Division 1 quarterfinal game-changers

<p>The 2020 state quarterfinals may be held up for the time being, but the MHSAA sounds committed to making sure they, along with the remainder of the postseason, will take place.</p> <p>Eight teams in Division 1 all have some key players that teams will have to focus on, but it is the unsung heroes that could really make or break each team.</p> <p>Here’s a look at the key player for each squad that may be able to spark their team to a championship.</p> <p><em><a href="https://bit.ly/2JgnTDF">Related: Division 2 quarterfinal game-changers</a></em></p> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/39kheTY"><em>Related: Division 3 quarterfinal game-changers</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/33rElsh"><em>Related: Division 4 quarterfinal game-changers</em></a></p> <p><strong>Ann Arbor Skyline: </strong>The Eagles know what it takes to reach Battle Creek and have one of the best players in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66319" first="Harper" last="Murray"]</strong>. However, it will be junior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60856" first="Lauren" last="Lee"]</strong> that is a key player going into the quarterfinals. Lee was unable to be part of the 2019 Battle Creek run due to injury, but she has really been able to keep the Skyline offense rolling this year. While Murray is going to draw a lot of attention, Lee’s ability to get her other hitters going will be crucial for Skyline to win going forward.</p> <p><strong>Clarkston: </strong>The Wolves are a very well-balanced team that can beat you a number of ways. One player that could be a difference maker for the final week of play is junior middle <strong>Elizabeth Adams</strong>. The Wolves have been making it a point of working middles more and Adams has been able to elevate her game at the right time. She’s also a real vocal leader on the floor, which is important to have in these high-pressure matches.</p> <p><strong>Grand Blanc: </strong>The Bobcats have a great outside hitter in sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66316" first="Remi" last="Madison"]</strong>, but opponents are going to do their part to limit her. That means another hitter is going to have to step up. For Grand Blanc, I look at junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60852" first="Kendal" last="Inman"]</strong> to be that person. Inman missed some time this season, but came through with 11 kills in the regional final against TC West, and also had 10 kills in a sweep of Linden earlier in the postseason.</p> [caption id="attachment_116807" align="alignright" width="256"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-116807" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/Lowell-Emily-Struckmeyer-256x300.jpg" alt="" width="256" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="24876" first="Emily" last="Struckmeyer"][/caption] <p><strong>Lowell: </strong>The Red Arrows have arguably the most impactful player in Division 1, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14192" first="Jenna" last="Reitsma"]</strong>, leading the way. However, she can’t do it all on her own at this stage. Junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24876" first="Emily" last="Struckmeyer"]</strong> can be that powerful compliment. She’s handled that role well this season, finishing second on the team in kills while hitting .317. She’s also the team leader in blocks, which will be important as well.</p> <p><strong>Macomb Dakota: </strong>Setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108718" first="Erin" last="Madigan"] </strong>and <strong>Mackenzie Davis </strong>will be vital to the success of the Cougars as they find themselves in an underdog role against Marian. Dakota will need to be successful on its in-system opportunities, so the setting will have to be on point. Madigan will also be important from the service line. She had five aces in the regional final. Dakota’s best chances are to win are with offensive efficiency and strong serving.</p> <p><strong>Marian: </strong>Second-ranked Marian may be the favorite on paper, as the Mustangs have a lot of great hitting options. However, for the Mustangs to truly win three more matches, it is likely <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66305" first="Lauren" last="Heming"] </strong>that will be a big reason why. The sophomore libero has really taken her game to another level in 2020. She leads the team with 383 digs, including 28 in the five-set win over top-ranked Mercy in the regional final. Heming’s composure and polish in the back row will be very important for the Mustangs.</p> <p><strong>Novi: </strong>The Wildcats have arguably the best defensive player in the state, complimented by a well-balanced offense. The key to that offense continuing to run smoothly is junior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92063" first="Rachel" last="Karr"]</strong>. Karr has been flawless during the postseason and has the Novi offense hitting every beat. If Karr can continue that level of play, the Novi hitters are only going to get stronger as well.</p> <p><strong>Portage Central: </strong>The Mustangs are a versatile team, but one of their most versatile players is senior <strong>Molly Rohs</strong>. Rohs is capable of playing anywhere on the floor, but her consistent defensive play in the back row is what Portage Central is counting on for finals week. Rohs is the team leader in digs and has strong technique while playing with a very calm demeanor. Rohs also has shown an ability to finish points at the net, and is one of the top servers on the team as well.</p>