2020 MHSAA Postseason: Division 2 Regional Predictions
Division 2 has many of the top programs still in the hunt for a state championship. The two-time defending champs look as strong as ever, while other 2019 semifinalists are still keeping their hopes alive for a return trip to…
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Continue ReadingDivision 2 has many of the top programs still in the hunt for a state championship.
The two-time defending champs look as strong as ever, while other 2019 semifinalists are still keeping their hopes alive for a return trip to Battle Creek.
Will there be any major upsets during regional week?
Here’s my picks for the eight Division 2 regional tournaments.
Related: Division 1 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 3 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 4 Regional Predictions
Regional 9 at Houghton Lake
Semifinal Matchups: Escanaba vs. Kingsley, Cadillac vs. Clare
Breakdown: Cadillac has had an opportunity to play a full schedule, unlike many other top programs. The Vikings really tested themselves this season and it looks as if it could pay off. I like Cadillac to continue to play well and advance to the quarterfinals. The Vikings just have too much talent to come up short.
Finals Prediction: Cadillac over Escanaba
Regional 10 at Frankenmuth
Semifinal Matchups: Saginaw Swan Valley vs. Central Montcalm, Essexville Garber vs. Birch Run
Breakdown: Birch Run has been knocking on the door of breaking into that top-level of Division 2. The Panthers have high hopes to do it this season and that requires a few wins this week. I think Birch Run is the team to beat, the question is their finals opponent. I feel as if Swan Valley has the slight edge against Montcalm.
Finals Prediction: Birch Run over Swan Valley
Regional 11 at Grand Rapids Christian
Semifinal Matchups: Grand Rapids Christian vs. Whitehall, Coopersville vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian
Breakdown: Whitehall came through with a major win over Montague last week, but Grand Rapids Christian proved its still the defending D2 champs last week with sweeps of two ranked opponents. Coopersville looks to be peaking right now and the Broncos would love to test themselves against GRC on Thursday.
Finals Prediction: Grand Rapids Christian over Coopersville
Regional 12 at Battle Creek Harper Creek
Semifinal Matchups: Edwardsburg vs. Hamilton, South Haven vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek
Breakdown: Edwardsburg took a set from Hamilton earlier this season, but the Hawkeyes still seem to be the favorite this week. They have a lot of potent hitting and have been building with this senior class for a deep playoff run. In the other semifinal, I think Harper Creek will be able to carry that home momentum to a win on Tuesday.
Finals Prediction: Hamilton over Harper Creek
Regional 13 at Lakewood
Semifinal Matchups: Marshall vs. Lakewood, Lansing Catholic vs. Blissfield
Breakdown: Blissfield had some really strong wins last week to emerge as a little bit of a surprise district champion. I like the momentum to continue for the Royals against Lansing Catholic. Marshall is a team that is definitely in top-10 consideration. Problem is, Marshall has to face Lakewood. The Vikings are built to win a state championship and they look laser-focused right now. On their home floor, Lakewood should be too much for this region.
Finals Prediction: Lakewood over Blissfield
Regional 14 at Dundee
Semifinal Matchups: Flat Rock vs. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, Dearborn Heights Annapolis vs. Carleton Airport
Breakdown: This is a tough one for me to pick. Flat Rock has held strong in our rankings, but Gabriel Richard is showing that it learned a lot from some tough CHSL matchups throughout the season. Richard isn’t far removed from a state championship and still a proud volleyball program. Airport is a team that can compete with both and I expect to see in the regional final. My head says Flat Rock, but my gut says Gabriel Richard.
Finals Prediction: Gabriel Richard over Airport
Regional 15 at Warren Regina
Semifinal Matchups: Detroit Voyageur Prep vs. Ferndale, Warren Regina vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park
Breakdown: Regina is a team I like to make a deep playoff run and my beliefs remain strong. The Saddlelites played really well last week and I think they will be too much for Chandler Park. Ferndale could provide a challenge in the regional final. The Eagles have taken that experience from OAA play and used it to postseason success in the past.
Finals Prediction: Regina over Ferndale
Regional 16 at North Branch
Semifinal Matchups: North Branch vs. Goodrich, Notre Dame Prep vs. Macomb Lutheran North
Breakdown: A really strong regional that includes four teams from the top 20 of our final D2 rankings. Goodrich and Lutheran North can compete in a lot of regionals, but North Branch and ND Prep are D2 power programs with legendary coaching. I expect another great NDP vs. North Branch regional final. The Irish overcame a big hurdle last Friday against Country Day and their depth and balance on the floor should shine through. North Branch is going to be a handful for years to come, but I don’t think the Broncos are ready to win the regional this year.
Finals Prediction: Notre Dame Prep over North Branch