Rockford Rumble Preview
Prep Dig Staff
This Saturday, Rockford will host a very solid 9 team event. From the look of it, it is a 3 team race for the tournament championship. Highlighting the field is host Rockford (#7 in Prep Dig D1 ranking). Rockford will get Lindsay Taylor back this weekend which should bolster there offense quite a bit. Grand Rapids Christian (#2 in Prep Dig D2 ranking) own a win over Rockford last weekend at Portage Central but that was with Taylor on the sideline for Rockford. Mattawan (#3 in Prep Dig D1 rankings) looks to continue their short but unbeaten season as they come off a Grand Haven tournament win. Look for those 3 teams to be in contention as the day winds down.
Players to watch in the tournament - Lindsay Taylor (Rockford), Emilee Karelse (Rockford), Jordy Gates (Grand Rapids Christian), Addie VanderWeide (Grand Rapids Christian), Evelyn Doezema (Grand Rapids Christian), Natalie Foster (Mattawan), Allie Wiese (Mattawan), Taylor Rutgers (Mattawan), Anna Butler (Byron Center), Ryann Jaqua (Portage Central), Rachel Carlson (Allendale)
Tournament Favorites:
Grand Rapids Christian - Only blemish on the season is a loss to D1 #1 Mercy. With solid ball control, passionate youth, and a setter who can set dimes on the court, they will be tough to beat Saturday.
Mattawan - Some think #3 is too high for Mattawan this early. I guess we will find out soon enough.
Rockford - Look for Rockford to have an added boost of energy as they get back captain, Lindsay Taylor. The Miami-Ohio recruit will need to step up if they want to get past the two above mentioned.
Other Teams to Watch - Portage Central (#16 in D1)
Predictions
Round 1
Pool A - (Rockford, Portage Central, and Allendale) - Look for Rockford to roll through the pool with PC taking 2nd
Pool B - (Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood, and South Christian) - GRC easily gets by EK and South Christian. South Christian upsets EK and grabs the 2nd place spot.
Pool C - (Mattawan, Byron Center, and Plainwell) - Mattawan and Plainwell advanced in that order.
Round 2
Power Pool 1 - (Rockford, Grand Rapids Christian, and Byron Center) - Although Rockford is seeded higher, the host has a tough time with GRC and loses a close match in 3. Both teams handle Byron Center easily.
Power Pool 2 - (Mattawan, East Kentwood, and Portage Central) - Mattawan gets a little test from Portage Central but pulls out the pool undefeated. In a back and forth battle for 2nd, PC edges EK in 3.
Playoff Bracket
Semi Final 1 - Grand Rapids Christian vs. Portage Central - GRC is just too much for a Portage Central team that is tenacious on defense. GRC wins in 2.
Semi Final 2 - Mattawan vs. Rockford - Maybe the longest match of the day. Rockford edges Mattawan in set 3 going to overtime 19-17.
Finals - Grand Rapids Christian vs. Rockford - Rockford just does not have the answer for dynamic sophomore Addie Vanderweide. Jordy and Addie lead GRC past Rockford in 3.
