Division 3 Regional Predictions
The Division 3 regional pairings see the state’s best pretty well spread out. While that could lead to an interesting finals week, those ranked teams still have to put together two wins this week against teams that will be eager…
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Continue ReadingThe Division 3 regional pairings see the state’s best pretty well spread out.
While that could lead to an interesting finals week, those ranked teams still have to put together two wins this week against teams that will be eager to unseat them.
Regional 17 at Manistique
Semifinals: No. 10 Calumet vs. Bark River-Harris; Charlevoix vs. Elk Rapids
Breakdown: On paper, Calumet certainly looks like the favorite, but Bark River-Harris already has upset a ranked Manistique team on the very court Tuesday’s match will take place. The Copper Kings just need to stay within themselves to earn a few wins this week. The second semifinal is a postseason rematch from a year ago, with Elk Rapids started hot and came through with the victory. I like Elk Rapids to win the rematch this week as well. Ultimately, I don’t see either team getting the best of Calumet.
Championship Prediction: Calumet over Elk Rapids
Regional 18 at Lake City
Semifinals: Ithaca vs. No. 3 McBain; Beaverton vs. Oscoda
Breakdown: Ithaca took home its first district title last week in an impressive showing. Problem is, the Yellowjackets now draw No. 3 McBain, a team that went to the state semifinals a year ago. The Ramblers are very much equipped for another run and have pushed themselves all season with a competitive schedule. Beaverton is another team not far removed from a semifinal appearance. The Beavers continue to do very well for themselves in Northern Michigan. It should be a tight matchup with a game Oscoda team that has grown accustomed to going past three sets.
Championship Prediction: McBain over Beaverton
Regional 19 at Holton
Semifinals: No. 13 Kent City vs. No. 7 Shelby; No. 18 North Muskegon vs. No. 15 NorthPointe Christian
Breakdown: This should be a great region. A lot of talented teams with some outstanding players. In the first semifinal, Kent City and Shelby actually split a two-set match during the season. This time of year is when great players elevate their game and there hasn’t been a more productive hitter in the state than Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI . The sophomore is an absolute workhorse and has continued to will her team to victory. In the second semifinal, North Muskegon and NP Christian split a pair of meetings during the season. The rubber match will come down to finishing. The Mustangs hit just .056 in the loss and .215 in the win. With a balanced attack, they will try to keep Norsemen guessing. For the final, I’m going to go with Shelby to continue to power its way to a regional title behind Gauthier.
Championship Prediction: Shelby over NorthPointe Christian
Regional 20 at Coloma
Semifinals: Lawton vs. No. 6 Watervliet; No. 4 Kalamazoo Christian vs. No. 24 Bronson
Breakdown: Another deep region isn’t doing Lawton any favors. The lone unranked team in this bracket will have a lot of work ahead of it this week. Watervliet already owns a pretty dominant win over the Blue Devils this season. Kalamazoo Christian is a top-5 team for a reason, but Bronson is a program that knows how to win this time of year. The Comets have pushed themselves against top D1 and D2 programs this year to be ready for this week and I think it will come through against the Vikings. Then it comes down to a rubber match of Watervliet and Kalamazoo Christian. The Comets have scored more points out of the four sets and looked like the stronger team in the more recent meeting.
Championship Prediction: Kalamazoo Christian over Watervliet
Regional 21 at Springport
Semifinals: Grass Lake vs. Hanover-Horton; No. 2 Pewamo-Westphalia vs. Dansville
Breakdown: P-W may be the biggest challenge to keep SMCC from reaching Battle Creek once again. The second-ranked Pirates ran past a number of CMAC foes last week and draw another in Dansville for Tuesday’s regional semifinal. P-W already owns a pretty comfortable sweep over Dansville this year, so look for the Pirates to move on. Grass Lake also owns a three-set sweep over Hanover-Horton last month, so the Warriors should be confident coming into the semifinal. The final could be another story.
Championship Prediction: P-W over Grass Lake
Regional 22 at Adrian Madison
Semifinals: No. 1 SMCC vs. Hudson; No. 5 Plymouth Christian vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard
Breakdown: Top-ranked SMCC doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. The Kestrels have tested themselves against the best this state has to offer in any division, so these D3 opponents all offer things they have seen before. Hudson will have a massive challenge to unseat them on Tuesday. PCA is in a similar boat, and it already owns a win over Richard this season. However, I’m not sure the Eagles have the depth to match SMCC’s power on offense and technical skill on defense.
Championship Prediction: SMCC over Plymouth Christian
Regional 23 at Madison Heights Bishop Foley
Semifinals: GP Woods University Liggett vs. No. 22 Royal Oak Shrine; Bishop Foley vs. Marlette
Breakdown: Shrine has been in this position before and come out on top. That should help it this week in hostile territory of a rival. I like Shrine to advance past Liggett, and I also like Bishop Foley to ride the wave of momentum it has right now to get past Marlette. The Ventures have definitely upped their game in the last week. When it comes to the final, Shrine could struggle with the road environment, but past regional success should continue to push the Knights forward.
Championship Prediction: Shrine over Bishop Foley
Regional 24 at Genesee
Semifinals: No. 25 New Lothrop vs. Genesee; Valley Lutheran vs. No. 11 Cass City
Breakdown: Valley Lutheran ended the championship defense of Reese. Congrats! Now you get to battle a really strong Cass City team with a lot of young and promising talent. Valley Lutheran isn’t far removed from a run to Battle Creek, but this feels like Cass City’s week to prove itself. New Lothrop isn’t going to be an easy out either. The Hornets get the tough draw of playing the home team on Tuesday, but they have the poise to get the job done. New Lothrop can pose a threat to Cass City as well, but the Red Hawks have the depth to make a run at Battle Creek.
Championship Prediction: Cass City over New Lothrop