Five Storylines for Division 2 in the 2019 MHSAA Season
The main story of the 2018 MHSAA volleyball season in 2018 was the dominance of Grand Rapids Christian. While it wasn’t a slam dunk for the Eagles to win it all entering last fall, they quickly made the narrative about…
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Continue ReadingThe main story of the 2018 MHSAA volleyball season in 2018 was the dominance of Grand Rapids Christian. While it wasn’t a slam dunk for the Eagles to win it all entering last fall, they quickly made the narrative about themselves.
With a talented core returning, GRC has the attention of the Division 2 field to start the 2019 season. However, there are still some intriguing storylines that could overshadow the defending champs this year.
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Repeat Possible
Jordyn GatesHeading into 2018’s MHSAA season, I thought Grand Rapids Christian might be a year away. Instead, the Eagles dominated the postseason and claimed their first-ever state championship. Now, entering the 2019 season, GRC looks like it could run the table again. While losing all-region players Maria Bos and Olivia Nedd, the Eagles still return a wealth of talent. Senior setter Jordyn Gates (Arkansas) is one of the best in the country and a likely Miss Volleyball finalist. She will have plenty of hitting options to feed, led by junior outside Addie VanderWeide. Senior Ayva Kooistra and sophomore Evelyn Doezema can handle the middle while both Lauren Peal and Stephanie Stewart are outside options for the Eagles. If anyone is going to dethrone the GRC this year, they are going to need their absolute best.
New Era For The Irish
Ally BorellisWe’ve grown so accustomed to seeing Madeline Chinn and Natalie Risi on the court for Notre Dame Prep, it’s going to be an adjustment to see the Irish without the standout players this year. That’s the big challenge for the 2017 Class B champs and 2018 D2 runner-up. One things coach Betty Wroubel hasn’t been shy about is playing young talent and that could carry them through this big transition. The Irish played a number of freshmen in 2018. The two that stood out most were Alyssa Borellis and Josie Bloom. Borellis was a do-everything option, as she played outside, middle and setter. She will definitely have a big role for ND in 2019. Bloom joined Olivia Kowalkowski as the defensive options for the Irish in the back row. Kowalkowski is entering her third year with the Irish and is one of the top liberos in the class of 2021. Bianca Giglio is another player that could see a big increase in load in her sophomore year. She is a hitting option on the outside. While there could be some speed bumps early in the season, this young Irish team could be very dangerous come the postseason.
Can Norris Outdo Her 2018?
Elizabeth NorrisOne of the top stories during the 2018 season was the play of Corunna junior Elizabeth Norris. Norris led the state in kills with 879, which ranks 13th all-time in MHSAA history for kills in a season. Following in the footsteps of her sister, 2016 Miss Volleyball Meredith Norris, Elizabeth hopes to lead Corunna to another big year in 2019 after the Cavs reached the D2 state semifinals in 2018. Norris will have to work with a new setter this year, as Lexi Mort graduated, but she certainly has the skills and determination to make a big splash again as a senior.
Top Contenders
While GRC may be the preseason favorite, there are plenty of powerhouse contenders coming into 2019. Lakewood is sure to be strong again. Junior Aubrey O’Gorman (Michigan State) and sophomore Maradith O’Gorman (Michigan State) could be the top 1-2 punch in the state when it comes to controlling the net. Their size and athleticism make them incredibly challenging to deal with. With setter Sophie Duits also returning, the Vikings should have a smooth offense.
Hamilton was a quarterfinalist in 2018 and returns four All-Region players from that squad. Junior hitters Justine Bronkhorst, Allison Ediger and Corbyn Wayner will pair with senior setter Shelby Kragt to make for a formidable attack that can put anyone in Division 2 on its heels. The key for Hamilton will be locking down the libero position.
New Challengers
The 2019 season may present the opportunity for a few new teams to make a big splash in the Division 2 pool. One of those teams could be Ida. The Bluestreaks claimed a district title in 2018 but couldn’t get out of the region, due in part to a big injury. This year, Ida will be a senior-laden team, led by hitters Taylor Wegener and Kadie Carsten. With a lot of experience, Ida needs to be a team to keep an eye on.
Last year, the writing was on the wall that Detroit Country Day could be special in a year or two. The 2019 season may not be the Yellowjackets time yet, but they certainly have a lot of promising talent. Sophomore Serena Nyambio is coming off an eye-opening club season that should lead to big things at the net for DCD this fall. Morgan Lockhart and Nyla Muskovin are another pair of sophomore hitters that Country Day has to work with as well. The Jackets are certain to be competitive and entertaining this fall.
It’s been some time since the Upper Peninsula was able to contend for a state championship in Class B/Division 2, but Sault Ste. Marie could be a threat in 2019. The Blue Devils return three All-Region seniors this season in hitters Julia Beaumont and Merryn McLean, as well as senior setter Melina Robertson. SSM will have to try and get past solid teams like Kingsley and Cadillac if it hopes to make a run to Battle Creek, but this could be the Blue Devils’ best chance at a deep postseason run in some time.