2020 MHSAA Postseason: Division 3 Regional Predictions
Division 3 saw some upsets in district tournaments last week that have reshaped some regional projections. Will the upsets continue this week, or will the powerhouse programs atop the rankings move closer to Battle Creek? Here’s my picks for the…
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Continue ReadingDivision 3 saw some upsets in district tournaments last week that have reshaped some regional projections.
Will the upsets continue this week, or will the powerhouse programs atop the rankings move closer to Battle Creek?
Here’s my picks for the eight regionals in Division 3 this week.
Related: Division 1 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 2 Regional Predictions
Related: Division 4 Regional Predictions
Regional 17 at Manistique
Semifinal Matchups: Calumet vs. Negaunee; Manistique vs. Charlevoix
Breakdown: A solid regional in the Upper Peninsula features two teams that could make a run to Battle Creek. I like Calumet and Charlevoix to meet in this regional final. The Copper Kings were dominant at home last week, while the Rayders made quick work of their opponents in St. Ignace. Each team will face some adversity in the final, but I give the edge to Charlevoix. They have put themselves against some stronger non-conference opponents this year.
Finals Prediction: Charlevoix over Calumet
Regional 18 at Manton
Semifinal Matchups: McBain vs. Johannesburg-Lewiston; Traverse City St. Francis vs. Beaverton
Breakdown: This regional features a semifinal matchup of two teams that have reached Battle Creek in recent years. St. Francis punched its ticket in 2018, while Beaverton got there in 2019. The Beavers just look too strong to be overtaken this week. They have been firmly in our top 5 for most of the season. St. Francis is going to make it tough, but I have to stick with Beaverton in that one.
Finals Prediction: Beaverton over McBain
Regional 19 at Shelby
Semifinal Matchups: Morley Stanwood vs. White Cloud; North Muskegon vs. Grandville Calvin Christian
Breakdown: North Muskegon really played a difficult schedule this season and it paid off in last week’s district performance. It should continue for the Norsemen this week as well. It’s a region full of quality opponents, and Morley Stanwood is certainly capable of winning as well, but I am going to go with North Muskegon to come through.
Finals Prediction: North Muskegon over Morley Stanwood
Regional 20 at Bridgman
Semifinal Matchups: Schoolcraft vs. Gobles; Niles Brandywine vs. Kalamazoo Christian
Breakdown: Schoolcraft has really been on a mission all season after coming up short in the Division 3 final last year. The Eagles lost a huge talent, but have seen a number of players step up this season. In this region, Schoolcraft should continue to play at that high level and overwhelm their opponents. In the other semifinal, I give the edge to Kalamazoo Christian, a team that has been pushing toward the top 10 throughout the season.
Finals Prediction: Schoolcraft over Kalamazoo Christian
Regional 21 at Brooklyn Columbia Central
Semifinal Matchups: Grass Lake vs. Bronson; Brooklyn Columbia Central vs. Bath
Breakdown: Bronson is one of the powerhouse programs in Division 3 and the Vikings are built for this time of year. They have been getting better and better throughout the year and certainly seem at their best right now. Brooklyn Columbia Central and Bath is an intriguing matchup. Both teams came through with some hard-fought wins against quality opponents last week. Don’t be surprised to see that go five sets.
Finals Prediction: Bronson over Brooklyn Columbia Central
Regional 22 at Adrian Madison
Semifinal Matchups: Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central vs. Hudson; Manchester vs. Allen Park Cabrini
Breakdown: The defending state champs SMCC don’t have an easy road this week. Hudson and Manchester are both ranked in our top 15, while Cabrini plays in a tough CHSL conference. The Kestrels will be tested, but they have established themselves as one of the best teams in the state regardless of division.
Finals Prediction: SMCC over Manchester
Regional 23 at Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
Semifinal Matchups: Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest vs. Detroit Cristo Rey; Royal Oak Shrine vs. Brown City
Breakdown: This seems like a wide open region. Brown City comes in as the favorite with a top-20 ranking, but Shrine has played a really challenging schedule through CHSL play. I expect that semifinal to be a close one. Lutheran Northwest gets to host and has found the magic formula over the last week. I look for the Crusaders to get past Cristo Rey and then give a great fight in the regional championship.
Finals Prediction: Brown City over Lutheran Northwest
Regional 24 at Unionville-Sebewaing
Semifinal Matchups: Otisville LakeVille Memorial vs. Breckenridge; Saginaw Valley Lutheran vs. Unionville-Sebewaing
Breakdown: I liked the fight out of Breckenridge last week. The Huskies had to grind out a five-set win in the district final. A win like that can really do a lot for a team this time of year. Valley Lutheran and USA should be a great matchup of strong programs. USA knows how to win this time of year, but Valley Lutheran thought it was built for a big 2020 run when it made the state semifinals last year. I look for the Chargers to be too strong for the field this week.
Finals Prediction: Valley Lutheran over Breckenridge