2019 MHSAA state finals breakdown & predictions
Division 4: Mendon vs. Leland – 10 a.m. The day gets started with a rematch of the 2018 championship in which Mendon won in straight sets. You have to give credit to the Hornets, they are a scrappy bunch. Southfield…
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Continue ReadingDivision 4: Mendon vs. Leland – 10 a.m.
The day gets started with a rematch of the 2018 championship in which Mendon won in straight sets. You have to give credit to the Hornets, they are a scrappy bunch. Southfield Christian had them against the ropes multiple times and they were able to fight their way out of the corner each time. Anna Smith will be the best player on the floor in this one, but as Leland coach Laurie Glass said, the Comets have a handful of hitters they can turn to in the final. I think Leland’s depth will be the difference in this match. The Comets already have a solid defense and as long as they can find the hot arms during the match and continue to serve aggressively, they will be able to keep Mendon from getting into a groove with Smith at the net. It won’t be easy, but I think Leland returns to the top of the mountain on Saturday.
Prediction: Leland over Mendon in five
Division 3: St. Mary Catholic Central vs. Schoolcraft – Noon
What a great matchup this should be. The two top teams in Division 3 throughout the year will be playing for the title. Both teams looked great in their semifinal and their stacked schedules have them ready for anything the other will present. Both teams also have a marquee hitter with Andelyn Simkins leading Schoolcraft and Mikayla Haut leading SMCC. While that matchup will be great to watch, it is going to be the big defensive battle that will determine this game. Payton Osborne of SMCC and Kelby Goldschmeding have been elite-level liberos this year and which ever one can keep their team in-system is likely to win a state championship. Schoolcraft has been No. 1 pretty much all season for good reason and the Eagles’ depth has gotten overlooked at times, but it shine on Friday in the semifinal. I think the Eagles are going to have the confidence and execution to get the job done on Saturday. It should be a battle, but I am sticking with the Eagles.
Prediction: Schoolcraft over SMCC in five
Division 1: Lowell vs. Farmington Hills Mercy – 2 p.m.
The Red Arrows handed Mercy its only loss of the season, though the Marlins were without Miss Volleyball winner Jess Mruzik. Mercy avenged that loss in the Beast of the East Championship, but the two played a 30-28 set to open things. Lowell should have the confidence that it can win this match. Jenna Reitsma can hold her own with anyone and the Red Arrows have a great supporting cast that do the fundamentals well. However, if Mercy brings the same team it had on Thursday night’s sweep of Skyline, there isn’t anyone that is beating them. The Marlins have not only the top player in the state in Mruzik, but they also may have as much depth as anyone. It’s an almost unfair combination. There’s a reason Mercy is ranked in the top five nationally by some publications.
Prediction: Mercy over Lowell in four
Division 2: Lakewood vs. Grand Rapids Christian – 4 p.m.
The Eagles have navigated the long road to getting back to the championship match with a chance to repeat as state champions. GRC has been No. 1 from the start of the year to this point and I don’t expect that to change on Saturday. Lakewood provides a good challenge and the Vikings have improved a great deal in just the last month. Aubrey and Maradith O’Gorman are a handful for any team to compete with. However, the Eagles have great depth at the net and in the back row. Their championship composure, led by the likes of setter Jordyn Gates and outside Addie VanderWeide should be what gets them through the close sets and back to the hardware.
Prediction: Grand Rapids Christian over Lakewood in four