2019 MHSAA Postseason: Division 3 regional predictions
Is 2019 going to be the year we see a new champion crowned in Division 3/Class C? While Bronson has been the program everyone has been chasing for years, the 32 teams still alive in Division 3 for 2019 features…
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Continue ReadingIs 2019 going to be the year we see a new champion crowned in Division 3/Class C?
While Bronson has been the program everyone has been chasing for years, the 32 teams still alive in Division 3 for 2019 features a lot championship contenders.
Which of the 32 teams will advance to the quarterfinal stage and will Bronson remain among them? Here’s my predictions for all eight regionals this week.
Regional 17 at Manistique
Semifinal matchups: Calumet vs. Manistique; Indiana River Inland Lakes vs. Traverse City St. Francis.
Prediction: I look for a Manistique vs. Traverse City St. Francis regional final rematch from a year ago. The experience St. Francis had from last year can go far and the Gladiators look to be peaking right now. The Emeralds are going to be a tough out, but I think Traverse City St. Francis is going repeat as regional champs.
Regional 18 at Carson City-Crystal
Semifinal matchups: Beaverton vs. Houghton Lake; Beal City vs. Manton
Prediction: This bracket looks to be shaping up toward Beaverton vs. Beal City in the final. The Beavers have had a great 2019 season and a regional championship would be a great addition. Beal City has plenty of program experience in big matches, but I think the Aggies will be slightly outmatched by Beaverton. The Beavers have come through with some tough wins against bigger programs and that should help them this week.
Regional 19 at Hesperia
Semifinal matchups: Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Morley Stanwood; Muskegon Western Michigan Christian vs. Hesperia
Prediction: This is just a great region. All four teams rank anywhere from 5th to 18th in our final D3 poll. I like Morley Stanwood to get past P-W and Western Michigan Christian to top Hesperia in the respective semifinals, but both could go five sets. In the final, I feel Muskegon Western Michigan Christian has played a little tougher schedule and that will help them in those close sets against Morley Stanwood in the final.
Regional 20 at Schoolcraft
Semifinal matchups: Bronson vs. Schoolcraft; Niles Brandywine vs. Gobles
Prediction: All due respect to Niles Brandywine and Gobles, but all eyes will be on the first semifinal between Bronson and Schoolcraft on Tuesday. Bronson has been the standard in Division 3/Class C and is coming off a big win over Centreville in the district final. However, Schoolcraft has been our top-ranked team virtually all season and the Eagles won’t let the moment be too big for them. I look for Schoolcraft to end the championship defense of Bronson and then best Brandywine in the regional final.
Regional 21 at Leslie
Semifinal matchups: Vandercook Lake vs. Bath; Hanover-Horton vs. Hudson
Prediction: This is a region that feels very much up for grabs. Vandercook Lake has been able to beat Bath and Hudson during the season, but it hasn’t been able to get past Hanover-Horton. The Comets won two very tight matches with Vandercook Lake and I think that gives them a mental edge heading into my pick for the final.
Regional 22 at Petersburg Summerfield
Semifinal matchups: Charyl Stockwell Academy vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard; Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central vs. Manchester
Prediction: Credit to Riverview Gabriel Richard and Manchester for their district titles, but I think both will be in a little too deep against their respective semifinal opponents. Charyl Stockwell Academy came up short against SMCC in last year’s regional final. The Sentinels have been able to grab a set over the Kestrels this year but I just can’t see them winning three sets in one match against SMCC. The Kestrels are a real power in the state title picture.
Regional 23 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley
Semifinal matchups: Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest vs. New Haven; Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett vs. Detroit Cristo Rey
Prediction: None of these four teams were ranked in our final Division 3 rankings, but that just means that this regional is really up for grabs and all four team should play with plenty of confidence that they can win this week. My pick is Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, as the Crusaders have been able to beat some quality teams this year while competing with other top squads.
Regional 24 at Unionville-Sebewaing
Semifinal matchups: Saginaw Valley Lutheran vs. Unionville-Sebewaing; Byron vs. Brown City
Prediction: Don’t look now, but USA is on a hot streak at the right time. The Patriots didn’t drop a set in a competitive district, but now face a top-10 Valley Lutheran squad. There’s something to be said for momentum combining with a home floor. Unionville-Sebewaing knows what it takes to get to Battle Creek and should be playing with a lot of confidence at home this week. I think they will upset Valley Lutheran and then get past Brown City in the regional final.