2021 Prep Preview: Top offenses in Division 1
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As the 2021 prep season draws even closer, here is a look at five offenses in Division 1 that should push to be the best in the state. Marian The defending Division 1 champs will return their entire squad in…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2021 prep season draws even closer, here is a look at five offenses in Division 1 that should push to be the best in the state.
Marian
The defending Division 1 champs will return their entire squad in 2021, meaning they return their very high-powered offense. Ava Brizard Ava Brizard 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State #16 Nation MI is as solid as they come on the outside, hitting nearly .400 in 2020. She’s joined by Sarah Sylvester Sarah Sylvester 6'3" | MB Marian | 2022 State #126 Nation MI in the middle, who has made a lot of big strides in the last year. Sophia Treder Sophia Treder 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State MI , Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI and Reagan Sass Reagan Sass 5'10" | OH Marian | 2023 State MI were also steady contributors, while Janiah Jones Janiah Jones 6'1" | MB Marian | 2022 State MI showed signs of being a key middle for 2021. Running the offense is Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI , one of the top setters in the state and a player that’s also grown a lot in the last year and is playing with ultimate confidence.
Skyline
The Eagles have one of the best players in the nation for the Class of 2023 in Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI . The outside has a complete game and is only dialing up stronger swings as time passes. She’s partnered with a tremendous middle in Cari Bohm Cari Bohm 6'4" | MB Ann Arbor Skyline | 2022 State #39 Nation MI that stands 6’4”. Sophie Schrag was able to play middle and right side last season and hit nearly .300 for Skyline as well. Lauren Lee Lauren Lee 5'9" | S Skyline | 2022 State MI is a very composed setter that returns for her senior season and has great chemistry with this hitting trio.
Rockford
The Rams were another team that returns the majority of its roster from 2020, which is exciting for them as they were really clicking toward the end of the year. A balanced offensive attack was led by middles Ava Horton and Ava M Young Ava M Young 6'0" | MB Rockford | 2022 State MI . They return for their senior seasons in 2021. Meredith Simmons Meredith Simmons 5'10" | OH Rockford | 2023 State MI had a strong sophomore season on the outside and Avery Toole Avery Toole 5'11" | OH Rockford | 2022 State MI was a great 1-2 punch with Simmons at the pins. Mackenzie Delacher runs the balanced offense at setter and her decision-making and athleticism is what allows such a strong attack. Returning as a senior, Delacher has the command to make Rockford one of the best units in the state.
Byron Center
The Bulldogs suffer a big loss with Anna Butler Anna Butler 5'11" | MB Byron Center | 2021 State MI graduating in the middle, but they still have plenty of firepower to work with. Leading the way is standout outside Taylor Humphrey Taylor Humphrey 6'2" | OH Byron Center | 2022 State #186 Nation MI , who has already proven she can take on a big workload on the floor. Makenzi Bennett showed a lot of promise as a freshman in 2020 on the outside, and will have a chance to really raise her stock in 2021. Marie Barr could be someone to help fill the void of Butler in the middle, especially as a senior with some experience. Cierra Laska is a veteran setter to lead the offense and help develop the new starting middles. She will keep the offense rolling along.
Portage Northern
Like Byron Center, Portage Northern will have a big hole to fill in the middle with Kennedy Pilger graduating, but the Huskies still have a lot of tools in their toolbox. Bela Griswatch was their leading hitter in 2020 and returns for her senior season with a chance to really push Northern to another level. Anna Griffioen is a great partner with her on the outside that’s improving on her finishing skills. Jada Clomon is a junior middle that could be in line for a big upgrade in production this fall. At setter, Alia Mastromatteo Alia Mastromatteo 5'9" | S Portage Northern | 2022 State MI has a full grip on the offense and can also make the aggressive play when needed. As a senior, she should keep Northern’s offense playing at a high level.