2023 State Finals Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the final day of the 2023 MHSAA volleyball season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to believe we are already at state finals day in Kellogg Arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are four solid matchups to determine the champions for the year. Here's a quick rundown of the matchups and my picks (which haven't been very strong this weekend).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>D1: Forest Hills Northern vs. Mercy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams played incredible on Friday and looked as good as I have seen them. Northern had a tremendous serving game that really befuddled an excellent defensive team in Northville. Mercy really found another gear as [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] made an impact in every aspect of the game. It will be interesting to see how Northern deals with Flynn, as she took Clarkston out of their offensive gameplan. If Northern takes its foot off the gas, then Mercy will pounce. [player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell'] need to continue to bring their confidence and swagger to the floor if the Huskies want to win. This match feels like a toss-up, but it should be clear who's carrying out there game plan by the end of the first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>FH Northern over Mercy in four</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>D2: North Branch vs. GR West Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Catholic is a really balanced team that should feel good about getting to the final. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they are running into one of the best teams Division 2 has ever seen today. North Branch is incredibly loaded and doesn't have a weakness on the floor. The Broncos ran through second-ranked Grand Rapids Christian on Thursday, hitting at an incredible rate while already having an elite defense. The Broncos won't be seeing anything from West Catholic they haven't seen already this season with their tremendous schedule. This is just North Branch's year to finally repeat as state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>North Branch over West Catholic in three</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>D3: Kalamazoo Christian vs. Traverse City St. Francis</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Comets have been unbelievable this week, making SMCC and P-W look like they weren't even in the same league as them. The question for Kalamazoo Christian today will be how they handle being the hunted and not the hunter. KZoo Christian has been able to play this week with a chip on its shoulder as an “underdog,” but now it is the clear favorite against the Gladiators, who aren't going to just lay down for the Comets. TCSF has a lot of scrap in them and some capable hitters. If the Comets give them an inch, the Glads will take a mile. Still, I expect Kalamazoo Christian to handle the pressure. The Comets have a balanced team and are playing with a lot of confidence. As long as that doesn't waver, expect them to raise the state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Kalamazoo Christian over TC St. Francis in three</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>D4: Leland vs. Clarkston Everest Collegiate</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everest Collegiate showed its grit by coming back from down two sets to beat top-ranked Lenawee Christian. The Mountaineers won't get rattled by a deficit today and will be looking to push this Leland “Super 7” into deep waters. The Comets will have an advantage in size and program pedigree, but beating the Mountaineers in heart will be tough. If [player_tooltip player_id='261206' first='Sarah' last='Bradley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='288958' first='Madelyn' last='Krappmann'] get on the role they were on Friday, CEC can definitely win the title. Leland has a dominant player in [player_tooltip player_id='254395' first='Fiona' last='Moord'], and the Comets had to really earn everything against Forest Park on Friday. This one feels like it could be another five-set thriller to cap off a great Division 4 finals weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Leland over Everest Collegiate in five</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->