Beast of the East: Team Previews (Part 2)
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The event we have all been waiting for! Bringing 32 of the best teams in the state of Michigan, across all divisions, to one spot for an epic weekend of volleyball! You do not want to miss this! Hosted by…
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Continue ReadingThe event we have all been waiting for! Bringing 32 of the best teams in the state of Michigan, across all divisions, to one spot for an epic weekend of volleyball! You do not want to miss this!
Hosted by Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac, Michigan, only the best of the best will be on tap for this event. These teams are so good in fact, we have to be break ’em all down and preview each team attending the Beast of the East. Making Prep Dig your one-stop-shop of all things, Beast of the East related.
Let’s keep the party going with our next six teams coming to the Beast of the East this weekend.
Dakota
The Division 1 Semifinalists return to this years event on a major hot streak. A streak that hasn’t seen the Cougars drop a game since early September. Leading the way is Miss Volleyball nominee and Arkansas State bound S Erin Madigan Erin Madigan 6'2" | S Dakota | 2023 State MI . Averaging close to 9.5 assists per set and leading the team in blocks, Madigan is not a setter you want to mess with. Alongside her is a returning First Team All-State honoree, Olivia Gardner Olivia Gardner 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2023 State MI (Loyola Chicago) as the team’s kill leader.
Forest Hills Northern
Not only could I see this team being one of the last standing teams in November, but I could also see this team be crowned the Beast of the East. Forest Hills Northern is finding themselves in a historic season that is lead by Miss Volleyball nominee OH Kennedy Louisell Kennedy Louisell 6'0" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State #140 Nation MI (UNCG). One of the most terminal attackers in all of Michigan, Louisell lights it up on whatever court she steps on. Alongside her, Louisell is joined by junior duo, OH Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI and MB Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI who are just as impressive in their play .
Grand Blanc
This is very much a team you do not want to run into. Grand Blanc is going to play spoiler to many teams not only in Pontiac, but later on in the tournament come November. A large reason for the Bobcat’s success comes off the shoulder of Remi Madison Remi Madison 5'9" | OH Grand Blanc | 2023 State MI . As explosive as they come, I would believe Madison is playing this season with a chip on her shoulder after being snubbed from the Miss Volleyball shortlist. A nomination that is very much deserved for this player. Alongside her is another heavy arm with OH Laila Bates.
Grand Haven
Another west side team coming to show the east what’s up are the Buccaneers of Grand Haven. This squad looks to be going through a little bit of a rough patch in the early going of the season, but they have a lot of talent to use on the bench. A huge chunk of talent comes from their power in the middle with Kam Burbridge Kam Burbridge 6'1" | MB Grand Haven | 2023 State MI . A player you can’t give the ball to enough, but when you can, she’ll put it away almost every time.
Grand Rapids Christian
This team had a really good showing at last year’s Beast of the East, just narrowly losing in the championship match to Marian. This year, Grand Rapids Christian is a whole new team. No more Evelyn Doezema Evelyn Doezema 6'2" | OH Grand Rapids Christian | 2022 State #34 Nation MI (Michigan State), who’s leading this squad? The Eagles may look heavily to senior MB Makenzie Ritsema Makenzie Ritsema 6'0" | MB Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI (Trinity) to lead them to another deep run in the tournament.
Imlay City
A squad in their Beast of the East debut, this team is finding themselves in one of their best seasons yet and looking for more challenge. Imlay City plays with a heavy mix of seniors and freshman on the squad, which creates a fun dynamic. The Spartans play with a killer freshman duo includes S/OPP
Emma Keeping
Emma
Keeping
5'11" | S
Imlay City | 2026
State
MI
and S
Makayla Bruman
Makayla
Bruman
5'10" | S
Imlay City | 2026
State
MI
. Both splitting the setting duties and sharing time swinging on the right side, The two are performing at such a high level already so young in their careers and will be a treat to watch this weekend.
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