2020 MHSAA Postseason: Division 4 Quarterfinals Predictions

<p>Division 4 will crown a new state champion this week.</p> <p>Of all the divisions across the state, its D4 that has been the most unpredictable, and arguably been the most impacted by COVID-19.</p> <p>Tuesday features four great quarterfinal matchups with a lot of hungry teams eager to get back on the court after a two-month layoff.</p> <p>Here’s a closer look at each of the four contests and my pick for the winner.</p> <p><strong>Mesick vs. Fowler at Manton</strong></p> <p>Mesick was able to advance to the quarterfinals when Leland had to forfeit its regional championship match. That doesn’t mean that the Bulldogs aren’t capable of winning this week. They went 23-2 during the season and have a lot of quality wins. The key will be for Mesick to not let the moment of a quarterfinal get to them. Fowler bring a dynamic player to the floor in <strong>Sarah Veale</strong>, an outside that has been All-State in multiple seasons. She will be tough for Mesick to contain. <strong>Madison Wirth </strong>is a great compliment to Veale and <strong>Mia Riley </strong>has shown she can run the offense smoothly. Both teams have certainly played well to get to this point, but I feel Fowler has more fire power to work with.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: Fowler over Mesick in four</strong></p> <p><strong>Battle Creek St. Philip vs. Lansing Christian at Portage Northern</strong></p> <p>This should be a great matchup. St. Philip is obviously a program that knows a lot about getting to Battle Creek. Lansing Christian is a talented squad that hasn’t reached a quarterfinal since 2005. The Pilgrims can hold their own at the net behind senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50291" first="Ashley" last="Nordmann"]</strong>, who is as explosive as they come in D4. Teammate <strong>Annaliese Rottman </strong>also is capable of taking over a match at the net. The Fighting Tigers, which swept Athens – the team that ended the championship run of Mendon, look like a legit contender again. Junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24854" first="Brooke" last="Dzwik"]</strong> has been outstanding over the last two seasons, and <strong>Baily Fancher </strong>is one of the top defenders in Division 4. Lansing Christian may have the edge on paper, but the championship pedigree and coaching of St. Philip is key this time of year, especially after such a long layoff. I think St. Philip finds a way to get the victory and return to Battle Creek.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: St. Philip over Lansing Christian in five</strong></p> <p><strong>Auburn Hills Oakland Christian vs. Ubly at Marlette</strong></p> <p>The Lancers have been on the path to a state championship for three seasons and are three wins away from fulfilling that prophecy. This is a veteran team with a lot of confidence, led by senior setter <strong>Katie Hopkins</strong>, senior outside <strong>Kaylee Page </strong>and junior middle <strong>Anna Frazee</strong>. Oakland Christian also has a pair of veteran defensive specialists to make them balanced throughout the floor. Ubly reached the quarterfinals last year and want to take the next step to Battle Creek. The Bearcats have an offense that can contend with Oakland Christian behind senior outside <strong>Josie Gusa</strong>, sophomore middle <strong>Lindsey Guza </strong>and senior setter <strong>Samantha Souva</strong>. I think the difference in this game will be the team that passes and serves better. I like Oakland Christian to be that team.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: Oakland Christian over Ubly in five</strong></p> <p><strong>Carney-Nadeau vs. Rudyard at Manistique</strong></p> <p>It’s a U.P. battle in the final quarterfinal of Division 4. Both programs have been to Battle Creek over the last two years. The Wolves of Carney-Nadeau are senior-led by outside <strong>Taylor Kedsch</strong>, middle <strong>Liana Blahnik</strong>, and setter <strong>Haley Ernest. </strong>Rudyard brings its own power to the floor behind senior outside <strong>Sara Beelen </strong>and junior middle <strong>Brooklyn Besteman</strong>. <strong>Laine Grenfell </strong>has also been a solid blocker for Rudyard while <strong>Chesney Molina </strong>has a great handle of the offense. Unforced errors from the layoff will definitely play a big role in this close matchup. I give the edge to Carney-Nadeau. The Wolves have been able to run through in-state competition this year and I like them to do it again on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: Carney-Nadeau over Rudyard in four</strong></p>