Five teams that should again be D2 contenders in 2022

<p>Division 2 should be very interesting in 2022. Many of the top powers we have grown accustomed to over the years have some major question marks in regards to roster turnover.</p> <p>However, one team definitely looks like it should be a major force once again.</p> <p>Here’s five teams that shined in 2021 that could again be a factor in the 2022 postseason.</p> <h4><strong>North Branch</strong></h4> <p>The Broncos definitely have to be the 2022 preseason favorite given their run to the state final this year despite being very young and banged up. Next season’s squad will return First Team All-State libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110301" first="Hailey" last="Green"]</strong>, Second Team All-State outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"]</strong>, and Third Team All-State setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110302" first="Adrienne" last="Greschaw"]</strong>. Even better for the Broncos is all three will just be juniors. <strong>Kaela Chingwa</strong> was also an impressive sophomore in 2021 as a 6’2” middle. The Broncos graduated just one senior from the finalist squad and already play very well together.</p> <h4><strong>Notre Dame Prep</strong></h4> <p>There’s no question that there will be a lot of questions about the Irish in 2022. However, NDP has faced a challenge like this before and still managed to reach Battle Creek. The Irish have made it to Kellogg Arena in five consecutive years, so it’s hard to write them off despite graduating nine seniors. What the Irish will still have is a great back row. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66295" first="Allison" last="Berent"] </strong>is a very capable libero that will get her chance to shine in 2022. She’s proven to be able to play multiple positions as well if NDP needs some added hitting. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66331" first="Margo" last="Sudzina"]</strong> was one of two setting options for NDP this season and will be a key senior leader in 2022, while <strong>Grace Wenaas</strong> was an improved middle hitter for NDP and is likely to be a featured piece of the offense next fall.</p> <h4><strong>Lakewood</strong></h4> <p>There’s no question that Lakewood will have a lot to prove next season. The 2021 season will mark the first time since 2016 that the Vikings haven’t had one of the O’Gorman sisters leading the way on the floor. That’s a pretty big adjustment for the program. However, the Vikings still return a lot in 2022 and at key positions. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"]</strong> will be a fourth-year senior at setter and <strong>Abby Pickard</strong> also played the position as a freshman. In the back row, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110318" first="Carley" last="Piercefield"]</strong> will be one of the best liberos in the state for her junior season. Bump will likely see a role as a hitter again next fall, while middle <strong>Ellie Possehn </strong>and <strong>Alivia Everitt</strong> will have to step up at the net as well.</p> <h4><strong>Marshall</strong></h4> <p>Marshall reached the regional finals this season before falling to D2 power, Lakewood. But, the Redhawks are always playing a competitive schedule that challenges themselves. That should pay off in 2022 with a big returning collection of staters. Marshall had four All-Region selections that will be back, led by First Team All-State libero <strong>Ella McAllister</strong>, who will be back for her senior year next fall. <strong>Natalie Frever</strong> will be a returning senior in the middle, while <strong>Marla Pratley </strong>has a lot of upside as a junior outside in 2022. <strong>Ashlynn Giannunzio</strong> also is a great returning compliment to McAllister in the back row to give Marshall a top-level defense.</p> <h4><strong>Marysville</strong></h4> <p>A regional finalist in 2021, Marysville brings back a lot to its 2022 squad. Leading the way will be a pair of All-Region juniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110335" first="Avery" last="Woodard"] </strong>at setter and <strong>Janae Hudson</strong> at middle hitter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="153680" first="Rayna" last="Powers"]</strong> is also a talented outside hitter that will be a junior in 2022. Marysville will be really powerful on offense next fall. If the Vikings can match that with defensive play, they should be a strong title contender.</p>