Division 2 State Championship Top Vote Getters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week we ran preseason polls for fans to decide who would be their eventual state champion in each of the four divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we look at <a href="https://bit.ly/3dfsSne">Division 2</a>, which didn't get an overwhelming number of votes. Perhaps that is because there is a clear preseason favorite coming into the new season. It's no surprise who came out on top of the poll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top four vote-getters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>North Branch (80.52%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's D2 runner-up is definitely the favorite on paper to win it all in 2022. With a roster heavily comprised of sophomore talent in 2021, this year's squad should be ready to take the next step. There doesn't appear to be a weak point on this roster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110301' first='Hailey' last='Green'] </strong>is a standout libero to lead the defense while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110302' first='Adrienne' last='Greschaw'] </strong>is a big-match setter that plays with a lot of intensity. The Broncos definitely aren't lacking in hitting either. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110291' first='Alana' last='Deshetsky']</strong> showed how much heart she has during last year's finals weekend. She's got all the tools as an outside hitter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172197' first='Clara' last='Gyomory'] </strong>and <strong>Bailey Gormley</strong> are also finishers at the net, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110287' first='Kaela' last='Chingwa'] </strong>is a dominant middle offensively and defensively. It's going to take a great effort to keep North Branch from the hardware this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Country Day (5.98%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets have had some of the most powerful hitters in the state in recent years. That should be the case once again in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66291' first='Laurece' last='Abraham'] </strong>can go toe-to-toe with any other middle in the state. She is a gamechanger in every sense of the word. This year she has sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] </strong>to work with, who is coming off a breakout club season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66300' first='Paige' last='Elliott'] </strong>is a returning veteran setter that also brings a lot of defensive skills to help compliment <strong>Riley Lockhart</strong> at libero. When DCD gets the momentum rolling, they will be a tough team to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Notre Dame Prep (4.78%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending D2 state champions graduated one of the best senior classes in program history. Rebuilding the lineup will be tough, but Betty Wroubel always finds a way to get the most out of her squad. This year's team is likely going to rely on its defense, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66295' first='Allison' last='Berent'] </strong>being one of the top liberos in the state coming into the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66331' first='Margo' last='Sudzina'] </strong>is a returning setter that can provide experience and leadership for the offense, as can middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140493' first='Grace' last='Weenas']</strong>, who will be a primary hitting option for the Irish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Birch Run (2.79%)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers are a team built on defense and that will be its strength again in 2022. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66297' first='Kalliann' last='Cook'] </strong>is as strong as they come at libero. She's a great leader and plays her heart out on the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172193' first='Taylor' last='Schram'] </strong>is a complimentary DS to Cook that could wear the libero jersey for many other programs. Offensively, <strong>Nava Sanocki </strong>is back at setter to run the floor and help develop some consistent hitters. If the offense can raise its game to meet the defense, Birch Run could be a real title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->