Division 1 Favorites Entering the Post Season

<h5 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow @lshotvb on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc">Tik Tok </a>and <a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a> for all things volleyball!</em></h5>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading"><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/top-250-expos/">The 2024 Expo Season is here</a>! Sign up for this year's Top 250 Expo using the code <strong>LSHOTExpo2024</strong> for $$ off!</em></h5>   <p>–</p>   <p>How has the time gone THAT FAST?!</p>   <p>It's one of the best times of the year, post-season is right around the corner! If these past few months have been of any indication, we are in for one wild ride to get to Kellogg Arena. </p>   <p>The volleyball in Michigan has become second to none. With the powerhouses like Mercy and Northville reigning amongst the top, new faces like Rockford, Forest Hills Northern, and Utica Eisenhower have stepped into the arena. The Division 1 race is going to be crazy. Match-ups and rematches set up to be all-time classics and many records to be broken.</p>   <p>With only a week away until the first whistle of the 2024 post-season, let's break down all of the madness that is to ensue with the MHSAA Division 1 race. Who are the favorites on the Road to Kellogg in D1?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mercy</h2>   <p>Mercy has seemingly stormed throughout this 2024 season without a thought in mind. Toppling over team after team, there has only been a few times this season that Mercy has been tested, let alone lost. And those few losses, came at the hands of nationally ranked teams out of state. When we're looking at the Road To Kellogg, this is all Mercy's to lose. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/DSC02042.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-666343" style="width:333px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn']</figcaption></figure>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>The Marlins are led by one of the most effective trifecta the state has to offer. Starting with the play of [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] (Nebraska) running the offense. No matter what court she steps on, Flynn makes an impact. She elevates those around her so well and has such a control of the game. Her favorite weapons are [player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] and [player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski']. </p>   <p>Andrews has provided a huge spark in the middle for Mercy. Her 6'4 frame not only offers up some huge offense, but a stout defensive touch at the net. She's one of the most skilled in the country in the middle blocking position. Kalcyznski is another dynamic player that can score from just about anywhere on the court. In for all six rotations, Kalcyznski can do it all. From her first contact, to her third, she takes on the load with ease.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Mercy has only had 2 losses on the season thus far. Both of which came at the hands of nationally ranked teams in Skutt Catholic and St. Francis. When it comes to MHSAA play, the Marlins have taken down six Top 20 opponents in Division 1. A key match-up that we are bound to see, but haven't in the regular season, is one against the Northville Mustangs. If rankings play out in the post-season, the two will face off in the Regional rounds.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier'].</strong> This is somewhat of this team's X-Factor and hidden gem. While she is not the biggest on the court, like 6'2 Flynn and 6'4 Andrews, 5'9 Hollier can get the job done just as effectively and just as timely. She was a huge point contributor in Mercy's run last year. She knows what it takes to get to Kellogg Arena and leave with a wooden mitten. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northville</h2>   <p>If it weren't for Mercy, Northville would be the undisputed number one team in Michigan. This is a team who has become a household figure when it comes to MHSAA Post-Season. They're looking to go for their third straight Final Four appearance. This is a program that has thought outside the box, tried some things and have seen it all pay off. They're well balanced in their offense and their defense has had huge strides in the last month of the regular season. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/10/DSC02797.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-705742" style="width:331px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] </figcaption></figure>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>Much like Mercy, this Mustangs squad is equipped with its one trio of power players. For Northville's case, these three have been on many deep post-season runs before and this is their last shot to go all the way. [player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] (Illinois State), [player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'] (Oakland), and [player_tooltip player_id='156326' first='Mallory' last='Reck'] (Marist), have been the big 3 in the Orange and Black this fall. Craggs is Northville's Miss Volleyball nominee and is one of the top setters in the state. She is one of the state leaders with over 9 assists per set. She has found this by using a diverse offense.</p>   <p>For the twins, these two are six rotation players that bring so much in both the front and the back row. The two sing from about every position on the court, so you have to be ready as an opponent for one of them to come storming in. Molly has been seeing some time in the middle during situational plays and can hang in with some of the best.</p>   <p>The three all bode great championship experience. From appearing in the Final Four the last two years, as well as their collective success on the club side that includes a national championship and runner-up appearances.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Northville only has two losses on the season. An early loss to Jenison in a three setter at the East Vs. West Challenge and a 5 set loss to Clarkston just this last week. Both of these came down to the very last wire. Despite this, Northville has some impressive wins including a pair of wins over North Branch, Rockford and Eisenhower throughout the fall. Northville even won the Beast of the East tournament which showcased maybe just how untouchable the Mustangs can be when they are in full stampede. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Can the young guns step up? </strong>While this Northville roster isn't particularly young, it is a bit of inexperienced. Not that you would have been able to tell this by how well the season has gone for them. But a slew of important pieces will have to step up big time if Northville wants to upset the beast and go on to Battle Creek.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='261208' first='Skylar' last='Marteen'], [player_tooltip player_id='537079' first='Kaylyn' last='Tuck'] and [player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'] are another trio that can really make a difference. Both Tuck and Marteen have become quite the dynamic pieces in Northville's offense. Tuck has seen a lot of action in her first season as a middle and is thriving in the role. Marteen, while on the court for that run last fall, has really come into her own quite nicely throughout this season. Same can be said for Burlingame. This player has gone from little court time to the team's starting libero and she has looked incredible throughout.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rockford</h2>   <p>This team seems to have been the only one in the entire state to give Mercy a run for their money. At close 14-16 decider at the East Vs. West Challenge earlier in the year saw the Rams take Mercy to the brink of a loss. Since then, Rockford has gone on a really impressive run. The West side is quite unpredictable and Rockford has dropped a few here and there, however, going into the post-season, this is not a team you can take lightly. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/DSC02099.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-666338" style="width:319px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford']</figcaption></figure>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>This team has maybe one of the most dangerous pin duos in all of Michigan. Whether it is [player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford'] (Oakland) or [player_tooltip player_id='467901' first='Mallory' last='Wandel'], throw it up to the left side of the court and Rockford is finding success. These two players have been consistently scoring at such a high level all season long. Think of the duo of Chicoine and Hudson from Purdue Volleyball, that is how dominating Hosford and Wandel can be in Michigan HS Volleyball. The two combine for an insane 8 kills per set, while Hosford is also tacking on 48 aces 3 digs per set on the season.</p>   <p>Another player that has become very integral to the ebb and flow of the Rams is [player_tooltip player_id='226887' first='Izzie' last='Delacher'] at the setters position. She has been a familiar face on the court for the last two seasons, being a part of a 6-2 system. This year, Delacher has cemented herself as the QB1 and has blossomed in her role. She's pacing Rockford to an impressive .261 team hit percentage while placing within the top 10 for total assists in Michigan.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Rockford currently sits at a nice 33-9 on the season. They have not taken their schedule lightly, nor can they being in the vastly dangerous west side of the state. There is always an opponent able to take you down. With that being said, all of Rockford's losses have been to high ranked opponents, including top ranked Mercy and Northville. Rockford almost taking two of those matches, forcing Mercy into over time at East Vs. West. </p>   <p>For wins, Rockford has taken down a few monster squads including Hudsonville, SMCC, and Byron Center. Rockford also finished runner-up at the Beast of the East just a few weeks ago.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Who helps the pins?</strong> While this team's identity has come circled around on their dominance on the left pin, this has also gotten the Rams into a bit of trouble. Having such predictability when you face the top teams may not go so well. It's not like the Rams don't have the pieces though. They've been seeing a steady increase in production out of their middles in [player_tooltip player_id='226883' first='Grace' last='Crelly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='156337' first='Layla' last='Visser']. Visser has just begun playing full time in the early goings of October. Both of which have increased not only their volume of opportunities but the rate of their conversions as well.</p>   <p><strong>How does the bracket play out?</strong> Unfortunately, for ANOTHER season, we are without a seeded bracket statewide. This means that half of the current top ten ranked teams are going to be bowing out of the tournament much sooner than anticipated. Rockford is in a district where they will pair up with a serious dark horse squad, Northview. From there, they'll go on to get the winner of the Forest Hills Northern district, which will ultimately be the Huskies, in the first round of regionals. From there, they could find themselves in a Sweet 16 match with Hudsonville/Jenison/Grand Haven/Mona Shores.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forest Hills Northern</h2>   <p>Despite being in the championship match a season ago, I don't think many would have pegged Forest Hills Northern to have quite as good of a season as they are having. So long are the days where Elana Erickson (Western Michigan) and Kendall Hopewell (Northern Kentucky) dominated the court. This Husky squad has come together in a scary way. Their offense is much more potent and even around the court. This is another team from the West that you cannot let get the best of you in November.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/DSC01886.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-666366" style="width:329px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='226936' first='Lexie' last='Stotenbur']</figcaption></figure>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>This roster is a pretty well-balanced machine. It's sometimes hard to pin point the star players because they can all have those moments. But from time and time again, there has been a few pieces that remain very consistent. That comes from another setter-pin-middle trio. [player_tooltip player_id='226936' first='Lexie' last='Stotenbur'], [player_tooltip player_id='454371' first='Riley' last='Loehfelm'] and [player_tooltip player_id='535138' first='Briawna' last='Zimmerman'] have been lights out all season long. </p>   <p>Running the show, I have been amazed at how far Stotenbur has come since last year's run to the finals. Last year, you could see the youthful play glare out at tough moments. However, this year, Stotenbur has taken in that experience and has become quite the factor for FHN. She's running the offense much more confidently and seemingly to have evolved into a leader to take over for what Erickson and Hopewell left behind.</p>   <p>For her favorite weapons to set, Loehfelm and Zimmerman are another two players that have evolved so nicely since last year's run. Much like Stotenbur, these two are not playing like the rookies they were a season ago, but much more like seasoned players. Loehfelm has stepped into the six rotation role with a lot of poise while also carrying a heavy load of offense for the Huskies. Zimmerman also has blossomed into one of the top middles in the state. She's an immediate first-look option in side-out and transition ball. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>The Huskies are coming in hot with a 34-8 record on the season. A bulk of their losses actually came on one day, the East VS. West Challenge that saw FHN get knocked around by Northville, Mercy and North Branch. However, they've come out of this season with significant wins in their pocket too. Those include dubs over Clarkston, Marian and a few nods over Grand Rapids Christian. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Who shows up? </strong>Like I said, this team has a surprising amount of depth across the board. Alongside Zimmerman and Loehfelm, are [player_tooltip player_id='486269' first='Brooke' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='487159' first='Avary' last='Polavin'] (Parkside) and [player_tooltip player_id='586437' first='Madalin' last='Hersman']. The trio are all well-capable of swinging with some of the best. Aside from the hitters, [player_tooltip player_id='490347' first='Sydney' last='Shannon'] has also become a huge revelation for the Huskies in the defensive department. However, this squad has had moments throughout the season of not the entire unit showing up to play. They've also had moments of unity, and it is pretty undeniable.</p>   <p><strong>The Road To Kellogg is quite the ride. </strong>As I noted with Rockford, FHN has quite the ways to go if they want to see themselves once again atop the big stage of Kellogg Arena. While they'll see a scrappy Lowell in the district rounds, FHN should make their way fairly smooth to the regionals. However, this is where things get dicey. If all plays out to rankings. The Huskies will face up a top five showdown versus Rockford in the Regional opener before taking on the likes of Jenison (or Hudsonville/Grand Haven/Mona Shores) in the Sweet 16. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eisenhower</h2>   <p>This could very much be one of those 'Dark Horse' teams. However, with the way that Utica Eisenhower has showed up in the big moments throughout the season, I can see them having that spark it takes to go the distance. They've had some incredible tournament runs that include a win at MiElite Program Cup early in the season and then a Beast of the East Semifinal finish a few weeks ago. Ike has a mix of talented youth that boasts a lot of personality. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/DSC01827-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589849" style="width:323px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='454359' first='Elise' last='Biermann']</figcaption></figure>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>This is another crew that relies on the importance of balance. This group has a surprising amount of depth at all corners of the bench. All of which are capable of having their star shining moments. However, some of the biggest waves have come from the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='454359' first='Elise' last='Biermann'], [player_tooltip player_id='546048' first='Liliana' last='Tripi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='226910' first='Kayla' last='Ostrander'] (Eastern Michigan).</p>   <p>Biermann and Tripi may be two of the biggest revelations this season for the Eagles. Both in their sophomore year, and neither of which played significant roles all throughout their first seasons. Biermann has come alive as the points leader for Ike, averaging over 3 kills and nearly adding 3 digs per set. For Tripi, she had to sit out her entire freshman season due to injury and has proven to be the missing piece to Ike's puzzle. She's nearing the 1,000 assists mark for the entire season and is currently second in overall assists in Michigan. The two have a great connection that has been building up since their early club days. </p>   <p>As for the two year starting libero, Ostrander, this player is no secret. Maybe one of the most prolific defensive players in Michigan right now. She is averaging over 5 digs per set for a second season in a row. Ostrander takes up tons of space in the back court as the team's leader in service receptions as well. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins</h4>   <p>The Eagles are sitting very similar to their previous counterparts with a 34-7 record on the season. With losses to the likes of Mercy and Northville sprinkled in there, Ike has rounded up themselves an enticing resume of wins. Some of the biggest wins have come at the expense of the Marian Mustangs. Ike has managed to not only take down the powerhouse once, but twice this season. Both of which in big time tournament bracket play; once in the Championship of MiElite Program Cup and the other in the Elite 8 of Beast of the East.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Can the youth take on the pressure?</strong> While the Eagles have their fair share of veteran leadership in Ostrander and OPP [player_tooltip player_id='226894' first='Gina' last='Fedrigo'] (Florida International), they have a huge core of young players. We spotlighted the play of Tripi and Biermann, but they also rely heavily upon the play of sophomores, [player_tooltip player_id='442999' first='Olivia' last='Berishaj'] and [player_tooltip player_id='454360' first='Rease' last='Buza']. Berishaj leads this squad in hit percentage and can be a serious spark plug emotionally. As for Buza, she has been the second in command to Ostrander, leading the supporting defense with over 3 digs per set. That makes over half of the court consist of underclassman.</p>   <p><strong>If all plays out, Can Ike take down Marian a THIRD time? </strong>You know the saying, it's hard to beat a team 3 times? Ike may have to put that question to the test. Granted, this is all scenario base, when the first whistle of districts goes, it is all or nothing. But if the Road to Kellogg goes the way of rankings, Ike and Marian are destined for a rematch in the Elite 8. This means, whoever wins, goes onto Kellogg. It'll surely be a test, but one that could make up for an instant classic of a match.</p>