2021 Prep Preview: Top defenses in Division 1
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Division 1 is peppered with outstanding defenders, which should make for a lot of great play in the back row in the 2021 season. Here’s a look at five teams that bring the best defensive units to the court entering…
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Continue ReadingDivision 1 is peppered with outstanding defenders, which should make for a lot of great play in the back row in the 2021 season.
Here’s a look at five teams that bring the best defensive units to the court entering the prep season.
Marian
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 Lauren Heming Lauren Heming 5'6" | DS/L Marian | 2023 State MI 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 Ava Brizard Ava Brizard 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State #16 Nation MI . The Mustangs also have standout blockers in the middle, led by 6’3” Sarah Sylvester Sarah Sylvester 6'3" | MB Marian | 2022 State #126 Nation MI , 6’3” Mckenzie Swanson and 6’2” Janiah Jones Janiah Jones 6'1" | MB Marian | 2022 State MI .
Novi
It’s tough to imagine Novi being able to quickly replace Rachel Jennings Rachel Jennings 5'9" | DS/L Novi | 2021 State MI , one of the state’s best liberos for many years. However, the Wildcats get a big boost in aiding that with Clarkston transfer Kaitlyn Hoffman Kaitlyn Hoffman 5'8" | DS/L Novi | 2023 State #81 Nation MI . 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 Sarah Vellucci Sarah Vellucci 6'0" | OH Novi | 2023 State #97 Nation MI , who played libero for national champs Legacy 16-1 ADIDAS this club season, but is a six-rotation outside for the Wildcats. Sarah Calanchi Sarah Calanchi 5'1" | DS/L Novi | 2022 State MI 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.
Clarkston
The Wolves have always been a solid defense team and that should continue in 2021 under new coach Ali Smith. Returning is Summer Jidas Summer Jidas 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2022 State MI 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. Kiley Gallagher Kiley Gallagher 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2024 State MI is a sophomore defender that got some experience during finals week and was able to raise her game in the high-pressure situations. Paige Giehtbrock Paige Giehtbrock 6'0" | OH Clarkston | 2023 State MI 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, Elizabeth Adams Elizabeth Adams 6'2" | MB Clarkston | 2022 State MI is a tough player to get past for opposing hitters. The 6’1” senior is a blocking machine.
Hudsonville
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. Carlina Bender Carlina Bender 5'5" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2022 State MI 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 Gianna Bender Gianna Bender 5'6" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI , a promising sophomore that certainly has the family athleticism in the back row. Eva Joldesma 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 Leah Rogers Leah Rogers 6'2" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI and Olivia Howlett Olivia Howlett 5'10" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI are a huge presence. Rogers alone had over 100 blocks in 2020.
Rockford
Rockford has managed to make its way onto both the top offenses and defenses list thanks to playing such a young roster in 2020. Alina Anderson Alina Anderson 5'5" | DS/L Rockford | 2022 State MI 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. Meredith Simmons Meredith Simmons 5'10" | OH Rockford | 2023 State MI and Lizzie Macintosh Lizzie Macintosh 6'1" | OH Rockford | 2023 State MI are two outsides that have great passing as well, while Mara Stevens Mara Stevens 5'5" | DS/L Rockford | 2022 MI is a senior DS option as well. In the middle, Ava Horton and Ava M Young Ava M Young 6'0" | MB Rockford | 2022 State MI are a dynamic 1-2 punch to create havoc for opposing hitters.