Like Parents, Ayrault Twins 'Born to Play'
By
Tom Markowski
Special for Second Half
November 30, 2017
GROSSE POINTE WOODS – Kim Ayrault and her husband Andy were careful not to overly encourage their children to play sports, specifically basketball, the sport they played so well for so long.
But if their children did decide to play, they would teach them to play the right way and be there every step of the way.
Julia and Joe Ayrault, juniors at Grosse Pointe North, are the first set of twins born to Kim and Andy. Annabel and Adam are the second. Born nearly four years apart, all four play basketball and the younger pair play multiple sports.
The Ayraults are a family whose lives often revolve around practices and games, and driving to and from said events. It can be simultaneously rewarding and tiresome, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kim recalls one of her first memories of Julia, a 4-year-old bouncing up and down the court.
“She went to the basket and scored,” Kim said. “Then she came back down with her ponytails flying and waving her hands up in the air, and I said to myself, no, no, no. I went up to her and said, you can’t do that. You can’t celebrate like that. She learned. She never did that again.
“She was competitive at that age. She was born ready to play.”
Julia Ayrault started bouncing a basketball just about the time she learned to walk. When her parents introduced her to the sport, she dove in head first and hasn’t looked back.
She tried soccer. That didn’t last. As a second sport she preferred baseball, but basketball was always first.
Julia and Joe, 16, both play varsity basketball and anticipate having more than just a good season. Their parents were also fine basketball players in the Pointes, Kim at North, Andy at Grosse Pointe South. The Ayraults’ other set of twins also play basketball, at Grosse Pointe Shores Our Lady Star of the Sea. Annabel and Adam are in the seventh grade and, yes, they’re good players, too. Annabel plays volleyball as well and Adam plays baseball. He was a member of the Grosse Pointe Shores/Woods Little League team that reach the World Series in Williamsport, Pa., this past summer.
After graduating from high school, the Ayraults began dating while playing basketball at Wayne State University. Andy was a junior, Kim (Reiter) a sophomore. Both had fine careers, both played four years and Andy went on to have a brief career professionally in Europe. The two are tall: Andy is 6-foot-7 and Kim is 6-foot, and, not surprisingly, their children are tall. Julia is 6-2, Joe 6-5.
It’s too early to tell, but Julia just might be the best. A three-year starter for longtime coach Gary Bennett, she has committed to Michigan State and is one of the state’s top players in the class of 2019. Bennett coached Kim in high school, and he first saw Julia play when she was in elementary school.
Andy has coached Julia, on and off but mostly on, since she started playing. Currently Andy is Bennett’s assistant coach. Andy also coached Julia at Star of the Sea and began coaching his two eldest children when they were in elementary school.
“From third to sixth grades I had her playing on the boys AAU team,” Andy said. “I used to put them on the same team because she was so good. In the seventh grade we switched out of AAU to the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization). Going on a weekend and playing four AAU games in one day wasn’t doing her any good. Playing two CYO games and practicing three days a week was better.
“Joe should have a breakout season. Julia had a breakout summer. She played more on the perimeter. She’s athletic enough to cover the post and take the ball to the rim.”
Andy has never stopped working with Julia, even if he wasn’t officially her coach. She developed a love for the game at an early age and Andy continued to teach, lending support as Julia’s game continued to improve.
“She blows our mind all the time,” Kim said. “We’ll say to each other later, did she really do that? When I watch, I see it from the stands and it’s a different look than what Andy sees. I’ll yell something at her during the game. Andy doesn’t like me doing that. I still do it.”
In addition to her playing basketball with the boys for three years, the athletically gifted Julia also played outfield and was a pitcher on a little league baseball team with her brother for two years. Also teaming up with Julia on that little league team was Evelyn Zacharias, one of Julia’s best friends and now a member of the North varsity basketball team as well.
One of Julia’s first memories of playing sports is a positive one.
“I remember when I was at Star of the Sea, we went a long way (in the playoffs),” she said. “It started to be a lot of fun. A lot of those girls who were on that team are at North with me. Evelyn and others. We have the memories.”
Kim and Andy have memories, too, and there are many more to come.
Right now, their lives are often discombobulated trying to give the four equal time. It’s a great goal in theory, but much more difficult to accomplish in reality.
A typical day will find Kim driving home after work as an elementary school teacher to pick up Julia from practice and get Adam to his game at Star of the Sea on time. One particular evening the MSU women’s team is playing the University of Detroit at Calihan Hall and Kim and Julia are going. Home by 10 p.m., there’s time for a snack before the good nights are said.
“People, many of our friends, tease us that we make them do this,” Kim said. “We’ve never done that.”
Kim keeps a schedule of all the comings and goings on a board hanging in the back of the house. She does it alone. She doesn’t trust anyone else to keep track.
Andy is in between jobs so his free time, if you can call it that, consists of completing Kim’s honey-do list.
“We were laughing the other day,” Kim said. “How did we do this before when (Andy) was working? I’m just trying to be patient.”
At the very least, 20 years of marriage will teach you that.
In addition to his work with Julia, Andy coaches Adam’s team at Star of the Sea, and he’s usually the one taking Julia and Joe on trips, whether it be sports-related or the occasional trip to check out a college campus.
Julia said with every member of the family involved in sports in one capacity or another, it helps keep them all together, at the dinner table, riding in a car or wherever.
“(Sports) is a big topic all of the time,” she said. “We have fun with it. We mess with each other.
“My dad has taught me a lot about the game. The biggest thing is to put others before yourself. My biggest thing is to get my teammates involved. Even if they’re not going to play in college, it should be a good experience for them. I try to make sure everyone has their role. I don’t want it to be about me.”
Tom Markowski is a columnist and directs website coverage for the State Champs! Sports Network. He previously covered primarily high school sports for the The Detroit News from 1984-2014, focusing on the Detroit area and contributing to statewide coverage of football and basketball. Contact him at [email protected] with story ideas for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) The Ayrault family, from left: Annabel, Adam, Andy, Kim, Julia and Joe; inset: Julia and Joe suiting up for Grosse Pointe North. (Middle) Julia and Joe celebrate a birthday together in 2012. (Below) Julia and her dad/assistant coach Andy anchor the right side of the team photo after last season’s District title win. (Photos courtesy of the Ayrault family.)
Breslin Bound: 2022-23 Boys District Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 6, 2023
There’s an awesomeness that comes with nearly 100 years of tradition, and one of the MHSAA's originals begins another chapter tonight with the first games of the 2022-23 MHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament.
Up first are Districts, often with teams seeing neighbors a second or third time – but this time, it’s win or go home. Then come Regionals, where the opponents are more unfamiliar, but all on equal footing and with some added spring to their steps after hoisting trophies the weekend before. The final week of the tournament is the final week of the winter sports season as well, and everything seems to accelerate as those last 16 teams whittle down to four champions Saturday at the Breslin Center.
Everything you could want to know this week about tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Boys Basketball page. To watch any of several games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com.
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 66, Detroit Cass Tech 65 (OT) The annual Operation Friendship meeting of Detroit league champions was unforgettable as Rice (21-1) handed Cass Tech (21-1) its lone loss on a final-seconds 3-pointer.
2. North Farmington 73, Ferndale 54 The Division 1 highly-regarded Raiders (19-1) completed an outright Oakland Activities Association Red title run by finishing a sweep of Division 2 contender Ferndale (14-8)
3. River Rouge 57, Ann Arbor Huron 54 The Panthers (16-5) capped an impressive six-win surge to finish the regular season with a close one over the River Rats (19-2).
4. Muskegon 67, Kalamazoo Central 60 The Big Reds (20-2) entered the postseason with a big win as the Maroon Giants (18-3) also have bigtime playoff potential.
5. Napoleon 63, Jonesville 61 The annual Big 8/Cascades conference crossover of champions went the Pirates’ way as Napoleon (21-1) bounced back from its lone loss two days earlier to edge the Comets (17-5).
Districts at a Glance
These could be among our most competitive brackets. Host sites are in bold:
DIVISION 1
Bloomfield Hills
No. 1 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (21-1), No. 2 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-10), West Bloomfield (15-6), Birmingham Groves (16-6), Bloomfield Hills (15-7), Birmingham Seaholm (12-10).
Topped by an overall Division 1 favorite in Brother Rice, this might be the strongest District in the state regardless of division. The Warriors have seen many of the rest of the best in Michigan and defeated them all including Grand Blanc, River Rouge, East Kentwood, Kalamazoo Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (twice) and Cass Tech (see above) just a few days ago. The lone loss came to reigning Division 1 champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate, and Brother Rice avenged that three weeks later. St. Mary’s hasn’t played an opponent with a losing record this season, and its most recent loss to Rice on Feb. 7 was by just five points – while the Eaglets have their share of strong wins as well. West Bloomfield and Groves shared the OAA White championship, and Seaholm won the OAA Blue.
Coopersville
No. 1 Muskegon (20-2), No. 2 Grand Haven (17-5), Grand Rapids Union (14-7), Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (13-9), Coopersville (14-8), Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (8-14), Muskegon Mona Shores (5-17).
The Big Reds are a top contender in Division 1 this month and have seen some of the rest including Kalamazoo Central (see above), North Farmington and Grand Blanc – the latter two delivering Muskegon’s losses. But they’ll still have to be careful this first week with some familiar opponents pursuing an upset. Union finished second to Muskegon in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Green, while Reeths-Puffer tied for third in that league – although Muskegon won its four combined games against them all by at least 25 points. But on the other side of the bracket, Coopersville tied for second in O-K Blue, and Grand Haven tied for third in a highly-competitive O-K Red and defeated Muskegon in a 2021 District matchup, the last time they met.
Holt
No. 1 Okemos (18-4), No. 2 Mason (20-2), Jackson (17-5), Holt (13-9), Jackson Northwest (13-9), Lansing Everett (2-20).
Mason and Jackson are coming off league championships, the Bulldogs outright in the Capital Area Activities Conference Red and the Vikings sharing the Southeastern Conference White. But the top seed is Okemos, which finished second in the CAAC Blue – which saw six of its seven teams finish 12-9 or better during the regular season – and two of the Wolves’ losses came in league play in overtime. Okemos could see Jackson in a District Semifinal, and the Vikings have made a notable jump from 8-13 a season ago but also open tonight against Holt, which defeated them 67-60 on Dec. 20. Mason’s jump has been just as impressive – from 10-11 last season – but there’s another note of interest there too as possible Wednesday opponent Northwest defeated the Bulldogs in their season opener 64-55.
DIVISION 2
Big Rapids
1. Hart (22-0), 2. Cadillac (18-4), Big Rapids (19-2), Ludington (20-2), Reed City (13-9), Remus Chippewa Hills (10-11).
Hart has made history over and over again this season with a first league title in 60 years and one of the first 22-0 regular-season finishes in MHSAA history. But how strong is this District? Counting the two weeks since seeding into MPR, Hart would’ve ranked fourth with Cadillac, Big Rapids and Ludington all moving up a spot. Big Rapids won the Central State Activities Association and Ludington shared the West Michigan Conference Lakes title, and they lead things off tonight – with the winner set to meet Hart on Wednesday, and Hart having defeated Big Rapids 92-84 on Dec. 15. On the other side, Cadillac shared the Big North Conference title and suffered three of its losses by a combined four points.
New Boston Huron
1. Flat Rock (17-5), 2. Romulus Summit Academy North (20-2), Riverview (19-3), Grosse Ile (14-8), New Boston Huron (8-14).
Summit is seeking a third-straight District title with its only losses this season to teams that are a combined 39-3 – Detroit Loyola and Warren Michigan Collegiate. The Dragons start Wednesday against Grosse Ile, which finished third in the Huron League behind co-champions Flat Rock and Riverview. Those two also could face off Wednesday, although New Boston Huron will attempt to play spoiler tonight against the Pirates. Riverview and Flat Rock split their meetings this season, Flat Rock winning 58-52 on Jan. 2s4 and the Pirates avenging 44-41 on Feb. 17.
Wyoming Godwin Heights
1. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (16-6), 2. Wyoming Lee (19-1), Wyoming Godwin Heights (12-7), Hudsonville Unity Christian (13-9), Wyoming Kelloggsville (2-20), Allendale (2-20).
The Cougars, last season’s Division 2 runners-up, have won nine of their last 11 and shared the O-K Gold championship with another Division 2 contender in Grand Rapids South Christian. GRCC could run into a familiar opponent Wednesday in Unity Christian, which tied for second in the O-K Blue but has won seven of its last nine. Those two have met the last two postseasons (and were set to meet in 2020 before COVID-19 halted the playoffs), with the Cougars winning both matchups. On the other side, Lee has had one of the biggest turnarounds in the state this season after going 5-16 a year ago. The Legends won the Alliance League but could have one of their toughest matchups of the season Wednesday if host Godwin Heights gets by Kelloggsville in an opener.
DIVISION 3
Cass City
1. Cass City (19-2), 2. Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (16-5), Bad Axe (16-4), Sandusky (14-7), Harbor Beach (7-11), Unionville-Sebewaing (0-21).
Cass City and its late-game heroics have been one of the most fun stories this season, and they head into this District as the top seed but having been eliminated by either Laker or Bad Axe the last three playoffs (not counting 2020). Those two also own the only wins over Cass City this season, with the Red Hawks and Lakers sharing the Greater Thumb Conference West title after splitting their regular-season meetings. They’re lined up on opposite sides of the bracket as the top seeds, but Bad Axe – which defeated Cass City 50-41 on Jan. 6 – will attempt to play spoiler against Cass City on Wednesday if it gets by Harbor Beach tonight. Sandusky could make a major impact as well; the GTC East runner-up has USA tonight but would see Laker on Wednesday after winning last Thursday’s meeting with EBPB 67-49.
Lake City
1. Traverse City St. Francis (18-4), 2. Maple City Glen Lake (18-4), Benzie Central (11-11), Manton (8-14), LeRoy Pine River (8-14), Lake City (3-18).
Although they missed each other last season, St. Francis and Glen Lake have met in District play most of the last decade (and were scheduled to play in 2020), with Glen Lake winning their 2021 postseason matchup and St. Francis winning the next most-recent meeting in 2019. St. Francis shared the Lake Michigan Conference title this season with Boyne City and also had the benefit of facing Division 1 Cass Tech and Grand Haven, no doubt gaining some valuable experience in defeats. Glen Lake won the Northwest Conference and has wins over Division 1 Wayne Memorial and also the third and fourth-place teams from the LMC as a bit of a measuring stick. The Lakers also swept Benzie, which tied for second in the Northwest and would see St. Francis on Wednesday with a win tonight.
Watervliet
1. Watervliet (19-3), 2. Niles Brandywine (20-2), Cassopolis (17-4), Bridgman (11-11), Coloma (2-20).
Watervliet won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore title and Cassopolis won the Southwest 10 Conference South, and Brandywine finished second in the Lakeland Conference but to Division 2 contender Benton Harbor – which handed the Bobcats their only losses of the season, and the second only 58-56 on Feb. 17. Brandywine also has a 61-35 win over Cassopolis from Jan. 31 but is on the other side of the bracket facing Bridgman on Wednesday. The Rangers have won their last seven and open with Coloma tonight, with Watervliet awaiting the winner and having enjoyed big wins this season over Blanchard Montabella (20-2) and reigning Division 3 champion Schoolcraft (15-7) and also having lost by only three to Benton Harbor.
DIVISION 4
Mesick
1. McBain Northern Michigan Christian (16-6), 2. Mesick (17-5), Marion (15-7), Buckley (14-8), Fife Lake Forest Area (0-19).
NMC finished third in the Highland Conference to Division 3 McBain and Beal City and carries the top seed into this week having won six of its last seven games – but after also falling to Buckley 62-58 on Thursday. Host Mesick is on the other side of the bracket after finishing second in the West Michigan D League and with 10 wins over its last 11 games, but opens Wednesday with Buckley – which tied for second in the Northwest Conference to Glen Lake and has won 10 of its last 11 as well. Marion – 7-12 just a season ago – finished third in the WMDL and opens with Forest Area with hopes of getting past NMC after that and perhaps seeing Mesick a third time after they split their regular-season matchups.
Mio
1. Mio (18-1), 2. Hillman (18-4), Hale (10-11), Fairview (4-14), Atlanta (1-15), Au Gres-Sims (1-21).
Hillman and Mio met in last season’s District Final, won by the Tigers 53-36, and Hillman also claimed their meeting just a few weeks ago – 66-41 on Feb. 13. Both were on their way to North Star League titles, Mio in the Big Dipper and Hillman in the Little Dipper. That was the Thunderbolts’ only loss as they move into District week the top seed and coming off an overtime 44-36 win over Big Dipper runner-up Alcona. Hillman has actually lost two straight and three of its last five – but likely gained some valuable experience with those defeats to Division 1 Gaylord, Division 2 Ogemaw Heights and Division 3 Tawas. The Tigers on Wednesday will see either Hale or Fairview, both familiar after finishing third and fourth, respectively, in the Little Dipper.
Onaway
1. Onaway (19-3), 2. Indian River Inland Lakes (16-6), Posen (16-6), Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian (11-9), Rogers City (3-19), Wolverine (5-12).
Onaway and Inland Lakes were part of a three-team shared Ski Valley Conference championship (with Gaylord St. Mary), and they could meet again with Inland Lakes winning their most recent meeting 66-43 on Feb. 17. Onaway has claimed two straight District titles, however, but first Wednesday will see either Posen or Northern Michigan Christian. Posen was the runner-up in the North Star League Little Dipper and has won eight of its last nine – although Onaway did take their Dec. 21 matchup 49-48. Inland Lakes has doubled its success from just a season ago, when it finished 8-13, and has won eight of its last nine games.
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PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Cass Tech's Travon Cooper II sets up for a free throw during the Detroit Public School League Tournament championship game at Calihan Hall. (Middle) Grand Blanc's Donnie Huddleston (2) gets a hand up as Flint Beecher's Damarcus Burke Jr. (13) launches a jumper during the Bobcats' 57-43 win on Thursday. (Photos by Olivia B. Photography and Terry Lyons, respectively.)