Seven Under-The-Radar Teams in Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we are into October, we have a clearer picture of what teams identities are in the 2022 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 1 is full of elite teams, with a few more elite than others. However, there are also a lot of teams that are putting together solid seasons and can still be a factor in the Division 1 race despite not being among the top 10-15 teams in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at seven teams that have shown flashes of being able to disrupt the postseason plans of other programs and shock the D1 world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Berkley</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Berkley Bears are 26-4 on the season and unbeaten in the OAA White alongside Rochester. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173607' first='Ava' last='Beard'] </strong>has been one of the more underrated players in Oakland County for years. This season she's playing some of her best. She's putting down attacks at a high rate, while showing an improved defensive game as well. Beard sets a nice ball as well, while being a handful from the service line. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173600' first='Sawyer' last='Jones'] </strong>has been a big asset for the offense as well, leading the team in kills. Senior <strong>Jordan Budzinski</strong> has been very steady at libero as well. It takes a strong defensive effort to get to 26-4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Brighton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs are sitting right around .500 this season, but their losses are actually pretty notable. Despite coming up short, they've taken sets from the likes of Lakeland, Novi, Skyline and Saline. Clearly the recipe is there for Brighton to break through, the Bulldogs just need more consistency. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110298' first='Lea' last='Gage'] </strong>looks like a really special player. The setter/hitter has a high court IQ with great technique in her setting and her attacks. Junior <strong>Abby Manika </strong>is a powerful hitting option as well. With just two seniors on the squad, Brighton definitely has a bright future ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Harper Creek</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Beavers have had stretches of really strong play, but have looked outmatched other times against bigger competition. It's a tough move up to D1 this year, but Harper Creek still has a solid 1-2 punch at the net. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152529' first='Payton' last='Rice']</strong> has been stellar throughout her prep career, but is making a lot of intelligent plays as a senior veteran hitter. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472798' first='Cassidy' last='Pratley']</strong> has emerged as a promising middle in the Class of 2025. She's hitting .335 on the season and leading the Beavers in kills and blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Mattawan</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats aren't as much under the radar as some of these other teams. They have been putting together strong wins throughout the year, but have really turned up their level of play over the last few weeks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108761' first='Cece' last='Pelak'] </strong>has been playing at a very high level and showing she's one of the best in the state. The outside has the hitting and defensive talent to really shine against the best. <strong>Anya Ciesielski</strong>, a junior libero, has also stepped up her game in 2022 to keep her team in some big points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Okemos</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can't look past the Lansing area, and right now Okemos looks to be the team to beat. The Wolves lead the CAAC Blue right now over the likes of DeWitt and Grand Ledge. They also own a win over Forest Hills Central this season. Okemos brings a lot of hitting talent to the floor, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140490' first='Kayla' last='Ozanich'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140475' first='Taylor' last='Stephens']</strong>. Both are leading Okemos in most statistical categories. They can hit, serve and defend with the best of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Portage Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs already have 20 wins on the season and have taken sets in most of their losses. A resilient team, Portage Central is led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='173620' first='Cece' last='Jilek']</strong>. The 5'9” hitter is very explosive, but also a relentless defender that works very hard to make every play possible. Junior <strong>Mari Hansen</strong> is a poised setter that is working the ball around nicely and keeping the team focused on the floor. Sophomore <strong>Lauren Khonele</strong> is also a great utility option that is making an impact with her hitting, defending and serving. She's a 2025 player to keep an eye on as she keeps gaining more confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Rochester</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons are having a strong year at 17-8-1. They are 6-0 in the OAA White and contending for a league title. Though getting overpowered at times by the top teams in Division 1, Rochester has also pulled off a win over Notre Dame Prep and a split with Lake Orion. The Falcons have a very balanced offense, led by senior outsides <strong>Natalie Thorson </strong>and <strong>Aubrey Pleasant</strong>. Senior middle <strong>Sara Robinson</strong> is a factor at the net with her striking and blocking as well, while senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140489' first='Sarah' last='Milam']</strong> does a great job of spreading the ball around and finding openings in the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->