2022 D2 Semifinal Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 2 has an interesting dynamic with its two semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first matchup on Friday features Prep Dig Michigan's top two teams in our final D2 rankings. The second matchup has No. 15 taking on an Honorable Mention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While many will look to the first matchup as a defacto championship, don't count out the other two. They will both be playing like they have nothing to lose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>No. 2 GR South Christian vs. No. 1 North Branch – 4:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":247239,"width":175,"height":251,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/11/13-Clara-Gyomory-716x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-247239" width="175" height="251" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='222361' first='Clara' last='Gyomory']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GR South Christian and North Branch have had some big battles to get to Battle Creek. North Branch had to best Notre Dame Prep in a regional final, while South Christian went five sets with Lakewood on Tuesday. These two have looked the parts of a state champion throughout the season, but North Branch comes in with the experience of being the runner up in 2021 with a young squad. The Broncos really don't seem to have a weakness. They have five different hitters with at least 225 kills and no clear No. 1 to key in on. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222361' first='Clara' last='Gyomory'], [player_tooltip player_id='110291' first='Alana' last='Deshetsky'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] </strong>are all finishers from the outside, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110287' first='Kaela' last='Chingwa'] </strong>and <strong>Natasha Bickel </strong>can finish with power from the middle. It's a dream for a setter like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110302' first='Adrienne' last='Greschaw']</strong>, as she's able to get creative and knows she will get a good swing no matter which hitter she goes to. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110301' first='Hailey' last='Green'] </strong>is as good as they come. She fiery and she's vocal and she makes the tough digs. South Christian hopes to test Green as much as possible with outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110296' first='Ellie' last='Fles'] </strong>and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66293' first='Kennedy' last='Arp']</strong>. Arp is hitting close to .400 with 324 kills this season, while Fles is hitting .300 with 318. Their success is a credit to their chemistry with their setters, <strong>Gina Boomsma </strong>and <strong>Ashlyn Inthout</strong>. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487149' first='Olivia' last='Inthout'] </strong>will be a big key in Friday's semifinal. The sophomore has already taken on great Division 1 and Division 2 hitters, but she has to get a read on this North Branch offense and can't be apprehensive at any point. South Christian has the talent to win it all, but North Branch has that crucial experience at Kellogg Arena that I think gives the Broncos the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>North Branch over South Christian in 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Dearborn Divine Child vs. No. 15 Cadillac – 6:30 p.m.</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 16-18-1, not many will look at Divine Child's record and be too impressed. But, the Falcons play in the CHSL, which includes the best of the best in the state. This DC team is battle-tested, which showed in four sweeps during the postseason. DC comes to the court with three steady offensive options in <strong>Reese Ringwelski</strong>, <strong>Chio Ibegbu</strong> and <strong>Kate Reising</strong>. The three can finish anywhere along the net, which makes Divine Child's offense to hard to predict. Senior <strong>Jillian Palmer </strong>has been a great captain on the floor as the team's setter to keep everyone on the same page. Defensively, senior <strong>Paige Ebben</strong> is as battle-tested as they come for the libero position. Her experience against the state's best hitters has her mentally strong and ready for what Cadillac will bring to the table. The Vikings are making their second Battle Creek appearance in two seasons. Cadillac has the advantage of having arguably the most impactful player in this D2 finals weekend. That would be junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110314' first='Carissa' last='Musta']</strong>. At 6-foot-4, Musta has over 450 kills and 160 blocks. Getting the ball past her has been difficult for most opponents. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108763' first='Joslyn' last='Seeley']</strong> and <strong>Makenzie Johns</strong> provide the pops on the outside to balance out the Cadillac offense. Setter has always been a strong position for the Vikings and sophomore <strong>Cassie Jenema </strong>is keeping that standard up with her play this season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110294' first='Brooke' last='Ellens'] </strong>leads the Cadillac defense. The junior has been able to keep the Cadillac offense in-system throughout this postseason. That will be the key on Friday. If the Vikings are able to get aggressive swings with Musta, it will be hard to stop them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Cadillac over Divine Child in 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->