2020 MHSAA Postseason: Division 4 Regional Predictions
The Division 4 volleyball world was rocked last week when the defending two-time state champs, Mendon, fell in the district finals. That loss has opened the door for a lot of programs to have legitimate championship aspirations. Which of the…
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Continue ReadingThe Division 4 volleyball world was rocked last week when the defending two-time state champs, Mendon, fell in the district finals.
That loss has opened the door for a lot of programs to have legitimate championship aspirations.
Which of the 32 remaining teams will move closer to becoming the new champ this week?
Here’s our picks for the eight Division 4 regional tournaments.
Related: Division 1 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 2 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 3 Regional Predictions
Regional 25 at Crystal Falls Forest Park
Semifinal Matchups: Chassell gets a bye; Carney-Nadeau vs. Rock Mid Peninsula
Breakdown: Chassell already has a spot in the regional final as District 98 was unable to take place due to COVID-19. So, the Panthers await Cardney-Nadeau or Rock Mid Peninsula. The Wolves have already won six sets over Mid Peninsula, and I don’t see that changing dramatically in the semifinal. I think the Wolves will also be too much for Chassell. Nadeau has a lot of postseason success to rely on for these tough matches.
Finals Prediction: Carney-Nadeau over Chassell
Regional 26 at Pellston
Semifinal Matchups: Rudyard vs. Pickford; Indian River Inland Lakes vs. Onaway
Breakdown: This should be a great region. Pickford overcame a tough Pellston team to advance while Rudyard was a state semifinalist last year. Onaway has been firmly in our top-20 rankings throughout the season while Inland Lakes has been consistently in our Honorable Mention. This bracket could go a number of ways, but I like Onaway to find its way to the hardware.
Finals Prediction: Onaway over Pickford
Regional 27 at Buckley
Semifinal Matchups: Mesick vs. Gaylord St. Mary; Leland vs. Hale
Breakdown: Leland was the D4 runner-up the last two seasons. While the Comets had aspirations to win it all this season regardless, the loss of Mendon has to be providing even more confidence to Leland. The Comets swept Traverse City Christian last week and look to be well on their way to a regional championship. It’s no disrespect to the other three teams in this region, but Leland has elevated its game to another level this season.
Finals Prediction: Leland over Mesick
Regional 28 at Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart
Semifinal Matchups: Byron Center Zion Christian vs. Onekama; Muskegon Catholic Central vs. Fowler
Breakdown: A solid region here with four quality contenders. Muskegon Catholic Central and Fowler seem to be the top two contenders and their semifinal match could determine the champ. Both teams have had great success against Division 4 opponents, but I give the edge to Fowler. The Eagles play in a solid CMAC that has produced a lot of Battle Creek squads over the years.
Finals Prediction: Fowler over Onekama
Regional 29 at Climax-Scotts
Semifinal Matchups: Battle Creek St. Philip vs. New Buffalo; Matin vs. Athens
Breakdown: Athens pulled off the major upset of Mendon in the district final. Can the Indians find the same magic this week? Battle Creek St. Philip certainly knows what it takes to get to Battle Creek, but the Fighting Tigers have a real challenge in the semifinal against New Buffalo. The Bison have put together a great season and want to prove that they can be a regional champion.
Finals Prediction: New Buffalo over Athens
Regional 30 at Petersburg Summerfield
Semifinal Matchups: Lansing Christian vs. Camden-Frontier; Petersburg Summerfield vs. Plymouth Christian
Breakdown: Plymouth Christian and Summerfield deserve some credit for their seasons, but Lansing Christian vs. Camden-Frontier is a matchup of top-5 D4 squads. It should be a great battle, but I like Lansing Christian in this one. The Pilgrims have a dominant player that can really take over a match and that can go far this time of year.
Finals Prediction: Lansing Christian over Plymouth Christian
Regional 31 at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
Semifinal Matchups: Marine City Cardinal Mooney vs. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist; Southfield Christian vs. Oakland Christian
Breakdown: Credit to Southfield Christian for getting a district championship after losing so much production from its 2019 team that reached the state semifinals. Oakland Christian may put an end to the Eagles’ postseason run. The Lancers have been building for this postseason the last three seasons and they seem to be peaking right now. Cardinal Mooney and Inter-City Bapitst is a tough call, but I think the winner is going to have their hands full with Oakland Christian.
Finals Prediction: Oakland Christian over Cardinal Mooney
Regional 32 at Mayville
Semifinal Matchups: Midland Calvary Baptist vs. Dryden; Ubly vs. Genesee Christian
Breakdown: Ubly was a quarterfinalist last year and the Bearcats returned a lot of talent from that squad. It has been showing throughout the 2020 season. Ubly seems really determined to take that next step to Battle Creek and this week is part of the process. Dryden and Calvary Baptist is a tough semifinal to call, but the Cardinals have the edge in my eyes.
Finals Prediction: Ubly over Dryden