Division 2 game-changers for 2020

<p>The race for the Division 2 state championship in 2020 should be very heated.</p> <p>Grand Rapids Christian has taken the title the last two years and still seems like the team to beat, but the number of challengers to the crown seems larger and more qualified this fall.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some key players in Division 2 that will likely shape the championship race.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50307" first="Lauren" last="Peal"] – Sr. L/DS Grand Rapids Christian</strong></p> <p>The two-time defending Division 2 champions return a lot for 2020, but lose their captain in Arkansas setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14094" first="Jordyn" last="Gates"]</strong>. That blow to the offense means the defense will have to shoulder a little larger load this season. That’s where Peal comes into play. Peal was lost in the recognition shuffle the last two years behind that explosive GRC offense, but this season will provide her with a chance to show just how valuable her impeccable defensive skills are.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"] – Soph. S Lakewood</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_100235" align="alignright" width="211"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-100235" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/Skylar-Bump-211x300.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"][/caption] <p>Bump had a great freshman season behind talented hitters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14185" first="Aubrey" last="O’Gorman"]</strong>. In 2020, the Vikings will be looking to replace starting libero <strong>Kiana Hummel</strong>, so Bump’s leadership and performance at setter needs to continue to improve as it did in 2019. Keeping her team in-system will be vital in the big games the Vikings are sure to face. Bump is one of the promising setters in the state and should be up for the challenge.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24857" first="Bianca" last="Giglio"] – Jr. MH Notre Dame Prep</strong></p> <p>The Irish were pretty young in 2019, so they have a lot of expectations for 2020. To push through at get back to the top of the Division 2 mountain, Giglio will be a big key. As a sophomore, she had 150 kills over 82 sets. With <strong>Aly Borellis</strong> and <strong>Sophia Sudzina </strong>strong on the outside, and one of the best defenses in the state behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50302" first="Olivia" last="Kowalkowski"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"]</strong>, the Irish just need that high-level play at the middle to truly be complete.</p> <p><strong>Alayna Heiler – Sr. OH Kingsley</strong></p> <p>Kingsley may need nametags for their first practice of the 2020 season, as the Stags lost a great deal from their 2019 D2 semifinalist squad. Of the eight players that played in all three sets of their state semifinal, only Heiler is returning. Her experience and seniors leadership will be very important this fall. Heiler has a lot of responsibility to take on, but its also a chance for her to really shine and showcase what she can do.</p> <p><strong>Emily May – Soph. RS Coopersville</strong></p> <p>The Broncos gave the 2019 D2 champs their toughest test in the postseason and the Broncos are eager to make another run at the title in 2020. Coopersville loses its starting setter and libero, but has one of the most dominant players at the net in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50295" first="Abby" last="Olin"]</strong>. To help take the pressure off Olin, May’s play will be very important. May have over 100 kills and 100 blocks as a freshman and has improved a lot since then. A more-talented May, combined with Olin, is likely to make Coopersville nearly unstoppable at the net.</p> <p><strong>Jen Johnson – Sr. L/DS Hamilton</strong></p> <p>The Hawkeyes are another team with a lot of firepower at the net. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50297" first="AJ" last="Ediger"] </strong>is one of the state’s top multi-sport athletes and she owns the middle for Hamilton. But, the Hawkeyes graduate some key hitters and a setter, which means Johnson and the defense will have to be on top of their game. As a senior, Johnson’s experience and leadership will help Hamilton remain a D2 contender this season.</p> <p><strong>Joslyn Seeley – Soph. OPP Cadillac</strong></p> <p>The Vikings are pretty well set for a strong 2020. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50331" first="Macy" last="Brown"] </strong>is one of the top hitters in the state and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"] </strong>is a high-caliber junior setter. However, Cadillac graduated the second and third-highest kills leaders from its 2019 squad. Seeley saw a lot of time as a freshman, but wasn’t a focal point for Cadillac. This season, Seeley will get a chance to be the compliment to Brown on the outside. If she can make the most of her opportunity, it should keep Cadillac among the top D2 contenders.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66300" first="Paige" last="Elliott"], Soph. S/DS Detroit Country Day</strong></p> <p>A team with a ton of potential, the Yellowjackets are loaded up front. DCD also has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24870" first="Serena" last="Nyambio"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24862" first="Morgan" last="Lockhart"], [player_tooltip player_id="24869" first="Nyla" last="Muskovin"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"]</strong> to name a few. With the hitting among the best in Division 2, the key for DCD will come down to fundamentals on defense and passing. Elliott will play a big role in that. The Class of 2023 member is coming off a great run with Legacy 15-1 Adidas during the club season and can take that experience with her to DCD. The Jackets have a very high ceiling for 2020.</p>