Is there a better league for competitive cheer than the Oakland Activities Association Red Division? Looking at the state rankings and highest round scores in the state this season, the OAA-Red has five of the top 15 teams in the state in Division 1.
Rochester Stoney Creek is No. 2, while Rochester is No. 3, Lake Orion is No. 7, Rochester Adams is No. 8, and Clarkston No. 11. Troy Athens has also had a strong showing this season.
All three Rochester schools cracked the top 10, and it is a rarity to have three high schools from the same district ranked at the same time in a particular sport,. Even more surprising than that occurrence, though, is Clarkston’s breakthrough. A quality team the past few years, the Wolves moved up to the OAA’s top division this winter and are enjoying some time in the spotlight amongst the usual powers.
Oakland County’s talent is not limited to the OAA or Division 1, though. Cracking the top 10 in Division 2 is Brandon at No. 4. The Blackhawks barely missed the state finals last season and are trying to make amends this season. They currently lead the Flint Metro League.
Defending Division 3 state champion Notre Dame Preparatory is ranked No. 1. It’s no secret that Notre Dame gets many of its students from Oakland County, so the Irish find themselves in the middle of a pool of talent.