2019 MHSAA Season Preview: Breaking Down the Greater Thumb West
Arguably one of the strongest conferences in Division 3 volleyball, the Greater Thumb West Conference is tough! We’re going to take a look at just what we can expect to see this coming season and where these teams could stack…
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Continue ReadingArguably one of the strongest conferences in Division 3 volleyball, the Greater Thumb West Conference is tough! We’re going to take a look at just what we can expect to see this coming season and where these teams could stack up against each other.
Caro
Photo by Sport’s FinestOur pick for conference glory goes to a program only in their second year in the GTW that showed big promise in 2018. In their first outing in the new conference, they managed to place fourth. Coming into 2019, Caro loses quite a bit as their kills and blocks leader, Ashlin Murphy, graduates along with libero Olivia Bringard and opposite Lilly Hessling. Despite such loss, the Tigers return the most and who they have come back are not ones to be taken lightly. Leading the ambush are seniors Kaitlyn Arebalo and Ellie Hornbacher.
Arebalo showed up last year showing off her versatility as the 5’10 lefty opposite took on setting duties when in the backcourt. Behind Murphy, she came in second in kills and blocks while also coming in second to Jenna Topham in assists. Hornbacher is another 6-rotation player for Bob Tobey. The 5’9 outside hitter has the defensive skills to make a successful libero in any program, but her growth throughout 2018 as a hitter was impressive. By the end of the season, Hornbacher was starting to lead the Tigers in kills more frequently in games as her range grew. Being able to also hit out of the back row, Caro’s offense became very difficult to follow with 2-3 viable weapons on tap at all times.
Other Key Returners: Jenna Topham, S, Sr; Raegan Ball, OH, Sr; Sheridan Dinsmore, MB, Sr
Key Matches: Unionville Sebewaing & Birch Run
Unionville Sebewaing
Photo by Huron Daily TribuneNot a doubt the powerhouse program of the Thumb, Unionville-Sebewaing (USA) comes into 2019 with the biggest loss, Rylee Zimmer (Saginaw Valley). All-Thumb Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, and a Division 3 Runner-Up. To put salt to the wound, USA loses setter Nichole Schember to graduation and freshman outside hitter Megan Gross to transfer. Gross being a surprise loss as she was poised to be the next heavy hitter for the Lady Pats.
Although such loss, USA will continue doing what they typically do, win. Fresh off of a State Runner-Up season, Junior OH/MB Grace Williamson and Senior OH Allyson Kemp return. Both of which come with enough experience to fill the absence of what has left the program. Williamson, a high flyer and speedy defender will look to continue her hot streak. During the tournament, Williamson hit for a heavy .300 hitting percentage. Kemp, an outside known for her heavy arm, brought in 366 kills last season. The two will look to lead this team post-Zimmer and have the capabilities to make yet another tournament run.
Other Key Returners: Maci Montgomery, L, Jr; Brynn Polega, UT, Jr
Key Matches: Caro & Harbor Beach
Cass City
Photo by Varsity MonthlyNever to be counted out. The Red Hawks have been bringing in teams year after year worthy enough for a shot at the title. This year’s challenge will be filling in the hole left from the departure of their 2019 class. They lose leading attacker Kacey Haire and leading defensive player in the entire area Kelly Ziegler. Cass City will also look to fill in the middle position and someone to take over setting duties. Returning comes defensive specialist Abbey Salcido, a player poised to take over libero duties after a 400+ dig season. The Red Hawks bring in an impressive junior varsity group that if their previous success can translate will prove very deadly.
Other Key Returners: Hailey Beckrow, OH/MB, Sr, Taylor Cumper, S, Sr
Key Matches: USA & Caro
Reese
Photo by Sport’s FinestAlong with the trend of big losses, the Rockets follow suit. After a stellar prep career, Madison Thompson (Saginaw Valley) will continue her career with fellow GTW heavyweight Rylee Zimmer. Along with Thompson exits OH/MB Savannah Comstock and freshman OH/MB Zoey Persails to transfer. The Rockets will look to totally reboot their program with such loss of offensive production as well as an entirely new coaching staff. The future for the program is unclear as the only returning piece to the puzzle is sophomore OH Madison Osantowski. Osantowski was crucial to the rockets defense as a steady passer but will need to up her offense to keep Reese in any contention.
Key Matches: USA & Cass City
Bad Axe
This team didn’t offer up much competition in 2018 on the varsity level. But in 2018 saw a really steady JV team capable of conquering area varsity squads. As a big group leaves the Hatchet program incomes this new squad. This group gives Bad Axe a huge question mark and makes themselves a true wild card in terms of league and tournament play. If the transition of play proves successful, the Lady Hatchets can become a huge threat within these next two seasons.
Lakers
EPBP Lakers is going be a totally new squad in 2019. As this team loses its entire lineup including All-GTW players Abi Schuette and Tiffany White. It’ll be yet another team with a lot of fresh faces trying to make it alive.
Vassar
Vassar seemingly will go through yet another defeating season with no new incomers and possibly another coaching change up.