Division 2 quarterfinal game-changers

<p>The Division 2 playoffs are filled with impact players.</p> <p>Some of the biggest names in the state will be on display during finals week.</p> <p>However, Division 2 also has some very well-balanced squads. There will be a number of players that have the chance to earn the spotlight.</p> <p>Here’s a look at a potential breakout star for each of the eight Division 2 teams remaining.</p> <p><em><a href="https://bit.ly/3pXLWrV">Related: Division 1 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 Father Gabriel Richard: </strong>The Fighting Irish have a lot of capable hitters at the net, so mixing up the offense will be important in these high-pressure matches. Senior setter <strong>Molly Nakpairat </strong>will need to make the right choices and keep the offense moving quickly. Nakpairat also knows when to call her own number, which will also be important against capable blocking teams. The Irish will need to utilize all their weapons to be successful.</p> <p><strong>Birch Run: </strong>Eighth-ranked Birch Run does not have the size that many of the remaining teams in Division 2 have. The Panthers are a fundamentally sound team with a great group of passers in the back row. The challenge will be for Birch Run’s hitters to raise their game to another level against big blocks. Senior <strong>Emma McIlhargie</strong> certainly is well-known for teams that have faced Birch Run, but finals week gives her a chance to really show she can go toe-to-toe with other top hitters. Standing just 5’8” , McIlhargie is still an explosive player that can put the Panthers on her back.</p> <p><strong>Cadillac: </strong>Fourth-ranked Cadillac has a dominant hitter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50331" first="Macy" last="Brown"]</strong>, but this time of year a team needs to rely on more than just one hitter. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"] </strong>is second on the team in kills, but for the Vikings to be successful they need another reliable arm to emerge. Junior middle hitter <strong>Caliey Masserang</strong> could be that arm. She has been a bit hot-and-cold throughout the season, but has displayed improved play during the postseason. Masserang will get her opportunity to shine in the final week of play. Her success would be a big boost for Cadillac.</p> <p><strong>Edwardsburg: </strong>The 25^th-ranked Eddies have a big challenge awaiting them against Grand Rapids Christian, but Edwardsburg is a veteran team with some size. <strong>Paige Miller </strong>will be very key to their success during finals week. Standing 6’1”, Miller dominated the district championship win with 19 kills and four blocks. Her ability to play over the net will be important against the power hitters Edwardsburg will face going forward. If Miller can consistently slow down the attacks of opposing hitters, the Eddies could play spoiler.</p> [caption id="attachment_117286" align="alignright" width="187"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-117286" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/GRC-Alyssa-DeVries-187x300.jpg" alt="" width="187" height="300" /> Alyssa DeVries[/caption] <p><strong>Grand Rapids Christian: </strong>The two-time defending D2 champions have plenty of offensive firepower and a veteran group in the back row. For the Eagles to win a third straight state title, junior setter <strong>Alyssa DeVries</strong> could be the key. Replacing a SEC talent like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14094" first="Jordyn" last="Gates"]</strong> was no small task, but DeVries has been getting better with each set. Her play during the postseason has been nearly flawless. She’s ready to carve her own legacy during finals week this season.</p> <p><strong>Lakewood: </strong>The Vikings have played at a very high level all season, led by their potent offense. In order to break through and claim a state championship, top-ranked Lakewood will need a big showing from freshman libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110318" first="Carley" last="Piercefield"]</strong>. Head coach Cam Rowland was very excited about Piercefield coming into the season and she has lived up to expectations. She passes a great ball and has been very consistent in her serve receive. With a dominant offense already locked it, it will be Lakewood’s defense that will determine their success.</p> <p><strong>Notre Dame Prep: </strong>The fifth-ranked Irish are a very well-balanced team with strong players in each key position. However, this time of year they are going to need consistent finishers at the net. <strong>Aly Borellis </strong>is a do-everything player that can pack some power, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24857" first="Bianca" last="Giglio"] </strong>is the player I think can propel Notre Dame in the final week of play. The junior put down 30 kills and hit .393 against North Branch in the regional final. She had 23 kills and hit .340 in a district final against Detroit Country Day. If Giglio continues to finish at the rate she has in recent weeks, it would be a real boost to the Irish.</p> <p><strong>Regina: </strong>The Saddleties have a great hitter in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50313" first="Jenna" last="O’Brien"]</strong>, but Regina’s success will likely come down to another senior in libero <strong>Bella Pine</strong>. Pine has been tested by some strong hitters throughout the season and that could pay off as Regina gets into the deep waters of the final week of play. Pine has been very composed and consistent in the back row for Regina and is raising her game in the postseason.</p>