Top defensive teams in Division 4
Our tour of the top defenses in each division moves to Division 4 today. A lot of experienced liberos return for the 2020 season, which should make from some strong defensive battles in the fall. Here’s a look at the…
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Continue ReadingOur tour of the top defenses in each division moves to Division 4 today.
A lot of experienced liberos return for the 2020 season, which should make from some strong defensive battles in the fall.
Here’s a look at the standout defensive units in Division 4 this year.
Leland
The Comets reached the Division 4 final last fall and will return the majority of their roster for 2020. Defensively, it won’t get much better than Leland this year. Mia Osorio has been the foundation of the defense for years and is coming off a First Team All-State season in 2019. Now, as one of many senior leaders, Osorio is ready to showcase her best season yet. Leland also has a lot of strong passing outsides in Olivia Lowe, Tatum Kareck and Jennifer Estrada. While the Eagles have to replace Gillian Grobbel in the middle, Sarah Elwell is still a talented returning option. Leland should be solid defensively all around this year.
Mendon
The two-time state champs have some hurdles to jump over in 2020, but still have great pieces to work with defensively. Juliana Hagenbuch did a lot at libero last year before graduating, but Isabella Smith and Payton Griffith were also a big part of the back row and are ready to take on a bigger role this fall as juniors. Anna Smith Anna Smith 5'9" | OH Mendon | 2021 State MI remains a tremendous all-around player that continues to grow her passing ability. In the middle, Andrea Hoffman is a tough block to get past and adds a great dimension to the defense.
Rudyard
A young squad in 2019 that still reached Battle Creek, the Bulldogs have the tools to be one of the top defenses in D4 this year. Rudyard brings back both defensive specialists in Jerzie Belleville and Paige Postma. Sara Beelen and Morgan Bickel are also improving passers on the outside that will help the Bulldogs stay in-system. The loss of Nina Alpers in the middle is a big blow, but Brooklyn Besteman is back as a junior and proving to be a special all-around talent.
Ubly
A 2019 quarterfinalist, the Tigers return a lot for 2020. Leading that pack is Josie Gusa, a highly competitive libero that opened a lot of eyes last fall. She’s a great multi-sport athlete that brings a lot of leadership to the floor. Haley Klama and Kylee Brandt are also capable passers that can take swings as well. Allison Lautner is one of the top middles in Division 4 as well. Her control of the net will make it very difficult for opponents.
Battle Creek St. Philip
The Fighting Tigers lost a very productive graduating class, but still has key pieces to be a contender in D4. The strength for this time will be in its defense. Bailey Fancher had a standout season in 2019 as a sophomore libero. She knows it will be up to her to lead St. Philip through some early struggles offensively. Brooke Dzwik Brooke Dzwik 5'10" | OH Battle Creek St. Phil | 2022 State MI is one of the top outsides in Division 4 for the Class of 2022. She has showcased a great all-around game that will come in very valuable this fall as the team replaces key pieces up front.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
The Lancers enter a third consecutive year without graduating a player. That leads to a lot of experience and chemistry on the floor. Defensively, Oakland Christian has been able to rely heavily on Hailee Ide. The libero stepped up at a young age and has gotten drastically better each year. Kaylee Page is an All-Region outside hitter that puts a lot of time into her passing as well. Micah Tison will be a junior in 2020 and her passing skills have also continued to improve. Defense will be key for Oakland Christian this fall and the Lancers seem capable of coming through.