ball, 79; Lucas Belanger, 83.

NOVI DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL (312): Joey Hanba, 76; Charlie Green, 78; Patrick Luther, 79; Dominic Scopone, 79; Owen Franks, 80.

ROCHESTER STONEY CREEK (318): Spencer Lendzion, 75; Michael Doyle, 77; Ryan Jackson, 83; Richie Inge, 83; Michael Linihan, 88.

LAKE ORION (319): Alex Waechli, 76; Casey VanDerGraff, 80; Mason Gorris, 81; Tyler Dragoo, 82; Griffin Beeler, 84.

BIRMINGHAM GROVES (320): Johnny Reid, 77; Calvin Greer, 80; Connor Flynn, 81; Nick Purjel, 82; Jake Wayne, 103.

NORTH FARMINGTON (321): Max Kollin, 79; Jon Pierret, 79; Austin Alexander, 81; Ryan Massell, 79; Matt Goldin, 82.

AUBURN HILLS OAKLAND CHRISTIAN (322): Zach Pruess, 78; Tyler Coyne, 79; Brandon Delekta, 82; John VanNoord, 83; Spencer Haypert, 96.

ROCHESTER ADAMS (323): Brandon Barrows, 75; Eric Busa, 80; Marcus Robinson, 84; Jamie Stanton, 84; Ben Van Orman, 88.

AUBURN HILLS AVONDALE (326):Nikolas Senkowski, 79; Spencer Jacobson, 81; Troy May, 82; Blake Blomberg, 84; Steven Carter, 87.

RIPPING IT:Auburn hills Avondale's Spencer Jacobsen fired an 81 at Wednesday's Oakland County tourney, helping the Yellowjackets finish 11th out of 25 schools. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt

BIRMINGHAM SEAHOLM (327): Nick Vick, 75; Kevin Lamb, 80; RJ Haley, 82; Alex Krivan, 90; Will Crimmins, 94.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS CRANBOOK KINGWOOD (328): Gray Short, 79; Griffin Smith, 82; Dylan Deogin, 86; Michael Ray, 84; Kyle He, 86.

CLARKSTON (329): Dan Corrazza, 79; Jack Alli, 82; Nick Badgley, 83; Alex Genter, 85; Jimmy Delnick, 86.

TROY (331): Christian Harnishfeger, 80; Nick Gruzzo, 83; Manak Singh, 84; Jeff Holmes, 84; Zach Bowers, 91.

SOUTH LYON (333): Gavin Garris, 73; Derek Knauss, 84; Kyle Koehler, 86; Zach DeLine, 90; Ryan Erdmann, 97.

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN (333): Ryan Dykstra, 75; Michael Collins, 81; Max Lowe, 86; TJ Cockels, 89; Alex Watson, 97.

OXFORD (333): Nick Hocker, 76; Nolan Chapman, 83; Doug Schultz, 87; JJ Lewis, 87; Matt Prince, 96.

ROCHESTER (335): Michael Murri, 75; Scott DiFilipo, 84; Ludovic Clavette-Lachapelle, 88; Nic Duff, 88; Mike Santavica, 90.

ORCHARD LAKE ST.MARY’S (335): Nathan Zoulek, 79; Kyle Rubick, 80; Kitt Koolwick, 86; Mark Damico, 90; John McGuire, 95.

WHITE LAKE LAKELAND (338): Jake Kneen, 80; Justin Rahl, 80; Alex Kleckner, 89; Ian Farley, 89; Cameron Croft, 89.

PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP (342): Aaron Knutson, 77; Tyler Jackson, 82; Jeff Bullard, 91; Ryan Kessler, 92; Mitch Wayne, 98.

ORTONVILLE BRANDON (347): Ben Stowers, 76; Tyler Lewis, 76; Brent Louiska, 95; Bruce Brody, 100; Jake Selak, 105.

MILFORD (349): Caron Vergin, 82; Pat Golich, 87; Tommy Lifferri, 87; Pierson Millington, 93; Nick Young, 95.

WALLED LAKE WESTERN (354): Jake Phillipson, 82; AJ Patrick, 89; Kyle Schultz, 88; George Lawley, 95; Matt Weddell, 100.

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY (369): Rishi Patel, 88; AJ Paesh, 88; Alex Manning, 89; Ashwan Nallamothu, 104; Prady Modokuru, 106.

BASEBALL: Back in familiar position, Lake Orion leading charge in OAA Red Division

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:47:38 +0000

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

LAKE ORION — It almost seems that it is a right of passage for Lake Orion to at least compete for a league championship in baseball. The Dragons are back in their usual spot in mid-May — in the heat of the OAA Red Division race.

Lake Orion is currently 18-8 overall and in-and-out of the Division 1 top 10. In the OAA-Red, the Dragons hold the lead with a 9-2 overall record, a game ahead of second-place Rochester Stoney Creek.

“I thought we’d be up there this season,” admitted 14^th-year head coach Andy Schramek, who has never had a losing season at Lake Orion and holds a fine 330-121 overall coaching record at the varsity level. “I knew the league would be good again. It always is. But we have put ourselves in a position to potentially win it.”

SINGE PATROL: Lake Orion junior Nick Deeg has emerged as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the state and is ace of a deep and talented pitching staff for the Dragons this season. File Photo.

The Dragons visit Stoney Creek for a league twinbill Wednesday and a sweep will likely sew up the conference crown. Stoney Creek edged Lake Orion in the final league standings last season by one game, when the division had nine schools (13-3 to 12-4 records, respectively). This season the division fields six squads with each team playing each other three times.

“The set-up is different, but it’s still a very good league and there really isn’t a weak team,” said Schramek, whose team’s only losses are to Rochester and Oxford, the teams in fifth and sixth place. “But we have played solid baseball in the league. Against Rochester, we pitched a two-hitter and lost. We gave them a couple of runs in one bad inning.”

Since Schramek became coach in 1999, Lake Orion has not finished lower than fourth place in the OAA’s top division (OAA-I or OAA-Red). They have claimed six league titles with multiple league runner-up finishes, won six district crowns, four regional titles and one D-1 state championship in 2007.

Right now, the Dragons sole concern is to win the OAA-Red, although sights will soon turn to a potential long postseason run. Lake Orion is set up with a fine pitching staff, including a pair of left-handers that would be the ace on most pitching staffs in the area.

Nick Deeg, a 6-foot-5 junior, and sophomore Brad Schaenzer, have proven to be dominant on the mound this season. Both are averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning, have combined for a 10-2 record and have ERAs under 2.00. Both are starting to hit the radar with some college and pro scouts.

The pitching staff does not stop there, despite junior Cody Campbell moving to Illinois last summer. Senior Jacob Gardner (Hillsdale College) has overcome some early-season arm problems, while senior Dalton Oveson and junior Travis Scheppler have also been key contributors on the mound. Nearly half of the Dragons’ roster can pitch.

At the plate, Deeg, junior Ryan Lambrecht and junior Nick Vogelmeier have led the way.

“We have a pretty solid lineup, “said Schramek. “I think the one area where we have not played consistent is on our weekend double headers. That’s where (six) of our losses have come. We have played a tough schedule. But I think there were some of those games where I think we could have played better. But no one remembers those games (come June).”

Since winning its state title five years ago, Lake Orion has not made it past the district semifinals. In fact the past two years the Dragons have lost in the Tuesday pre-district contest.

Lake Orion will play against Waterford Mott in this year’s pre-district. The Dragons are the district host for the second straight year and fourth time in six seasons.

“It seems like we always draw that pre-district game,” sighed Schramek. “I think since I became head coach, we’ve played in the pre-district game 10 or 11 times.”

Regardless of the extra postseason game, Lake Orion is built for a long run thanks to a deep pitching staff.

“We’re hoping for a better (showing) this season,” said Schramek, whose team has won anywhere from 16 to 31 games in his previous 13 seasons at the helm. “We haven’t won a district since the year we won the state championship. One of our goals is to get past the district this season. That’s always the goal.”

FOR MORE BASEBALL COVERAGE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=Baseball&x=16&y=13

GIRLS SOCCER: Adams, Troy can’t gain ground in 0-0 draw

Dan Stickradt — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:56:32 +0000

HERE IT COMES: Rochester Adams' Grace Genouw (left) and Troy's Grace Goodrich prepare for the arrival of the ball during Tuesday's OAA Red Division clash. Photo | Larry McKee, www.lmckeephotgraphy.com

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

Twitter: @LocalSportsFans

ROCHESTER HILLS — On the surface, nothing was settled on the soccer pitch Tuesday.

Rochester Adams and Troy battled to a 0-0 tie in an OAA Red Division match. Neither team gained ground on the other in the league race, which is in its final week, and neither team could solve the other team’s defense.

Yet for two teams with aspirations of long postseason runs — both schools have made several over the years — there was much to gain in the kiss-your-sister, scoreless draw.

Rochester Adams outshot Troy 13-6, with Adams holding a 6-5 edge with shots directly on goal. Adams senior Lexi Lewandowski picked up her ninth shutout of the season, while Troy junior Alison Holland grabbed her eighth shutout of the year. Both keepers were brilliant when called upon during the contest, making brilliant saves and coming off their line to snare crosses, restarts and cornerkicks and patrolling the penalty boxes with authority.

“That’s why their keeper was All-State last year,” noted Donaghy. “She made a couple of brilliant saves. And our keeper, Lexi, made a couple of nice ones, too. Both goalies played well.”

Adams, which has a defense anchored by Lauren Boyle and marking back Tiffany Buckler and have yielded just six goals all year, helped the Highlanders dominate the first half, where Troy attempted just one shot.

The two teams were even in the second half but neither could solve the Rubix.

Adams (9-3-1, 8-1-1) had two great opportunities to cash in, one in each half, but could not convert. In the 37^th minute, Merlin Beckwith ripped a shot that Holland punched off the crossbar and out of play. Beckwith was loose again at the top of the box with 15:25 left in the contest, but her shot clanked off the left goal post.

Troy countered with some activity in the final 40 minutes. The Colts (11-2-1, 6-2-1), who lost to Adams 4-1 earlier in the year. Senior Miss Soccer candidate Irene Young was stuffed on three different scoring opportunities inside the final 20 minutes, including a blast with 13:23 where Lewandowski fell to her right to stop the shot.

Still, Troy had to make adjustments at the half to try to make the game more competitive.

“They took it to us in the first half,” admitted Troy coach Brian Zawislak. “We talked about it at halftime. It wasn’t much about Xs and Os. It was more about work rate. I thought our girls did a better job in the second half winning the first and second balls and getting pressure on them. (Adams) created some chances in the second half, but we created some as well. It could have gone either way.”

Adams (9-3-1, 8-1-1) still holds the league lead with two games left. The Highlanders will play Auburn Hills Avondale Thursday and Rochester Friday. Troy plays Rochester Stoney Creek Thursday and has a make-up contest Monday against Auburn Hills Avondale.

“We always talk about peaking for June. The league is the league, but we want to make sure we are ready for the tournament,” said Zawislak. “We still have a lot to work on.”

FOR MORE SOCCER COVERAGE: http://northoaklandsports.com/?s=soccer&x=0&y=0