2021 Prep Preview: Top defenses in Division 2
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In Division 2, defenses should provide a great mix of skill and length this season. Some teams will be led by technique and execution, while others will make opponents have to hit through a brick wall. Here’s a look at…
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Continue ReadingIn Division 2, defenses should provide a great mix of skill and length this season.
Some teams will be led by technique and execution, while others will make opponents have to hit through a brick wall.
Here’s a look at five teams in D2 that should be among the best defensively.
Notre Dame Prep
A veteran Notre Dame Prep team graduated its libero, yet still could be the top defensive team in Division 2. The Irish have had a wealth of talent in the back row over the years and that will be no different in 2021. Josie Bloom Josie Bloom 5'6" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2022 State #150 Nation MI has a lot of varsity experience and can finally sport the libero jersey on a consistent basis for the Irish. She’s got all the tools to be the top libero in the state. Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI will likely see an expanded role in her junior season as a DS as well. Aly Borellis has proven to be impactful everywhere on the floor and Bianca Giglio Bianca Giglio 5'10" | RS Notre Dame Prep | 2022 State MI is an improving passer that could really shine this season. NDP lacks size for blocking, which will be a challenge, but their passing will be as good as anyone’s.
Lakewood
The Vikings lose one of the top blockers in program history, but still have a lot of great weapons defensively. Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI was one of the top performing freshman last year as a libero and should come into 2021 with a lot of confidence. Maradith O’Gorman Maradith O’Gorman 6'2" | RS Lakewood | 2022 State #24 Nation MI still bring a 6’2” frame to the net, giving opponents a tough target to get past. She’s also improved on her defensive skills in the back row. Lakewood will be working in some new hitters, but a lot of options have some varsity experience and are ready to take the next step.
Detroit Country Day
The Yellowjackets could be one of the top defensive teams in D2 simply due to their blocking ability. Serena Nyambio Serena Nyambio 6'2" | MB Country Day | 2022 State #17 Nation MI leads the way in the middle and is able to out-reach anyone in the state. Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI is another explosive talent in the middle, while Morgan Lockhart Morgan Lockhart 6'2" | OH Country Day | 2022 State MI and Nyla Muskovin Nyla Muskovin 6'0" | OH Country Day | 2022 State MI are long players on the outside that have worked hard to improve on their passing. Paige Elliott Paige Elliott 5'6" | S Country Day | 2023 State MI plays in the back row and at setter, giving DCD another instinctual defender.
North Branch
The Broncos used a lot of underclassmen in the 2020 season that should be ready to take a big step forward in 2021. Among them is libero Hailey Green, who was honorable mention All-State as a freshman. Alana Deshetsky Alana Deshetsky 5'8" | OH North Branch | 2024 State MI and Kaela Chingwa were also impactful hitters, Deshetsky on the outside and Chingwa in the middle. There’s a lot of pressure on sophomores to perform, but coach Jim Fish is always able to develop talent.
Corunna
The Cavaliers do lose some of their dig leaders from 2020, but I think they can make up for that with their strong blocking at the net. With Ellie Toney Ellie Toney 5'11" | MB Corunna | 2022 State MI and Neele’ge’ Sims patrolling the middle, and Josalyn Stratton a veteran outside that led the team in digs, Corunna has a lot to be excited about defensively. Kira Patrick is a returning junior that saw some consistent time in the back row and should be eager for a bigger role this fall.