Top defensive teams in Division 3

<p>Division 3 features a number of scrappy defensive teams that will be looking to push their squads to a championship run in 2020.</p> <p>Veteran liberos and multi-skilled outsides are likely to play a big role in who walks away with the state championship this fall.</p> <p>Here’s a look at the top defensive teams in Division 3 for the upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_102761" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-102761" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/Kylie-Barron-300x280.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="280" /> Kylie Barron[/caption] <p>The 2019 state champions bring a lot back defensively for 2020. While All-State libero <strong>Payton Osborne </strong>has graduated, the Kestrels still return a lot of talent passers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50288" first="Mikayla" last="Haut"] </strong>is a complete player at outside hitter. Her passing skills have improved dramatically over her three seasons with SMCC. <strong>Jaydin Nowak </strong>was a consistent presence in the back row last season and will be a reliable senior leader in 2020 to make up for the loss of Osborne. <strong>Emma Helzerman </strong>also saw some time in the back row last year and can seen an increased role this fall. SMCC also has a lot of capable blockers. Along with Haut, <strong>Kylie Barron </strong>is a returning senior middle that has a lot of athleticism up front.</p> <p><strong>Schoolcraft</strong></p> <p>The Eagles bring a very solid defense to the court in 2020. <strong>Kelby Goldschmeding </strong>was the unsung hero of Schoolcraft’s run to the D3 championship match last fall. She consistently was making great plays in the back row and getting the ball smoothly to her offense. She enters 2020 as one of the top senior liberos in the state. <strong>Allie Goldschmeding </strong>also returns as a senior outside. She is likely to take on a bigger role this year and she already has displayed strong passing skills. Seniors <strong>Maggie Morris </strong>and <strong>Anna Schuppel </strong>are two strong middles that will be tough blocks to get past.</p> <p><strong>Bronson</strong></p> <p>Always a fundamentally sound team, the Vikings should again be a power in D3 in 2020 behind their defense. <strong>Jaydn Cary </strong>shined as a sophomore at libero, earning All-Region honors. The same can be said for <strong>Karissa Gest</strong>, an ever-improving outside that is in line for a big step up in play as a junior. Bronson also has some capable middles for blocking, as well as a setter in <strong>Meagan Lasky</strong> that can contribute defensively when needed.</p> <p><strong>Unionville-Sebewaing</strong></p> <p>The Patriots should remain among the top teams in Division 3 this upcoming season thanks to a lot of returning talent. Defensively, <strong>Maci Montgomery </strong>is back at libero for her senior year. She was the foundation of the back row throughout last season and racked up over 600 digs. <strong>Emma Stecker </strong>is also a strong DS option for USA that enters her senior year. These two don’t miss out on too many dig opportunities. <strong>Grace Williamson </strong>showed a lot of all-around skills while finishing at the net, as did <strong>Brynn Polega</strong>. Both were captains as juniors and bring their passing and blocking talents back to USA for their senior seasons.</p> <p><strong>Royal Oak Shrine</strong></p> <p>This Catholic League squad has a dynamic libero in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50323" first="Mya" last="Minjares"]</strong>, who has made quite a name for herself in the last year. She moves very well in the back row and plays with a lot of fire. Along with Minjares, Shrine returns its top six dig leaders from 2019. <strong>Ellie Plunkey</strong>, <strong>Norah Tisko</strong> and <strong>Maria Cloutier </strong>all have DS capabilities for the Knights, while <strong>Mary Mulcahy </strong>is a strong outside hitter that can excel defensively as well. Shrine has to replace some graduating middles, but <strong>Margaret Jones </strong>showed a lot of promise as a freshman.</p> <p><strong>Jonesville</strong></p> <p>The Comets had one of the most productive defenders in the state last year in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60863" first="Kylie" last="Ward"]</strong>. Ward amassed over 800 digs as a sophomore. She comes into her junior year hoping to take Jonesville to new heights. <strong>Marissa Lehman </strong>is also a returning junior DS that gives the Comets a great back row duo. <strong>Lani Bowman </strong>is a junior outside that is in line for a bigger role in 2020. She showcased some improving passing ability as the 2019 season progressed. <strong>Lily Marshall </strong>and <strong>Mackenzie Morse </strong>were among the blocking leaders last fall for Jonesville and they both return as juniors this year.</p> <p><strong>Calumet</strong></p> <p>A district champion in 2019, the Copper Kings should be a strong competitor this year due to a strong defensive core. <strong>Cami Johnson </strong>will be the senior leader at libero for Calumet. She has a lot of proven experience and leadership for the team to rely on. <strong>Elli Djerf </strong>had a solid 2019 season at outside hitter. Her improved passing helped set her apart and that should continue entering 2020.</p>