2020 MHSAA Postseason Preview: Toughest Districts
The 2020 postseason is nearly upon us, with action beginning next week. While we will have predictions for every district later this week, here’s a look at some of the tougher districts for this year’s postseason. Division 1 District 5…
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Continue ReadingThe 2020 postseason is nearly upon us, with action beginning next week.
While we will have predictions for every district later this week, here’s a look at some of the tougher districts for this year’s postseason.
Division 1 District 5 at Holly
Always one of the toughest districts, this group includes Clarkston, Oxford, Lake Orion, Holly and Waterford Kettering. Clarkston, Oxford and Lake Orion all have been in our D1 rankings throughout the year and are capable of making a run well beyond the districts. All three have won and lost sets against the others, so it will just be about the team that makes fewer mistakes that day. Lake Orion has done a great job of peaking in November the last two years, can they find that magic again? Holly is a capable sleeper as well. The Bronchos have looked great in Flint Metro League play and will be a team that can’t be overlooked.
Division 1 District 10 at Hudsonville
Byron Center has been right near the top of Division 1 as of late, but the Bulldogs will have to work hard to earn a district championship. Hudsonville, Grandville, Jenison and Zeeland East have all been featured in our recent rankings, and Zeeland West would love to play spoiler. Byron Center will have to win three matches to get out of the district, so it may just be about enduring.
Division 2 District 43 at Grand Rapids West Catholic
Two-time defending state champ Grand Rapids Christian certainly enters this district as the favorite, but the Eagles will be tested along the way. Grand Rapids Catholic Central could await in the semifinal and Grand Rapids West Catholic and Forest Hills Eastern are on the other side of the bracket. All three of those teams have been ranked in our top 20. While GRC is playing at a very high level, the Eagles can’t overlook this field.
Division 3 District 74 at Kent City
This district has three teams that are all within the top 20 of our D3 rankings. North Muskegon has been a top-five team, but have to win three matches to get to the district. Kent City and Western Michigan Christian are ranked as well and capable of coming away with the district title. The Eagles have the home-court advantage, so they could be the team to beat.
Division 3 District 96 at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker
Unionville-Sebewaing has been the team to beat in the thumb area for years. USA has its hands full in this district. Along with the host school, this district includes Harbor Beach, Cass City and Bad Axe. Those three teams have hovered around the back end of our D3 rankings this year. Bad Axe just picked up a three-set win over the Patriots last week. There’s not an easy path to the title in this district.
Division 3 District 85 at Hudson
Another tough Division 3 district comes at Hudson. The Tigers are a top-10 team looking to make a deep postseason run. However, this district includes Adrian Madison and Lenawee Christian, two ranked teams as well. Hudson has proven it has what it takes to navigate the week, but Madison and Lenawee Christian are going to make it challenging.
Division 4 District 117 at Camden-Frontier
Not many districts have two top-5 teams in them, but Camden-Frontier will host a district that also includes Hillsdale Academy. The two have split two meetings this season and seem to be on a path to a district final. Both teams could be Battle Creek-worthy, but only one will get a chance to advance to the regionals.