Four storylines for the Division 1 MHSAA postseason
It’s tournament time! Next week begins the 2019 MHSAA postseason and there are plenty of things to keep an eye on in the Division 1 playoffs. Here’s a look at four storylines for this year’s postseason action. Is it finally…
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Continue ReadingIt’s tournament time!
Next week begins the 2019 MHSAA postseason and there are plenty of things to keep an eye on in the Division 1 playoffs. Here’s a look at four storylines for this year’s postseason action.
Is it finally Mercy’s time?
Jess MruzikThe Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball program is a proud one with a lot of tradition, but a state championship is something they are still without. The Marlins have reached the state semifinals the last two years only to come up short. This year feels a little different. Mercy is thinking state title or bust in 2019. The past shortcomings should be a motivating factor for the current roster and their veteran leadership should help carry them through the tough matchups they encounter in weeks to come. Jess Mruzik can cap off an incredible year of volleyball with a state championship in November and her ability to finish in all six positions is a joy to watch. Julia Bishop remains one of the best setters and on-court leaders in the state. She is the oil that makes this Mercy machine run.
Who can knock out Mercy?
Jenna ReitsmaThe Marlins are the favorite for good reason, but that doesn’t mean they can be beaten. Here’s three teams that seem to have the best chance to stop them.
Lowell – The Red Arrows have the makings of being a team that can go toe-to-toe with the Marlins. They own the lone win over Mercy this year, albeit it was when Mruzik was playing overseas. The rematch at Beast of the East was still very competitive, as Lowell has the hitting to hang with Mercy. If it can continue to play good defense and avoid service errors, Lowell can get the job done.
Mattawan – The Wildcats proved that they have the size and skill to compete with Mercy when they took a set from the Marlins in the Beast of the East semifinal. Mattawan has the length to pose problems for the Mercy hitters and their libero, Allie Wiese, is a Miss Volleyball finalist for a reason.
Marian – The Mustangs have had more cracks at Mercy than anyone and haven’t been able to come up with the right formula yet. However, they know Mercy more than anyone and you can never overlook a rival. Marian upset Mercy two years ago in the Class A semifinal after struggling against the Marlins in the regular season. The Mustangs have five freshman and four sophomores on the roster and many of them are big contributors. They are improving with each day and each match. Injuries have kept the Mustangs from being able to compete as a complete roster most of the year, so I don’t think we’ve seen the best from the Mustangs yet this year.
How far can the Murray sisters carry Skyline?
Kendall MurrayIt’s not very often you see a pair of sisters dominate at varsity level together. Both Kendall and Harper Murray have been shredding opponents all season. Kendall is the senior veteran that has the power, but also the creativity. Harper is the freshman with a wealth of potential that is still being molded. Both are special in their own ways. Kendall’s calm demeanor and confident disposition allow her teammates to remain relaxed in pressure-filled moments. Harper’s youthful demeanor keeps the Skyline team having fun. Combined, they lead a top-10 Skyline team into the postseason with the biggest expectations the program has had. The Eagles have the talent to reach Battle Creek, but their road is not easy. Their rival Saline may put up a roadblock in districts, while a storied Bedford program could be in their way at regionals. No matter what happens in upcoming weeks, Kendall Murray has helped establish the Skyline program as a Division 1 contender and Harper is likely to keep them in the mix for years to come.
Why can’t these teams meet up later?
It seems every year we get some quarterfinal-caliber matchups on the opening night of districts and this year will be no different. It’s too bad good teams have to exit early, but that’s the way it works. Here’s three notable opening-round matchups:
No. 20 Utica Eisenhower vs. No. 7 Stoney Creek – It will be a good test for both teams, but look for the Cougars to win in five.
No. 6 Clarkston vs. No. 15 Lake Orion – Two OAA Red rivals collide on Monday night. The Wolves won the regular-season meeting at Lake Orion and will have the beat the Dragons on the road again. I still like Clarkston in five.
No. 9 Byron Center vs. East Grand Rapids – Byron Center is emerging as a strong program and will probably be lumped in the group of top 10 next year. Although it seems to be a down year for East Grand Rapids, they have slowly improved all season. The potential for an upset is there, but I will go with the Bulldogs in four.