Top Teams in the Blue Water Area Conference
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The 2022 season is shaping up to be one of the more competitive seasons in the Blue Water Area Conference (BWAC) than we have seen in quite some time. Of course, with the introduction of North Branch from the Tri-Valley…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 season is shaping up to be one of the more competitive seasons in the Blue Water Area Conference (BWAC) than we have seen in quite some time. Of course, with the introduction of North Branch from the Tri-Valley Conference a few seasons ago, it has been the Bronco show. But luckily for us, this may be the season that the Broncos are pushed a to the edge during conference play.
Last season saw a few teams give a little competition to the Broncos, but nothing like what we may see this year. Imlay City is looking to be a notch above what they were last season and Croswell-Lexington could be returning to the party as well.
Let’s take a look at the top three teams in the Blue Water Area Conference this season!
North Branch
The perennial powers of Michigan Volleyball, I cannot remember the last time North Branch was NOT in the conversation for top honors in their league and in the state tournament. The Broncos return to the 2022 season from a Division 2 Runner-Up finish in 2021 and with that, a bulk of their starting line up. They always have the target on their backs and that is no different in the BWAC in 2022.
Like I said, this team has returned the entirety of their starting lineup, only losing DS Gracie Hyde (Mott). This team is still young, but after last season, battle tested and hungry for more. So far in 2022, North Branch has only dropped one match thus far to the hands of last year’s Division 1 Runner-Ups, Ann Arbor Skyline. Through these few early season matches, some names are stepping up in huge ways that we hadn’t seen before. Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI is currently the Bronco’s kills leader averaging almost 2.5 kps and is showing a lot of new pop to her game. Right behind her is the up-and-coming freshman phenom, Aubree Deshetsky, with almost two kps. This team is well-balanced and has the experience to deliver in the toughest of matches.
Imlay City
Ever since the Rachel Minarick Van Dyk era had begun a few seasons ago, Imlay City has made huge strides in becoming a new power in the volleyball scene. This season is shaping up to be the Trojan’s biggest stride yet. Last season saw Imlay City amongst the top of the BWAC, placing second behind the Broncos. They return a high-level core group while bringing in a pair of freshmen that could be the next big guns of the volleyball world.
Of the top returners to this group, the Trojans bring back middle blocking duo Hope Schriber and Alyssa Evans. Schriber is the leading scorer of the squad with an imposing slide behind the setter, but can bring the heat from anywhere along the net. Evans is the team’s leading blocker. 2022 will be the debut of freshmen phenoms, Emma Keeping and Makayla Bruman Makayla Bruman 5'10" | S Imlay City | 2026 State MI . Both are top notch setters that can also bring some fire power at the net and will for sure be the carrying forces for this team for years to come.
Croswell-Lexington
The Pioneers of Croswell-Lexington have been a consistent force in the BWAC for years now and 2022 looks to be no different. Since the introduction to the Broncos in the conference, the Pioneers have been their biggest threat. This season will look to be no different as Cros-Lex seems to be off to a great start and building momentum going into the meat of the season.
The Pioneers are led by the powers of the Stribling sisters, both Kylee and Kobi Stribling combine for over 5.5 kills per set from the pins. In the middle, the group is led by Isabella Edwards as the leader in blocks and second on the team in kills so far this season. The Pioneer front line is very balanced and well-equipped for the upset-minded this season. On defense, they are just as strong with senior libero Elara Rankin leading the team in digs and service reception. This is one of the most well-balanced teams this program has seen in a few years and could really relay upon the balance to bring in marquee wins throughout the season.