Division 4 Semifinals Breakdown & Predictions
Of the four state semifinal brackets this weekend, Division 4 may be the most up in the air. The four semifinalists include one of the Division’s greatest programs, some consistent Battle Creek reps, and one upset-minded team looking to add…
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Continue ReadingOf the four state semifinal brackets this weekend, Division 4 may be the most up in the air.
The four semifinalists include one of the Division’s greatest programs, some consistent Battle Creek reps, and one upset-minded team looking to add to the chaos that has already happened in Division 4.
Friday’s opening matches should be interesting and full of life.
Here’s a breakdown of the two contests.
Mesick vs. Battle Creek St. Philip – Friday at Noon
It’s quite a David vs. Goliath matchup in terms of championships to open up Friday’s action. St. Philip has won the state championship 20 times in program history, including an incredible nine consecutive seasons from 2007-14. Mesick is making its first state semifinal appearance.
Not many knew what to expect from Mesick after it won a regional championship when 2019 runner-up Leland was forced to forfeit. However, the Bulldogs put the doubters (including myself) to rest on Tuesday night with a hard-fought, five-set win over Fowler in the quarterfinal. The tight-knit Mesick team features three pairs of sisters, including outside hitter Grace Quiggin and middle Kelsey Quiggin, who are the daughters of head coach Stacy Quiggin. The two are a big part of the Mesick attack. They combined for 18 kills in Tuesday’s victory. Lexy Abraham is a multi-talented setter that also contributes at the net. She had 11 kills on Tuesday. Defensively, Kaylee O’Neill is a senior libero that has come up big during the postseason run. She is sure to face to some powerful swings again on Friday.
There was a time it seemed that St. Philip would never be dethroned in Class D, but the Fighting Tigers haven’t played on the floor of Kellogg Arena since 2015. This year’s squad has been driven to reclaim their “home” and certainly are capable of doing that this weekend. Outside hitter Brooke Dzwik Brooke Dzwik 5'10" | OH Battle Creek St. Phil | 2022 State MI has been a star for St. Philip for the past few seasons, but now will get to showcase her skills on the biggest stage in the MHSAA. She had 22 kills in a classic five-set battle with Lansing Christian on Tuesday night. Junior Baily Fancher is in the same boat, but as a defender. She’s been a standout libero in Division 4 for the past few years and has been a crucial part of this season’s success. Rachel Meyers runs the offense and will need to get some other hitters not named Dzwik involved this weekend.
Both teams come in with a great story, but only one will have a happy ending on Friday. I like St. Philip to advance. While this version of the Tigers hasn’t played in Battle Creek, the program and coach Vicky Groat know the pressure that comes with a semifinal quite well. Mesick has already set a new standard for the program. Anything now is a cherry on top of the sundae.
Prediction – Battle Creek St. Philip over Mesick in four
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian vs. Carney-Nadeau – Friday at 2 p.m.
Both of these programs have made recent appearances in Battle Creek, but neither has been able to secure a state championship. This could be the best chance either program has had at raising the hardware on Saturday, so expect a competitive battle.
Oakland Christian set a forecast in 2018 that it would be at this point in the 2020 postseason. In 2018, the Lancers were comprised of just freshmen and sophomores. Knowing the unit would be together for three years, they set their sights high. They probably couldn’t have predicted the challenges 2020 would bring, including having seven players opt to not continue with the postseason due to the testing program, but Oakland Christian finds itself in Battle Creek. The Lancers are without three starters, but they still beat a game Ubly team in four sets on Tuesday. Katie Hopkins is a great senior captain at setter and her aggressive decision-making came in handy in some close sets on Tuesday. Kaylee Page also has the ability to take over a match when she gets on a roll. Defense is probably the strong point of the team, as the Lancers have high-caliber defenders in Olivia Colletti and Hailee Ide. Their play helps Oakland Christian overcome a size disadvantage (no player taller than 5’9”).
Carney-Nadeau was a semifinalist in 2018 and a quarterfinalist last year. The Wolves avenged their quarterfinal loss in 2019 to Rudyard with a four-set win in a rematch on Tuesday. The stats may not be eye-popping, but that’s because Carney-Nadeau has some good balance. Taylor Kedsch is the team leader as a senior outside hitter. She’s a playmaker both offensively and defensively. Senior middle Liana Blahnik is a 5’11” middle that is a solid finisher at the net, while junior Malorie Baumler has been a consistent force on the block for the Wolves. Haley Ernest runs the offense well and is a veteran setter for Carney-Nadeau.
This one really seems like a toss-up. Oakland Christian is working with just eight on the roster and doesn’t have much size. However, the Lancers have been playing together for years and consistently challenge themselves with non-conference games against bigger programs. Carney-Nadeau is a sound team in all areas and has a real game-changer in Kedsch.
Prediction: Oakland Christian over Carney-Nadeau in five