Ohio DII, DIII, DIV Title Favorites
In this article:
As we advance further into the early phase of the 2021 fall volleyball season, several signs indicate that last year’s state champs are in good position to repeat that feat. Division I 2020 champion Mount Notre Dame has previously been…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs we advance further into the early phase of the 2021 fall volleyball season, several signs indicate that last year’s state champs are in good position to repeat that feat. Division I 2020 champion Mount Notre Dame has previously been profiled and here is a look at teams poised to claim the crown in November in Divisions II, III and IV.
Division II
Gilmour Academy
With a trio of key arms returning along with a terrific libero, the Lancers enter 2021 with big expectations to repeat their DII state title run from 2020 that saw them defeat NDCL 3-1 in the championship match. Senior Northwestern commit
Kathryn Randorf
Kathryn
Randorf
6'1" | OH
Gilmour Academy | 2022
State
#37
Nation
OH
is the real deal as she brings some of the biggest heat off of her arm in Ohio. She averaged 3.8 kills per set in 2020 and was named Ohio’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Also on the pin is
Sabrina Gremm
Sabrina
Gremm
5'11" | OH
Gilmour Academy | 2022
State
OH
, an Eastern Michigan commit. She terminated nearly three kills per set and is coming off a very competitive club season that should help her to be more efficient and effective this high school season.
Anna Rarick
Anna
Rarick
6'1" | RS
Gilmour Academy | 2023
State
OH
is a 6’0 junior and has ability to score points as well, with some of her best effort in 2020 coming against some of their top opponents during which she earned double-digit kills. She also has the ability to contribute defensively at the net on the right side as well as dish the offense if needed as she averaged nearly four assists per set last season. Junior
Laney Klika
Laney
Klika
5'7" | DS/L
Gilmour Academy | 2023
State
#178
Nation
OH
is one of the best liberos in the state and will be a significant factor in creating a lot of offensive opportunities for the Lancers’ big offense. She averaged nearly 13 digs per match last season. Freshman setter
Ella Jackson
Ella
Jackson
5'7" | S
Gilmour Academy | 2025
State
OH
fills some big shoes following the graduation of their top setter, but she has already shown great ability to be an effective floor leader. Others that should make good contributions this season include junior
Ella Barnhart
Ella
Barnhart
5'10" | OH
Gilmour Academy | 2023
State
OH
and sophomore
Maria Flynn
Maria
Flynn
6'0" | OH
Gilmour | 2024
State
OH
.
Division III
Independence
Last year’s state champion was Huron with an overall record of 25-2. They defeated Independence 3-2 in the finals. However, Huron was a senior-laden team and graduated many key athletes from that squad, including statistical leaders in all significant categories. On the other hand, the Blue Devils from Independence return some significant pieces that helped them to their runner-up finish and a 25-4 overall record. Leading the way is senior setter
Abby Avila
Abby
Avila
5'9" | S
Independence | 2022
State
OH
. She is one of the best in her position in the state and has the skills, experience, and numbers to show for it. She has an opportunity to eclipsed the, 3,000 assist mark for her career this season and will rely on some junior class arms to help her get there. Outside hitter
Gracie Taliaferro
Gracie
Taliaferro
5'8" | OH
Independence | 2023
State
OH
had a terrific sophomore season as she average 2.6 kills per set and will be a primary option this season. Teammate Sammy Barther should see an increased workload as well coming off a season in which she averaged 2.7 kills per set and involved 11 matches terminating in double-digits. Senior Calli Prokopius is the third option returning from 2020 that saw over 100 attempts offensively. Senior Macy McNamara is the top returning defensive player as she averaged over eight digs per match with a total of 236 digs in 2020. Independence is off to an 2-0 start to 2021, winning both matches 3-0.
Division IV
Tiffin Calvert
The Senecas undoubtedly open the season as a heavy favorite to repeat following a perfect 28-0 season in 2020 and the DIV state title. They return the majority of their offensive and defensive production, including a terrific floor leader in senior setter
Emma White
Emma
White
5'7" | S
Tiffin Calvert | 2022
State
OH
. White averaged over 10 assists per set last season and helped guide there offense to a .252 efficiency. Junior
Hannah Miller
Hannah
Miller
5'7" | OH
Tiffin Calvert | 2023
State
OH
is back and poised to lead her team once again offensively as she averaged over four kills per set in 2020. At 5’8 she has a good skill set that includes an aggressive arm at the net. The Senecas have a pair of left-handed sophomores that help create good offensive balance and dimension from pin to pin. At 6’0,
Caroline Lanicek
Caroline
Lanicek
6'1" | MB
Calvert | 2024
State
OH
is one of the best in DIV. She is very active and her athleticism helps her make a big impact on both sides of the ball. She averaged 2.5 kills per set and 2.6 blocks per match in 2020. Camryn Shook can score and defend as well. Her contributions should grow well beyond her 1.7 kills per set from 2020. Senior Kate Rombach adds depth to their point scoring and defense as well. Senior libero AJ Hemminger is the defensive floor leader coming back from last season that saw her average nearly eight digs per match. The Senecas have a great mix of talent and experience, which should carry them to the final weekend once again.