The Five Top Contenders in D3 For 2023
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Division 3 may be the one division with the best chance to recreate the semifinal field from 2022. All four teams that made it to Battle Creek look on paper as if they can make another deep postseason run in…
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Continue ReadingDivision 3 may be the one division with the best chance to recreate the semifinal field from 2022.
All four teams that made it to Battle Creek look on paper as if they can make another deep postseason run in 2023.
But, there’s also a perennial power looking to reclaim its spot atop the division as well.
Division 3 should be a really talented field this fall. Here’s the five teams we expect to be top state contenders.
Calumet
The Copper Kings represented very well at Battle Creek, falling in a five-set thriller with Kalamazoo Christian. After being up two sets in the semifinal, Calumet had to be pretty motivated throughout the offseason. The northern U.P. squad looks to be pretty talented again in 2023. Leading the team will be senior setter Laina Kariniemi, an All-State pick last year. She ran a smooth offense and made great defensive decisions as well. While graduating the leading hitter, the Copper Kings still have 6-foot junior middle Allison Bjorn and senior Caitlyn Strom to work with. Junior outside Jackie Kilunen also got her fair share of swings last season. Defensively, Calumet will have some work to do to replace the back row, but has a hungry bunch looking to prove themselves.
Cass City
Cass City got overwhelmed by the eventual D3 champion in the semifinal, but the Red Hawks will have one of the best 1-2 punches in the state at the net. Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI is a junior All-State middle that can also work the outside and is a big presence as a 6-footer. Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI is a junior outside that also received All-State honors last fall and has added more depth to her overall play. Alexis Champagne is a returning junior outside as well that saw a lot of swings in Battle Creek. Replacing the starting setter won’t be easy, but the hitting power and athleticism Cass City has should help make that transition smooth. Defensively, junior Isabelle Phillips Isabelle Phillips 5'9" | DS/L Cass City | 2025 State MI and senior Josie Spencer are returning DS options from last year that go with Gray and Ignash to provide a lot of experienced passing.
Kalamazoo Christian
The Comets took a set from P-W in the final, but couldn’t quite find the recipe to win the championship last year. This year’s team still brings a lot of firepower despite graduating its 6’3” middle Marisa Fetterley. Still, the Comets have the All-State duo of senior outsides in Holland DeVries Holland DeVries 5'10" | OH Kalamazoo Christian | 2024 State MI and Makenna Ekkens. The two combined for nearly 600 kills and 750 digs between them and provide a lot of poise and leadership. Senior Mackenzie Ash and junior Annelise de Jong also were steady contributors to the offense and will help replace the loss of Fetterley. Lola Stecker is also back at setter to run the balanced offense. The senior put up over 1,100 assists in 2022. Defensively, senior libero Jovie Cochran is also back to provide even more leadership on the floor. Kalamazoo Christian seems to be well built for another deep postseason run.
Pewamo-Westphalia
P-W was able to break through and put together a state championship in 2022 after a number of close class in the past. The 2023 squad won’t be quick to give away that title, as it will again be very powerful up front. Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI was our D3 Player of the Year as the 6’1” junior setter in 2022. Her athleticism and decision-making at the position raised her game to an elite level last fall. She impacts the contest in all phases. As a senior, Smith loses one of her top hitters from last year, but will return All-State middle Saige Martin Saige Martin 6'0" | MB Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI , another 6-foot option for the Pirates. Martin, a senior, hit at a very high finishing rate last year and was a big force with her blocking. The key for P-W will be adding in complimentary hitters for Martin and Smith. Smith has the ability to bring out the best in hitters, and P-W hasn’t been short on strong athletes in the past. Defensively, Caroline Hengesbach is back at libero. Her energy and effort is big boost for the squad and will help early in the year as the Pirates piece together new offensive weapons.
SMCC
The Kestrels have seen their last two seasons end in a five-set loss to the eventual D3 champion. It’s not easy to forget those losses. This year’s SMCC squad brings back a lot, with a pair of third-year juniors ready to become true leaders. McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI is one of the best liberos in the state, regardless of division. She was All-State as a sophomore and is only getting better. Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI has worked hard to become a six-rotation outside and she’s earning that spot. She’s added a lot of shots to her arsenal while becoming a strong serve receiver and defensive player. The All-State junior has a lot of big-match experience like Payne. Six-foot outside Madeline Dettling Madeline Dettling 6'0" | OH SMCC | 2026 State MI was a nice addition as a freshman in 2022. As a sophomore, Dettling is a more polished all-around player and gives the Kestrels a big 1-2 punch at the net. Senior middle Jillian Anderson is also a solid compliment to the outsides. As a 6-footer herself, she gives SMCC some length that is hard to come by in D3. Senior Molly Blanchett is also a nice utility player for SMCC. She’s been impactful as an outside, but also brings a lot of defensive skills to give the team depth. Leah Desarbo was one of two setters for SMCC last fall and can help this offense start the 2023 season on a fast note.
Other top contenders: Plymouth Christian, Shelby, Watervliet