Ann Arbor Area Prep Hoops Podcast: Recent Episodes
Coach Speak
Local high school basketball coaches Derek Seidl (Napoleon), Matt Seidl (Olivet), and Josh Tropea (Chelsea) talk about what is happening with prep basketball -- and occasionally other sports -- in the greater Ann Arbor area.
Part of the Coach Speak Podcast Network.
The hosts preview 7 other boys' basketball teams in the area as the season gets underway this week.
The hosts preview the upcoming boys' basketball season in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference (GLAC).
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week.
High School on 10/21
Dexter at Chelsea
Clinton at Hudson
Huron at Holt
Napoleon at Union City
South Lyon at South Lyon East
Belleville at Brighton
Northwest at Marshall
College on 10/22
EMU at Ball State (-2.5)
UCLA at Oregon (-6)
Syracuse at Clemson (-13)
Hosts Derek Seidl and Matt Seidl hold an All-Area Boys' Basketball Pre-Season Fantasy Draft, each selecting 12 local players to their roster.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week.
High School on 10/14
Saline at Dexter
Chelsea at Edwardsburg
Olivet at Williamston
Napoleon at Addison
De La Salle at River Rouge
Novi at Northville
Franklin at Belleville
College on 10/15
Alabama at Tennessee (+7.5)
Wisconsin at MSU (+6)
Penn State at Michigan (-7)
The hosts discuss some of the top storylines heading into the 2022-23 prep basketball season. The topics include new coaches at Ann Arbor Huron and Ypsilanti, Andrea Cabana taking over the boys' program at Chelsea, the possibility of Western and Northwest winning an I-8 boys' title, the best players in the ever-expanding area, and more...
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week.
High School on 10/7
Bedford at Saline
Adrian at Jackson
Western at Hastings
Michigan Center at Napoleon
Tecumseh at Chelsea
Coldwater at Northwest
Northville at Hartland
College on 10/8
Ohio State at MSU (+25.5)
Michigan at Indiana (+22)
NFL on 10/9
Lions at Patriots (-3)
The hosts discuss a weekend of professional development, which includes Derek Seidl's breakdown of the annual BCAM Clinic at Oakland University and Matt Seidl's experience at the University of Nebraska men's basketball practice.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week.
High School on 9/30
Ann Arbor Huron at Dexter (Derek)
Tecumseh at Jackson (Josh)
Olivet at Pewamo Westphalia (Matt)
Manchester at Michigan Center (Derek)
Monroe at Bedford (Josh)
Portland at Charlotte (Matt)
Clinton at Dundee (Derek)
College on 10/1
MSU at Maryland (-6)
Michigan at Iowa (+9.5)
NFL on 10/2
Seattle at Detroit
The hosts talk with Belleville High School Head Boys' Basketball Coach Adam Trumpour. They discuss the Tigers trip to the final 4 last year as well as their outlook for the coming season in the KLAA.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week:
High School on 9/23
Hanover at Napoleon
Western at Northwest
Brighton at Northville
Fordson at Belleville
Mason at Haslett
Leslie at Stockbridge
Grass Lake at Michigan Center
College on 9/24
Minnesota at MSU (+1)
Maryland at Michigan (-17)
NFL on 9/25
Detroit at Minnesota (-7.5)
The hosts sit down with Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard head girls' basketball coach Tim Cain. They discuss the Irish's upcoming season, Coach Cain's influences, potential rule changes for Michigan high school basketball, and more.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week!
This week's games are:
Grass Lake @ Hanover Horton
Adrian @ Tecumseh
Mason @ Williamston
Saline @ Monroe
Lumen Christi @ Western
Ann Arbor Pioneer @ Ann Arbor Skyline
Novi @ Brighton
Michigan State @ Washington (-1)
UConn @ Michigan (-47)
Commanders @ Lions (-2)
The hosts sit down with former Tecumseh High School Boys' Basketball coach and current referee Scott Norkey.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week!
This week's games are:
Chelsea @ Jackson
Tecumseh @ Pinckney
Dexter @ Bedford
Grosse Ile @ Milan
Hastings @ Jackson Lumen Christi
Ann Arbor Huron @ Ann Arbor Pioneer
Napoleon @ Manchester
Akron @ Michigan State (-34)
Hawaii @ Michigan (-51)
Eagles (+4) @ Lions
The guys talk with new Lansing Catholic varsity boys basketball coach Jake Bullock. They discuss Jake's time as a player at Lansing Catholic and Aquinas College, as well as his time on staff at Western Michigan University.
The hosts pick 10 football games for the upcoming week!
This week's games are:
Homer @ Jonesville
Parma Western @ Detroit Country Day
Williamston @ Lansing Catholic
Addison @ Manchester
AA Gabriel Richard @ Jackson Northwest
Ypsi @ Stockbridge
Whitmore Lake @ Leslie
Western Michigan University at Michigan State (-20)
Colorado State at Michigan (-27)
Notre Dame at Ohio State (-17)
The crew sits down with new East Jackson varsity boys basketball coach Paul Marandat. They discuss Paul's journey to becoming the East Jackson head coach while taking a look back at the Trojans' summer and a look ahead at the upcoming season. They also discuss Paul's playing days at Warsaw High School and Spring Arbor University.
The hosts pick 10 local high school football games for the upcoming week!
This week's games are:
Brooklyn Columbia Central @ Napoleon
Jackson Lumen Christi @ New Lothrop
Michigan Center @ Tecumseh
Jackson @ Monroe
Hudsonville @ Saline
Charlotte @ Olivet
Springport @ Stockbridge
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep @ Clinton
Ann Arbor Huron vs Lapeer
Dexter vs Grosse Point South
The hosts sit down with Leslie High School's head boys basketball coach and newly named athletic director, Matt Johns. They discuss Leslie's move to the Cascades as well as their outlook for the upcoming season among other topics.
The hosts sit down with new Williamston High School head boys basketball coach Koji Vroom, who jumps from the college ranks to take over a program that is coming off an MHSAA Division 2 state championship run.
The hosts return after a four-month hiatus, discussing area coaching changes and conference realignments.
The hosts react to the MHSAA allowing two additional games and adopting a later start date next season, and also weigh in on yet another season without the NFHS-approved shot clock in Michigan. In addition, they discuss the recent boys' and girls' state tournaments and the need for more divisions in basketball and other sports.
The hosts focus on the Arbor Prep girls, who are headed to the D3 Final Four; the Michigan Center boys, whose magical run came to an end Wednesday night; and the Belleville boys, who have reached the Elite 8 in D1. They also discuss their NCAA men's basketball brackets.
The hosts return after a long break with recaps of Friday's girls' basketball district championship games, along with predictions for next week's boys' district tournaments.
The hosts preview an exciting week of prep basketball in the Ann Arbor area, starting with the long-awaited girls' matchup between Saline and Dexter. Other mentions include the Grass Lake and Western girls' teams, the SEC Red and White boys' races, the Greenhills boys' fast start, and the upcoming Chelsea Showcase on January 29.
The hosts emphasize a need for the MHSAA to allow more than 20 basketball games each season. In addition, they break down some of this week's top boys' matchups -- Skyline at Saline, Dexter at Huron, Dexter at Arbor Prep, Napoleon at Vandercook Lake, and Adrian at Chelsea. The Arbor Prep and Saline girls' teams are mentioned as well.
The hosts discuss the December 29 “Shot Clock Classic” at Spring Arbor University, focusing on the facility, media coverage, matchups, top players, and impact of the experimental 35-second shot clock. They also touch on other area teams playing over the holiday break.
The hosts recap the Huron boys' come-from-behind victory over Saline, the Dexter girls' convincing win at Bedford, and the impressive 5-0 start by the Arbor Prep boys. In addition, they discuss the return of student sections and some of the issues that go along with them.
The hosts recap the Dexter-Pioneer boys' game, the Saline-Bedford girls' contest and the Cascades-GLAC Boys' Basketball Challenge from last week. In addition, they look ahead to three upcoming battles -- Skyline vs. Huron boys, Chelsea vs. Blackhawk Christian boys and Western vs. Northwest girls.
The hosts discuss three area girls' teams (Chelsea, Tecumseh & Gabriel Richard) who are off to good starts and then preview three Week #1 boys' games -- Pinckney vs. Gabriel Richard, Hanover Horton vs. Olivet, and Pioneer vs. Dexter.
After discussing a couple of exciting football games -- Chelsea's come-from-behind win over Hudsonville Unity Christian in the D4 state finals and Michigan's big win over Ohio State -- the hosts turn their attention to hoops. Navigating the Thanksgiving break, boys' scrimmages and the official start of the girls' season are just some of the topics.
Who is the favorite to win this year's SEC Red boys' basketball race? Can an inexperienced Huron squad find its way into title contention? How will Saline fare under a new head coach? And can Dexter make some noise after moving up from the White division? These questions and others are addressed in this episode.
Chelsea is the favorite to repeat as SEC White boys' basketball champions this season, but the other five schools -- Adrian, Jackson, Pinckney, Tecumseh & Ypsilanti -- have enough pieces to make it interesting. Listen to the hosts' insight on this always-competitive division...
The hosts discuss their approaches to the first practice of the high school boys' basketball season, tryouts in general, and even the first two weeks of their respective campaigns. In addition, they cover early non-schematic focuses and reveal their team mottos for 2021-22.
The hosts break down the eight Cascades Conference boys' basketball teams, including perennial power Hanover-Horton, the always-tough Michigan Center Cardinals, an experienced Napoleon squad, and the on-the-rise Jayhawks from Vandercook Lake
With the start of girls' basketball practice just a few days away, the hosts preview multiple teams from the Ann Arbor area. Can Arbor Prep win a D3 state title? Are Grass Lake and Gabriel Richard capable of another deep run? Can anyone knock off Saline in the SEC Red or Chelsea in the SEC White? Listen in for responses to those questions and more.
The hosts begin their previews by examining 10 Ann Arbor-area boys' basketball teams who are not affiliated with the Southeastern Conference or Cascades Conference. The list includes Belleville, Arbor Prep, Father Gabriel Richard, Greenhills, Milan, Whitmore Lake, Clinton and three Jackson teams (Lumen Christi, Northwest & Western). In addition, they discuss their favorite Halloween candy and the upcoming Michigan-Michigan State football game.
The hosts transition from discussing the upcoming Dexter-Chelsea football game to identifying some of the high school basketball games they are most looking forward to in 2021-22. In addition, they touch on the national controversies surrounding Jon Gruden and Kyrie Irving.
After commenting on local news and the Chelsea Fall League, the hosts share their opinions about the MHSAA's pre-season downtime rule. In addition, they touch on preseason conditioning, the future of middle school sports, and music playlists.
The hosts react to MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl's comments from the BCAM Clinic, the sudden resignation of Saline coach Jake Fosdick, and other storylines as the 2021-22 prep season approaches.
Returning with an Ann Arbor-area focus, the hosts promote the upcoming BCAM clinic and discuss the different ways high school players prepare for their seasons. They also lay out their preview plan for local teams, players and conferences and then touch on some of the best stories from the area football scene.
The hosts discuss players who stood out at the Coach Speak Podcast Mid-Summer Showcase on July 21, 2021 at Dexter High School. In addition, they scratch their heads about the recently-released boys' and girls' basketball district assignments.
After a 76-day break, the hosts reconvene to discuss potential rule changes, local news, June basketball, the Mid-Summer Showcase, and an expansion of the Coach Speak Podcast.
The hosts look at both sides of AAU basketball, interview Tyrone Hicks (a man with many titles), and play their own version of "Start/Sub/Sit."
Featured on this week's podcast is an interview with Lexus Bargesser, the junior phenom who led the Grass Lake girls' basketball team to an MHSAA Division 3 state championship this past weekend.
In addition to recapping regional championship games, the hosts look ahead to the quarterfinal round and also share their predictions for boys' state champions in each of the four divisions.
The hosts recap first-round girls' and boys' regional games from March 29-30 and look ahead to some fascinating regional final matchups.
The hosts recap an exciting week of district basketball, which included upsets, buzzer beaters, conflicts between coaches, and COVID-based forfeits. They also discuss players leaving for Spring Break instead of playing in their regional tournaments and whether or not losing teams should watch trophy presentations.
The hosts discuss a slew of topics, including the Dexter boys' big win over Chelsea, Ella Stemmer's 38-point performance against Pioneer, the Huron boys taking it to Lincoln and Saline, and the Hanover-Horton boys sacrificing the longest winning streak in the state.
Among the discussion topics this week are the SEC and Cascades Conference races, district pairings, and the pros and cons of MPR rankings.
Ann Arbor Huron's amazing third quarter against Lincoln, Chelsea's victory over previously-undefeated Pinckney, and the success of the Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard girls' basketball team are just some of the topics this week.
After a three-week hiatus, the boys -- at least two of them -- are back on the Pod! Hosts Derek Seidl and Matt Seidl discuss the first half of the current six-week season, covering league races, top games and performers, and some of the dynamics of playing hoops during a pandemic.
After a nine-week shutdown and 23 more days of non-contact practices, the high school basketball season in Michigan commences on Monday, February 8. Listen to the hosts as they discuss the roller-coaster ride that players and coaches have experienced in recent days, along with some of the area's top matchups this coming week.
After attending Saturday's #LetThemPlay rally in Lansing, the hosts share their thoughts and make predictions on whether or not efforts from the past week will make a difference.
The hosts discuss how the basketball community in Michigan has united and how a statewide movement has started following Friday's disappointing news from Governor Whitmer and the MDHHS.
Hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl and Josh Tropea react to the MHSAA Representative Council's actions, which come one day after the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services updated its epidemic plan.
After a round of rapid-fire questions, the hosts respond to this scenario: What if the current pause, which is scheduled to end on January 15, is extended for two more weeks -- or even longer?
The hosts discuss scheduling and coaching philosophies for the upcoming abbreviated season, react to how individual rankings affect a team, and share positives from 2020 and resolutions for 2021.
Hosts Derek Seidl and Matt Seidl unpack and respond to the breaking news from Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, and the MHSAA.
University of Michigan head women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico comments on multiple topics, including culture, family, competing during a pandemic and how her system of play has evolved. In addition, the hosts identify their favorite high school venues and weigh in on the “to play or not to play” controversy.
As the Michigan prep basketball world braces for a possible extension of the current shutdown, the hosts share their thoughts and offer perspective through an interview with North Central (Ohio) girls’ basketball coach Greg Waidelich. In addition, there is discussion on the best of college hoops so far this season and the issue of flopping.
Kyle Barlow, a men’s assistant coach at Ohio University who played locally at Howell High School and Concordia University, is the featured guest. The hosts also talk about influential college coaches during their careers and the popular “auto bench” philosophy when key players get in early foul trouble.
Hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl and Josh Tropea discuss the recent shutdown, the MHSAA's restart plan, and the best- and worst-case scenarios when it comes to prep basketball in the Greater Ann Arbor area.
This week's preview focuses on the Southeastern Conference Red Division, which includes six Ann Arbor-area schools along with some of the top players and coaches in Michigan.
The hosts preview the six boys' basketball teams from the Southeastern Conference White Division, which is up for grabs following the departure of Lincoln and Ypsilanti to the Red Division.
The hosts turn their attention to the boys’ basketball teams of the Cascades Conference, spotlighting perennial power Hanover-Horton while also identifying a handful of others on the verge of contention.
This week, the hosts preview the top girls‘ basketball teams and players in the greater Ann Arbor area. From state title contenders to multiple Division I athletes, there is plenty to cover!
In their final Prep Pigskin Picks segment of the fall, hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl, and Josh Tropea predict the winners of five upcoming high school football games.
In the first of five scheduled preview episodes, the hosts break down six area boys’ basketball teams that are not part of the Southeastern Conference — Father Gabriel Richard, Milan, Arbor Prep, Whitmore Lake, Belleville, and Greenhills.
In this abbreviated episode, the three hosts are joined by Dexter boys' basketball coach Jason Rushton for another round of Prep Pigskin Picks.
Former Ypsilanti High School coach Steve Brooks talks about his decision to leave for Wayne Memorial, some of his best players and teams, and even a young phenom who may delay his retirement for a while. The hosts discuss basketball playbooks and join Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central coach Randy Windham for Prep Pigskin Picks.
In this episode, former NFL player Tony Scheffler talks about the decision to coach girls’ basketball at his alma mater and the influence Chelsea and his high school coaches had on him. The hosts also discuss the new fall boys’ basketball league in Jackson and make their Prep Pigskin Picks with help from Gabriel Richard girls’ coach Tim Cain.
University of Michigan men's basketball assistant coach Jay Smith talks about his record-setting days at Mio AuSable, coaching at all three levels of the NCAA, his time with the Fab 5, and his battle against prostate cancer. The hosts also discuss bucket-list college basketball venues and make their Prep Pigskin Picks with Manchester girls' hoop coach Corey Fether.
Following comments on high school athletes wearing masks while competing, the hosts engage in an entertaining conversation with Saline High School boys’ basketball coach Jacob Fosdick. The Hornets’ boss also participates in the first “Prep Pigskin Picks” of the fall.
Following a discussion on the topic of assistant coaches, the hosts sit down with Skyline’s Keith Wade to talk about the local hoop scene, his liver transplant and his two Division I sons — Brandon Wade (Michigan) and Ryan Wade (Holy Cross).
Jason Wilkins, the Belleville High School girls' head coach and CEO of Lady Ballers Insider, is featured in this episode. He talks about his days at Robichaud High School, the story behind LBI, and his new challenge with the Tigers. The hosts also pay tribute to Lute Olson and John Thompson, play the "College Visit Game," and discuss breaking news from the MHSAA.
Ann Arbor Huron boys' basketball head coach Waleed Samaha discusses challenges facing high school hoops, career influences, his time with the University of Michigan program, his son's kicking prowess, and social injustice. The hosts also rank their favorite basketball movies.
Ypsilanti Arbor Prep phenom Mya Petticord describes her training regimen, how she fell in love with basketball, her nickname "Money," and what she's looking for in a college program amongst other things. In addition, the hosts discuss current and historic girls' talent in the area and share their thoughts on the nation's unrest over social injustice.
Tecumseh High School Athletic Director Jon Zajac responds to questions about the SEC, the Indians' basketball program, family dynamics, three highly-respected coaches, and his playing days at EMU and overseas. The hosts also touch on Steve Brooks leaving Ypsilanti and the current MHSAA restrictions involving basketball.
One of the county's most successful coaches, Rex Stanczak, talks about life in the Catholic League, some of his greatest career memories, and his concerns navigating through a pandemic. In addition, the hosts discuss philosophy when it comes to the defensive assignment for their best player.
Lehigh University commit Ella Stemmer of Saline discusses her college choice, successful runs with her AAU and school teams, family, and what she does in her spare time. In addition, the hosts share thoughts on building the ideal roster and the NBA play-in game.
In a so-called "emergency podcast," hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl and Josh Tropea unpack the ramifications from the MHSAA's August 14 announcement that football has been postponed until spring of 2021.
Dan Young, the Executive Director for BCAM, discusses recent and potential changes in the prep basketball world. In addition, the three hosts touch on virtual coaching clinics and MHSAA shortcomings.
Hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl and Josh Tropea go in-depth on why the MHSAA should adopt a shot clock for both boys' and girls' basketball, citing overwhelming support from area coaches. The new 5-quarter rule is discussed as well.
Two-sport standout Colin Parachek of Dexter discusses family, shares highlights of his basketball and football career, and gives an update on his recruiting situation. Also, hosts Matt Seidl, Derek Seidl and Josh Tropea weigh in on arguably the best rivalry in Washtenaw County.
Director/coach Andrea Cabana talks about the meteoric rise of the Michigan Premier girls' basketball organization and also breaks down her talented Open Gold squad that has earned respect throughout Michigan and the Midwest.
"Coach Speak" hosts Josh Tropea, Matt Seidl and Derek Seidl conduct an All-Decade Boys' Basketball Dream Draft using players from the Ann Arbor area between 2010 & 2020. Twenty-one players and three coaches are selected, and, of course, there is bantering along the way.
This episode of "Coach Speak" features an interview with Ann Arbor Huron's Julian Lewis, who has received approximately 20 scholarship offers from Division I universities. In addition, the hosts debate the issue of zone defenses on the AAU circuit and celebrate the start/restart of the MLB and NBA seasons.
This episode of "Coach Speak" includes an interview with former Southfield Christian boys' coach Josh Baker, who is now an assistant under Nate Oats at the University of Alabama. In addition, the hosts discuss coaching changes in the area and then go off the rails by ranking their favorite hotels.
The latest episode of "Coach Speak" features an interview with Ypsilanti Lincoln boys' basketball coach Jesse Davis, who discusses his journey to a state championship and responds to questions about phenom Emoni Bates. Hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl and Josh Tropea also touch on the controversy of out-of-state AAU basketball tournaments and make suggestions for school-league breakups.
Welcome to the first episode of Coach Speak! Listen in as hosts Derek Seidl, Matt Seidl, and Josh Tropea introduce themselves and explain their connection over the years. Also included are a breakdown of what to expect from future episodes and a brief discussion on the difficult decision facing the MHSAA.