2021 Prep Preview: Top defenses in Division 1

<p>Division 1 is peppered with outstanding defenders, which should make for a lot of great play in the back row in the 2021 season.</p> <p>Here’s a look at five teams that bring the best defensive units to the court entering the prep season.</p> <h4><strong>Marian</strong></h4> <p>Just like it has one of the top offenses coming back, the same can be said for its defense. Everyone is back for the state champs at Marian. That means that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66305" first="Lauren" last="Heming"] </strong>is back to lead the defensive unit. Heading into her junior year, Heming has proved she has the poise and athleticism to step up in the big matches. She is aided in the back by some talented passers like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24846" first="Ava" last="Brizard"]</strong>. The Mustangs also have standout blockers in the middle, led by 6’3” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24877" first="Sarah" last="Sylvester"]</strong>, 6’3” <strong>Mckenzie Swanson </strong>and 6’2” <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137570" first="Janiah" last="Jones"]</strong>.</p> <h4><strong>Novi</strong></h4> <p>It’s tough to imagine Novi being able to quickly replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50290" first="Rachel" last="Jennings"]</strong>, one of the state’s best liberos for many years. However, the Wildcats get a big boost in aiding that with Clarkston transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66308" first="Kaitlyn" last="Hoffman"]</strong>. She’s been one of the top 2023 defenders in the state and has played against the best nationally during club season. Same can be said for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66340" first="Sarah" last="Vellucci"]</strong>, who played libero for national champs <strong>Legacy 16-1 ADIDAS</strong> this club season, but is a six-rotation outside for the Wildcats. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92064" first="Sarah" last="Calanchi"] </strong>is a returning senior DS that also has a lot of experience to rely on. Novi will need to develop some new middles to aid with the blocking, but their back row is as good as they come.</p> <h4><strong>Clarkston</strong></h4> <p>The Wolves have always been a solid defense team and that should continue in 2021 under new coach <strong>Ali Smith</strong>. Returning is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24860" first="Summer" last="Jidas"]</strong> at libero for her senior season. She is one of the top defenders in the state and is able to pack a punch at the service line as well. Her work ethic and leadership will go a long way for the Wolves this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110299" first="Kiley" last="Gallagher"] </strong>is a sophomore defender that got some experience during finals week and was able to raise her game in the high-pressure situations. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66303" first="Paige" last="Giehtbrock"]</strong> is an ever-improving outside that has worked hard on her defensive play. She will be a big part of the team this year as a junior. In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137572" first="Elizabeth" last="Adams"] </strong>is a tough player to get past for opposing hitters. The 6’1” senior is a blocking machine.</p> <h4><strong>Hudsonville</strong></h4> <p>Only one team in Division 1 can say it has a First or Second Team All-State libero returning to its roster in 2021, and that is Hudsonville. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24839" first="Carlina" last="Bender"]</strong> was a dig machine in 2021, racking up 541 over 106 sets. She is back to lead this solid defensive unit as a senior. She has a familiar name next to her at DS in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110279" first="Gianna" last="Bender"]</strong>, a promising sophomore that certainly has the family athleticism in the back row. <strong>Eva Joldesma </strong>is an outside that has showcased solid passing skills and is likely to see a much bigger role with the team as a senior. In the middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91609" first="Leah" last="Rogers"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60841" first="Olivia" last="Howlett"]</strong> are a huge presence. Rogers alone had over 100 blocks in 2020.</p> <h4><strong>Rockford</strong></h4> <p>Rockford has managed to make its way onto both the top offenses and defenses list thanks to playing such a young roster in 2020. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137574" first="Alina" last="Anderson"] </strong>returns for her senior season at libero after earning Third Team All-State honors last season. She’s proven to be as reliable as they come with her quick reactions and technically-sound passing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140476" first="Meredith" last="Simmons"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66315" first="Lizzie" last="Macintosh"]</strong> are two outsides that have great passing as well, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92070" first="Mara" last="Stevens"]</strong> is a senior DS option as well. In the middle, <strong>Ava Horton </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60837" first="Ava" last="Young"]</strong> are a dynamic 1-2 punch to create havoc for opposing hitters.</p>