Way too early 2019 Predictions: Five Division 1 contenders
The 2018 MHSAA volleyball season just wrapped up a few weeks ago, but it is never too soon to start thinking about 2019 and what teams will contend for the Division 1 state championship. RELATED: Five D2 contenders in…
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Continue ReadingThe 2018 MHSAA volleyball season just wrapped up a few weeks ago, but it is never too soon to start thinking about 2019 and what teams will contend for the Division 1 state championship.
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Farmington Hills Mercy
The Marlins were the favorite for most of the 2018 season, only to suffer a second consecutive loss in the state semifinals. While the disappointment was strongly felt in Battle Creek, it should be a good motivator for the 2019 squad that will return a number of players from the semifinal team. Led by our top-ranked players in the Class of 2020 (OH Jess Mruzik) and the Class of 2021 (S Julia Bishop), the Marlins aren’t going to be short on talent and experience. They will also bring back other hitters in 2021’s Ellie Tisko and Charlie Atiemo, along with 2020 back-row players in Kayla Shields and Genevieve Sale. Mercy is going to be hungry to finally earn that first championship and the Marlins have the talent to make it happen.
Northville
The Mustangs had a long journey to get back to Battle Creek, but coach Julie Fisette was confident the team would return sooner rather than later. Sooner could be in 2019. Despite the loss of some key pieces, Northville still has a lot of talent returning, especially at the net. Clare McNamara had a standout junior season at middle blocker and Jenna Boksha was really impressive in the state semifinal against Rockford. A 2021 graduate, Boksha will be primed to be out of the top hitters in the state next fall. Eleanor Knight is another hitter the Mustangs will be able to rely on. She will be coming into her senior season in 2019.
Mattawan
A team that found itself ranked No. 1 in our D1 poll for part of the 2018 season, Mattawan found itself falling in the regional final to Gull Lake. The Wildcats may have left 2018 disappointed, but the 2019 season could bring the championship they were seeking. Mattawan had three players receive first or second team All-State honors that will be returning next fall. Libero Allison Wiese could be the best at her position coming into 2019 and the Wildcats will have outside hitter Taylor Rutgers and middle hitter Natalie Foster back as well. Foster is a 6-foot-5 middle that looms large at the net. Rutgers is a 5-9 outside hitter that packs a lot of power in her smaller frame.
Hudsonville
The Eagles were up two sets on Rockford in the regional semifinal this year and just couldn’t quite finish off the Rams. That five-set loss should provide a lot of motivation heading into 2019. While the team loses stud middle Jaelianna Primus, the team will return a pair of strong outsides in Braely Herrema and Mallory Keller. They will also have a veteran setter returning in Kaylee Maat. With a strong attack, it will just be up to steady defensive play to make the Eagles a Division 1 contender next year.
Lowell
Another team that took Rockford to five sets was the Red Arrows. Lowell didn’t get a lot of attention through the 2018 season, but the Red Arrows were a steady team that could be ready to take the next step in 2019. Not many teams will be returning multiple All-State honorees next year, but Lowell is one of them. Sophomore Jenna Reitsma was Second Team as an outside hitter and junior Meghan Meyer was Third Team as a middle. The team loses four seniors, including their libero and setter. Those will be big holes to fill, but their hitting should help them deal with the transition early next season. By postseason time, look for Lowell to a force.
The D1 Dark Horse: Novi
Did you forget about the Wildcats already? While Novi saw its run of three consecutive state championships come to an end in 2018, Novi looks ready to reload in 2019. Playing a pretty young roster with a first-year head coach in 2018, the Wildcats still found themselves consistently in the top 10-20 of our rankings. They will return three key pieces next season in 2021 libero Rachel Jennings, 2020 setter Shannon Jennings and 2021 outside hitter Gaby Cummings. A second season under coach Kacey Moran should allow Novi to get out to a fast start and build some confidence early. From there, it’s about besting Northville and seeing what can happen.
Others To Watch: Marian, Livonia Stevenson, Mount Pleasant, Gull Lake, Clarkston, Woodhaven, Brighton, Forest Hills Northern, Petoskey, Traverse City Central