2024 Prep Preview: OK Conference Red Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>(Story wad updated to reflect realigned conference)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1124/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1136/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em> are coming to Pontiac on Aug. 4. You can get $10 off your registration when you sign up by using code “EllisDig2024.” Be sure to register today.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OK Conference collectively among its six different divisions could be the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of the great programs from the Grand Rapids area and beyond meet up to make this impressive collection of teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OKC-Red Division is particularly impressive when you look at the Division 1 contenders it has. This year the conference switches from eight teams to six as part of realignment. Jenison and Caledonia, two power-packed teams, have moved to the OK Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, <strong>Hudsonville </strong>went on to sweep the division to claim its third consecutive title. Winning a fourth straight will be far more challenging for the Eagles. The team graduated six players that received all-conference honors. That included a pair of Miss Volleyball finalists. There's a lot of big shoes to fill, but Hudsonville has talent capable of stepping up. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288948' first='Lexi' last='Armstrong'] </strong>(Grand Valley St.) is a talented setter that can play at the net and also be a defensive asset. Her experience will be crucial. In the middle, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502207' first='Lauren' last='Bower'] </strong>and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446697' first='Sylvie' last='Sinke']</strong> had some experience last season and were strong blocking options for the team. On the outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226939' first='Maggie' last='Szlachcic'] </strong>is likely in for a bigger role as a junior. She was fourth on the team in kills in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The experience Hudsonville is losing is what <strong>Rockford </strong>returns after finishing second in the division a year ago. The Rams utilized a lot of young talent and it is likely to pay off in 2024. The team's three kill leaders last fall were underclassmen. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford'] </strong>has been one of the most dominant 2026 players in the state. She's coming off a 564-kill season and has made strides prior to her junior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467901' first='Mallory' last='Wandel'] </strong>was one of the most productive freshman in 2023 as well, giving Rockford an explosive 1-2 punch. The 6-footer should be capable of even more this fall. You also can't forget about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226943' first='Sienna' last='Wolfe'] </strong>either, another productive outside that will be entering her junior year. Wolfe and Hosford were the two dig leaders on the team as well. <strong>Ashley Williams </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226887' first='Izzie' last='Delacher'] </strong>both return at setter. The senior and junior, respectively, had Rockford hitting at a solid rate throughout 2023. While Rockford will need to settle in on its middles, the team returns its six dig leaders from last fall. The Rams should be very polished and prepped to handle that high-powered attacks they will see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":450379,"width":"229px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/DSC_6369.jpg?w=939" alt="" class="wp-image-450379" style="width:229px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grand Haven </strong>finished third in the division in 2023, but made the strongest postseason run by reaching the quarterfinals. The Bucs graduated some key seniors, especially at libero, but they still have one of the most promising 2027 hitters in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'] </strong>clearly steps in as a team leader as a sophomore. The 6'3” outside was untouchable for stretches at the end of the season and she is capable of single-handedly taking over a match. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481384' first='Nadia' last='Prieditis'] </strong>provides some hitting depth on the outside as a 6-foot junior.<strong> Sara Weber </strong>is also back as a senior setter, which should help keep the outsides hitting at a high level. Grand Haven should be right in the thick of the conference race once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grandville, West Ottawa </strong>and <strong>East Kentwood</strong> rounded out the bottom of the Red last fall. Grandville is losing a Miss Volleyball finalist and one of the best players it has had in program history in Zoey Dood. That will be tough to replace her talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Ottawa and East Kentwood will have a lot to prove as well. However, the Falcons do have one of the strongest players in the conference in 6-foot hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288946' first='Alana' last='Bailey']</strong>. The Ball State commit could help propel East Kentwood into the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->