Warren De La Salle football players celebrate Nov. 23 after the team's 29-16 win over Muskegon Mona Shores in the Division 2 state title game. The win gave the Pilots two consecutive state titles and three since 2014. De La Salle boys basketball also had a memorable season, advancing to the Class A state semifinals for the first time since 2007.
The Grosse Pointe South baseball team celebrates after winning the Division 1 state championship at Michigan State University in 2018. South finished the season with a 33-12 record and claimed the second title in program history.
File photo by Patricia O'Blenes
Members of the Bloomfield Hills Marian girls soccer team hoist the trophy last June after winning their second straight D-2 state title. The Mustangs beat Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern 4-2 to capture the crown.
File photo by Erin Sanchez
Dakota's wrestling program produced two D-1 individual champions with Layne Malczewzki, pictured, taking the championship at 171 pounds, and Brock Prater taking the top step on the podium at 103.
File photo by Erin Sanchez
Farmington Hills Harrison takes the field during its last homecoming game. Under Hall of Fame coach John Herrington, the Hawks won a state record 13 state championships. The school will close at the end of the academic year.
File photo by Patricia O'Blenes
METRO DETROIT — We take great pride in being your local prep sports source.
We strongly believe that no matter a team's record — whether it's winless or a state champion — there's always a story to tell, and we want to tell it for you.
We have 18 total weekly newspapers, so we strongly encourage you to visit candgnews.com/sports for happenings around your local area, as well as follow us on Twitter @CandGSports.
Our department has gone through some change this past year. We had two reporters move on to their next adventures. But with that change, we welcomed Zachary Manning and Jacob Herbert to our staff.
We think you'll enjoy their exceptional work.
And of course, veterans Jason Carmel Davis and Mark Vest are here to make sure we continue to do the very best that we can.
Lastly, we'd like to thank you — the fans, coaches and players — for making 2018 another great year. We couldn't have done it without you.
Now here's a look at some memories and thoughts from our reporters over the past year.
— Christian Davis, Sports Editor
Something to smile aboutI don't ever remember a year when there were so many teams from my coverage areas that made it to a state championship game.
Clinton Township Chippewa Valley football, Grosse Pointe South baseball, Madison Heights Bishop Foley baseball and Madison Heights Madison football all earned the chance to compete for a championship.
Foley and Madison finished runner-up, with Chippewa and South coming away with the ultimate prize in high school sports: a state title.
For those who don't understand just how special it is for both coaches and players to win a championship, please take some time to look for photos of teams after accomplishing that feat.
There probably aren't too many other activities, endeavors or pursuits that can match the expressions of joy on the faces of those who just won a championship.
Even with no endorsement deals or big prize money at stake, for the athletes and coaches involved, just being part of something of that magnitude with a group of their peers is enough to create what will likely be one of the most memorable and happy experiences of their lives.
And although it could be hard to simulate the exact emotions felt by those who experience a championship in sports, it might be a good idea for everybody to pursue something in their lives that at least has the potential to bring about a similar sense of accomplishment.
— Mark Vest, Madison-Park News, Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle, Woodward Talk and Troy Times
Recruiting is supposed to be for the athletesEarly signing day took place Dec. 19. The next signings take place in early February.
Each year when these events take place, I'm reminded of how "fan" is short for "fanatic."
I see so many instances where fans of a particular NCAA football or basketball program put any prospects of future joy in the hands of a 17- or 18-year-old kid. If that kid doesn't pick the school they root for, then the teen, who the fan loved seconds before making their announcement, is an "idiot," has other people making the decision for them, etc.
That does happen. Handlers, and most notably shoe companies, steer kids to certain schools. But that's not the case for the majority. Most of the athletes go where they were made to feel the most comfortable or where they'll get the most playing time.
I'm a Michigan State alum. I pay almost no attention to recruiting, save for any information I may need for this job. I only hope the athletes do what's best for themselves and their families, and that they enjoy their college experience.
So think about the kid the next time one of them opts to go to a school other than the one you root for. Who knows, one day your kid could be in the same situation.
— Jason Carmel Davis, Journal, Sterling Heights Sentry, St. Clair Shores Sentinel, Warren Weekly and Macomb Township Chronicle
The journey has just begunIn early September, I was welcomed to the C & G Sports staff.
Coming in during the fall season allowed me to hit the ground running, and I enjoyed being able to cover Farmington Hills Harrison's last football season and the Oakland County golf tournament, while penning pieces on Michigan's prep bracketologist Snooze2you, Warren De La Salle's state title defense and much more.
I am still learning each coverage area, so don't give me too much of a hard time. But as we get into the heart of the winter sports season and head toward spring, I am eager to continue telling the stories of the incredible teams and athletes in this area.
I am always looking for the best stories to tell, so if you have any ideas or comments, please don't be afraid to reach out via phone, email or Twitter. Thank you for reading, and cheers to another great year.
— Zachary Manning, Southfield Sun, Grosse Pointe Times, West Bloomfield Beacon, Eastsider and Farmington Press
A happy startI have only been at C & G Newspapers for a few months, but I already feel so at home with the rest of the staff. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. As a journalist fresh out of college (Go Green!), I couldn't have asked for a better first job.
Covering high school sports may not be as luxurious as college or professional, but the stories are just as good. I've covered championship wins, and I've covered championship losses. I've met people who have accomplished dangerous feats, and I've met kids with enormous amounts of talent. It's been a great ride here, and I'm excited for what's next.
My favorite memory from my time at C & G so far would be covering a state title win in boys soccer for Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day. It was in Comstock Park, which is near Grand Rapids. The game needed overtime and a shootout before Country Day ended up winning 4-3. It was an exhilarating game from start to finish as the Yellow Jackets withstood constant pressure from Forest Hills Northern, but ultimately came out on top.
There have been so many great things I have experienced at C & G, and I'm always looking forward to the next.
— Jacob Herbert, Shelby-Utica News, Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle, Royal Oak Review and Rochester Post
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