Top D3 offenses for 2022
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The Division 3 offensive pool is looking quite deep and treacherous as we approach the prep season. A lot of powerful hitters are returning, and a lot of programs bring back an experience offensive front. Here’s a look at 12…
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Continue ReadingThe Division 3 offensive pool is looking quite deep and treacherous as we approach the prep season.
A lot of powerful hitters are returning, and a lot of programs bring back an experience offensive front.
Here’s a look at 12 teams we expect to be leading the way offensively to start the 2022 season. (in alphabetical order)
Bronson: Always one of the top contenders in Division 3, Bronson brings a lot of talented young offensive players for 2022. Brealyn Lasky will lead the way as a junior setter with a great family legacy in the program. She has a pair of talented sophomore hitters to work with in Aubree Calloway Aubree Calloway 5'9" | OH Bronson | 2025 State MI and Payton Springstead.
Kalamazoo Christian: The Comets have a three-headed monster at the net for 2022. Junior outsides Holland DeVries Holland DeVries 5'10" | OH Kalamazoo Christian | 2024 State MI and Makenna Ekkens lead the way at the pins, while senior Marisa Fetterley can finish consistently in the middle.
McBain: The Ramblers graduated some big outsides, but return senior middle Gabrielle VerBerkmoes, who could be a dominant player in D3 this year. Fellow senior middle Linde VanderVlucht Linde VanderVlucht 6'1" | MB McBain | 2023 State MI makes for a dynamic 1-2 punch at the position. Sophomore outside Gwyneth VerBerkmoes is in for a breakout season, while senior setter Analiese Fredin is also back to command the arsenal.
North Muskegon: The Norsemen bring back a great foundation to its offense, led by senior outside Natalie Pannucci Natalie Pannucci 5'11" | MB North Muskegon | 2023 State MI , who was the go-to hitter in 2021. Senior Joslynne Bogner and junior Allie Jensen are also back at the net. Junior Sami Baker Sami Baker 6'0" | S North Muskegon | 2024 State MI is also returning at setter to keep the offense flowing.
Pewamo-Westphalia: The Pirates made a nice postseason charge last year and should be a really strong offensive team again in 2022 with returning All-State setter, junior Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI , along with All-State senior outside Dani Pohl.
Plymouth Christian: The Eagles will be led by Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI , the lone sophomore to make First Team All-State in D4 last year. She’s able to play anywhere at the net and dominate. Senior Lyndsay Weber will provide a great 1-2 punch for PCA, which is bumping up to D3 for 2022.
Riverview Gabriel Richard: Gabriel Richard should be a tough out in the CHSL, as it has a lot of experience at the net. Junior setter Delaney Cousino Delaney Cousino 5'7" | OH Riverview Gabriel Richard | 2024 State MI is back to lead the Pioneer offense. She has powerful junior outside Natalie Neubecker Natalie Neubecker 5'9" | OH Riverview Gabriel Richard | 2024 State MI returning, as well as senior middle Faith Sibert and senior OPP/middle Emerson Cinglie.
Royal Oak Shrine: The Knights have one of the top all-around players in senior outside Margaret Jones. She brings a lot to the table offensively and is complimented by returning hitter, junior Alice Mikula. Primary setter Georgia True is back as a senior, while sophomore Lucy Kerr also was part of the rotation at setter as well.
Schoolcraft: The Eagles bring a really strong 1-2 punch to the net for 2021 behind senior outside Abbi Curtis and senior middle Heidi Sheen. They should be a handful for opposing D3 teams to compete with.
SMCC: The Kestrels were one of the strongest offenses in 2021 with a largely young roster. That should mean big things again in 2022. Hitters Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI and McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI are two of the top sophomores in the state and a force at the net. They need a new starting setter and some complimentary hitters, but Costlow and Payne provide a great foundation.
Watervliet: The Panthers were a surprise quarterfinalist in 2021 and that should lead to a lot of momentum for 2022. They bring back senior All-State hitter Samantha Dietz Samantha Dietz 5'10" | OH Watervliet | 2023 MI , along with junior setter Grace Chisek and junior right side Natalie Hart. Altogether, Watervliet just graduated two from last year.
Western Michigan Christian: It may seem like a stretch given what WMC lost in the Wiersema twins, but I think the Warriors still have a lot to offer offensively in 2022. Hannah Heiss Hannah Heiss 5'9" | OH Montague | 2025 State MI and Abigail Leffring were two very promising freshmen outsides in 2021 as well. With Kendal Young Kendal Young 5'9" | S West Michigan Christian | 2023 State MI back as a senior setter to lead the team on the court, and junior middle Ashley Folkema back as well, this team still has a lot of talent.