Top 5 Vote Getters For D2 State Champion

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head into the 2023 prep season, D2 has the most clear argument for a repeat state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, did the fans see it that way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During our weeklong <a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/08/vote-for-who-will-win-the-d2-title-in-2023/">D2 preseason title poll</a>, it was primarily a battle between two programs, but only one could come out on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the leading five vote getters for this poll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. <strong>North Branch (46.98%)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a tough battle all week, the defending D2 state champs came away with the most votes. It's definitely not difficult to see why the Broncos would get a vote to repeat as champions. They return a great deal of their 2022 team, led by a dynamite senior class of libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110301' first='Hailey' last='Green']</strong>, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110302' first='Adrienne' last='Greschaw'] </strong>and outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222361' first='Clara' last='Gyomory'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110291' first='Alana' last='Deshetsky']</strong>. Gyomory was among our <a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/07/d2-player-of-the-year-voting-results/">leading vote getters for D2 Player of the Year</a> last month. North Branch also returns sophomore outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky']</strong>, who was one of the most productive freshman in the state in 2022. North Branch does have a new hole to fill at middle, but with the championship experience of this group and the Hall of Fame coaching, it's hard to argue they aren't the clear favorite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. <strong>Grand Rapids Christian (43.99%)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just years removed from their last state championship, Grand Rapids Christian comes in at No. 2 in this poll. The Eagles are going to be very strong in a couple areas of the game, that is setting and defense. From there, if GRC can develop some consistent finishers, then it can definitely be a top title contender. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110324' first='Grace' last='Spoelma'] </strong>(Calvin)and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110284' first='Hanna' last='Bredeweg'] </strong>are top-level setters that can help raise the game of their inexperience hitters. Look for the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156336' first='Lucy' last='VanDrunen']</strong> and <strong>Savannah Bol </strong>to be potential breakout candidates at the net this year. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156322' first='Madison' last='Peal'] </strong>will be the one to lock down the back row and keep the Eagles in the fight while they improve on their attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. <strong>Detroit Country Day (4.59%)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets have been as talented a program as most in D2 for some time, just not been able to break through to get to Battle Creek. In 2023, DCD should once again be a strong contender if it can find a way to win those crucial points in big matches. The Jackets will have good senior leadership behind the play of libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274530' first='Riley' last='Lockhart'] </strong>and outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110293' first='Mia' last='Eickholdt']</strong>. It will also have won of the top middles in the state in junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier']</strong> (Colorado). <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra'] </strong>also showed some glimpses of being a contributor as a freshman last fall and could be in line for a breakout year this season. If DCD can nail down a new setter that gels quickly with the power arms, it should be another good year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. <strong>Frankenmuth (2.22%)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankenmuth got to the regional finals in 2022 and set a new standard for the program. This fall, that standard should remain in place, if not be surpassed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer'] </strong>(Marshall) proved last fall she is one of the top overall players in Division 2. As an outside, Geer displayed her ability to be a dominant six-rotation player that never ran out of gas. Her enthusiastic play was contagious for the team. The Eagles had underclassmen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226896' first='Madison' last='Geer'] </strong>and <strong>Mya Donovan </strong>contribute last fall as freshmen, which should lead to big sophomore seasons in 2023. Mix in experienced juniors like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595969' first='Rosemary' last='Brenner'], [player_tooltip player_id='473958' first='Julia' last='Rodriguez'] </strong>and <strong>Raquel Hernandez</strong>, and Frankenmuth has a lot of big-match experience to rely on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. <strong>Grand Rapids Catholic Central (0.64%)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GRCC plays in a crowded Grand Rapids area during the season, but the Cougars can hold their own and come into each postseason battle-tested. Catholic Central is going to have a lot of veteran hitting to work with in 2023, led by senior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176597' first='Sophia' last='Allen'], </strong>a 6-footer with a lot of athleticism. She's got senior <strong>Elle Sharpe </strong>also to work with her on the outside, as well as junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156341' first='Mairin' last='Ziegler']</strong>. Sharpe has the ability to set as well, while junior setter <strong>Clare Rybicki</strong> is also back. Add in senior libero <strong>Lyla Joynt </strong>in the back row, and GRCC seems to have a lot of talented experience to build on for this fall. Could this be the year they put it all together?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->