Five Storylines for Division 4 in the 2019 MHSAA Season
What was once the most one-sided classification in MHSAA volleyball, it is now Division 4/Class D that has provided the most varied results over the last five years. After the lone reign of Battle Creek St. Philip from 2007-14, we…
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Continue ReadingWhat was once the most one-sided classification in MHSAA volleyball, it is now Division 4/Class D that has provided the most varied results over the last five years.
After the lone reign of Battle Creek St. Philip from 2007-14, we have seen four different state champs over the last five years. Last year, Mendon was the team that was able to break through the pack and win it all. This season, will we see another new champion, or can one of the previous powers make it happen again?
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Not on the Mend
Anna SmithThe 2018 state champs, Mendon, should be ready to make a potential repeat run in 2019. The Hornets will have some big holes to fill, losing All-State setter Aubrey Croster and All-State libero Amijha Bailey, but they return junior outside Anna Smith, who was their MVP in Battle Creek. Smith played about as well as anyone in any division at last year’s finals and her play will elevate the play of everyone around her. Mendon had some of its young talent get the taste of Battle Creek last year and now its their turn to step up on the court. With Smith leading the charge, Mendon is definitely going to have a say in the championship picture.
Can Comets contend?
Mia OsorioLeland came up just shy of another state title in 2018, falling to Mendon in the championship match. The question for the Comets in 2019 is will they be able to overcome losing a talented senior class? Leland lost All-State hitters Allie Martin and Hanna Elwell, as well as All-State setter Ella Siddall. As they search for new hitters to emerge, Leland will have to rely on its defense. Mia Osorio is one of the top liberos in Division 4 and she should help carry Leland early in the year. Gillian Grobbel is a returning middle for the team, so if Leland can find its outsides, the Comets should be a contender again in 2019.
Young Guns
Rachel StitelerTwo Oakland County teams could be title contenders this year, thanks in part to returning nearly all of their roster from 2018. Southfield Christian was a semifinalist in 2018 despite having just one senior on the roster. Their learning experience from playing in Battle Creek should pay off this year, as they have a very experienced unit. Emily Van Dyke and Caitlin Warshuis are talented pin hitters that will be set up by Rachel Stiteler.
Oakland Christian was a team that was competitive in Division 4 last season despite having a roster comprised of entirely freshmen and sophomores. This year, that experience could help them a great deal. Now, all juniors and sophomores, the Lancers have team continuity that nobody else in the state will have. A strong defense led by junior libero Hailee Ide will be the foundation for the team. If they can raise their game at the net, Oakland Christian could be on the road back to Battle Creek.
Past Champs Still In Play
Both St. Philip and Plymouth Christian had their run of dominance in Class D over the last decade, but now both find themselves coming off a season where neither reached the D4 quarterfinals. That has to be very motivating for both proud programs this offseason. St. Philip reached the regional final in 2018 before falling to Mendon. The Fighting Tigers had a young roster in 2018 and returns a lot of promising talent this year. Senior Abby Austin returns at setter and is joined by senior outside Maddie Hallacy. Brooke Dzwik also was one of the top-performing freshmen in the state in 2018 and she will be back on the outside for her sophomore season.
Plymouth Christian found itself exiting the 2018 postseason in district play when it fell to Southfield Christian. The Eagles have a strong foundation back in 2019, led by senior outside Gabriella Kellogg and senior libero Madison Raymond.
Others In the Mix
Division 4 could be very up for grabs this year with a lot of teams contending. Lansing Christian couldn’t earn a district title last year, but has one of the top players in the Division in outside Ashley Nordmann. Nordmann had a big club season and is a top-10 player in the state of Michigan for the Class of 2021.
Carney Nadeau made the long trip from the U.P. to Battle Creek last fall before it fell to Leland. A senior-heavy team in 2018, it could be a bigger challenge to get back to the semifinals this year, but Taylor Kedsch is an outside that will help them get through the transition in the early months.
Merrill was a regional finalist in 2018 before losing a five-set battle with Kingston. The Vandals have the luxury of returning three All-Region players from last year’s team. Libby Fisher and Ashtyn Hescott are a pair of senior middles while Zoe Fleming will be the veteran setter.
Along with Kingston, many other teams could play a big role in D4 this year. That includes Camden Frontier, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, Onaway, Lenawee Christian, Parkway Christian and Sacred Heart.