North Farmington’s return to the state tournament led by senior core

FARMINGTON — Back in the mix as one of the top teams in the state, North Farmington and their senior-led core are looking to make a statement this season.

After suffering a brutal two-point defeat to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the regional semifinals in 2022, North Farmington has returned to right the wrongs this time around.

“I think St. Mary’s took us out of a lot of what we tried to do, and I think that lingered with us and left a bad taste in our mouth,” North Farmington coach Todd Negoshian said.

Led by Mr. Basketball candidate and senior guard Ryan Hurst, who led Oakland County with 24 points per game in 2022, North Farmington’s 7-1 start has propelled them to the top of the D Zone’s basketball rankings, sitting at No. 2 in the state. Hurst opened the season with a 24-point performance in North Farmington’s 49-36 win over Detroit Martin Luther King Dec. 5 and has cemented himself as one of the top players in the state throughout the year.

“I think on the court, his IQ and knowledge of the game are a huge testament for him,” Negoshian said. “He understands the game, and he’s always in his mind a step or two ahead. He just lets things come to him naturally. He doesn’t force a lot. He just really likes to let him come to him in the flow of the offense.”

So what changed for a team that allowed just under 39 points per game last season and has continued to be stout defensively? Junior guard Landon Williams said the offensive mentality has made all the difference.

“Last year, we were a lot more within the system,” Williams said. “When I say that I mean we had a lot going before we did something, and sometimes deferred to Ryan being the scorer that he is. Now we all can provide the scoring, and Prince (Jackson) knows how to dump off to the bigs. Me as a point guard, I feel like I have a lot more confidence going.”

It didn’t hurt that North Farmington added to the mix a dominant scorer in Farmington High School transfer and senior guard Prince Jackson. As a sophomore, Jackson averaged 16 points per game before being ruled ineligible his junior season. Now back on the court, Jackson has not only given North Farmington another offensive weapon, but a vital senior leader to help orchestrate the offense.

“I think after sitting out all last year, you know what he’s capable of doing, but there was a big question mark,” Negoshian said. “Is he going to force it or let it come to him? He’s really let the flow of the game come to him.”

Hurst, Jackson, guard Dwayne Ray Jr. and 6-foot-7 center Lee Hardy headline the senior leadership for North Farmington, but alongside them is a strong junior class led by Williams and 6-foot-5 wing Tyler Spratt.

Spratt, a stat-sheet stuffer, and Williams, a poised guard, have been key complements to a strong senior class that Negoshian said everything starts with.

“I think you’re only as good as your seniors,” Negoshian said. “When you’re not a senior, you know you have another year. When you’re a senior, this is it. You have to make the most of it in the gym, and I think our guys understand that. I think the unfortunate incident with Demar in the NFL has made the guys realize that everything can be taken from you at any day.”

While North Farmington is set to open up conference play in the Oakland Activities Association-Red, their grueling out-of-conference schedule gives them a sample of what to expect at the state tournament. North Farmington’s out-of-conference opponents combine for a 62-32 record this season.

“We want to know where we struggle,” Negoshian said. “We want to get better as the season goes on. What doesn’t matter is what your record is. We want to be ready when the tournament goes on, and the only way to do that is to play the best people.”

North Farmington was slated to open conference play Jan. 20, hosting Oak Park (5-1), and then will host Clarkston (9-2) Jan. 26.

“We have a philosophy in our program,” Negoshian said. “Nobody knows how you started; they know you finished.”