Breakdown & Predictions for the MHSAA Division 4 quarterfinals
Though Class D no longer exists in the MHSAA playoffs and now is Division 4, there will be a new state champion in Michigan in its smallest classification. Two-time defending Class D champ Plymouth Christian fell in the districts and…
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Continue ReadingThough Class D no longer exists in the MHSAA playoffs and now is Division 4, there will be a new state champion in Michigan in its smallest classification. Two-time defending Class D champ Plymouth Christian fell in the districts and our top-ranked team, Battle Creek St. Philip, lost in the regionals. Still, six teams in our top 11 still stand in what should be an exciting finish to the D4 playoffs this week. Here’s my breakdown and predictions for the four quarterfinals.
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No. 3 Mendon vs. No. 8 Adrian Lenawee Christian at Battle Creek Harper Creek
It was Mendon that defeated St. Philip in the regional final last week in four sets to advance to the D4 quarterfinal. The Hornets have a veteran roster but it is sophomore Anna Smith that has been impressive at the net. She is quickly moving up our Class of 2021 rankings, currently sitting at 22nd in the state. Seniors Hayley Kramer and Cierra Nightingale also are a big part of the deep hitting talent Mendon has while senior Aubrey Croster handles the setting and senior Amaijha Bailey controls the back row.
The Cougars of Lenawee Christian face another tough challenge on Tuesday, but they are coming off a five-set win over No. 5 Camden-Frontier in the regional final. The Cougars were down two sets to open the match but rallied to win. Sisters Bree Salenbien and Dani Salenbien provide a big 1-2 punch at the net for the Cougars, but the team also has some solid depth behind them in the likes of Jenna Lilly and Caitlin Anderson. Jill Park has the luxury of choosing who to feed and has been great at running the offense while Libby Miller anchors a steady defense. This match should be great and the Cougars won’t waiver at a little adversity, but Mendon is proving that it could be the team to beat in D4 right now.
Prediction: Mendon over Adrian Lenawee Christian in four
No. 6 Southfield Christian vs. Kingston at Burton Bendle
Southfield Christian put an end to No. 4 Plymouth Christian’s championship reign in district play and the Eagles held off No. 22 Waterford Our Lady in the regional final. Junior Emily Van Dyke has led the Eagles this season, going over 1,000 career kills last week. She put up 24 kills in the regional final win over the Lakers. Van Dyke is a great all-around player, providing a defensive boost as well. Caitlin Warnshuis has a been a great compliment to Van Dyke. She had 18 kills in the regional final and provides setter Rachel Stiteler with another reliable option at the net. Caroline Keating and Juliana Helisek have developed into solid blockers as well.
Kingston is the dark horse of the region, as the Cardinals are the only team without an Honorable Mention tag or ranking next to their name. They proved they are for real with a five-set win over No. 9 Merrill in the regional final last Thursday. It was the first time Kingston has dropped any sets during the postseason. Payton Kolacz stepped up in the final, leading the team with 16 kills while Lily Lyons and Carley Smith each had nine kills. Camryn MacGuire moves the ball around to each of the hitting options and their depth will provide a challenge to Southfield Christian’s blocking. Kingston has been getting overlooked all postseason, including by me, but the Cardinals are certainly for real. This match could be a toss-up, but the Eagles have the most dynamic player in Van Dyke and I think that will be the difference.
Predictions: Southfield Christian over Kingston in five
No. 2 Leland vs. HM Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart at Mason County Central
Leland won the 2015 Class D championship and the Comets have to feel like this is their best chance to regain the crown. Leland rolled past Mio and No. 13 Bellaire in regional play last week. Senior Hanna Elwell has been the rock for the Comets this year at the net while Allie Martin is a do-everything player that can attack, defend and serve. Another senior, Ella Siddall runs the offense at setter. Leland has the experience and veteran play to pick up three more wins this week if they can get past Sacred Heart.
The Irish reached the quarterfinals last year before falling to Rogers City in five sets. SHA defeated Onekama and Muskegon Catholic Central in sweeps last week to claim a regional championship. Michele Hubbard has will be the main hitting force for the Irish, as she had 14 points in the regional championship win over Catholic Central. SHA also has Isabelle Fritz, Molly Yonker, Maddie Munley and others that can finish points at the net. Yonker also contributes a lot to the defense and passing while Allison Hauck runs the offense at setter. Sacred Heart can rely on last year’s loss to help it on Tuesday, but I think Leland is just a little better.
Prediction: Leland over Sacred Heart in four
No. 7 Carney-Nadeau vs. No. 11 Onaway at Manistique
Carney-Nadeau had a pair of four-set wins over Munising and Wakefield-Marenisco last week to win its regional championship. The Wolves have some young hitters in sophomores Taylor Kedsch and Liana Blahnik. Those two each had 10 kills in their regional championship. Nadeau runs with two setters as seniors Talisha McCullough and Layla Blahnik-Thoune handle the offense. Their leadership has been a big part of the team’s success. Senior Alanis Harris is also a strong presence on the floor in the back row.
Onaway ran through Pickford in the regional semifinal, but then went to five sets with No. 10 Rudyard in the final. Calley Selke and Breya Domke combined for 25 kills in the final while Mallorie Neelis and Kennedy Crawford also contribute to the attack. Neelis has been an aggressive setter that also plays well defensively. Jordan Larson heads up the defense, but Domke and Neelis are also dynamic players the contribute to the back row. I really don’t know where to go with this one. Onaway had really been rolling, but going five sets in the regional final may be what it needed to really know it can play through adversity. I like the Cardinals to take that victory and use it to get past the Wolves.
Prediction: Onaway over Carney-Nadeau in five