2018 MHSAA Season Preview: Breaking down the Southeastern Conference
The 14-team Southeastern Conference features a pair of divisions and will showcase some of the best teams in the state of Michigan this year. Here’s our breakdown of this year’s SEC and who we see coming away with conference titles.…
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Continue ReadingThe 14-team Southeastern Conference features a pair of divisions and will showcase some of the best teams in the state of Michigan this year. Here’s our breakdown of this year’s SEC and who we see coming away with conference titles.
SEC Red Breakdown
The 2017 season was a strong one for Bedford, claiming the league title while reaching the Class A quarterfinals. The Kicking Mules hope for more of the same this year behind senior All-State setter Levi Lennard and All-Region libero Breeanna Long (Canisius). Long had over 1,000 digs last season while Lennard racked up over 1,700 assists. While losing some top attackers, Bedford brings back junior hitter Alyssa Griner, who had over 500 kills in 2017. They also have a talented sophomore in Cari Cross, another option at setter.
Saline wasn’t far behind Bedford last season, as proven by a five-set battle with the Mules in the district semifinal. The Hornets are hoping to get past Bedford in 2018 behind talented middle Olivia Vance (Toledo). Vance was second on the team in kills and blocks last year and will be featured more in 2018. She headlined a junior class that produced a lot for the Hornets in 2017. That experienced senior class should pay off this year.
Skyline lost a nail-biter to Huron in the district final a year ago, but the Eagles come into 2018 with one of the best players in the state and certainly the class of 2020. Kendall Murray (Michigan) a 6-1 junior hitter ranks seventh in our 2020 player rankings. She led Skyline in most offensive stats as a sophomore and has really improved her all-around game during club season. Skyline also returns All-Region outside Olivia Cristian, giving the Eagles a great 1-2 punch at the net.
Both Huron and Monroe were with Skyline in the standings a year ago, but suffered big graduation losses coming into this season. If new hitters are able to develop quickly, both teams could still be a force. Pioneer struggled in 2017, but should show some improvement this year.
The rest of the division has a lot to prove, but Jackson, Lincoln, Pinckney, Tecumseh and Ypsilanti will all look to play spoiler in 2018. Pinckney does have some upside with sophomore libero Sophia Oakes, who is coming off a strong club year.
SEC Red Prediction: Bedford
SEC White Breakdown
The SEC White looks like it should be a pretty balanced and competitive race this year. All of the top teams from a year ago lose some big pieces, but also return some featured talent.
Of the returning talent, the best could be Dexter senior hitter Taylor Venuto (Loyola Chicago). A 6-2 middle/outside, Venuto will definitely be a factor at the net this year in the SEC and will be able to turn games around on her own.
Adrian also returns an outside for her senior season in Cailin White (UNC-Charlotte). While standing just 5-11, White plays well above the net and was an All-Region selection in 2017.
Chelsea is another team that brings back a talented senior hitter. Madeleine Kennedy was an All-Region selection in 2017 and stands 6-0. She will have to have a big year if Chelsea hopes to claim the league title. The Bulldogs claimed a district title last year before falling in four sets in the regional semifinal.
SEC White Prediction: Chelsea
Other 2018 Season Preview Content:
Blue Water Area Conference Breakdown