Five Dark Horses In D1 For 2023
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Division 1 has a lot of powerful programs that have been in the hunt for a state title year-over-year. We took at look at the five teams that seem most likely to contend for the crown in 2023, but now…
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Continue ReadingDivision 1 has a lot of powerful programs that have been in the hunt for a state title year-over-year.
We took at look at the five teams that seem most likely to contend for the crown in 2023, but now we look at five teams that may just have the right recipe to surprise people and put themselves in the title mix.
These five will bring back a lot of experience, and won’t be lacking in motivation to succeed.
Bedford
The Kicking Mules were disappointed to make an exit in the 2022 districts, but that should provide plenty of motivation throughout the 2023 season with a talented roster. The Bedford offense will be able to compete with the best of the best in the state. Kaylin Schroeder Kaylin Schroeder 5'6" | S Bedford | 2025 State MI is back as a junior setter to feed the ball to a group that hit nearly .300 as a team in 2022. The Mules return four of the top five hitters from 2022. Macy Madalinski and Jaelyn Hall Jaelyn Hall 6'1" | RS Bedford | 2024 State MI handle the outside, while Victoria Gray Victoria Gray 6'2" | MB Bedford | 2025 State #100 Nation MI and Kadie Morse take the middle. Morse stands 6’3” and hit .356 in 2022, while Gray is 6’2” and hit an eye-popping .500. Gray’s blocking (172 blocks) will help the Mules replace their starting libero. But if this team can fill that void quickly, the sky is the limit for them. Both senior Mya Krohn and junior Alivia Brown Alivia Brown 5'9" | DS/L Temperance Bedford | 2025 State MI were big defensive contributors last year and look to be ready to step up this year.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven isn’t a big reach for a sleeper, as the Bucs are always a solid team to contend with. District champs in 2022, Grand Haven will bring back a lot of offensive firepower once again in 2023. Izzy Whittaker Izzy Whittaker 6'1" | OH Grand Haven | 2024 State MI can go toe-to-toe with any outside in the state, while Jillian Swierbut Jillian Swierbut 5'9" | OH Grand Haven | 2025 MI and Melina Teunis Melina Teunis 6'0" | MB Grand Haven | 2024 State MI will also be a handful to deal with at the net. Both Leah Montgomery and Sara Weber return as setters as well, meaning the Bucs offense should continue to be relentless. Defensively, Taylor Smaka Taylor Smaka 5'4" | DS/L Grand Haven | 2024 State MI is back for her senior year and the All-State libero can captain the floor as well as anyone.
Mattawan
The Wildcats are another steady program in D1, but haven’t been able to make that breakout run to Battle Creek. Last year it dropped a five-set district final to Gull Lake, who went on to reach the quarterfinals. This year Mattawan has to fill a void with Cece Pelak graduating, but the Wildcats still return four All-Region players in 2023. Kendal Coon was a great compliment to Pelak on the outside and now will have the chance to take over as the primary hitter. Macey Brown showed a lot of promise as a freshman outside as well and could be in line for a breakout sophomore year. Kylie Anderson Kylie Anderson 5'8" | S Mattawan | 2025 State MI returns as the junior setter to keep the offense running smooth, while senior Anya Ciesielski is back at libero to be the on-floor leader and lead the defensive charge.
Portage Northern
The Huskies also had a tough matchup with Gull Lake in last year’s postseason, falling in a four-set regional semifinal. This year’s Portage Northern team should be able to come back even stronger behind a trio of returning All-Region talents. Leading the way are a pair of middles in senior Kiera Sims and junior Jordyn Hughes Jordyn Hughes 6'0" | MB Portage North | 2025 State MI . They provide a lot of athleticism at the net and are also joined by 6’1” Hanna Garrison, who gives the Huskies plenty of length. Setter Sydney Bates Sydney Bates 5'11" | S Portage Northern | 2025 State MI returns as a junior after really raising her game in her sophomore season. She should have this powerful lineup clicking early in the fall. Marley Onken Marley Onken 5'7" | DS/L Portage Northern | 2025 State MI is a returning DS as well, to help strengthen the defense and keep this talented offense in-system.
Traverse City Central
The Trojans were a regional finalist in 2022 before running into a solid Rockford program. Heading into 2023, there’s a lot to like about TC Central. The Trojans will return the majority of their roster, led by All-State HM middle Elyse Heffner Elyse Heffner 6'1" | MB Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI and All-Region selections in libero Natalie Bourdo Natalie Bourdo 5'3" | DS/L Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI and MH/OH Phoebe Humphrey Phoebe Humphrey 6'0" | OH Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI . The Trojans also bring back junior setter Marley Richmond Marley Richmond 5'6" | S Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI . With a great defensive foundation, and a setter back to go along with a pair of big hitters, TC Central should be a handful in 2023.
Other Contenders: Mt. Pleasant, Petoskey, South Lyon East, Stevenson