Five teams that could shake up Division 4 in 2021
Division 4 could be the most up-for-grabs Division of them all in the 2021 prep season. While the returning champ will be strong, a lot of the usual powerhouse teams have a lot of roster turnover and question marks coming…
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Continue ReadingDivision 4 could be the most up-for-grabs Division of them all in the 2021 prep season.
While the returning champ will be strong, a lot of the usual powerhouse teams have a lot of roster turnover and question marks coming into the fall.
This could open the door for some teams that were on the outside in 2020 to make their way to Kellogg Arena in 2021.
Here’s five teams that could get in the mix this season.
Traverse City Christian
The Sabres have a lot of holes to fill for 2021, but one thing they will have is outside hitter Emma Mirabelli Emma Mirabelli 6'0" | OH TC Christian | 2022 State MI . The First Team All-State selection in 2020 could potentially reach 2,000 kills for her prep career this year and is one of the most impactful returning players in all of the state. Ava Wendel was an impact sophomore for the team defensively in 2020 and is back to anchor the defense this year. Julianna Brower is a strong passer that can also compliment Mirabelli at the net.
Plymouth Christian
Plymouth Christian was the premier team in Class D back in 2016 and 2017, and the Eagles could be a team to make a run again in 2021. PCA fell in the regional finals last year in four sets to Lansing Christian. This year, Plymouth Christian has one of the top setters in Division 4, Hallie Creighton, back to run the offense. She was Third Team All-State in 2020 and will have middle Allison Pilat to continue working with. Pilat was Honorable Mention All-State as a freshman and should be ready for a bigger role in 2020. Saige Yakuber was an All-MIAC selection on the outside and returns for her senior season, as well as a deep bench. PCA will definitely have some pieces to work with in 2021 to make an impact.
Southfield Christian
Not much was expected of the Eagles in 2020 after losing nearly their entire roster from a D4 semifinalist squad in 2019. Still, Southfield Christian managed to work its way to a district title before losing to eventual runner-up, Oakland Christian. The Eagles won’t lose a single player from that 2020 roster, giving them a lot of team chemistry and experience. Eden Stokes is a veteran defender that played for that 2019 squad. She will be one of seven seniors on the 2021 squad. Juliana Helisek was the leader on the outside and is back to lead this year’s squad. Kendyll Martin is a great compliment to Helisek on the outside as well. Jade Miller is also back at setter and should be able to run a very fast offense this fall.
Onaway
Another 2020 district champion, Onaway is hoping it can take things further in 2021. The Cardinals will bring back three All-Region players this season, all of whom will be seniors. Cloe Ehrke will return to run the offense at setter after a successful 2020 season. Onaway loses its primary outside, but does bring back middle Lexi Horton, who will be able to shoulder more of the offensive load early on while the Cardinals develop their new outside hitters. Defensively, Lainey Shimel returns at libero and has shown great reaction time to keep a point going.
Pellston
A team familiar with Onaway, Pellston has a lot of potential as well for this upcoming season, as it brings back three All-Region players as well. The Hornets will have a very potent offense to work with. Jordyn Daily and Madison Brown are returning outside hitters for Pellston, while setter Megan Bricker is back as well for her junior season. If Pellston can find the defense to match its offensive prowess, it should be a very good year for the Hornets.