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
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Perfect games and pace
Pitching a no-hitter in baseball.
Scoring a hat trick or recording a shutout in hockey or soccer.
Posting a triple-double in basketball.
All are impressive athletic feats. Yet, not to take away from those amazing accomplishments, but none are really individual performances. Teammates play a big role in each.
Recently, though, a few athletes with local ties turned in some truly incredible individual athletic performances.
Say what you will about the athletic merits of bowling, but you can’t argue against the fact that the mental aspect of the game ranks it as one of the toughest.
The focus and concentration of throwing a perfect 300 game in bowling could be compared to that of pitching a no-hitter in baseball.
Sure, no one is standing at the end of the lane with a bat trying to make contact with the bowling ball before it reaches the pins (more on that later). But the bowler, unlike a pitcher, stands alone. There is no defense behind them on the lane.
So you can only imagine the mental pressure a pair of local high school bowlers felt as they watched their opponent throw strike after strike after strike.
In the end, Dan Pollak of Utica Eisenhower and Brad Burgess of Utica Stevenson both turned in perfect 300 games in head-to-head action Feb. 6 at Shelby Lanes during Macomb Area Conference Red Division play.
And if you want pure, raw athleticism in terms of impressive performances, look no further than what Shane Knoll recently accomplished.
The Michigan State University junior runner, a Warren Mott graduate, ran a sub-four minute mile Feb. 9 at the Meyo Invitational in South Bend, Ind.
For those unfamiliar with running, breaking four minutes in a mile competition has become the invisible barrier that separates good runners from truly great ones, and it doesn't happen all that often.
The pace a runner must push themselves at for that length of distance is remarkable. Breaking the mark also requires mental focus and courage.
Last year, Forbes.com compiled and published a list of the greatest athletic accomplishments of the past 150 years. Roger Bannister breaking four minutes in the mile for the first time May 6, 1954 ranked No. 1.
So while you take time to reflect on those impressive achievements, I’m going to go shopping for an oversized super-titanium baseball bat.
I might be on to something there. Creating a new sport might be the only way me and many others could ever achieve similar sports success. What sounds better, baseling or bowlball?
Because the only way I’m ever going to record a perfect game in regular bowling is if I stand in front of the pins and swing away with a bat (hybrid metal or wood, either could work.) And as for running a four-minute mile? Two words: Rocket skates.
Scoring a hat trick or recording a shutout in hockey or soccer.
Posting a triple-double in basketball.
All are impressive athletic feats. Yet, not to take away from those amazing accomplishments, but none are really individual performances. Teammates play a big role in each.
Recently, though, a few athletes with local ties turned in some truly incredible individual athletic performances.
Say what you will about the athletic merits of bowling, but you can’t argue against the fact that the mental aspect of the game ranks it as one of the toughest.
The focus and concentration of throwing a perfect 300 game in bowling could be compared to that of pitching a no-hitter in baseball.
Sure, no one is standing at the end of the lane with a bat trying to make contact with the bowling ball before it reaches the pins (more on that later). But the bowler, unlike a pitcher, stands alone. There is no defense behind them on the lane.
So you can only imagine the mental pressure a pair of local high school bowlers felt as they watched their opponent throw strike after strike after strike.
In the end, Dan Pollak of Utica Eisenhower and Brad Burgess of Utica Stevenson both turned in perfect 300 games in head-to-head action Feb. 6 at Shelby Lanes during Macomb Area Conference Red Division play.
And if you want pure, raw athleticism in terms of impressive performances, look no further than what Shane Knoll recently accomplished.
The Michigan State University junior runner, a Warren Mott graduate, ran a sub-four minute mile Feb. 9 at the Meyo Invitational in South Bend, Ind.
For those unfamiliar with running, breaking four minutes in a mile competition has become the invisible barrier that separates good runners from truly great ones, and it doesn't happen all that often.
The pace a runner must push themselves at for that length of distance is remarkable. Breaking the mark also requires mental focus and courage.
Last year, Forbes.com compiled and published a list of the greatest athletic accomplishments of the past 150 years. Roger Bannister breaking four minutes in the mile for the first time May 6, 1954 ranked No. 1.
So while you take time to reflect on those impressive achievements, I’m going to go shopping for an oversized super-titanium baseball bat.
I might be on to something there. Creating a new sport might be the only way me and many others could ever achieve similar sports success. What sounds better, baseling or bowlball?
Because the only way I’m ever going to record a perfect game in regular bowling is if I stand in front of the pins and swing away with a bat (hybrid metal or wood, either could work.) And as for running a four-minute mile? Two words: Rocket skates.
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.
Monday, February 9, 2009
All-Stars shine, sign
The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association released its All-Star roster last month, and gridders form the C & G Newspapers’ coverage area dominated the East roster.
Of the East’s 44 players from Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties, 16 are from schools in our coverage area.
The July 11 game at Spartan Stadium will be the last time for fans to catch these players in a high school game before they make good on their Feb. 4 National Letters of Intent signing ceremonies and kick off their college careers.
The Macomb Area Conferences alone had seven players garner spots.
Red Division co-MVP Mike Laamanen, who signed with Wayne State University, was tabbed as a defensive lineman, linebackers Dan Sawicki (Clinton Township Clintondale), Kurtis Showers (Madison Heights Madison) and defensive back KyeRell Williams (Clinton Township Chippewa Valley) will accompany him.
Offensively, Utica Eisenhower’s Tyler Copacia, who signed a letter with Grand Valley State, was named one of two quarterbacks, along with Taylor Truman’s Ryan Hargraves.
Copacia and Hargraves will have Chad Allemon (Marine City High) at receiver and Warren Fitzgerald’s C. J. Carroll, an All-County 215-pound wrestler, at fullback.
Lake Orion’s Tyler Benson and Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day’s Tim McLean, both of whom led the blocking for their state runner-up rushing attacks, will serve as the centers for the East.
Rochester Adams’ Cody Wilson, another Central Michigan commitment, will be a defensive back for the East.
The Oakland Activities Association will handle all the East’s kicking duties and bring its total of players in the game to four, with Troy’s Kevin Muma, a Michigan State University commit, placekicking and Rochester Stoney Creek’s Eric Fisher, a 6-foot-7-inch, 243-pound lineman prospect who signed with Central Michigan, punting.
Including MacLean, private schools from our area accounted for six spots on the East roaster.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Gabe Charette will be on the defensive line, while Birmingham Brother Rice’s Zach Cherocci will play guard on the same offensive line as Warren De La Salle tight end Dan Sorgi.
Adding electricity to the East backfield are Royal Oak Shrine Catholic’s Anthony Cade and future Central Michigan back Zurlon Tipton of Sterling Heights Parkway Christian.
A couple notable names absent from this year’s All-Star rosters were Ohio State recruit Reid Fragel (Grosse Pointe South) and Holland Christian quarterback A. J. Westendorp.
What’s interesting about the omission of Westendorp and Fragel is that teams are allowed at most one representative in the game, but neither South nor Holland Christian had a player named to the rosters.
There could be any number of very sound reasons these two are not part of the game, and I'm not trying to place blame on anyone, but they will be missed
Fragel would have offered flexibility to the East squad with his ability to play tight end, offensive tackle or defensive end.
Westendorp would have given the game a boost of star power with the kind of athleticism that saw him lead his prep team to a Division 4 state title while rewriting the offensive record books for the title game before committing to Central Michigan.
Of the East’s 44 players from Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, Monroe, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola counties, 16 are from schools in our coverage area.
The July 11 game at Spartan Stadium will be the last time for fans to catch these players in a high school game before they make good on their Feb. 4 National Letters of Intent signing ceremonies and kick off their college careers.
The Macomb Area Conferences alone had seven players garner spots.
Red Division co-MVP Mike Laamanen, who signed with Wayne State University, was tabbed as a defensive lineman, linebackers Dan Sawicki (Clinton Township Clintondale), Kurtis Showers (Madison Heights Madison) and defensive back KyeRell Williams (Clinton Township Chippewa Valley) will accompany him.
Offensively, Utica Eisenhower’s Tyler Copacia, who signed a letter with Grand Valley State, was named one of two quarterbacks, along with Taylor Truman’s Ryan Hargraves.
Copacia and Hargraves will have Chad Allemon (Marine City High) at receiver and Warren Fitzgerald’s C. J. Carroll, an All-County 215-pound wrestler, at fullback.
Lake Orion’s Tyler Benson and Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day’s Tim McLean, both of whom led the blocking for their state runner-up rushing attacks, will serve as the centers for the East.
Rochester Adams’ Cody Wilson, another Central Michigan commitment, will be a defensive back for the East.
The Oakland Activities Association will handle all the East’s kicking duties and bring its total of players in the game to four, with Troy’s Kevin Muma, a Michigan State University commit, placekicking and Rochester Stoney Creek’s Eric Fisher, a 6-foot-7-inch, 243-pound lineman prospect who signed with Central Michigan, punting.
Including MacLean, private schools from our area accounted for six spots on the East roaster.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Gabe Charette will be on the defensive line, while Birmingham Brother Rice’s Zach Cherocci will play guard on the same offensive line as Warren De La Salle tight end Dan Sorgi.
Adding electricity to the East backfield are Royal Oak Shrine Catholic’s Anthony Cade and future Central Michigan back Zurlon Tipton of Sterling Heights Parkway Christian.
A couple notable names absent from this year’s All-Star rosters were Ohio State recruit Reid Fragel (Grosse Pointe South) and Holland Christian quarterback A. J. Westendorp.
What’s interesting about the omission of Westendorp and Fragel is that teams are allowed at most one representative in the game, but neither South nor Holland Christian had a player named to the rosters.
There could be any number of very sound reasons these two are not part of the game, and I'm not trying to place blame on anyone, but they will be missed
Fragel would have offered flexibility to the East squad with his ability to play tight end, offensive tackle or defensive end.
Westendorp would have given the game a boost of star power with the kind of athleticism that saw him lead his prep team to a Division 4 state title while rewriting the offensive record books for the title game before committing to Central Michigan.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Perspective in Southfield
When a team loses, the coach can address his players after the contest in a variety of ways.
He can go nuts, pointing out the mistakes made during the game; or question their efforts and vow to work them even harder in practice.
On the other hand, he can be comforting, telling his guys he was proud of their efforts, and they’ll get it done next time.
Southfield High boys basketball coach Gary Teasley chose a different approach Jan. 23 at Southfield-Lathrup.
Following a tough loss against their biggest rival in a game many thought Southfield would win, Teasley told his guys to keep perspective.
He told them it’s going to hurt, but it’s a game and “disappointment is part of the journey.”
He told them, “Basketball is a good game. There are no bad days.”
Now that’s not to say Teasley doesn’t raise his voice from time to time, and I’m sure the Blue Jays were pushed even harder the following practice.
But when the team was at its lowest, Teasley didn’t push them lower or inflate their sense of importance.
He kept perspective, and I don’t believe he said those things because a reporter was present, but because he’s a good coach.
He can go nuts, pointing out the mistakes made during the game; or question their efforts and vow to work them even harder in practice.
On the other hand, he can be comforting, telling his guys he was proud of their efforts, and they’ll get it done next time.
Southfield High boys basketball coach Gary Teasley chose a different approach Jan. 23 at Southfield-Lathrup.
Following a tough loss against their biggest rival in a game many thought Southfield would win, Teasley told his guys to keep perspective.
He told them it’s going to hurt, but it’s a game and “disappointment is part of the journey.”
He told them, “Basketball is a good game. There are no bad days.”
Now that’s not to say Teasley doesn’t raise his voice from time to time, and I’m sure the Blue Jays were pushed even harder the following practice.
But when the team was at its lowest, Teasley didn’t push them lower or inflate their sense of importance.
He kept perspective, and I don’t believe he said those things because a reporter was present, but because he’s a good coach.
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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Serving up some hoops
While I can’t compete with a free Grand Slam (who can?), I’m going to try my best and serve up some free advice on the one subject I think I know nearly as well as Denny’s knows breakfast — Macomb County boys basketball.
Specifically, with the Macomb Area Conference division season just past the halfway point, I’ve put together a quick rundown of the title races and some key upcoming games that could decide who ends up with a championship banner.
(All games mentioned below start at approximately 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)
MAC Red: Utica Eisenhower knocked off Romeo High in the schools’ first meeting to wrestle sole possession of first place away from the two-time defending champions. Barring any slip-ups or surprises, that sets the stage for a final first-place showdown when the Eagles hit the road to Romeo Feb. 27 — where the Bulldogs have been nearly impossible to beat the past couple seasons.
MAC White: Grosse Pointe North has stormed out of the gate beating its first 12 opponents by an average of 20 points to start the season unbeaten. Assuming things continue to go their way, a Feb. 12 game at Roseville High should decide whether the Norsemen can lock up the title early against the second-place Panthers — who’ll be out for revenge after falling by 18 points Jan. 13 at North.
MAC Blue: Madison Heights Madison has continued to work its magic and is looking for a third straight division title after winning the MAC Gold the past two seasons. But Eastpointe East Detroit and Fraser aren’t far behind, and Warren Fitzgerald and Fair Haven Anchor Bay can still make things happen as well.
Madison will enjoy some home cooking as the Eagles look to extend their division lead with home games against Fraser (Feb. 6) and East Detroit (Feb. 18). But the title will ultimately be decided on the road when Madison visits Fitzgerald (Feb. 20), Anchor Bay (Feb. 24) and East Detroit (Feb. 27).
MAC Gold: Warren Mott, Warren Lincoln and Marysville each have one eye on the title and one on their respective schedule as the trio of schools enter the homestretch of the division slate with a chance at first place. Mount Clemens High can’t be counted out either.
If Mott wants a piece of the title, the Marauders have to become true road warriors, with away contests at Lincoln (Feb. 10), Mount Clemens (Feb. 22) and Marysville (Feb. 24 – 7:30 p.m.). The picture will become a bit clearer just before all that when Lincoln hosts Marysville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.
MAC Silver: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Clinton Township Clintondale have emerged as the teams to beat — and the squads will meet for a second time at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Lake Shore. The Shorians edged the Dragons in overtime 59-58 in their first meeting, Jan. 7 at Clintondale.
Specifically, with the Macomb Area Conference division season just past the halfway point, I’ve put together a quick rundown of the title races and some key upcoming games that could decide who ends up with a championship banner.
(All games mentioned below start at approximately 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.)
MAC Red: Utica Eisenhower knocked off Romeo High in the schools’ first meeting to wrestle sole possession of first place away from the two-time defending champions. Barring any slip-ups or surprises, that sets the stage for a final first-place showdown when the Eagles hit the road to Romeo Feb. 27 — where the Bulldogs have been nearly impossible to beat the past couple seasons.
MAC White: Grosse Pointe North has stormed out of the gate beating its first 12 opponents by an average of 20 points to start the season unbeaten. Assuming things continue to go their way, a Feb. 12 game at Roseville High should decide whether the Norsemen can lock up the title early against the second-place Panthers — who’ll be out for revenge after falling by 18 points Jan. 13 at North.
MAC Blue: Madison Heights Madison has continued to work its magic and is looking for a third straight division title after winning the MAC Gold the past two seasons. But Eastpointe East Detroit and Fraser aren’t far behind, and Warren Fitzgerald and Fair Haven Anchor Bay can still make things happen as well.
Madison will enjoy some home cooking as the Eagles look to extend their division lead with home games against Fraser (Feb. 6) and East Detroit (Feb. 18). But the title will ultimately be decided on the road when Madison visits Fitzgerald (Feb. 20), Anchor Bay (Feb. 24) and East Detroit (Feb. 27).
MAC Gold: Warren Mott, Warren Lincoln and Marysville each have one eye on the title and one on their respective schedule as the trio of schools enter the homestretch of the division slate with a chance at first place. Mount Clemens High can’t be counted out either.
If Mott wants a piece of the title, the Marauders have to become true road warriors, with away contests at Lincoln (Feb. 10), Mount Clemens (Feb. 22) and Marysville (Feb. 24 – 7:30 p.m.). The picture will become a bit clearer just before all that when Lincoln hosts Marysville at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.
MAC Silver: St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Clinton Township Clintondale have emerged as the teams to beat — and the squads will meet for a second time at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Lake Shore. The Shorians edged the Dragons in overtime 59-58 in their first meeting, Jan. 7 at Clintondale.
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