Top 5 Vote Getters For D2 State Champion
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As we head into the 2023 prep season, D2 has the most clear argument for a repeat state champion. However, did the fans see it that way. During our weeklong D2 preseason title poll, it was primarily a battle between…
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Continue ReadingAs we head into the 2023 prep season, D2 has the most clear argument for a repeat state champion.
However, did the fans see it that way.
During our weeklong D2 preseason title poll, it was primarily a battle between two programs, but only one could come out on top.
Here’s a look at the leading five vote getters for this poll.
1. North Branch (46.98%)
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 Hailey Green Hailey Green 5'1" | DS/L North Branch | 2024 State MI , setter Adrienne Greschaw Adrienne Greschaw 5'9" | S North Branch | 2024 State MI and outsides Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI and Alana Deshetsky Alana Deshetsky 5'8" | OH North Branch | 2024 State MI . Gyomory was among our leading vote getters for D2 Player of the Year last month. North Branch also returns sophomore outside Aubree Deshetsky Aubree Deshetsky 5'9" | OH North Branch | 2026 State MI , 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.
2. Grand Rapids Christian (43.99%)
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. Grace Spoelma Grace Spoelma 5'8" | S Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI (Calvin)and Hanna Bredeweg Hanna Bredeweg 5'9" | S Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI are top-level setters that can help raise the game of their inexperience hitters. Look for the likes of Lucy VanDrunen Lucy VanDrunen 5'10" | OH Grand Rapids Christian | 2025 State MI and Savannah Bol to be potential breakout candidates at the net this year. Defensively, Madison Peal Madison Peal 5'8" | DS/L Grand Rapids Christian | 2025 State MI will be the one to lock down the back row and keep the Eagles in the fight while they improve on their attack.
3. Detroit Country Day (4.59%)
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 Riley Lockhart Riley Lockhart 5'10" | DS/L Country Day | 2024 State MI and outside Mia Eickholdt Mia Eickholdt 5'11" | RS Country Day | 2024 State MI . It will also have won of the top middles in the state in junior Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI (Colorado). Elise Hiemstra Elise Hiemstra 5'11" | OH Detroit Country Day | 2026 State MI 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.
4. Frankenmuth (2.22%)
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. Audrey Geer Audrey Geer 5'10" | OH Frankenmuth | 2024 State MI (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 Madison Geer Madison Geer 5'9" | OH Frankenmuth | 2026 State MI and Mya Donovan contribute last fall as freshmen, which should lead to big sophomore seasons in 2023. Mix in experienced juniors like Rosemary Brenner, Julia Rodriguez Julia Rodriguez 5'11" | MB Frankenmuth | 2025 State MI and Raquel Hernandez, and Frankenmuth has a lot of big-match experience to rely on.
5. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (0.64%)
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 Sophia Allen Sophia Allen 6'0" | OH Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024 State MI , a 6-footer with a lot of athleticism. She’s got senior Elle Sharpe also to work with her on the outside, as well as junior middle Mairin Ziegler Mairin Ziegler 5'10" | MB Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2025 MI . Sharpe has the ability to set as well, while junior setter Clare Rybicki is also back. Add in senior libero Lyla Joynt 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?