Division 2 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. Today we look at Division 2, which didn’t get an overwhelming number of votes. Perhaps that is…
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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.
Today we look at Division 2, which didn’t get an overwhelming number of votes. Perhaps that is because there is a clear preseason favorite coming into the new season. It’s no surprise who came out on top of the poll.
Here’s a look at the top four vote-getters.
North Branch (80.52%)
Last year’s D2 runner-up is definitely the favorite on paper to win it all in 2022. With a roster heavily comprised of sophomore talent in 2021, this year’s squad should be ready to take the next step. There doesn’t appear to be a weak point on this roster. Hailey Green Hailey Green 5'1" | DS/L North Branch | 2024 State MI is a standout libero to lead the defense while Adrienne Greschaw Adrienne Greschaw 5'9" | S North Branch | 2024 State MI is a big-match setter that plays with a lot of intensity. The Broncos definitely aren’t lacking in hitting either. Alana Deshetsky Alana Deshetsky 5'8" | OH North Branch | 2024 State MI showed how much heart she has during last year’s finals weekend. She’s got all the tools as an outside hitter. Clara Gyomory and Bailey Gormley are also finishers at the net, while Kaela Chingwa Kaela Chingwa 6'3" | MB North Branch | 2024 State MI is a dominant middle offensively and defensively. It’s going to take a great effort to keep North Branch from the hardware this fall.
Country Day (5.98%)
The Yellowjackets have had some of the most powerful hitters in the state in recent years. That should be the case once again in 2022. Laurece Abraham Laurece Abraham 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2023 State #111 Nation MI can go toe-to-toe with any other middle in the state. She is a gamechanger in every sense of the word. This year she has sophomore Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI to work with, who is coming off a breakout club season. Paige Elliott Paige Elliott 5'6" | S Country Day | 2023 State MI is a returning veteran setter that also brings a lot of defensive skills to help compliment Riley Lockhart at libero. When DCD gets the momentum rolling, they will be a tough team to stop.
Notre Dame Prep (4.78%)
The defending D2 state champions graduated one of the best senior classes in program history. Rebuilding the lineup will be tough, but Betty Wroubel always finds a way to get the most out of her squad. This year’s team is likely going to rely on its defense, with Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI being one of the top liberos in the state coming into the season. Margo Sudzina Margo Sudzina 5'6" | S Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State MI is a returning setter that can provide experience and leadership for the offense, as can middle Grace Wenaas Grace Wenaas 6'0" | MB Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State MI , who will be a primary hitting option for the Irish.
Birch Run (2.79%)
The Panthers are a team built on defense and that will be its strength again in 2022. Kalliann Cook Kalliann Cook 5'5" | DS/L Birch Run | 2023 State MI is as strong as they come at libero. She’s a great leader and plays her heart out on the floor. Taylor Schram Taylor Schram 5'5" | OH Birch Run | 2023 State MI is a complimentary DS to Cook that could wear the libero jersey for many other programs. Offensively, Nava Sanocki is back at setter to run the floor and help develop some consistent hitters. If the offense can raise its game to meet the defense, Birch Run could be a real title contender.