Top D3 defenses for 2022
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As the 2022 prep season approaches with each passing day, excitement grows for the potential of each team. In Division 3, we should see some really high-end defensive play. A lot of the top units feature players that give maximum…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2022 prep season approaches with each passing day, excitement grows for the potential of each team.
In Division 3, we should see some really high-end defensive play. A lot of the top units feature players that give maximum effort on each point and are good at scrambling to keep a point alive.
Here’s a look at 11 teams in Division 3 expected to lead the way in defense to start the 2022 season. (in alphabetical order)
Bridgman: The Bees have some key pieces back to make for a strong defensive team. Peyton Oman is a great libero that is back for her senior year and playing with a lot of confidence. Junior Bella Gearhart is a setter/outside that is a fundamentally sound defender as well. Up front, Tatyanna Hill was a freshman phenom with her blocking and ready for a breakout year. Takiya Cornelius is also a strong contributor to the defense around the court as an outside.
Bronson: The Vikings graduated some great senior leaders, especially defensively. However, Bronson is a program that bases itself on being fundamentally sound. I still expect it to bring a strong defense to the floor in 2022. A pair of young middles in sophomores Aubree Calloway Aubree Calloway 5'9" | OH Bronson | 2025 State MI and Payton Springstead will be a helpful asset for the new libero, as will junior setter Brealyn Lasky, who puts in a lot of defensive effort herself.
McBain: The Ramblers still have some questions to answer in the back row, but securing its passers should be aided by a strong crew of blockers up front. Gabrielle VerBerkmoes and Linde VanderVlucht Linde VanderVlucht 6'1" | MB McBain | 2023 State MI bring a lot of length and wingspan to the floor. They should be able to slow down attacks consistently to help the back row. Both also showcased their own passing skills.
North Muskegon: The Norsemen lose their starting libero, but do return senior DS Jaley Schultz, who is capable of taking on the lead defensive role. She has help around the court with setter Sami Baker Sami Baker 6'0" | S North Muskegon | 2024 State MI being an active defender as well, along with a strong block in senior middle Natalie Pannucci Natalie Pannucci 5'11" | MB North Muskegon | 2023 State MI .
Pewamo-Westphalia: The Pirates did graduate a talented libero, but return almost everything else from a well-rounded team. P-W has standout outside Dani Pohl leading the way as a senior. She can do it all, including on defense. Saige Martin Saige Martin 6'0" | MB Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI and Sierra Schnieder are both active middles that get their hands on attacks, while setter Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI and OPP Chloe Hengesbach make key defensive plays as well.
Plymouth Christian: The Eagles have some challenges to address offensively, but should be able to get out to a fast start defensively in 2022. Kate Creighton Kate Creighton 5'5" | DS/L Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI is a standout junior libero that was one of the best in Division 4 and now moves into the D3 pool. She will be aided by a pair of talented middles that can slow down opposing offenses in senior Lyndsay Weber and junior Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI .
Riverview Gabriel Richard: The Pioneers graduated their libero, but still have a lot of strong defensively-skilled players to rely on. Junior outside Natalie Neubecker Natalie Neubecker 5'9" | OH Riverview Gabriel Richard | 2024 State MI is solid all-around and a high-level defender. Junior Delaney Cousino Delaney Cousino 5'7" | OH Riverview Gabriel Richard | 2024 State MI is able to play anywhere on the court and excel, while senior Lauren Pousak is a senior DS with a lot of experience. Richard also has senior 6’2” middle Faith Sibert to provide blocking, along with senior Emerson Cinglie.
Royal Oak Shrine: The Knights will be a tough team to deal with this year due to its defensive talent. Senior Norah Tisko Norah Tisko 5'8" | DS/L Royal Oak Shrine | 2023 State MI is a very reliable libero that puts her all into each point. Fellow senior Kathryn Mulcahy is a complimentary DS that gives Shrine a pair of great serve receive options. Margaret Jones is a dynamic hitter that uses her size and length very well on the block, but also has improving passing skills.
Shelby: The Tigers return senior libero Morgan Weirich, who was an absolute dig machine in 2021. Helping her defensively is super sophomore outside Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI , an explosive, all-around talent. Along with her offensive skills, Gauthier is a great blocker and consistent passer. Senior middle Claire Gowell also is able to be a force on the block to aid the defensive effort.
SMCC: The Kestrels bring one of the top liberos in the state to the court in sophomore McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI . Though used as an outside as well for SMCC, her defensive skills really shine through all over the court. Fellow sophomore Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI is also a skilled all-around player. Her instincts on the block will be very valuable. Kyleigh Cobb is a returning senior defender that really strengthens the entire unit.
Watervliet: The Panthers will be a very experienced team in 2022. Defensively, Jaylie Querfurth is a strong effort player defensively. She is back for her senior year and accompanied by senior outside Samantha Dietz Samantha Dietz 5'10" | OH Watervliet | 2023 MI , who has very strong defensive instincts. Juniors Grace Chisek and Natalie Hart are big offensive pieces that make underrated defensive plays as well. The Panthers also have a slew of returning middles to make for a strong blocking team.