2019 MHSAA Season Preview: Breaking down the CHSL
The Catholic High School League has consistently found itself a home in Battle Creek over recent years. Over a variety of divisions and classes, the CHSL produces impressive volleyball talent and the 2019 season will be no different. A big…
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Continue ReadingThe Catholic High School League has consistently found itself a home in Battle Creek over recent years. Over a variety of divisions and classes, the CHSL produces impressive volleyball talent and the 2019 season will be no different. A big switch has been made to shake things up in what should be a very interesting year.
CHSL Central Breakdown
MarianFarmington Hills Mercy swept the Central Division last season on its way to a Division 1 semifinal appearance. The Marlins felt like they let a state title slip from their grasp last year in a five-set loss to Lake Orion. Now, returning a load of talent, Mercy is the preseason favorite in Division 1 and in the CHSL Central. The Marlins don’t appear to have a weakness while also having tremendous depth. Jess Mruzik Jess Mruzik 6'2" | OH Mercy | 2020 State MI (Michigan) will be the one to watch for Miss Volleyball this year. The senior outside has made a name for herself on the prep and international stage and is coming off a national championship in club play for Legacy 18-Elite. Julia Bishop Julia Bishop 5'10" | S Mercy | 2021 State MI (Michigan State) could be the top 2021 player in the state at setter and the Marlins also have standout players Charlie Atiemo Charlie Atiemo 6'1" | MB Mercy | 2021 State MI , Kaylin Collins Kaylin Collins 5'11" | OH Mercy | 2021 State MI and Ellie Tisko Ellie Tisko 6'0" | MB Mercy | 2021 State MI at the net while Kayla Shields Kayla Shields 6'1" | DS/L Mercy | 2020 State MI and Madison Malecki Madison Malecki 5'6" | DS/L Mercy | 2021 State MI are top-level defensive talents. Marian was a really solid Division 1 team last year as well, but the Mustangs couldn’t get past the Marlins. While losing eight seniors, including Miss Volleyball finalist Maddie Dowd Maddie Dowd 5' 10" | S Marian | 2019 State MI at setter, Marian still returns a lot of experience from the 2018 team. Coach Mayssa Cook really tapped into the team’s young talent and that could pay off this year. Christine Audette Christine Audette 6'1" | OH Marian | 2020 State MI will take on a leadership role as a senior outside. She can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the state. The Mustangs have four sophomores that all saw a lot of time on the court last year. Ava Brizard Ava Brizard 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State #16 Nation MI is a big rising star on the outside while Sarah Sylvester Sarah Sylvester 6'3" | MB Marian | 2022 State #126 Nation MI is a 6-2 middle that is also a standout basketball player. Tatum Casper Tatum Casper 6'2" | OH Marian | 2022 MI and Sophie Treder are also two hitters that should continue to make big strides this year. The key for the Mustangs will be settling in on their new setter, as Dowd was the face of the program for many years.
It was just a few years ago that Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard dominated the CHSL field. The Fighting Irish have an uphill climb this year, but have a talented leader in senior outside Emily Graham. Divine Child will also struggle to keep pace with the top teams even though it was a D2 regional finalist last year. The same could be said for new addition to the division, St. Catherine Academy. The Stars are swapping divisions with Regina. They were the CHSL CD champs the last two years and reached the D2 quarterfinals in 2018. The team loses a big senior class of seven players and has a new coach in Courtney Scott. Defense will have to carry SCA this year, led by senior Abby Rutila.
As you can see, this is a very talented division. Even if Mercy is able to repeat with an unbeaten record, it won’t be because the Marlins didn’t face strong talent. Each team in the league could be contenders in other conferences as well. Still, Mercy has the talent, the depth and the motivation for a big 2019.
CHSL Central Prediction: Farmington Hills Mercy
CHSL AA Breakdown
Alexis KoenigSt. Catherine ruled the roost in recent years, but is now up to the Central. Regina comes down to the AA and the Saddlelites return all but one player from last year’s team. That type of returning experience could go a long way this year. Jenna O’Brien Jenna O’Brien 6'0" | OH Regina | 2021 State MI was a captain as a sophomore and the outside will be a team leader again in her junior year while Bella Pine will be a steady presence in the back row. Riverview Gabriel Richard and Lutheran North were in the mix in 2018 and both will be eager to be the new division champ in 2019. The Pioneers were a veteran team last year, but have Isabella Kandes to lead a strong defense this season. The Mustangs graduate seven seniors from the 2018 team. However, like GR, defense will be a strong asset for Lutheran North this year. Kennedy Dolmage Kennedy Dolmage 5'10" | DS/L Lutheran North | 2020 State MI (Oakland) has established herself as one of the top liberos in the state.
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes had a steady mix of seniors and underclassmen in 2018. While losing some valuable pieces, the Lakers should be excited to see what junior outside Alexis Koenig is able to do this year. The talented all-around athlete led the team in kills in 2018 and could be in store for a breakout season this year. Cabrini, Bishop Foley, Shrine and Cranbrook-Kingswood round out the division and will look to make a jump up to the top of the league this year, which should be pretty wide open. With the defending champ gone, the AA Division should be an exciting race. For my pick, I am going to go with Lutheran North. The Mustangs have a great leader in Dolmage and some hitters with experience. I think that combination will lead them to the division crown.
CHSL AA Prediction: Lutheran North
CHSL West Breakdown
Clarkston Everest Collegiate took home the 2018 title with a nice mix of senior leaders and underclassmen. The Mountaineers do lose three All-Catholic honorees, but bring back a pair of All-League talents in junior libero Sydney Cooper and junior outside Daniella Mirjah. Those two were able to pick up a winning edge from their graduated teammates and will now look to lead CEC to another division title this year. Sacred Heart was a contender in 2018 and also had a lot of graduation loss. However, Milan Lee Milan Lee 5'9" | OH Sacred Heart | 2021 State MI is a strong junior outside that can take the Gazelles a long way in 2019. Cardinal Mooney could be right in the hunt as well, as it returns All-Catholic senior outside Madison Gregoire.
Cristo Rey has a strong senior class for 2019, led by CHSL honorees, seniors Paige Love and Adriana Dent. The Detroit-based team could take another step forward as a program this year. Greenhills loses five seniors but has captain Karsyn Kazyak back at setter and right side. Her experience and leadership will be valuable as it finds new hitters to turn to. Frankel Jewish Academy, Liggett and Austin Catholic will have their challenges to climb out of the bottom of the division, but there doesn’t appear to be a runaway leader this season. Cristo Rey could be the dark horse, but I still think Everest Collegiate’s foundation is solid. It could take a few lumps in non-conference play, but I think the Mountaineers will be ready to defend their division title.
CHSL West Prediction: Clarkston Everest Colleigate
2019 MHSAA Season Preview Content