Way too early 2019 Predictions: Five Division 3 contenders

The Bronson Vikings have found themselves at the top of the state for four straight seasons. They were able to win the first Division 3 state championship last month and are certain to be a contender for a fifth straight title in 2019. Which other teams can compete for the championship next fall?   <a href="http://bit.ly/2QNU1kq">RELATED: Five D1 contenders in 2019</a> <a href="http://bit.ly/2rvpkSI">RELATED: Five D2 contenders in 2019</a>   Bronson As four-time defending champions, it’s certainly hard to pick against the Vikings. They will have some challenges, as they lose two First Team All-State plyers in middle Ashton Wronikowski and libero Kiera Lasky. They also lose Second Team All-State hitter Jolie Smoker and All-State HM Paris Outwater in the back row. However, the Vikings will still bring back a lot of talent in 2019. Outside Keona Salesman is coming off a strong junior year and will be among the senior leaders for Bronson next season. A familiar name in Meagan Lasky will return at setter for her junior year as well. Bronson doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.   Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central The Kestrels were considered the favorite to unseat Bronson in 2018 but fell short in a five-set semifinal battle. SMCC is certain to have plenty of motivation in the offseason from that loss. While the team loses libero Abby Jackson and middle Maddie Haut, it still returns one of the top players in the state in outside Mikayla Haut. She will be a junior in 2019 and should continue to improve on her already dynamic skills. She will be joined at the net by Anna Dean and Abbie Costlow, two more members of the Class of 2021. Sarah Reicker was one of two setters that the Kestrels used last season. She will have her senior year in 2019.   Schoolcraft The Eagles played Bronson to five sets in the regional final, which is impressive considering they had just three seniors on the roster. Schoolcraft will be returning four players with All-State honors in 2018. Leading the way is Andelyn Simkins, a First Team All-State pick as a junior outside hitter. Simkins will be among the best in Division 3, and the state, next fall. Kayla Onken is the team’s setter and she was just a sophomore in 2018. She earned Second Team All-State honors. Maggie Morris was a Third-Team selection as a sophomore middle while Kelby Goldschmeding was Honorable Mention as a sophomore. These four give the Eagles a great foundation at all the key positions and make them a definite threat to win it all next year.   Charyl Stockwell Academy The Sentinels made a run to the regional final in 2018 before falling to SMCC in three sets. The team will be graduating just three seniors from this squad and have a lot of promising talent returning for 2019. They will have three hitters back that had over 300 kills in 2018, led by Paige Gallentine, an outside that earned Second Team All-State honors as a junior. She will be joined at the net by Lila Splavec, another junior, as well as sophomore Jenna Vaske. Gallentine and Vaske also shared setting duties. If the Sentinels can secure their back row, they should be a top contender in the state.   Beal City The Aggies fell in five sets to eventual D3 runner-up, Unionville-Sebewaing, in the quarterfinals. Next season, Beal City could find itself reaching Battle Creek. The Aggies will return sophomore middle Sage Schumacher and junior outside Lyndsey Fillenworth, both of whom led the Beal City attack. A big question for Beal City will beat replacing libero Jordyn Fillenworth, but the Aggies a program that have been the class of the Central Michigan area for years and should be ready to fill in the key positions with hungry underclassmen.   The D3 Dark Horse: Valley Lutheran The Chargers probably won’t be a team many will point to for being a state title contender next year, but there are some reasons to believe they can make a postseason run. This year they had a very competitive district final with Reese, losing in four sets. Reese would go on to play D3 runner-up, Unionville-Sebewaing to a tough four-set match in the regional final. The Chargers have some key pieces coming back, led by libero Kelsey Vittitow. She will be a senior in 2019 and anchor the back row. A strong defense can help a team overcome weakness in other areas. The Chargers also have a promising hitter coming back in Peyton Barnikowski, who was a sophomore in 2018. Small for an outside, she can contribute in a lot of way for Valley Lutheran.   Others To Watch: Centreville, Brandywine, Unionville-Sebewaing, Manchester, Hudson, Beaverton, Traverse City St. Francis, North Muskegon, Hanover-Horton, Riverview Gabriel Richard, Manistique