Division 1 State Championship Top Vote Getters
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Last week we ran preseason polls for fans to decide who would be their eventual state champion in each of the four divisions. We started with Division 1 last Monday and had a great group of teams to choose from.…
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Continue ReadingLast week we ran preseason polls for fans to decide who would be their eventual state champion in each of the four divisions.
We started with Division 1 last Monday and had a great group of teams to choose from.
Here’s who the Prep Dig readers voted for in the top four slots.
Lakeland (40.1%)
The Eagles ran away with our poll and its certainly not out of the question for them to be a top D1 title contender this year. Lakeland has won a district championship the last two seasons and will be eager to take another step in 2022. The Eagles return three All-Lakes Valley Conference honorees from last year and a lot of talent overall. Eve Martin Eve Martin 5'11" | S Lakeland | 2023 State MI is a dynamic setter and hitter that is a big asset for any D1 team. The Eagles also have some great size at the net with senior middles Rachel Zurek Rachel Zurek 6'0" | MB Lakeland | 2023 State MI and Olivia Krill Olivia Krill 6'0" | MB Lakeland | 2023 State MI . Defensively, Kennedy Hudson Kennedy Hudson 5'5" | DS/L Lakeland | 2023 State MI is a tireless libero that will give her all to lead Lakeland to more championships.
Byron Center (11.9%)
The Bulldogs have been a tough out for Division 1 programs in recent years and have set a standard for the program. This year’s Byron Center squad has a big hole to fill in replacing Taylor Humphrey on the outside, but the Bulldogs look like they can do it through a team effort. Caroline Baker Caroline Baker 5'9" | S Byron Center | 2024 State MI is a returning junior setter with a lot of promise. She can get the ball to one of three juniors that could produce a lot at the net. Makenzi Bennett, Marie Barr and Bri Whitfield Bri Whitfield 5'7" | OH Byron Center | 2024 State MI gives BC a lot of different attacking options. Kate Wisniewski is also a returning senior defender that gives the Bulldogs a lot of returning experience.
Clarkston (10.5%)
The Wolves were a semifinalist in 2020 and always are in the D1 discussion as they play a tough schedule throughout the year as part of the OAA Red. In 2022, Clarkston will bring a lot to the table once again. Paige Giehtbrock Paige Giehtbrock 6'0" | OH Clarkston | 2023 State MI is a veteran senior outside that has improved with each season. She will be joined by junior Cayla Cogan Cayla Cogan 5'10" | OH Clarkston | 2024 State #96 Nation MI as a great 1-2 punch at the pins. Emery Kuebler Emery Kuebler 5'7" | S Clarkston | 2024 State MI returns as a junior setter, while Chloe Giehtbrock Chloe Giehtbrock 6'2" | S Marian | 2025 State MI is a sophomore that can play almost anywhere and excel. Mix in a strong junior DS in Kiley Gallagher Kiley Gallagher 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2024 State MI , and Clarkston looks like it should remain a top D1 program this fall.
Northville (7.75%)
The Mustangs added another regional championship in 2021 and they have their sights set on a return to Battle Creek this year, for good reason. Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI is one of the most dominant players in all of D1. The senior can finish at the pins or in the middle, and is a big presence defensively as well. Juniors Ava Thomas Ava Thomas 5'10" | OH Northville | 2024 MI and Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI will be great compliment pieces at the net to Reck. While Northville graduated a talented setter, they bring in sophomore transfer Ella Craggs Ella Craggs 5'9" | S Northville | 2025 State #127 Nation MI from Mercy. Craggs was one of the state’s most productive freshmen in 2021. Defensively, Taryn Rice Taryn Rice 5'7" | DS/L Northville | 2023 State MI is as strong as they come in the back row while Greta McKee Greta McKee 5'5" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI and Ashlee Gnau Ashlee Gnau 5'8" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI are also experienced defenders. Northville is certainly looking stacked.