2024-25 SEASON PREVIEW: OAA RED

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. 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 & T, Harper Woods, North Farmington, Rochester Adams, Troy Athens, Berkley, and 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 Red, and previews for each team in the division are included below.   2023-24 Season Results   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.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 OAA RED PREDICTIONS</h2>   The nature and excitement of predictions is that they are debatable and most likely imperfect. With significant shakeups to rosters in the OAA Red, this has been one of the most difficult divisions to predict thus far. For four consecutive seasons, the OAA Red has been possibly the easiest division to predict in the state. OAA Red opponents have been waiting for the scales to tip and for the first time in years it feels like the talent gap has narrowed. The race feels too close to call at this point and the OAA Red appears to be perhaps the most competitive title chase in 2024. However, after much thought, and loss of sleep, I have included my OAA Red 2024 Pre-Season Power Ranking below. After considering each team's roster and strengths, this is how I see the division breaking down in 2024.   2024-25 OAA RED PRE-SEASON POWER RANKING   1. West Bloomfield   2. Ferndale   3. Clarkston   4. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek   5. Oxford   6. Lake Orion   Now, let's take a much closer look at how each OAA Red team looks heading into the 2024 season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clarkston</h2>   Clarkston tied for second place in the OAA Red standings in 2023 with a 6-4 record, defeating Lake Orion in a wild district final finish, and losing to eventual state runner-up Grand Blanc by two in the regional finals. The Wolves have high hopes heading into the 2024 season, but have hurdles to overcome if they wish to contend for a Red Division championship. They lose two important pieces to their lineup with senior guards Emily Valencia (2024, Heidelburg) and Claire Walker (2024) graduating. Clarkston does field an experienced starting lineup with senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='424579' first='Elia' last='Morgner'] (2025), [player_tooltip player_id='424589' first='Marley' last='Mazur'] (2025), and guard [player_tooltip player_id='424588' first='Ellery' last='Hernandez'] (2024). Their duo of [player_tooltip player_id='614650' first='Elliana' last='Robak'] (2026) and [player_tooltip player_id='807284' first='Brooklyn' last='Covert'] (2027) should be two of the best backcourt tandems in the conference. Clarkston has solid depth inside with [player_tooltip player_id='980264' first='Bella' last='Flavin'] (2028) and [player_tooltip player_id='908332' first='Lexie' last='Fry'] (2027) making plays on the perimeter.    Brooklyn could not have had a more impactful freshman season at the varsity level. She made clutch plays during the regular season and the playoffs. Brooklyn harasses ball handlers with her defensive pressure to force turnovers and creates transition scoring for the Wolves. Brooklyn slashes past defenders off the dribble to score with excellent finishing efficiency around the rim. She pours in triples from the perimeter and dishes dimes to teammates for open shots. Brooklyn appears ready for a standout sophomore campaign on a Clarkston team that I expect to compete for a division title this season.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/12/swartz-creek-game-of-the-day/">Read More About Brooklyn</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ferndale</h2>   Ferndale went from middle of the pack in 2022 to a front-runner in the Oakland Activities Association in 2023. The Eagles finished with an OAA Blue Division best 8-0 record with huge contributions from two-way Hamtramck transfer guard [player_tooltip player_id='427198' first='Demi' last='Bolton'] (2025), talented point guard [player_tooltip player_id='866194' first='Aaliyah' last='Frost'] (2027), and powerful double-double freshman center [player_tooltip player_id='866190' first='Iyana' last='Davis'] (2027). Frost has moved, which will be tough offensive production to replace, but Ferndale brings in solid point guard prospect [player_tooltip player_id='934150' first='Ma'Lia' last='Taylor'] (2028). She gives opposing point guards headaches on the court with her relentless defensive pressure and is a skilled ball handler. [player_tooltip player_id='615945' first='Kaniya' last='Watts'] (2026) is a very athletic downhill guard who creates scoring off the dribble and knocks down outside shots. She is a determined defensive player who creates turnovers. [player_tooltip player_id='934151' first='Zahra' last='Richardson'] (2028) is a guard who has flashed offensive potential and [player_tooltip player_id='866190' first='Iyanna' last='Davis'] (2027) has continued to develop her fundamental skills; she should be one of the best inside players in the league on both ends. [player_tooltip player_id='427198' first='Demi' last='Bolton'] (2025) is an X-factor for her team as a leader, go-to scorer, big shot maker, and turnover producer on defense. The Eagles are a hungry team with a giant chip on their shoulder and are looking to prove they can win a division title in their first year competing in the OAA Red.    Iyanna uses her height and strength to give Ferndale an advantage in the paint on both sides of the court. She defends well without fouling, blocks shots, and forces misses with her length. Iyanna muscles her way into position for rebounds and is a putback machine on the offensive end. Iyanna seals off defenders for entry passes and uses good footwork to finish off two feet at the rim. She earned All-State Honors in 2023, averaging 12. 6 pts, 15.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Iyanna built on her fantastic freshman year with a strong off-season and I expect her to be one of the most formidable front-court prospects in the OAA.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/u-of-m-team-camp/">Read More About Iyanna</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Orion</h2>   Lake Orion finished second in the OAA Red standings with a 10-4 record in 2022, but was unable to repeat that success in 2023, finishing 3-7. The Dragons are hoping to bounce back in 2024 and will need underclassmen to step into a contributing role on the court. Ryann Pawlaczyk (2024) had a very productive career for Lake Orion and her presence on the floor will be missed. The Dragons do have their best scoring threat and ball handler [player_tooltip player_id='375849' first='Isabel' last='Wotlinski'] (2025, Calvin) back. I am eager to see which underclassmen step up for the Dragons this season.    Izzy looks ready to lead the Dragons again in 2024 after an impressive travel season, committing to Calvin University. Izzy is a sniper from the perimeter and has excellent footwork around the basket. She drives through defenders to finish contested shots and handles the ball with poise under pressure. Izzy has a great opportunity to lead and inspire the future of Lake Orion's program this season. She will shoulder a heavy load offensively for the Dragons as they look to compete against tough OAA Red Divisional opponents.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/june-rankings-update-shooting-guards-trending-upwards/">Read More About Izzy</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oxford</h2>   Oxford enjoyed a very successful 2022 season, finishing with a 12-2 record in the OAA White Division. Their first year in the OAA Red was a challenge as the Wildcats ended their season with a 3-7 divisional record. Head Coach Rachel Bryer built a consistently competitive and disciplined team at Oxford. The Wildcats have won 11 or more games each of the past three seasons and made two district finals: losing to SVL powerhouse Grand Blanc in both. Oxford will have a new look at the helm in 2024, bringing in Waterford Our Lady Lakes Head Coach Phillip Dawson. They lose a couple of key players from their starting lineup, including dynamic power forward Peyton Richter (2024, Northwood). The Wildcats do have three senior guards with winning experience. Sophia Raab (2025) is a scrappy point guard who gets downhill, [player_tooltip player_id='716478' first='Emma' last='Beggs'] (2025) is a sniper from the perimeter, and [player_tooltip player_id='420492' first='Allison' last='Hufstedler'] (2025) leads the way with her multi-level scoring and competitive style of play. Oxford has a pair of underclassmen who have shown during the summer that they are ready to contribute at the Varsity level: [player_tooltip player_id='953266' first='Mia' last='Champagne'] (2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='1120232' first='Katelyn' last='Brockway'] (2027). The Wildcats showed promise at Northwood Team Camp, winning the OT tourney, and they could catch teams by surprise this winter.    Mia is a promising forward prospect for the Wildcats who showed promise at Northwood Team Camp: I expect her to be a breakout player for Oxford in 2024. With Richter graduating, there is a need for someone to fill those shoes in the paint. Mia is an excellent passer out of the high post, has an effective mid-range jumper, and finishes well around the basket. Mia drives by defenders off the dribble to score layups and runs the floor well in transition. Her rebounding, length, and versatility will be crucial for Oxford to compete against tough competition in the OAA Red.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/northwood-team-camp-formidable-forwards/">Read More About Mia</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rochester Hills Stoney Creek</h2>   Stoney Creek enjoyed a very successful 2023 season under first-year head coach Lumbo Williams. The Cougars tied for second place with a 6-4 record in the OAA Red, winning a district title, regional title, and making a quarterfinal appearance. Their point guard Sarah Laprairie (2024, Hope) eclipsed 1,000 points during her career and caught fire in the regional final, scoring a jaw-dropping 32 points. The Cougars will need a combination of players to increase their scoring output in 2024 without Laprairie, but they do have an advantage in the frontcourt. Izzy Ivejaz (2026) is a fierce rebounder, defender, shot blocker, and finisher around the basket. Calista Ivejaz (2027) is also a 6-footer who has the versatility to play inside while stretching her game out to the perimeter as a shooter and face-up driver. The Cougars add Port Huron Northern transfer [player_tooltip player_id='613941' first='Jadelynn' last='Freeman'] (2026) who will provide production offensively and another ball-handler. [player_tooltip player_id='716686' first='Taylor' last='Fulkerson'] (2025) is a Swiss army knife type of player who drives hard to score off the dribble, works hard defensively, produces rebounds, and hits shots from different spots on the court. [player_tooltip player_id='424590' first='Merrick' last='Schwalbach'] (2025, Southern Indiana) is a D1 soccer player who creates plays on both ends of the court with her toughness and quickness. The Cougars will need her to step into a primary ball-handling role this season and Stoney Creek should be a team who contends in the OAA Red this winter.    Calista is a wing/forward prospect who contributed heavily as a freshman and she has continued to grow her game during the off-season. Calista uses her length and anticipation to block shots and secure rebounds. She has versatility as a screener to score in the paint or knock down 3s from the perimeter. Calista keeps her hands active to deflect passes on the defensive end and generate steals. The Cougars have scoring opportunities available and I believe Calista could be a breakout player for Stoney Creek this winter.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/pgh-spring-tip-off-sunday-standouts/">Read More About Calista</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">West Bloomfield</h2>   Few teams have dominated their conference like West Bloomfield has during this decade. The Lakers have a perfect 44-0 record against divisional opponents and have not lost a game in the Red since Southfield A & T defeated them 54-52 on February 11th, 2020. However, four of five starters from their state title team have graduated: Power 5 twins Indya Davis (2024, Georgia) and Summer Davis (2024, Georgia), Kendall Hendrix (2024, Loyola Chicago), and Destiny Washington (2024). However, this is still a great team with plenty of horses still in the stable. The Lakers bring back [player_tooltip player_id='613425' first='Sheridan' last='Beal'] (2026) who is one of the best guards in her class and in my opinion, the best player in the entire conference. [player_tooltip player_id='420490' first='Ava' last='Lord'] (2025) is a force in the paint defensively, a fierce rebounder, and a scoring threat off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1039051' first='Breasia' last='Gamble'] (2025) is a determined downhill driver and versatile player who also turns up the pressure on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='424154' first='Breanna' last='Gamble'] (2025) is a high-motor player who can put the ball in the basket and defend, while [player_tooltip player_id='751151' first='Jordynn' last='Ratliff'] (2027) is a very capable point guard with a smooth perimeter jumper and good passing skills. The gap may have narrowed between West Bloomfield and their OAA Red rivals, but they are still a dangerous team and my pick to win the division once again in 2024.    Sheridan sparked the Lakers in spurts last season and she looks ready to shine as a featured player in 2024. Sheridan uses jabs and elusive combination dribbles to create separation from defenders. She scores tough finishes through contact in the paint and buries mid-range jumpers off the dribble. Sheridan has excellent balance on her shots and is a deadly shooter from beyond the arc. Her aggressive and explosive style is exciting to watch and she has caught the attention of multiple colleges during the travel season. Sheridan is my selection for OAA Pre-Season MVP and I believe she will have a year to remember in 2024 for West Bloomfield.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/mba-2026-all-tourney-team/">Read More About Sheridan</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2>   Evan Bell is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/">     </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"> </a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/">[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</a>            . Our <a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a> 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

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. 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 & T, Harper Woods, North Farmington, Rochester Adams, Troy Athens, Berkley, and 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 Red, and previews for each team in the division are included below.