MHSAA 2018 Contenders: Five teams to watch in Division 2

[caption id="attachment_13729" align="alignright" width="219"]<a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ND-Prep-Final-21.jpg"></a> Madeline Chinn - Notre Dame Prep[/caption] <p>No longer does Class B exist in the MHSAA, as the organization is making the move to divisions in 2018. The battle for the Division 2 state championship should be a good one, with plenty of talented teams in the mix. Here’s a look at five teams we think should be right near the front of the chase.</p> <p><strong>Pontiac Notre Dame Prep: </strong>The 2017 Class B champs, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, should definitely be in the mix this fall as well. The Irish could have two Miss Volleyball finalists in 2019 outside hitters <strong>Madeline Chinn</strong> (Purdue) and <strong>Natalie Risi</strong> (Ball State). Risi really came on in last year’s postseason run while Chinn has developed her all-around game to go with her 6-foot-3 frame. While ND Prep will lose key contributors like middle Gabrielle Shilling and setter Lauren Burnick to graduation, and 2020 outside hitter Taylor Raiola transferred to Bloomfield Hills, the Irish still have 2019 right side <strong>Morgan Verheyan</strong> and defensive specialist <strong>Maria Famularo</strong> to compliment their 1-2 punch.</p> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Christian: </strong>After competing in Class A, the Eagles will contend in Division 2 this fall. Grand Rapids Christian reached the Class A quarterfinal last year before falling to DeWitt in straight sets. The 2018 Eagles will be led by 2020 setter <strong>Jordyn Gates</strong> (Arkansas) and 2021 outside hitter <strong>Addie VanderWeide</strong>, both of whom earned All-State honors in Class A in 2017. The team also has another promising 2021 hitter in <strong>Lauren Peal</strong> to go along with 2019 hitter <strong>Maria Bos</strong>. With Gates setting up a trio of talented hitters, it will be tough for most teams to contend at the net with Grand Rapids Christian.</p> <p><strong>Lakewood: </strong>The Vikings won the Class B title in 2012 and have finished runner-up in three of the last four years. Lakewood was led by a strong senior class in 2017, but the Vikings should be able to re-load and continue their success in Division 2. Leading the charge will be 2019 libero <strong>Patsy Morris </strong>and 2021 middle hitter <strong>Aubrey O’Gorman</strong>, both who earned All-State honors in 2017. While their attack may not be as strong, their defense and passing should be just as good, if not better, than last season. Coach Kellie Rowland will have the Vikings ready to contend again this year.</p> <p><strong>North Branch: </strong>In Class B, North Branch has been a consistent contender. The Broncos won the state title in 2009, 2014 and 2016 while finishing runner-up in 2010, 2012 and 2015. Last season, North Branch ran into Notre Dame Prep in the regional final and those two are on a likely collision course this season as well. The Broncos will have one of the top hitters in Division 2 in 2019’s <strong>Allyson Severance</strong> (Miami-Ohio). She will be the focal point of the attack, but the Broncos also return 2019 hitters <strong>Reese Ruhlman </strong>and <strong>Alison Brice</strong>, who each had over 200 kills in 2017. North Branch also returns its setter, 2019’s <strong>Autumn Deshetsky</strong>, so their attack will be tough to deal with.</p> <p><strong>Fruitport: </strong>A Class B semifinalist in 2017, Fruitport returns a strong roster back from that squad. 2019 setter <strong>Kailey Carmean </strong>will get to set up 2019 hitters <strong>Jordan Carlyle </strong>and <strong>Kylie Oberlin</strong>. The Trojans were somewhat of a surprise team in last year’s postseason, but that run should only lead to a confident group in 2018 that will be hungry to take it a step further.</p> <p><strong>Other contenders: </strong><em>Marysville, Coopersville, Kingsley</em></p>