If there's one thing Warren Fitzgerald girls basketball proved this season it's that the Spartans are not to be underestimated.
The defending Macomb Area Conference Silver champs and defending Class B district champions joined four new squads in the Silver Division, and proved they are still the top dog, going 8-2 and sharing the division title with Sterling Heights High.
Coach Sam Hines, who is in his second season with the Spartans, resurrected a team that had posted back to back 3-19 records.
The Spartans returned a starting five with a wealth of talent, including junior guard Kristian Hines — coach Hines' daughter — who earned the Silver MVP award last season. What's more is that college teams such as University of Louisville, University of Detroit-Mercy, North Carolina State University and UCLA are already interested in this underclassman.
At 6 feet 3 inches, sophomore center Ajai Meeks is a dominating shot blocker and dangerous on the offensive boards. With two years yet to play in preps, UConn and Penn State are already keeping tabs on her.
With only one senior graduating this year, Fitz has the potential to build a championship-caliber program — one that goes beyond conference titles.
The Spartans drew a bye in the opening round of the district tournament and play Center Line High at 5:30 p.m. March 4.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Basketball battles, league leaders
It's the home stretch. The last leg. The title fight.
With three, or in some cases four, games left to play in the Macomb Area Conference girls basketball season, division winners will soon be decided.
Here's a list of match ups that shouldn't be missed of teams that will be vying for a chance at a title.
Grosse Pointe South, which took a commanding lead in the MAC Blue this season after moving into the division after years in the MAC White, is 7-1, while rival Mount Clemens High has slowly climbed the ranks to 5-2. The two square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 on the Battling Bathers' home court. Although the first meeting ended in loss for Mount Clemens — 69-55 — the Bathers have spent the past two years as bridesmaids and would like that trend to stop this year, so this should be a good one.
For most of the season, Sterling Heights High sat atop the MAC Silver. With one eye on the league crown and another on Warren Fitzgerald (7-1), which climbed the standings until finally ousting Sterling (6-2) from the top spot. At 7 p.m. Feb. 25, they'll meet head to head on the Stallions' court for, more than likely, the league champion.
In the newly created Bronze Division, Clinton Township Clintondale leads the charge at 8-0. However, the Dragons won't walk away with the crown without a battle from a determined Warren Mott (7-1) group. Fans can catch these two teams square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Mott.
With three, or in some cases four, games left to play in the Macomb Area Conference girls basketball season, division winners will soon be decided.
Here's a list of match ups that shouldn't be missed of teams that will be vying for a chance at a title.
Grosse Pointe South, which took a commanding lead in the MAC Blue this season after moving into the division after years in the MAC White, is 7-1, while rival Mount Clemens High has slowly climbed the ranks to 5-2. The two square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 on the Battling Bathers' home court. Although the first meeting ended in loss for Mount Clemens — 69-55 — the Bathers have spent the past two years as bridesmaids and would like that trend to stop this year, so this should be a good one.
For most of the season, Sterling Heights High sat atop the MAC Silver. With one eye on the league crown and another on Warren Fitzgerald (7-1), which climbed the standings until finally ousting Sterling (6-2) from the top spot. At 7 p.m. Feb. 25, they'll meet head to head on the Stallions' court for, more than likely, the league champion.
In the newly created Bronze Division, Clinton Township Clintondale leads the charge at 8-0. However, the Dragons won't walk away with the crown without a battle from a determined Warren Mott (7-1) group. Fans can catch these two teams square off at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Mott.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Signed, sealed, delivered
National Letter of Intent signing day is a unique day when the tables are turned, and the power is in the hand of the high school athlete.
In the course of players’ high school athletic careers, colleges, who tout their programs in hopes of wooing a player, court them.
The spectacle that signing day has become centers mainly on football players, who may make a surprise change-of-heart decision on signing day.
But what about the track and field, soccer, cross country and water polo athletes eager to sign their name on the dotted line on Feb. 4?
I got to spend time with Birmingham Brother Rice senior Kevin Dzierzawski, who was signing his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Dartmouth College, among four football players that were also making college commitments.
Despite a lot of hype centered on the gridiron gang, Dzierzawski relished that he was going Ivy League and proud to be the only soccer player in the group.
By the end of the signing ceremony, it didn't matter whether he was sitting next to a Division 1 football prospect or not. Sporting a green Dartmouth cap and a smile on his face proved that signing day belonged to him in his own special way.
In the course of players’ high school athletic careers, colleges, who tout their programs in hopes of wooing a player, court them.
The spectacle that signing day has become centers mainly on football players, who may make a surprise change-of-heart decision on signing day.
But what about the track and field, soccer, cross country and water polo athletes eager to sign their name on the dotted line on Feb. 4?
I got to spend time with Birmingham Brother Rice senior Kevin Dzierzawski, who was signing his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Dartmouth College, among four football players that were also making college commitments.
Despite a lot of hype centered on the gridiron gang, Dzierzawski relished that he was going Ivy League and proud to be the only soccer player in the group.
By the end of the signing ceremony, it didn't matter whether he was sitting next to a Division 1 football prospect or not. Sporting a green Dartmouth cap and a smile on his face proved that signing day belonged to him in his own special way.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Menacing matchups
Lately, much of my time has been spent on balconies, in auxilary gyms and even in local training centers.
That's where many of the gymnastics teams have to set up shop to get their practicing in.
That's where many of the gymnastics teams have to set up shop to get their practicing in.
Though they were sometimes tough to find, I've had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of those who are fighting each day to keep their sport alive and well.
Because I've been shuffling across mats and climbing over various apparatuses to get to these athletes, I've had to take a little break from covering Macomb Area Conference girls basketball.
Because I've been shuffling across mats and climbing over various apparatuses to get to these athletes, I've had to take a little break from covering Macomb Area Conference girls basketball.
But there are a couple of games rivalry games that fans in Warren and Grosse Pointe, especially, shouldn't miss.
Defending Class A state champion Grosse Pointe North takes on rival Grosse Pointe South at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at home. Although the Norsemen got off to a slow start in non-league games, they've jumped to 3-0 in the MAC Red.
Just a short drive down 12 Mile Road separates Warren Cousino and Warren Mott. At 7 p.m. Jan. 28, their basketball teams will tangle in a crossover game.
Defending Class A state champion Grosse Pointe North takes on rival Grosse Pointe South at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at home. Although the Norsemen got off to a slow start in non-league games, they've jumped to 3-0 in the MAC Red.
The Blue Devils, meanwhile, are also undefeated in league play, posting 3-0 in the MAC Blue. This matchup between crosstown rivals is always intense and fun for the community.
Just a short drive down 12 Mile Road separates Warren Cousino and Warren Mott. At 7 p.m. Jan. 28, their basketball teams will tangle in a crossover game.
Cousino's squad has proved to be a threat in the MAC Blue, splitting their first two league games and posting a 4-4 overall record. In the Bronze, Mott is competiting for the top spot at 2-0, tied with Clintondale.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Good will and hot soup
In Michigan’s tough economy, residents across the metro area have seen their share of ups and downs.
Despite many of us that are enduring hard times, there are some who are following the adage, “When your plate is full, get a bigger plate” and are giving back to those even less fortunate.
These amazing people are the local coaches and athletes that may seem like busy teenagers but are doing extraordinary things for families in need.
Take Madison Heights Lamphere student-athlete Tessa Maynard, who, while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average, is president of her class, captain of her volleyball team and manages to pack baskets for families in need every year before Christmas.
There’s also the Macomb Dakota girls basketball team, which for the past four years has volunteered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, serving up generosity and hot soup to its patrons.
These are just two shining examples of teams that have giving back to those in need.
For more on teams that are spreading holiday cheer this Christmas season, check the Dec. 24 edition of your local C & G Newspaper.
While the holiday season looks bleak for those just trying to make ends meet, there are ways to stretch your generosity, even if you can’t stretch your wallet.
Those who are interested in giving back can still donate to good causes, even if you’re budget is tight. Here are a couple of more ways, besides the 20 or so listed in our papers, to give back:
Despite many of us that are enduring hard times, there are some who are following the adage, “When your plate is full, get a bigger plate” and are giving back to those even less fortunate.
These amazing people are the local coaches and athletes that may seem like busy teenagers but are doing extraordinary things for families in need.
Take Madison Heights Lamphere student-athlete Tessa Maynard, who, while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average, is president of her class, captain of her volleyball team and manages to pack baskets for families in need every year before Christmas.
There’s also the Macomb Dakota girls basketball team, which for the past four years has volunteered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, serving up generosity and hot soup to its patrons.
These are just two shining examples of teams that have giving back to those in need.
For more on teams that are spreading holiday cheer this Christmas season, check the Dec. 24 edition of your local C & G Newspaper.
While the holiday season looks bleak for those just trying to make ends meet, there are ways to stretch your generosity, even if you can’t stretch your wallet.
Those who are interested in giving back can still donate to good causes, even if you’re budget is tight. Here are a couple of more ways, besides the 20 or so listed in our papers, to give back:
- Gleaners Community Food Bank: donors can provide canned and/or nonperishable food items to a local drop-off center.
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Donors can set out clothing of all types & sizes (men’s, ladies, children’s, baby’s) in boxes or bags and the driver will look for donations from the street. Please put it out, mark it for Vietnam Veterans of America or VVA, where it is clearly visible. Contact (800) 775-VETS (8387) so VVA is aware of donation.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Kicking off with preps
When the dog days came to a end last week with the first official day of school, another budding season of preps began.
For me, another season means the smell of freshly cut soccer fields and the screeching of sneakers on the hardwood of a volleyball court.
That's where you can catch me — on the sidelines covering boys soccer in the Oakland Activities Association Red and Blue divisions , the Michigan Independent Athletic Conference and the Catholic High School League, and in the stands watching volleyball teams in the Macomb Area Conference White, Blue and Bronze divisions.
Here's a few teams to watch out for in both sports:
Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day's soccer team might be young, but the elite program returns to the pitch as the Division 3 defending state champions and ranked No. 1 in Division 3 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association's Sept. 8 poll.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (9-0-0 overall) returned 12 players from last year's Division 4 state runner-up squad and aims to make another title run. Leading the squad is seniors Jacob Stanko on offense, Josh McKenna in midfield and Kramer Everett in goal. The Lancers are ranked No. 1 in Division 4.
Troy High (1- 1- 1 in the OAA Red and 2- 1-1 overall) was ranked No. 4 in the MHSSCA's rankings and comes in with a strong senior class, which hopes to capture the district title that Birmingham Brother Rice snatched from it last year.
Some volleyball teams were shifted around into new divisions this fall, while an entirely new division, the Bronze, was created to accommodate Clawson High, which joined the MAC this year.
Warren Cousino's volleyball squad (1-0 in the MAC White, 7-5 overall) packs a powerful punch in outside hitters seniors Kate Sak and Danielle Meyer. Coach Patti Hunter said this is the year for Cousino to break out and make a run in the state tournament.
The Blue Division welcomed two new teams in Sterling Heights High and Grosse Pointe South. While Utica High dominated the league last year (12-0), with Utica Stevenson (10-2) close behind, this year there's much more parity.
Warren Fitgerald returns as the favorite after winning the MAC Silver division last year. The Spartans, who are now in the Bronze Division, are guided by a senior-heavy squad that is aiming for league and district titles.
For me, another season means the smell of freshly cut soccer fields and the screeching of sneakers on the hardwood of a volleyball court.
That's where you can catch me — on the sidelines covering boys soccer in the Oakland Activities Association Red and Blue divisions , the Michigan Independent Athletic Conference and the Catholic High School League, and in the stands watching volleyball teams in the Macomb Area Conference White, Blue and Bronze divisions.
Here's a few teams to watch out for in both sports:
Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day's soccer team might be young, but the elite program returns to the pitch as the Division 3 defending state champions and ranked No. 1 in Division 3 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association's Sept. 8 poll.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (9-0-0 overall) returned 12 players from last year's Division 4 state runner-up squad and aims to make another title run. Leading the squad is seniors Jacob Stanko on offense, Josh McKenna in midfield and Kramer Everett in goal. The Lancers are ranked No. 1 in Division 4.
Troy High (1- 1- 1 in the OAA Red and 2- 1-1 overall) was ranked No. 4 in the MHSSCA's rankings and comes in with a strong senior class, which hopes to capture the district title that Birmingham Brother Rice snatched from it last year.
Some volleyball teams were shifted around into new divisions this fall, while an entirely new division, the Bronze, was created to accommodate Clawson High, which joined the MAC this year.
Warren Cousino's volleyball squad (1-0 in the MAC White, 7-5 overall) packs a powerful punch in outside hitters seniors Kate Sak and Danielle Meyer. Coach Patti Hunter said this is the year for Cousino to break out and make a run in the state tournament.
The Blue Division welcomed two new teams in Sterling Heights High and Grosse Pointe South. While Utica High dominated the league last year (12-0), with Utica Stevenson (10-2) close behind, this year there's much more parity.
Warren Fitgerald returns as the favorite after winning the MAC Silver division last year. The Spartans, who are now in the Bronze Division, are guided by a senior-heavy squad that is aiming for league and district titles.
But the Spartans should look for a hard-hitting Clinton Township Clintondale squad and an energized Madison Heights Lamphere's team.
Friday, July 18, 2008
A change is coming
In the past week, I got to see firsthand how one woman is bringing change to the male-dominated sport of sailing by encouraging women to take the helm.
By hosting a women's only sailing clinic Aug. 1 at Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Dawn Riley — a St. Clair Shores resident and world-renowned sailor — hopes that women will find confidence to brave the waves on their own, sans the men in their lives.
Riley began sailing with her family when she was a young girl. She said by the age of 13 she was "obsessed" with the sport and was ready to captain her own ship. Since then, she has manged to become the first woman to captain an America's Cup sailing team and race on three America's Cup teams and two Whitbread Round-the-Word Race teams.
While all that may seem daunting for a novice sea gal, Riley said sailing is not an exclusive sport. If you're interested in trying it out, Riley says there are always boats looking for crew. To get involved, she said just get to a local marina or club and ask around.
“All you have to do is show up,” Riley said. “Even if you don’t know ( how to sail), they’ll train you.”
Riley's clinic welcomes women of all skill levels to participate. By learning some basics — and a few tricks Riley has picked up during her travels — the next time you're out boating, you can surprise your friends (and yourself) by taking the helm.
By hosting a women's only sailing clinic Aug. 1 at Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Dawn Riley — a St. Clair Shores resident and world-renowned sailor — hopes that women will find confidence to brave the waves on their own, sans the men in their lives.
Riley began sailing with her family when she was a young girl. She said by the age of 13 she was "obsessed" with the sport and was ready to captain her own ship. Since then, she has manged to become the first woman to captain an America's Cup sailing team and race on three America's Cup teams and two Whitbread Round-the-Word Race teams.
While all that may seem daunting for a novice sea gal, Riley said sailing is not an exclusive sport. If you're interested in trying it out, Riley says there are always boats looking for crew. To get involved, she said just get to a local marina or club and ask around.
“All you have to do is show up,” Riley said. “Even if you don’t know ( how to sail), they’ll train you.”
Riley's clinic welcomes women of all skill levels to participate. By learning some basics — and a few tricks Riley has picked up during her travels — the next time you're out boating, you can surprise your friends (and yourself) by taking the helm.
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