Top returning 2021 classes in Division 4
The 2019 prep season saw a number of Division 4 programs make deep postseason runs with very few, if any seniors on their roster. What that means is we should see some great veteran play in the 2020 prep season…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019 prep season saw a number of Division 4 programs make deep postseason runs with very few, if any seniors on their roster.
What that means is we should see some great veteran play in the 2020 prep season for the state’s smallest division. Here’s five teams that will bring in strong senior classes to lead them in the fall.
Leland
The Division 4 runner-up managed to finish second despite having just one senior on the roster. A big returning senior class will be highlighted by three All-State honorees. Leading the way is veteran libero Mia Osorio, who has been the rock of the defensive effort for the Comets for multiple years. The team also has plenty of hitting to work with, led by Tatum Kareck and Olivia Lowe on the outside, and Sarah Elwell in the middle. This senior class has a lot of big-match experience and won’t be lacking in any confidence.
Ubly
Like Leland, the Bearcats made a deep run into the postseason with only one senior on the roster. Ubly had just one senior in 2019, which means it will come back with a senior-heavy squad in 2020. The Bearcats should be sound defensively behind the play of libero Allison Lautner, who had All-State honors last fall. Middle Josie Gusa is a game-changer that will be back for her senior years as well. If the Bearcats stay healthy, this seniors class should lead them to some big things.
Waterford Our Lady
The Lakers were a district champion in 2019 despite being without a single senior on the roster. The Lakers will be led by a pair of senior All-State honorees in 2020. Alexis Koenig is an explosive outside that is flying under the radar for the Class of 2020. She’s got the length, athleticism and power to be a dominant player next fall. She’s got great chemistry with her setter, Brooklyn Robak, who is a fiery competitor and great on-court leader for WOLL.
Oakland Christian
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian has played without a single senior these last two seasons, so the time has come for their “veteran sophomores” in 2018 to take all they’ve learned the last two years into the 2020 campaign. The Lancers haven’t been shy about having lofty goals for this upcoming season, and they have the foundation and team chemistry to make it happen. Hailee Ide is one of the stronger liberos in Division 4 while Katie Hopkins has been the leader on the floor at setter for multiple years. She’s got a lot of developing hitters to work with as well, led by Kaylee Page on the outside.
Carney-Nadeau
The Wolves were knocking on the door of another trip to Battle Creek in 2019, but came up short in the quarterfinal. Carney-Nadeau graduates four seniors, but will be led by a strong group of senior hitters in 2020. Taylor Kidsch will patrol the outside while Liana Blahnik is in the middle, creating a dynamic 1-2 punch for the Wolves. That veteran hitting should make them an immediate contender in Division 4 for the 2020 season.