Unsung heroes for Division 2’s top 10 teams

<p>Division 2 doesn’t have to take a back seat to Division 1 in terms of volleyball talent.</p> <p>D2 has five of the 11 Miss Volleyball finalists this year, all of which are leading their team’s to top-10 success in 2021.</p> <p>However, it’s some of the lesser-known names that are really pushing these top-10 squads to an elite level.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some unsung heroes in Division 2 that have their team hunting for championships in November.</p> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Christian – Kate Breems, Sr. MH: </strong>The Eagles have one of the best hitters in the state in <strong>Evie Doezema</strong>, but GRC has gotten big contributions from Breems in the middle. She’s hitting .347 on the season with 158 kills over 91 sets. Perhaps most importantly, she’s racked up 102 blocks as well. Her impact on the net has GRC looking like a potential four-peat squad.</p> [caption id="attachment_108271" align="alignright" width="214"]<img class=" wp-image-108271" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/09/NDP-Allison-Berent-234x300.jpg" alt="" width="214" height="274" /> [player_tooltip player_id="66295" first="Allison" last="Berent"][/caption] <p><strong>Notre Dame Prep – [player_tooltip player_id="66295" first="Allison" last="Berent"], Jr. DS: </strong>The Irish have had a wealth of defenders to work with over the years and Berent is another. While <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"] </strong>is arguably the top libero in the state, Berent has been a consistent presence in the back row with 310 digs, but she also has been able to step up offensively when needed and put down 69 kills. When it comes to serving, Berent is one of the best in the state with 106 aces on the year.</p> <p><strong>Lakewood – [player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"], Jr. S: </strong>Bump has been with Lakewood’s varsity for three seasons and proven to be a great setter, but this year she has displayed her all-around ability by mixing in some hitting and improving on her defensive play. Her commitment to the team has been impressive and she’s got Lakewood again looking like a contender.</p> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Catholic Central – [player_tooltip player_id="24836" first="Cayden" last="Anschutz"], Sr. S/OH: </strong>Like Bump, Anschutz is making an impact in all areas of the game. She has 606 assists as a setter, but also has 102 kills, 180 digs and 49 aces. Anschutz has the athleticism to beat teams in a variety of ways and her play can’t go unnoticed.</p> <p><strong>Unity Christian – [player_tooltip player_id="92236" first="Josie" last="Teslaa"], Sr. S: </strong>TeSlaa is a veteran setter for Unity Christian that runs a smooth offense and is able to play a variety of sets. She can play fast or slow down the tempo to keep opponents off guard.</p> <p><strong>Niles – Cadence Knight, Sr. L: </strong>Niles is having a great 2021 season and ready to test itself against the best in Division 2. For them to have continued success, Knight will have to play a big role. She’s already proven herself throughout the year by helping keep the Niles offense in-system, with its array of talented hitters. Along with her steady play in the back row, Knight also has a competitive serve that causes problems for opponents.</p> <p><strong>Country Day – [player_tooltip player_id="24862" first="Morgan" last="Lockhart"], Sr. OH: </strong>Lockhart isn’t really an unsung hero, as she’s been a major piece to DCD over her prep career. However, a knee injury has sidelined her for the rest of the season and she deserves her due. Lockhart has been a very versatile piece to DCD’s powerful attack and she’s shown great leadership skills over her four years of varsity play.</p> <p><strong>Lansing Catholic – Cady Kooney, Jr. DS/OH: </strong>Lansing Catholic has a really nice balance of hitters as well, and a great setter that is making the Cougars are real force in D2. Kooney is one of the offensive pieces that finishes at a high rate, but also is a strong contributor to the defensive effort. She’s quick on her feet and puts it all on the line each point.</p> <p><strong>North Branch – [player_tooltip player_id="110287" first="Kayla" last="Chingwa"], Soph. MH: </strong>A real promising middle that stands 6’2”, Chingwa is a real game-changing piece for the Broncos. This team is filled with young talent and a lot of capable hitters, but Chingwa is able to impact the game with her length and blocking. She’s got 88 blocks on the season, 67 of which are solo. She also hit .306 offensively with 162 kills.</p> <p><strong>Cadillac – [player_tooltip player_id="110314" first="Carissa" last="Musta"], Soph. MH: </strong>Similar to Chingwa, Musta is a sophomore middle with a very high ceiling over the next few years. While <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"] </strong>does so much for Cadillac, Musta has proven to be the hitter she can turn to in the middle. Musta has 219 kills on the year while hitting .303. She also has 125 total blocks, with 99 being solo. She’s making a big impact for the Vikings and has filled an important role on the offense.</p>