tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74873932571592580722023-06-20T21:24:07.357-07:00Kosmo Seer SpeculationHigh school sports quick hits from Kosmo the all-knowing Oakland Press seer.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.comBlogger718125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-362106866843453922014-09-08T10:57:00.001-07:002014-09-08T10:57:30.137-07:00Kosmo's Week 2 starsYour all-knowing is sorry for being a little late on this, but not having power at the cave for the past few days due to another Tsunami to hit Oakland County (OK it was just a thunderstorm but still Kosmo had no idea Michigan could make him feel like Noah in the ark) is a good excuse. But electrical order has been restored and Kosmo is here to offer his 3 stars for Week 2's football action.
<b>Third star</b>
Adrian Carter, Southfield - So much for Kosmo's prediction that Adams would win because Southfield never plays well at Adams. Carter helped the Bluejays fix that in a 35-0 win,rushing for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns.
<b>Second star</b>
Trevor Tank, South Lyon - Mack Truck or Freight Train would be two other good last names for this bulldozer, who rsn for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries for the Lions in a surprising rout at Waterford Mott.
<b>First star</b>
Matt Krause, Lake Orion - Kosmo apologizes for the oversight last week, but he didn't think it was humanly possible for a running back to run for over 400 yards in a game. He also didn't think it would be possible to follow that up with a 300-plus yard game the next week, but Krause did that, rushing for 355 yards and 4 touchdowns in a win over Athens. Almost to 1,000 yards after 2 games is pretty incredibleKosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-21146660123648801372014-08-30T16:04:00.001-07:002014-08-30T16:04:58.744-07:00Kosmo's 3 stars for Week 1The first week of the high school football season has come and gone, which means Kosmo gets to do his best impression of a math teacher and say that the season is already 1/9 over for a lot of teams. It also means Kosmo is back to offer 3 star selections after a summer of rest. Here are the 3 stars for Week 1.
<b>Third star</b>
Scott Stubenrauch, Oxford
Hard to believe Stubenrauch is only 5-7 because he ran like he was 7-7 in a win over Romeo on Friday, rushing for 123 yards on 20 carries in a 28-20 Oxford win.
<b>Second star</b>
Austin Wood, Waterford Kettering
Kettering rightfully feels it is a playoff team once again and proved it in a lopsided win over South Lyon East. Wood was a HUGE reason why rushing for 230 yards on 17 carries. Certainly laid down the wood on opposing tacklers.
<b>First star</b>
Ernest Allen, Birmingham Groves
Just when Kosmo thought Ross Williams was an irreplaceable player, the Groves sophomore proves your seer otherwise by rushing for 205 yards to help Groves best rival Seaholm to avenge a loss to Seaholm last year. Pretty impressive debut for sure.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-31586070888084690212014-05-28T15:46:00.002-07:002014-05-28T15:46:46.692-07:00Kosmo's 3 stars for TuesdayKosmo is sorry for the delay in his 3 stars for the opening day of the baseball, softball and soccer state tournaments on Tuesday, but with all the postponements due to rain, Kosmo thought he would just do a combined Tuesday/Wednesday 3 stars. Unfortunately, more rain pushed things back further, so Kosmo will just go with the limited action from Tuesday for his 3 stars. Here they are.
<b>Third star</b>
Madison Duncan, Avondale soccer - It wasn't easy for Avondale, but the Yellow Jackets survived Farmington, winning 4-3 behind two goals from Duncan.
<b>Second star</b>
Alex Carpenter, Lake Orion softball - While the baseball team was nearly no-hit, Carpenter teed off on Waterford Kettering pitching, collecting three doubles and a triple in a 12-1 Lake Orion rout. She also had two runs and three RBI.
<b>First star</b>
Avery Dudek, Waterford Kettering baseball - So how many had a 13-19 Kettering team beating state-ranked Lake Orion in the first round? The biggest reason the upset happened was Dudek, a lefty who was incredible on the mound, tossing a 2-hit shutout and taking a no-hitter into the last inning in a 1-0 win over Lake Orion.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-14092807202087310632014-05-20T03:52:00.001-07:002014-05-20T03:52:19.792-07:005 stars for May 19It didn't rain! Kosmo is sorry for being absent last week, but the fact everything not under the sun (get the pun?) was postponed due to awful weather. But there were plenty of sunny skies and great individual performances under perfect weather on Monday so Kosmo here to offer his 5 stars.
<b>5th star</b>
Jordan Ewald, Farmington Hills Mercy softball - In a Mercy lineup full of young stars it is still nice to have a veteran glue player. Ewald sure is that, as she had two hits and five RBI in an 11-4 win over Ladywood in the Catholic League A-B final.
<b>4th star</b>
John Van Hoef, Troy Athens baseball - Call him the area's king of walk-off grand slams. Van Hoef hit his second walk-off grand slam of the year to finish off a 13-2 win over Bloomfield Hills in the second game of a doubleheader. As a result, Athens is in first place in the OAA Blue.
<b>3rd star</b>
Allie Barsh, Wixom St. Catherine softball - Obviously more attention should be paid to this program that won its first ever Catholic League C-D title. Barsh was a big reason why, hitting a 2-run single in the 6th inning to provide the winning runs.
<b>2nd star</b>
Amelia Denison, Southfield Christian softball - A powerful bat for a small school, Denison had quite a day in the first game do a DH sweep over Parkway Christian, collecting four hits and 7 RBI. No wonder a university was named after her.
<b>1st star</b>
Jim Crosby, Birmingham Groves baseball - No doubt former player Pat Caputo is proud. One of the pillars of high school baseball in the state recorded his 700th win on Monday with a win over Cranbrook. Everyone say "Hey! Hey!" In salute.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-13724999326339758912014-05-06T05:26:00.001-07:002014-05-06T05:26:31.887-07:003 stars for MondayGiven the NHL playoffs are going full force, one would think this wouldn't be the first edition of Kosmo's 3 stars for the spring. But Kosmo overslept from a nap, and who in this world hasn't done that? No worries though because your seer is here to make it up to people. In fact, here are 5 stars from Monday, not 3.
<b>Fifth star</b>
Joe Alsup, Lakeland - Yes this is a coach, but there is no way Kosmo can't mention him since he earned his 1,000th career win on the diamond yesterday. Truly a legend in the high school softball ranks.
<b>Fourth star</b>
Sally Muller, Troy - Forget a hard out, Muller was an impossible out for Troy's softball team. She went 6-for-6 in a doubleheader sweep of Stoney Creek.
<b>Third star</b>
Mackenzie Norton, Waterford Kettering softball - Norton sure showed that she is ready for Wednesday's showdown with Lakeland, as she homered twice and had 5 RBI in a rout of Brighton.
<b>Second star</b>
Michael Busse, Rochester - Kosmo wouldn't shoot a 173 on the South Course at Oakland Hills, let alone a 73. But that was what Busse did in not only winning the Next Tee invite as an individual, but helping Rochester win the team title.
<b>First star</b>
Josh Bays, Lake Orion - A senior pitcher who must like pitching on Mondays. After shutting out Clarkston last Monday, Bays was even more dominant in a game against Rochester, throwing a no-hitter and striking out 14. It was like there was a mini-hurricane in Lake Orion with all the swings and misses.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-52007315815903682222014-05-05T04:15:00.001-07:002014-05-05T04:15:26.067-07:00Big milestone for AlsupIf you are wondering where Kosmo has been, let's say he has been taking a nice nap. Anyway, your seer is back up and ready for the last 6 weeks of this year's prep sports calendar, starting today with what could be a nice milestone for a legendary coach. Lakeland softball coach Joe Alsup will be going for his 1,000th career win against Howell today, which obviously would be an incredible feat. Whether Alsup gets it today or another time, it will happen and hopefully set off a nice celebration. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-42454541411933851802014-03-12T11:06:00.000-07:002014-03-12T11:06:32.790-07:00Kosmo's 3 stars for TuesdayWow, it actually happened. Kosmo figured there was a decent chance Marian and Mercy would make it to the semifinals and play each other, but until the reality sets in it is hard to believe.
The reality did set in with both destroying their quarterfinal opponents and the dream all-county matchup is set.
It is always rare when league rivals in close proximity to each other play so deep in the playoffs and not in districts or regionals, so it will be a special scene on Friday in East Lansing.
But before focusing on Friday, Kosmo looks back to Tuesday and offers his 3 stars.
<b>Third star</b>
Lucia Westrick, Clarkston Everest Collegiate
Pretty amazing that Westrick turned into the player she did despite never playing basketball before her junior year.
She capped two unreal seasons by collecting 15 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in a quarterfinal loss to Cardinal Mooney. No shame at all given how unlikely Westrick's development was and how far the team went.
<b>Second star</b>
Taylor Jones/Candace Leatherwood, Farmington Hills Mercy - This two-headed monster combined for nine more points than the entire team of Romulus, as each had 18 points in a Mercy demolition.
<b>First star</b>
Brittany Gray, Birmingham Marian- Name a category and Gray produced in a rout of Port Huron Northern. She had 13 points, six rebounds, three blocks and played her typical great defense to help lead the Mustangs back to the final four.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-65701649542251066992014-03-11T13:05:00.001-07:002014-03-11T13:05:43.062-07:00Kosmo's regional final forecastStay tuned on this blog later tonight or tomorrow for Kosmo's 3 stars from the girls quarterfinals. Until then here are your seer's picks for Wednesday's regional finals unless they are snowed out.
<b>Clarkston vs. Bloomfield Hills at Southfield-Lathrup, 5:30 p.m. -</b> Note the early start time so you know to leave even earlier. The old adage that it is hard to beat a team three times in one season won't apply. Pick: Bloomfield Hills by 5.
<b>Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs. Detroit Douglass at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep - </b> This could be Country Day's toughest test of the season, but it will pass thanks to the toughest point guard around Edmond Sumner. Pick: Country Day by 3.
<b>Mt. Clemens at Madison Heights Bishop Foley -</b> - There would be nothing better than to see Bishop Foley rise up and beat a Macomb County on its home floor. Too bad it won't happen. Pick: Mt. Clemens by 10.
<b>Southfield Christian vs. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist at West Bloomfield -</b> Evan Kraatz has had one incredible career for Inter-City Baptist. Too bad it will end here with the way Southfield Christian is playing. Pick: Southfield Christian by 10.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-8188968449949874882014-03-08T08:58:00.000-08:002014-03-08T08:58:03.291-08:00Kosmo's 3 stars for FridayExcuse Kosmo for being a little late with his 3 star selections for Friday, but all this warmer weather stirred up the bears in his cave, so your seer had some other things on his mind needless to say.
But better late than never and bears or no bears, here are Kosmo's 3 stars for Friday. And prayers to the Grandville community, hockey team and family of the hockey player who died in his sleep before Friday's semifinals. Our thoughts are with you.
<b>Third star</b>
Nick Pepin, Madison Heights Bishop Foley - There may have been some surprised that the Ventures beat Southfield Bradford, but never count them out on their home court. That was evident again in a 57-55 win that was keyed by Pepin's 26 points. Now, Bishop Foley gets to play regionals at home too.
<b>Second star</b>
Ja'Christian Biles, Oak Park - Kosmo is surprised Oak Park hadn't won a district since 2005, but he is not surprised Biles scored 23 points to lead the Knights to a 66-62 win over Lathrup and the school's first district title since then.
<b>First star</b>
Ernie Righetti, Birmingham Roeper - Yes he is a coach and was the losing coach in a district final against Our Lady of the Lakes, but Kosmo wants to give him props for 32 years at the helm as coach of the Roughriders. He announced his retirement as boys coach after the game and Kosmo wishes him nothing but the best.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-4573207573919730412014-03-06T05:54:00.001-08:002014-03-06T05:54:41.537-08:00Kosmo's 3 stars for WednesdayAs much fun as Monday and Tuesday were this week, Wednesday was even better because not only were there boys basketball district games but state hockey quarterfinals in addition. It was quite a night of the expected and unexpected. What isn't unexpected is that there were great individual performances and Kosmo is here to acknowledge the three best.
<b>Third star</b>
Frederick John, Southfield-Lathrup basketball - Don't overlook the Chargers in a district they are hosting, especially since they would love to get to a regional they are hosting also next week. John helped his team keep that dream alive, scoring 21 points and pulling down 16 rebounds in a win over Berkley.
<b>Second star</b>
Jonathan Radner, Berkley basketball - Kosmo usually doesn't like highlighting two players in the same game, but he has to given the performance of this junior who Kosmo can't wait to watch as a senior next year. He scored 34 points to cap off a terrific season.
<b>First star</b>
John Lethemon, Farmington hockey - Kosmo admits he doesn't know much about hockey, but he does know it is news when Cranbrook is upset in the playoffs, especially when Cranbrook has a team that is as good as it has ever had. It was almost like Miracle On Ice Part II, as Farmington beat Cranbrook 3-2 thanks to the unreal goaltending of Lethemon. He stopped 60, count it, 60 shots in the win. It would take Kosmo about 600 games to stop 60 shots, especially since your seer would fall over in all that equipment and would still wear the paper bag over his head instead of the mask.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-46270012671770027942014-03-03T20:00:00.000-08:002014-03-03T20:00:06.452-08:003 stars for Monday's opening nightMonday's first night of the boys basketball state tournament was somewhat tame as far as big surprises go but it obviously wasn't in regard to great games and individual performances.
It was a good start to the tournament for sure and here are Kosmo's 3 stars for the night.
<b>Third star</b>
Nick Owens, Clarkston - It sounds like Adams left Owens open and he made the Highlanders pay, draining five 3-pointers and scoring 23 points in a nice opening night win over Adams.
<b>Second star</b>
Jake Daniels, Holly - The bad news is that Kosmo can't praise Daniels anymore this season after Holly's season-ending loss at Grand Blanc. He was so consistent this year and was great again on Monday, scoring 27 points. The good news is that he is a junior and Kosmo can follow him again next year.
<b>First star</b>
Scott McSweeney, Novi Frankin Road Christian - Kosmo doesn't care how small the schools were when Franklin Road met Lutheran Westland. 48 points and 16 rebounds is impressive at any school size and that is exactly the unreal performance McSweeney turned in to lead his team to a win. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-60310352939698598632014-03-03T09:22:00.001-08:002014-03-03T19:49:09.691-08:00Girls basketball regional picksThere are few weeks of the year Kosmo looks forward to most than this one. Yes there are five nights of basketball during each week of the winter season, but not five nights of PLAYOFF basketball with boys districts and girls regionals taking place.
Kosmo gave his thoughts on boys districts in the paper and online already. Here are his picks for Tuesday's girls regionals.
<b>Birmingham Marian vs. Southfield-Lathrup at Lake Orion, 5:30 p.m.</b> - If OAA Red champ Harrison couldn't beat Lathrup neither will the OAA runner-up. Pick: Marian by 8.
<b>Waterford Kettering vs. Stoney Creek at Lake Orion, 7 p.m.</b> - A toss-up game if Kosmo ever saw one. As long as Kettering can somewhat handle Stoney Creek's size, it will survive. Pick: Kettering by 3.
<b>Lakeland vs. Howell at West Bloomfield, 5:30 p.m.</b> - The Eagles took advantage of a winnable district but not even the brilliance of Dominique Zigo will be enough. Pick: Howell by 5.
<b>Holly vs. Canton at West Bloomfield, 7 p.m. </b> - Given how special this season has been for Holly, Kosmo hates making this pick. But he has to call it like he sees it. Pick: Canton by 6.
<b>Farmington Hills Mercy vs. Grosse Pointe South at Farmington, 5:30 p.m. </b> - South will be shown no mercy at all. Pick: Mercy by 9.
<b>Country Day vs. Chandler Park Academy at Clawson, 5:30 p.m.</b> - Kosmo doesn't know much about Chandler Park except it is in trouble. Pick: Country Day by 8.
<b>Ferndale vs. Detroit Collegiate at Clawson, 7.p.m. </b>- The loser of this game will be a sacrificial lamb in the regional final, but at least that lamb will be from Oakland County. Pick: Ferndale by 7.
<b>Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett at Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 7:30 p.m.</b> - Not even home court will be enough for Bishop Foley. Pick: Liggett by 6.
<b>Novi Franklin Road Christian vs. Clarkston Everest Collegiate at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, 6 p.m. </b> - What a great story that one of these teams will be in a regional final. Pick: Franklin Road by 4.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-16199184843063491942014-02-26T20:47:00.001-08:002014-02-26T20:47:04.590-08:00Kosmo 3 stars for Wednesday nightWe are down to the district finals now for girls basketball teams and for some hockey teams, regional finals after another thrilling night of action on Wednesday. Strange that a Wednesday is so busy with stuff other than wrestling, but that must mean the playoffs are in full swing. Got to love it. Here are your seer's 3 stars for Wednesday.
<b>Third star</b>
Micaela Ellis, Ferndale
Somewhere, the late and great Joe Mahan is smiling. His Eagles made it to a district final thanks in large part to Ellis, who scored 27 points in an easy win over Detroit University Prep.
<b>Second star</b>
Jacob Howard, Troy hockey - It is one thing to score the game-winning goal, but it is quite another to do it in a playoff game with no time left on the clock to give your team a win. Must have been quite a celebration for Howard and the Colts.
<b>First star</b>
Sammy Nardicchio, Orchard Lake St. Mary's hockey - Hopefully Nardicchio is given a nice ovation in class on Thursday because he is the biggest reason OLSM is still playing. He had two assists and scored the game-winning goal late in the third period to give the Eaglets a 4-3 win over Brother Rice. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-51053983211025540532014-02-25T07:17:00.000-08:002014-02-25T07:17:58.494-08:003 stars for district opening nightCould have there been a better opening night to a state basketball tournament than that? Kosmo certainly doesn't think so, especially as it relates to his 3 stars for the night.
In fact, this might be the best group of 3 stars EVER. If Kosmo had to rank a 3 stars for his 3 stars, this would be the first star going away.
Why you ask? Read below
<b>Third star</b>
Mackenzie Harbort, Birmingham Seaholm
Harbort was sensational once again in a double OT win over Bloomfield Hills, scoring 33 points and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch. By the way, did we mention she is just a freshman? This would have been worthy of a first star performance on another night, except .....
<b>Second star</b>
Shannon Wilson, Bloomfield Hills
Harbors arguably wasn't even the best player on the floor at Marian because of Wilson, who was amazing in what turned out to be her final high school game. She did it all, scoring 40 points, pulling down 17 rebounds and collecting seven steals. Boy will she be missed. This would have been worthy of a first star performance on another night, except .....
<b>First star</b>
Erika Davenport, Clarkston
If you want a definition of single-handedly leading her team to victory in an elimination game, Davenport provided it by scoring 48 points and pulling down 23 rebounds in a double OT win over Rochester Adams. It is official: Davenport is better than a lot of boys players. Dan Fife should put her on his team. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-73250941515454506062014-02-22T09:13:00.002-08:002014-02-22T09:13:56.571-08:003 stars for Friday nightKosmo apologizes for not being on this blog all week, but a little vacation to warmer pastures made Kosmo have other things on his mind besides blogging. Yes, he did his picks column but that was mostly channeling the Krystal ball from a distance, which sapped all of his energy for work on his vacation.
Anyway, Koz is back in the wild, cold yonder and ready to give his 3 stars for Friday night.
<b>Third star</b>
Ben Line, Oxford wrestling - It isn't often Kosmo gets to give love to wrestlers, but this is a good chance to do so. Line came through when his team needed him in the final match of a state quarterfinal against Grandville, as he recorded a pin to send Oxford to the semifinals.
<b>Second star</b>
Jake Daniels, Holly - Has this guy been any good this year or what? He is flirting with 30 points seemingly every game and he did it again on Friday, scoring 27 points for the Bronchos to help them best Fenton and clinch the Flint Metro title outright.
<b>First star</b>
Lauren Hung, Waterford Mott - Kosmo was glad he could provide Hung and the Corsairs motivation by picking Canton to win the KLAA title game at Mott. Hung told Kosmo where to stick it by doing what great players do, which is carry her team in the biggest of games. She scored 28 points and as a result, Mott is the KLAA champ. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-77327300307906228532014-02-14T20:23:00.001-08:002014-02-14T20:23:36.510-08:00Valentine's Day 3 starsIt was a day full of love everywhere, but Kosmo doesn't need Valentine's Day to offer up love. He does it after each big basketball night, but since the latest one fell on Valentine's Day itself, the love Kosmo shows tonight with his 3 star selections will have extra meaning. Cupid eat your heart out.
<b>Third star</b>
Mackenzie Harbort, Birmingham Seaholm - Kosmo has heard some good things about this freshman for the Maples, and no doubt Oak Park saw firsthand her talents on Friday. She scored 24 points to help Seaholm earn the OAA Blue title and complete an impressive turnaround from last year.
<b>Second star</b>
Kerri McMahan, Novi - At some point Kosmo will stop showing McMahan so much love, but it will be hard if she keeps achieving feats. She scored her 1,000th career point and finished with 21 points against Plymouth. More importantly, her team won in overtime to advance to the KLAA Kensington Conference title game against Canton.
<b>First star</b>
Mike Nicholson, Clarkston - Boy, this 6-foot-8 center with great potential is really coming into his own at the right time for the Wolves. He had 33 points and 15 rebounds against Adams and if he can keep up that same level aggressiveness the rest of the year, the sky is the limit for him and Dan Fife's bunch.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-1462685493722966262014-02-12T09:08:00.000-08:002014-02-12T09:08:43.244-08:00Feb. 11 3 starsTuesday was another action-packed night of rivalry games and league tournament games, so if you are not sniffing the playoffs then Kosmo thinks you need to get a sense of smell. Lots of great performances went along with those important games, but as always, Kosmo will narrow it down to 3.
<b>Third star</b>
Demonta Hood, Troy - The Colts needed a win to stay in the thick of the OAA White and they got a big double OT win over Lake Orion thanks to Hood, who scored 19 points.
<b>Second star</b>
Renee Fischer, Madison Heights Bishop Foley - Kosmo admits he didn't think Bishop Foley would be in the Catholic League finals, but that is exactly where the Ventures will be following a win over Riverview Gabriel Richard that put the Ventures in Sunday's C-D final. Fischer led the way, scoring 18 points for the Ventures.
<b>First star</b>
Alex Breeden, Birmingham Seaholm - It sounded like quite an atmosphere at Seaholm for the latest battle of Birmingham against Groves on Tuesday. A close game throughout was punctuated late by an alley-oop by Breeden, who also finished with a game-high 19 points to lead his team to a 49-44 win in this classic.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-1274754801700260332014-02-07T20:54:00.000-08:002014-02-07T20:54:03.695-08:00Kosmo's 3 stars for FridayBelieve it or not we are nearing the end of the regular season for basketball. The girls state tournament starts in two weeks and the boys have league tournaments starting next week. This is the peak time and obviously there are plenty of peak performances to match. Here are the 3 best from Friday night.
<b>Third star</b>
Walter Kesler, Walled Lake Central - It is one thing to score 17 points. It is another to do that and also hit the game-winning shot to give your team a share of a league title, but that was what Kelser did in a 52-50 OT win over Waterford Mott to give Central a share of the KLAA North.
<b>Second star</b>
Carter Drazga, South Lyon - Salem hadn't lost a league game in the KLAA Central before Friday, but that sure changed thanks to Drazga, who scored 20 points in a 65-45 Lions win over the Rocks. Hear him roar.
<b>First star</b>
Kerri McMahan, Novi - There is nothing Kosmo loves more than seeing a team's best players play their best in the biggest games, and that is what McMahan did on Friday. The Wildcats won another KLAA Central title, beating second place Livonia Stevenson by four points because of McMahan, who scored 32 points and willed her team to a title. The definition of senior leadership. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-39145786953281472532014-02-05T09:37:00.002-08:002014-02-05T09:37:29.074-08:003 stars for Feb. 4In the midst of all this signing day mania, Kosmo hasn't forgotten about Tuesday's basketball games and the fact the season is actually winding down. Here are Kosmo's 3 stars for Tuesday's games.
<b>Third star</b>
Jerald Booker, Walled Lake Western - All of a sudden it is a three-team race in the KLAA North and Western is in the thick of it thanks to Booker, who scored 31 points in a win over Mott. Kosmo told you he would have a good game and he made your seer look good.
<b>Second star</b>
Erika Davenport, Clarkston - For a moment there on Twitter, Kosmo thought the Wolves were in trouble against Stoney Creek. But Clarkston got out of its deficit thanks to this force in the paint, who had 31 points and 12 rebounds in another dominating effort.
<b>First star</b>
Shannon Wilson, Bloomfield. Hills - Does it get any better than the way Wilson willed her team to a win over Troy? Uh, no. It is one thing to control the game in every phase, but it is another to collect 31 points, 13 steals and 11 rebounds in an unreal triple-double to help her team win a big game. Fantastic stuff.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-65433769653790937232014-02-03T14:11:00.001-08:002014-02-03T14:11:42.644-08:00All-star mistakeIt might be the heart of basketball season but this week will mark two important dates for high school football, which both somewhat coincide with each other in the thought process of Kosmo. The obvious and most important one is signing day on Wednesday, while on Saturday the Michigan roster for June's Michigan-Ohio all-star game will be announced in East Lansing. Kosmo isn't a big fan of the new all-star game for two reasons. One, it is 44 less kids from the state who will participate from the old format of an all-Michigan all-star game. Two, there no longer is the rule that only one player from a school can be chosen. When signing day happens on Wednesday and schools such as Clarkston, Southfield, Brother Rice and Cass Tech have loads of signees, it will be a reminder that it will essentially be those four schools combined taking on Ohio in June.
Hopefully this new all-star format is just a one year deal.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-74284514718352996922014-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:002014-01-25T12:38:57.516-08:00Kosmo's 3 stars for FridayKosmo knows he is a little late with his 3 stars for Friday's basketball games but, it is a little hard when the paper bag freezes and sticks to your seer's head. Just like there was a certain wind chill point that caused school districts to call off school on Friday, evidently there is a certain wind chill point to where paper bags stick to faces. Anyway, Kosmo found a blow torch in his cave and is back in business. Here are the 3 stars for Friday's games.
<b>Third star</b>
Alex Stuart, Notre Dame Prep
Kosmo certainly didn't expect a Notre Dame Prep win over Bishop Foley let alone a rout. But thanks to 25 points from Stuart the Fighting Irish looked mighty impressive in a 57-32 win.
<b>Second star</b>
Kaitlyn Smith, Holly
Can we just give the Flint Metro title to the Bronchos? Kosmo thinks after Holly's 42-30 win over Swartz Creek. Smith was a big reason for the victory as she scored 18 points in limited minute because the game got out of hand.
<b>First star</b>
Elise Gustafson, Milford
It was a grand night for Gustafson against Grand Blanc, who turned in an unreal game. She had a rare 20-20 game, scoring 22 points and pulling down 24 rebounds in a Milford win. Don't mess with that force in the paint.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-91071274418528026552014-01-22T08:11:00.001-08:002014-01-22T08:28:06.390-08:003 stars for Jan. 21So much for January doldrums. Kosmo knows these can somewhat be the dog days of basketball season but there was certainly plenty of excitement on Tuesday with big games and outstanding performances.
As always, it was hard to narrow the latter down to 3 but Kosmo will do his best. Here are his 3 stars for Tuesday night's games.
<b>Third star</b>
Shannon Wilson, Bloomfield Hills - It was yet another rock solid performance from the senior star for the Blackhawks, who had 14 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a win over Rochester. She has been a one-person wrecking ball for Bloomfield Hills this season.
<b>Second star</b>
Nick Owens, Clarkston - Owens out scored Lake Orion by himself on Tuesday, literally. While Lake Orion scored 27 points, Owens had 30 on the strength of eight makes from behind the 3-point line.
<b>First star</b>
Sierra LaGrande, Farmington Hills Mercy - Here is hoping Mercy and Marian play a couple more times this season because the first two games have been something special and a great thing for girls basketball in this state. LaGrande was the hero, draining what turned out to be the game-winning 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-84152337152359995922014-01-20T08:45:00.001-08:002014-01-20T08:45:24.497-08:00Missing a tradition at PontiacUp until the last two years, Martin Luther King weekend was one of Kosmo's favorite of the basketball season because of what would take place at Pontiac Northern/Pontiac High School.
Each year Pontiac would host the Martin Luther King Classic on Saturday and Sunday that would feature some of the best boys and girls teams in the state playing games all day on both days.
It was definitely a weekend to look forward to each year but it appears as if the event is dead.
The organizer of the event, legendary Pontiac AD Tarlton Small, retired and no one else has taken the baton, so to speak.
Granted, it is hard to take that baton because there are few AD's as great as Small and the financial mess the district is in.
The money problems were the big reason why the event wasn't held there last year and why it wasn't again this year.
Kosmo understands why the event is no more, but it still doesn't make it any less sad or make Kosmo yearn for the days when Pontiac was the center of the high school sports world every Martin Luther King weekend. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-64164523825662390272014-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:002014-01-18T08:45:04.985-08:003 stars for January 17Believe it or not we are just about at the halfway point of the basketball season, so if this was a dog sledding race, we would be past a bit marker and Kosmo would be furiously telling his dogs to mush.
This is the time of year where teams and players are peaking, so there are plenty of great individual performances to choose from. Here are the best from Friday and Kosmo's 3 stars.
<b>Third star</b>
Amber Jamison, Rochester Adams - It might have been another tight one for the Highlanders, but once again they pulled through thanks in large part to the versatile junior, who had 11 points and 17 rebounds.
<b>Second star</b>
Yankee Maten, Bloomfield Hills - One of the state's premier big men was on top of his game against Southfield, scoring 21 points, pulling down a whopping 22 rebounds and adding eight blocks for good measure in a win for the Blackhawks. He just continues to impress those college coaches.
<b>First star</b>
Jonathan Radner, Berkley - Don't look now but the Bears are off to a 4-0 start in the OAA Blue thanks in huge part to Radner, who is on a roll. He scored 28 points for the Bears in an overtime win at Stoney Creek on Friday and is a rising star. In the case of Friday he was the first star.Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7487393257159258072.post-43132503784381014302014-01-15T04:19:00.001-08:002014-01-15T04:19:21.669-08:00Kosmo's 3 stars for rivalry TuesdayAs Kosmo wrote about before Tuesday night, it felt weird seeing so many rivalry games in the middle of the week and not on Friday. While it was odd, it still didn't make it any less exciting to see bragging rights decided in so many cities in one action-packed night of basketball. Here were the players that shined the brightest and earned a place in Kosmo's 3 stars.
<b>Third star</b>
Mike Williams, Troy Athens
Kosmo was anxious to see which team would win a key early-season battle in the OAA White at Oak Park, and that squad turned out to be the Red Hawks thanks in large part to Williams, who scored 22 points to lead the way for his team.
<b>Second star</b>
Elise Tolbert, Birmingham Seaholm
Admittedly, Kosmo didn't know what the single-game scoring record was at Seaholm before Tuesday night. He does now since the record now belongs to Tolbert after she went off for 34 points in a lopsided win over Groves.
<b>First star</b>
Chris Seaborn, Farmington
Kosmo didn't think the Falcons would beat rival Harrison but Seaborn sure told Kosmo where to stick it. He scored 26 points, pulled down eight rebounds and dished out five assists for the Falcons in a big rivalry night win. Kosmohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14812589884209333306noreply@blogger.com0