2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: OAA BLUE

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school tryouts are on the horizon, just under a month away. Growing up, I remember the excitement of reading preview magazines for my favorite sports teams and learning about key players before the season started. The enthusiasm and excitement I have for the Michigan Varsity Girls Basketball season has been building since the end of AAU, which leads to my endeavor to write these conference preview articles. Every coach and team in the state has the desire to perform better than they did the previous season in their conference and in the playoffs. Each year there are coaching changes, graduations, transfers, and varsity additions that shift the dynamics of teams in the conference.&nbsp;The Oakland Activities Association consists of 23 teams separated into four divisions. The Red Division includes West Bloomfield, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, and Ferndale. The White Division includes Rochester, Birmingham Groves, Birmingham Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, and Troy. The Blue Division includes Southfield A &amp; T, Harper Woods, North Farmington, Rochester Adams, Troy Athens, Berkley, and Auburn Hills Avondale. The Gold Division includes Farmington, Pontiac, Oak Park, and Ferndale University. Each division has its own champion with divisional opponents playing twice: divisions change from year to year. The OAA is structured so that the most skilled teams compete in the Red Division, followed by the White, Blue, and Gold, respectively. 2023 results, 2024 predictions for the OAA Blue, and previews for each team in the division are included below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Season Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Red Division champion: West Bloomfield (10-0), White Division Champions: Bloomfield Hills (7-3) and Birmingham Seaholm (7-3), Blue Division Champion: Troy (9-1), Gold Division Champion: Ferndale (8-0). Darkhorse Teams: Birmingham Seaholm, Ferndale, Troy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024-25 OAA BLUE PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Berkley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. Troy Athens</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Auburn Hills Avondale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Southfield A &amp; T</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Rochester Adams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Harper Woods</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. North Farmington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's take a much closer look at how each OAA Blue team looks heading into the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Auburn Hills Avondale</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avondale feasted on OAA Gold opponents in 2023, finishing 6-2 with both losses coming against division champion Ferndale. Avondale moves up a division into the Blue and will have an opportunity to prove they can compete against stronger divisional opponents this winter. The Yellow Jackets have a reason to feel optimistic about their team heading into the winter season as they return several key starters and add an impact transfer to their lineup. OAA Gold All-League captains [player_tooltip player_id='897349' first='Khalia' last='Bradley'] (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='796707' first='Amaria' last='Daniel'] (2025) look ready for an excellent senior year after a solid performance on the circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='715924' first='Michigan' last='Anarchy']. Sasha Mcclellan (2027) is a shifty point guard who made an immediate impact as a freshman earning All-League honors; she demonstrated her playmaking abilities with Goonies during the travel season. The Yellow Jackets added a much needed interior presence to their lineup with power forward [player_tooltip player_id='906931' first='Anchal' last='Watson'] (2025) transferring from Chippewa Valley. Anchal is a strong and physical two-way forward who will be a great compliment to their guards. Avondale should be a competitive team that finishes in the top half of the OAA Blue in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["897349"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae1645a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Khalia had an outstanding junior season for Avondale, earning OAA Gold All-League honors. She is a team captain, providing vocal leadership and direction to teammates on the court. Khalia anticipates passes and creates steals with her quickness on defense. She is a knockdown shooter and buries 3s with confidence from multiple spots on the court. Khalia looks ready to add an exclamation point to her career as a senior for the Yellow Jackets in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/the-clash-always-100-michigan-vs-ohio-future-2025-mcclain-ne2k/">Read More About Khalia</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Berkley</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berkley had an excellent 2023 season, finishing as the OAA Blue runner-up with an 8-2 record. The Bears are a team I expect to compete for the OAA Blue championship in 2024 as they return the bulk of their production from last season. They lose All-League selection and captain Maeve Nolan (2024), but All-League guard [player_tooltip player_id='1051548' first='Hailey' last='Kirkwood'] (2025), Honorable Mention selections [player_tooltip player_id='854701' first='Madi' last='Bonsall'] (2025, Northern Michigan Soccer), [player_tooltip player_id='614711' first='Nadia' last='Watt'] (2026), and [player_tooltip player_id='424150' first='Avery' last='Weingarden'] (2025) are all back. With aggressive two-way centers Caleigh Tracy (2026) and Blessing Nweke (2026) working the interior, the Bears have a deep roster that appears ready to win a title. The Berkley Bears are my choice to win the 2024 OAA Blue Division title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae164ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hailey contributed in all areas for Berkley in 2023, earning All-League honors. Her scrappy on-ball pressure and anticipation of passes force turnovers. Hailey sparks the offense by hitting timely 3s, accelerates to score layups at the rim, and sets up teammates for open shots using her dribble. Hailey went off for 20+ points multiple times last season and will be an important part of her team's success in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18883691/65d05858176c600a1c1a3963' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae1662d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Harper Woods</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing above .500 with an 8-6 record in 2022, Harper Woods took a slight step back in 2023 with a 4-6 record in the OAA White Division. The Pioneers have an opportunity to improve that divisional record as they join the OAA Blue Division this winter. They graduate elusive point guard Kendall Kelsey (2024, Penn State Lehigh Valley) and productive/athletic power forward Tamia Montgomery (2024), but have competitive underclassmen ready to step up in the absence of key graduates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["982858"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1051570,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae1668d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">LaNiyah is a shifty guard who contributed on both ends of the floor for Harper Woods in 2023 and she looks ready to lead the Pioneers this winter. LaNiyah uses quick crossover moves to create separation with her dribble and has a smooth pull-up jumper from beyond the arc. LaNiyah causes turnovers on defense with her relentless ball pressure and dishes accurate passes for assists to teammates. LaNiyah blows by defenders to score layups and floaters off the dribble and will be an exciting guard to watch at Harper Woods in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/pgh-live-16u-all-tournament-team-2/">Read More About LaNiyah</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">North Farmington</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Farmington dominated the OAA White in 2022, winning the division with a perfect 22-0 record. After graduating several productive starters including Halle Rogers (2023, Schoolcraft) and Sela Lefler (2023, Kean) the Raiders dropped to a 3-7 Divisional record in 2023. The Raiders move into the OAA Blue Division this winter, which should lead to more favorable matchups, but they graduate nine seniors including two college basketball prospects: explosive D1 guard Anaya Billups (2024, Delaware State) and productive all-around wing prospect Asiyah Jihad (2024, Macomb Community College). The Raiders have a great opportunity for new names to surface as key contributors in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["927954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae16703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Qiyaamah stepped in as a freshman to make an immediate impact at the varsity level and she has the potential to become the go-to girl for the Raiders. Qiyaamah has a solid, lengthy frame that she uses to muscle her way through defenders for rebounds, block shots, and score around the basket. Qiyaamah heats up to hit multiple 3s from the perimeter and drives past defenders for layups. Her versatility and presence on both ends will help the Raiders compete in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/21602464/65cd0fbdf56a070e30754624' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae16727"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rochester Adams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rochester Adams showed progress competing in the OAA Blue Division last season, winning two more divisional games than they did in 2022. The Highlanders competed well against challenging non-conference opponents, won a playoff game, and ended their season fighting tooth and nail against Stoney Creek. Adams graduates their talented multi-purpose guard Samantha Blaine (2024), but have a solid young core of athletes returning. Raegan Jerrell (2026) contributes in every area on the court as a rebounder, passer, ball-handler, and perimeter shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='773852' first='Faith' last='Zoldos'] (2026) has been a solid contributor since her freshman year and will need to have a strong junior season for the Highlanders to compete in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773852"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671b09ae16765"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Faith earned All-League honors as a freshman, battled through injuries to earn an honorable mention nomination as a sophomore, and appears ready for her best season yet as a junior. Faith has diligently developed her game during the off-season, improving greatly as a passer and decision-maker when she attacks downhill with her dribble. Faith has added noticeable muscle to her frame, which gives her a new advantage on both ends. Her breakaway speed and length lead to many transition layups, blocks, and steals. Faith buries 3s, blows by defenders to score layups, and dishes assists when she drives. Faith's best leadership and performance will be necessary for Adams to compete in the Blue Division this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/michigan-dearborn-prospect-id-camp-morning-session/">Read More About Faith</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southfield A &amp; T</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a difficult 2-11 record competing in the Red Division during the 2022 season, Southfield A &amp; T improved in the Blue, winning five divisional games in 2023. The Warriors will be without very productive two-way guard Jamya Fritz (2024, Lawrence Tech), but they still have several important pieces coming back. All-League dynamic combo-forward [player_tooltip player_id='336011' first='Christen' last='Banks'] (2025), shifty guard [player_tooltip player_id='423691' first='Kamaria' last='Page'] (2025), and promising player [player_tooltip player_id='910565' first='Samiya' last='Ashford'] (2027) give A &amp; T solid depth. I expect the Warriors to take another step forward and be a very competitive team in the Blue this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["336011"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d14d642058"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Christen was one of the most exciting Michigan prospects on the PGH Circuit and has had a fantastic career at Southfield A &amp; T. Christen uses her athleticism, strength, and determination to muscle her way through defenders for rebounds and contested finishes in the paint. She has an effective mid-range jumper off the dribble, and good footwork as a face-up driver or back to the basket post. Christen's versatility as a ball-handling guard or interior forward makes her a huge asset for the Warriors. She elevates for defensive rebounds and has the acceleration to outrace everyone for transition layups. Christen explodes using crossover dribbles to power her way to the rim and blocks shots on the defensive end. Her hard work on the court and in the classroom (4.61 GPA) is impressive. Christen will be an excellent addition to a college program and I'm excited to see another All-League level performance from her as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/pgh-live-17u-bells-best-wings/">Read More About Christen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Troy Athens</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Troy Athens had a tough 2022 season, ending the year with a 2-11 record in the White Division. They took a substantial step forward in 2023, finishing with a 5-5 record in the Blue. Athens brings back a handful of productive seniors and are my Darkhorse favorite in 2024. The Red Hawks have depth with three-level scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='887998' first='Farida' last='Youssef'] (2025), perimeter and inside forward presence [player_tooltip player_id='716474' first='Alex' last='Link'] (2025), versatile combo-forward [player_tooltip player_id='854689' first='Yasmeen' last='Dabish'] (2025), and All-American powerlifting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1051946' first='Katarina' last='Tasich'] (2026). These players have demonstrated progress individually during the travel season and as a team at summer competitions. I expect Athens to carry that momentum into the winter season and be an OAA Blue Division title contender in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["854689"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d14d6420b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Yasmeen was an under-the-radar prospect until the spring travel season and she made a heck of an impression at several events. Yasmeen has excellent footwork and pivots that she uses to create space against defenders. She is a confident ball-handler with jabs, crossovers, and pivot dribbles that make her tough to stop when she drives to the basket. Yasmeen is a three-level scorer with accuracy from beyond the arc and a fantastic passer. She works hard to defend her responsibility on defense and maintain the advantage for rebounds. Yasmeen is a vocal leader, a high-achieving student, and a sharp communicator. I expect Yasmeen to have an All-League level season for the Red Hawks in 2024 and be an excellent addition to a college program following her senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/09/upside-2024-events-2025-prospects/">Read More About Yasmeen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->