<p>In Division 2, defenses should provide a great mix of skill and length this season.</p>
<p>Some teams will be led by technique and execution, while others will make opponents have to hit through a brick wall.</p>
<p>Here’s a look at five teams in D2 that should be among the best defensively.</p>
<h4><strong>Notre Dame Prep</strong></h4>
<p>A veteran Notre Dame Prep team graduated its libero, yet still could be the top defensive team in Division 2. The Irish have had a wealth of talent in the back row over the years and that will be no different in 2021. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"] </strong>has a lot of varsity experience and can finally sport the libero jersey on a consistent basis for the Irish. She’s got all the tools to be the top libero in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66295" first="Allison" last="Berent"] </strong>will likely see an expanded role in her junior season as a DS as well. <strong>Aly Borellis</strong> has proven to be impactful everywhere on the floor and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24857" first="Bianca" last="Giglio"] </strong>is an improving passer that could really shine this season. NDP lacks size for blocking, which will be a challenge, but their passing will be as good as anyone’s.</p>
<h4><strong>Lakewood</strong></h4>
<p>The Vikings lose one of the top blockers in program history, but still have a lot of great weapons defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110318" first="Carley" last="Piercefield"] </strong>was one of the top performing freshman last year as a libero and should come into 2021 with a lot of confidence. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"] </strong>still bring a 6’2” frame to the net, giving opponents a tough target to get past. She’s also improved on her defensive skills in the back row. Lakewood will be working in some new hitters, but a lot of options have some varsity experience and are ready to take the next step.</p>
<h4><strong>Detroit Country Day</strong></h4>
<p>The Yellowjackets could be one of the top defensive teams in D2 simply due to their blocking ability. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24870" first="Serena" last="Nyambio"]</strong> leads the way in the middle and is able to out-reach anyone in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"] </strong>is another explosive talent in the middle, while<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="24862" first="Morgan" last="Lockhart"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24869" first="Nyla" last="Muskovin"] </strong>are long players on the outside that have worked hard to improve on their passing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66300" first="Paige" last="Elliott"] </strong>plays in the back row and at setter, giving DCD another instinctual defender.</p>
<h4><strong>North Branch</strong></h4>
<p>The Broncos used a lot of underclassmen in the 2020 season that should be ready to take a big step forward in 2021. Among them is libero <strong>Hailey Green</strong>, who was honorable mention All-State as a freshman. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"]</strong> and <strong>Kaela Chingwa </strong>were also impactful hitters, Deshetsky on the outside and Chingwa in the middle. There’s a lot of pressure on sophomores to perform, but coach Jim Fish is always able to develop talent.</p>
<h4><strong>Corunna</strong></h4>
<p>The Cavaliers do lose some of their dig leaders from 2020, but I think they can make up for that with their strong blocking at the net. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24882" first="Ellie" last="Toney"]</strong> and <strong>Neele’ge’ Sims </strong>patrolling the middle, and <strong>Josalyn Stratton </strong>a veteran outside that led the team in digs, Corunna has a lot to be excited about defensively. <strong>Kira Patrick </strong>is a returning junior that saw some consistent time in the back row and should be eager for a bigger role this fall.</p>
