2023 D1 Regional Predictions
We are on to the second week of the MHSAA volleyball postseason. Division 1 has a lot of talent-heavy regionals this week with a lot of capable teams that still have their sights set on Kellogg Arena. Here’s how I…
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Continue ReadingWe are on to the second week of the MHSAA volleyball postseason.
Division 1 has a lot of talent-heavy regionals this week with a lot of capable teams that still have their sights set on Kellogg Arena.
Here’s how I like things to shake out throughout the week.
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Regional 1 at Mount Pleasant
Semifinals: Traverse City Central vs. Grand Haven; Rockford vs. Saginaw Heritage
Breakdown: Coming into this regional, I don’t think TC Central and Heritage are quite as battle-tested as Grand Haven and Rockford. The Bucs and Rams have really played a gauntlet of a schedule throughout the year. I look for this region to come down to them. Rockford has been a bit streaky this year, but when the Rams are on their game, they look like they can beat anyone. They have largely been on their game when playing Grand Haven, so that is a mental hurdle the Bucs may struggle to get over.
Championship Prediction: Rockford over Grand Haven
Regional 2 at Caledonia
Semifinals: Byron Center vs. Mattawan; Hudsonville vs. Forest Hills Northern
Breakdown: This is a great regional and all three matches that take place at Caledonia should be thrilling. Byron Center has quietly bided its time and slowly moved up the D1 ladder. The Bulldogs have a lot of success against Mattawan this season and I expect that to continue. This year feels like Hudsonville’s best chance at a state title. The Eagles haven’t lost since late August and know what it takes to beat all three teams in this region. It won’t be easy, but you have to give the edge to Hudsonville to emerge with the title this week.
Championship Prediction: Hudsonville over Byron Center
Regional 3 at Grand Ledge
Semifinals: DeWitt vs. Mason; Harper Creek vs. Portage Northern
Breakdown: This looks to be a wide open regional, which should lead to some emotional and hard-fought play. DeWitt and Mason haven’t crossed paths this season, but comparing results it feels like DeWitt has a slight edge. Don’t be surprised if that one goes five. The Harper Creek/Portage Northern winner feels like the favorite to win the regional. Both teams can play with the best in the state when they are on top of their game, but consistency has been an issue. Still, I like the hitting depth of Portage Northern to lead them to a victory and ultimately a regional title.
Championship Prediction: Portage Northern over DeWitt
Regional 4 at Ypsilanti Lincoln
Semifinals: Northville vs. Bedford, Saline vs. Brighton
Breakdown: Another great regional that features three ranked teams and an Honorable Mention. Northville has the experience of last year’s run to the final to aid it this week, plus the Mustangs have gotten better and better throughout the year. Their defense remains arguably best in the state. Bedford has the power at the net, especially in the middle, but it’s hard to know what to expect of the Mules in the pressure points that will come on Tuesday. Brighton has a lot of talent and a win over Saline earlier in the year, but the Hornets are trending like they did a year ago. After some ups and downs during the season, Saline found its next gear in the playoffs. I think that might be the case again this week, setting up a 2022 semifinal rematch in Thursday’s final.
Championship Prediction: Northville over Saline
Regional 5 at River Rouge
Semifinals: Allen Park vs. Trenton; Dearborn vs. Mercy
Breakdown: A pair of Downriver foes meet in the first semifinal with Trenton already owning a win over Allen Park this season. Mercy draws Dearborn in the other semifinal, with the Marlins definitely have the talent to take home the regional this week. When healthy, Mercy has shown it can be a contend for the Division 1 state title.
Championship Prediction: Mercy over Trenton
Regional 6 at Cass Tech
Semifinals: Fraser vs. Grosse Pointe South; Warren Woods Tower vs. Marian
Breakdown: Grosse Pointe South ran through the MAC White unbeaten, that included a pair of wins over Fraser. I would expect a similar result on Tuesday, as GP South has one of the top hitters in the state. The 3-time defending D1 champs draw Warren Woods Tower in the other semifinal. The Mustangs just have too much for WWT and are not likely to see their championship run end so soon. GP South might be able to give the Mustangs a challenge in the final, but Marian’s depth and championship pedigree should still shine through even with a young team.
Championship Prediction: Marian over Grosse Pointe South
Regional 7 at Troy
Semifinals: Utica Ford vs. L’Anse Creuse North; Bloomfield Hills vs. Eisenhower
Breakdown: Another region that feels wide open, as each team has showed potential throughout the year but went through some lulls as well. L’Anse Creuse North has been the most consistent team of the bunch and played in a tougher MAC Conference compared to Ford, so I like the Crusaders to advance Tuesday. There it will see a rematch with either Bloomfield Hills or Eisenhower. The Eagles play with a lot of heart, but are still young and I think they will struggle with the athleticism the Black Hawks bring to the net. If Bloomfield Hills can do well with first contact, it can advance. No matter who wins the second semifinal, LCN will post a problem, as the Crusaders have good balance and don’t make too many mistakes. The same can’t be said for the Black Hawks and Eagles.
Championship Prediction: L’Anse Creuse North over Bloomfield Hills
Regional 8 at Grand Blanc
Semifinals: Flushing vs. Romeo; Hartland vs. Clarkston
Breakdown: Romeo took some lumps during the regular season, but its appeared to payoff for the playoffs, as the Bulldogs showed what they are capable of last week. They own a win already over Flushing, so that should only build their confidence heading into Tuesday. Hartland won its first district in 44 years. Will that celebration be what the Eagles were working toward? How much will they have in the tank for a Clarkston team that is very motivated to get to Battle Creek? The Wolves have all the tools, but have let teams hang around at times. The deeper the playoffs get, the more dangerous that can become.
Championship Prediction: Clarkston over Romeo