Top returning 2021 classes in Division 1

<p>It’s a crazy time around the world and certainly volleyball is no exception, but there’s still plenty of analyzing and looking ahead to do.</p> <p>It won’t be long until we are looking into the 2020 prep season and which teams should be set to make a run at a championship.</p> <p>Like any sport, senior leadership will be a key factor in determining the best in the state. Here’s a look at the top returning 2021 classes in Division 1.</p> <p><strong>Mercy</strong></p> <p>It’s hard to imagine a team losing the National Player of the Year and still be able to contend for a state championship, but the Marlins have arguably the best returning senior class in the state. Six come back from their junior season, with three of them earning All-State honors. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14163" first="Julia" last="Bishop"] </strong>is a top contender for the 2021 Miss Volleyball honor and one of the best setters in the class nationally. Her experience and leadership will make the Marlins a favorite to repeat as Division 1 state champs. Bishop has a wealth of hitters to work with in always-improving middles <strong>Charli Atiemo</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50293" first="Ellie" last="Tisko"]</strong>, along with outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50292" first="Kaylin" last="Collins"]</strong>, who is coming off a knee injury that ended her 2019 season early. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14218" first="Madison" last="Malecki"] </strong>is also a veteran in the back row to help with the defense and passing game.</p> <p><strong>Lowell</strong></p> <p>The 2019 D1 runner-up brings back three upcoming seniors that had All-State honors last fall. Leading the way is outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14192" first="Jenna" last="Reitsma"]</strong>, who really established herself as one of the top players in the state. She has the all-around game to be as dynamic as anyone. Joining her in the Class of 2021 for the Red Arrows are setter <strong>Sophie Powell</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50322" first="Emma" last="Hall"]</strong>. Both are among the best in their position in the state and give Lowell the key foundational pieces to be a top contender in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Lake Orion</strong></p> <p>The Dragons made a surprise run to the Division 1 state semifinals in 2019 despite losing a lot of big pieces from its 2018 championship squad. That leaves Lake Orion very excited about what 2020 can bring and its will-be-senior class of seven should provide a lot of experience and leadership. All of Lake Orion’s important hitters are back, led by Class of 2021 middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50303" first="Reagan" last="Goeke"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14193" first="Kendall" last="Robertson"]</strong>. Both tallied over 200 kills in 2019, while hitting over .335 for the season. Goeke had an impressive 178 blocks while Robertson finished with 101. Also back for their senior season are outside options <strong>Lauren Staruch</strong> and <strong>Taylor Butkiewicz. </strong>Staruch was really an unsung hero in 2019, filling in a big hole at OPP.</p> <p><strong>Utica Eisenhower</strong></p> <p>The Eagles are going to be senior-heavy in 2020, returning a total of eight Class of 2021 members from last fall’s squad. Leading the way is 6-foot outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14188" first="Sydney" last="Palazzolo"] </strong>and 5’11” middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50333" first="Kira" last="Buza"]</strong>. They were the top-two finishers for the Eagles this past season. Palazzolo is probably being overlooked as one of the better hitters in this Class and she can definitely handle the pressures that come with being a go-to outside. <strong>Angelena Tripi</strong> is also returning at setter while <strong>Abbey Biermann</strong> was a leader in the back row.</p> <p><strong>Byron Center</strong></p> <p>The Bulldogs were a district champion last fall before running into Lowell. Byron Center returns a large core of the team, including four Class of 2021 members. Leading the way is libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14165" first="Abby" last="Boyle"]</strong>, who provides Byron Center with a great foundation for its defense and passing. <strong>Ann Butler</strong> also returns for her senior season. She is a versatile middle that plays well above her 5’11 stature.</p> <p><strong>Other top Class of 2021 rosters: </strong>DeWitt, Grand Haven, Novi, Stoney Creek, Trenton</p>