2018 MHSAA Season Preview: 5 Division 3 Storylines

<p>In Class C, there has been one team running the show in prep volleyball the last three seasons. Will the landscape be changing with the move to Division 3? Here’s a look at the key storylines for the upcoming 2018 MHSAA season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Will Bronson still rule?</em></strong></p> <p>It has been Bronson’s world in Class C volleyball the last three years, as they have won the state championship under the coaching of <strong>Jean LaClair</strong>. With a slight change to Division 3, can Bronson claim a fourth consecutive title in 2018? On paper, it certainly seems possible. Bronson returns two First Team All-State players in senior libero <strong>Kiera Lasky </strong>and senior middle <strong>Ashton Wronikowski</strong>. They also have 2020 hitter <strong>Keona Salesman</strong> and senior hitter <strong>Jolie Smoker</strong> returning. While Bronson will have to replace the starting setter, they still have a great foundation that should make them one of the top contenders.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Can St. Mary’s Catholic return to the top?</em></strong></p> <p>Before Bronson began it’s run, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central was the power in Class C. The Kestrels won the 2014, 2012, 2010, 2007 and 2003 state titles and finished runner-up in the 2015 state finals. <strong>Karen O’Brien </strong>looks to lead SMCC back to Battle Creek after losing to Bronson in the quarterfinals in 2017 in four sets. The Kestrels return a pair of First Team All-State players from 2017. <strong>Mikayla Haut </strong>was one of the top freshman in the entire state last year and returns for her sophomore season at outside hitter. <strong>Abby Jackson</strong> was the other First Team pick as a libero and she will be the team leader in her senior season. SMCC also brings back senior middle <strong>Maddie Haut</strong> to give the team a lot of fire power and defensive presence at the net.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Is Charyl Stockwell Academy for real?</em></strong></p> <p>Charyl Stockwell Academy had a pretty strong team in 2017, but didn’t get a chance to prove it in the postseason as it lost a five-set battle to eventual Class C runner-up, Laingsburg, in the district opener. The team brings back a pair of All-State players in junior outside/setter <strong>Paige Gallentine</strong> and senior libero <strong>Theresa Kehn</strong>. They also have a huge presence in the middle in 6-foot-4 junior <strong>Lila Splavic</strong> to go along with developing junior setter/right side <strong>Jenna Vaske</strong>. If Charyl Stockwell can continue to improve, it may get through a difficult district and make a run at the title.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>Still hungry</em></strong></p> <p>Along with Bronson and SMCC, Division 3 should have some familiar faces in the title hunt. Calumet has reached the semifinals the last two years, but will have some big holes to fill from a senior-led team in 2017. The Copper Kings lose five All-Region players but still have <strong>Celia Kiilunen</strong> returning at outside hitter to guide the inexperienced players.</p> <p>Like Calumet, Laingsburg was heavily led by seniors in 2017 as they played their way to the Class C final. They lost all three All-Region players they had to graduation, but play in a competitive CMAC that should have them ready for postseason play.</p> <p>Schoolcraft pushed Bronson to five sets in the 2017 regional final and return junior hitter <strong>Andelyn Simkins</strong> and sophomore setter <strong>Kayla Onken</strong>. Simkins was a First Team All-State selection last year and will be relied on to carry Schoolcraft through its transition of replacing their graduated hitters.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em>New faces</em></strong></p> <p>Brown City was a district champion in 2017 before losing in the regional final to Unionville-Sebewaing. This year’s squad should have great senior leadership behind outside <strong>Kendal Muxlow </strong>and setter <strong>Alexis Wiltse</strong>. The 2016 Class C runner-up may find itself playing for a title in 2018.</p> <p>Charlevoix didn’t make much of an impression in the 2017 postseason, falling in districts to Elk Rapids. However, the team returns three All-Region players from a year ago, led by senior outside <strong>Ellie Louiselle</strong>. She is joined by junior libero <strong>Abby Paramo</strong> and junior middle <strong>Elise Stuck</strong>. On paper, Charlevoix should have a lot of potential in 2018.</p> <p>Beal City reached the Class C final back in 2013, but hasn’t been able to play for the championship since. The Aggies could be contending in 2018 behind the play of junior outside <strong>Lyndsey Fillenworth</strong> and sophomore middle <strong>Sage Schumacher</strong>. If they can develop their defense, Beal City may return to Battle Creek.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Related: <a href="http://bit.ly/2NrpdQS">2018’s top conference battles</a></p> <p>Related: <a href="http://bit.ly/2uZF3Ld">2018’s Division 1 storylines</a></p> <p>Related: <a href="http://bit.ly/2A6Docx">2018’s Division 2 storylines</a></p>