Top Performers in the Division 3 Final Four
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It may be a snow storm outside, but in Kellogg Arena, it is red hot with GREAT volleyball! Day 2 of the MHSAA Final Four saw the top four teams in Division 2 and 3 duke it out for the…
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Continue ReadingIt may be a snow storm outside, but in Kellogg Arena, it is red hot with GREAT volleyball!
Day 2 of the MHSAA Final Four saw the top four teams in Division 2 and 3 duke it out for the chance at the Wooden Mitten. Division 3 saw the likes of a few first timers take center stage in the Cass City versus Pewamo-Westphalia match. With the other side of the bracket pulling out a barn burning reverse sweep with Kalamazoo Christian spoiling Calumet’s epic post season run.
Saturday afternoon will see the big guns of Kalamazoo Christian take on the heavy favorites, Pewamo-Westphalia. Pewamo has been on a trail blaze throughout the tournament but Kalamazoo Christian have been playing spoilers in multiple five setters. Who will take it?
In case the snow kept you home yesterday, here’s what you missed and here are the top performers from the Division 3 Final Four.
Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI – Cass City
One of the most dominating middle blockers of the entire division, Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI has quickly cemented herself as a Cass City great just in her sophomore season. Ignash’s dominance is one of the main reasons the Hawks have made it this far. Amassing over 500 kills on the season, Ignash was the only Hawk to not only go double digits in kills, but the only one to hit above a .150 hit percentage (.400).
Dani Pohl – Pewamo-Westphalia
The Cass CIty Red Hawks had no answer for this outside hitter for Pewamo-Westphalia. In system, out of system, Dani Pohl took on a huge load in the semifinals and delivered beautifully. As terminal as they come, Pohl averaged four kills per set in the sweep while hitting over .400.
Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI – Pewamo-Westphalia
I don’t think you could have found a better setter in all of Division 3 to take center stage in Kellogg Arena. While Pewamo knocked out the Hawks in a sweep, Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI just narrowly missed an impressive triple-double performance. With over 26 assists to go along with 8 kills and 9 digs, Smith was untouchable in the Final Four.
Saige Martin Saige Martin 6'0" | MB Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI – Pewamo-Westphalia
Pewamo-Westphalia had their share of dominance in the middle on Friday night. Saige Martin Saige Martin 6'0" | MB Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI was undeniable in the sweep over the Hawks. Going up for 8 kills and joining Pohl for another .400+ performance. Martin’s dominance was the net AND behind the service line. Going for six aces to only one error, Martin managed to serve Cass City off the court.
Helen Beiring – Calumet
One of the top outside hitters in Division 3, Helen Beiring put everything on the line during this semifinal match. A crafty attacker that can bring some serious heat as well, Beiring was near unstoppable throughout the first two sets. Beiring backs up her terminal ways with some great defensive touches as well, going up for 21 kills and 18 digs in the reverse sweep.
Allison Bjorn – Calumet
Talks of an unstoppable force, Allison Bjorn just couldn’t be fed enough. Calumet may have ran one of the quickest offenses through the middle throughout the Division 3 semifinals. Bjorn has a quick spring to her jump and can get on the ball fast. Her 11 kills came up so timely throughout the match and her blocking game was superb.
Kaylie Halonen – Calumet
This match was a brawl between two very solid liberos. Kaylie Halonen for Calumet was quick formidable defending the back court and a steadfast receiver. Halonen lead the Copper Kings with 20 digs.
Marisa Fetterley – Kalamazoo Christian
Seeing head and shoulders above her counterparts, it may have taken Marisa Fetterly some time before getting warmed up in Kellogg Arena. But once she was, there was NO stopping her. While her hit percentage was a little lack luster, by time set 3 arrived, Fetterley was playing flawless volleyball throughout the rest.
Holland DeVries Holland DeVries 5'10" | OH Kalamazoo Christian | 2024 State MI – Kalamazoo Christian
A do-it-all kind of athlete, Holland DeVries Holland DeVries 5'10" | OH Kalamazoo Christian | 2024 State MI was all over the court for Kalamazoo Christian. While limited in her offensive prowess, DeVries was a beast in the back court. Nearly matching her libero with 18 digs, DeVries was a phenomenal defender in middle back.
Jovie Cochran – Kalamazoo Christian
Like I said, this match up featured some very solid defensive dandies. Jovie Cochran was a little quiet throughout the first two sets, but it was her defensive awakening that was oh so important for the Comets to pull off the reverse sweep. With a bulk of her 23 digs coming in the latter portion of the match, Cochran was on top of it all.
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