Beast of the East 2019: Five dark horse teams that could win it all
The 2019 Beast of the East Tournament is loaded with ranked teams, including the top-ranked teams in Divisions 1, 2 and 3. It will be the most competitive field of any tournament in the 2019 MHSAA season. While some teams…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019 Beast of the East Tournament is loaded with ranked teams, including the top-ranked teams in Divisions 1, 2 and 3. It will be the most competitive field of any tournament in the 2019 MHSAA season.
While some teams standout as the favorites, like Mercy, Lowell, Grand Rapids Christian and Mattawan, there are some other teams that have a chance to upset the favorites and come away with the title. Here’s five other teams to look out for as contenders.
Clarkston – While it’s hard to say the fifth-ranked team in Division 1 is a dark horse, the Wolves don’t get the credit they perhaps deserve in the D1 title picture. The Wolves haven’t lost in over a month and have been improving each week. They are in the driver’s seat of the OAA Red right now, which is one of the top conferences in the state year after year. Led by junior Claire Nowicki, who can be overlooked as well, the Wolves have a strong defense and great serving to help make up for a lack of size at the net.
Schoolcraft – The top-ranked team in Division 3 isn’t going to be intimidated by all the powerhouse teams from Division 1 and Division 2 this weekend. The Eagles have already held their own against some of the best, even taking a set from GRC earlier this year. Their only losses this season are to Christian and Lowell. Led by Miss Volleyball finalist Andelyn Simkins, Schoolcraft has the skills in every aspect to beat any team it will face.
Coopersville – Our second-ranked team in Division 2 has been on a nice hot streak and the Broncos will get a good feel of where they stand in the state picture this weekend. Setter Aubrey Bates and outside Katelynn Fritz are two reliable captains that will be up for the challenge of facing the top hitters in the state. The Broncos are in Pool E, which is headlined by Marian. The Mustangs could be without a senior captain in Christine Audette on the outside due to an injury, which could open the for Coopersville to grab the pool and make a run in the gold tournament.
Notre Dame Prep – Our fourth-ranked team in Division 2 is young, but like any Betty Wroubel team, the Fighting Irish are getting better as the season moves along. This weekend will show the Irish just how far they have come. You can never look past ND, as they have a steady back row and can serve aggressively. When ND is clicking behind junior libero Olivia Kowalkowski and junior outside Alyssa Borellis, the Irish look like they can beat anyone.
Oxford – The Wildcats are a late addition to the tournament, but are a good example of potential. The 25th-ranked Wildcats have been able to play at a very high level during stretches this year, including taking a set from Mercy early in the season. However, the Wildcats have hit a bump in the road in recent weeks, struggling in a talent-heavy OAA Red. Still, Oxford can pick up some big wins if the Wildcats get hot. They have the size and the defense to really give opposing teams problems. In Pool G, the Wildcats have the potential to win against the likes of Northville, Bloomfield Hills and Romeo. While Oxford may be a longshot, don’t be surprised if you see them upset some teams and make a run this weekend.