Division 2 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. Division 2 has been one of the most interesting to watch develop over the course of the season. For once, North Branch and NDP aren't the untouchables of the game. While still a formidable opponent, and teams you can't take lightly. It seems that there's a slew of new kids on the block ready to make some changes. </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 2 race. Who are the favorites on the Road to Kellogg in D2?</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Harper Creek</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/DSC01793_e70522.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-587580" style="width:373px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='493481' first='Camille' last='Robinson']</figcaption></figure>   <p>The team that nobody really saw coming. After spending the last several years in Division 1, Harper Creek came into the fall in Division 2 and has seemingly taken over ever since. They're equipped with two of the biggest hitters in Michigan right now and have made a huge case for a deep run this November.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>Between their Miss Volleyball candidate and one of the fastest rising sophomores, Harper Creek is nowhere short of fire power. Leading the way for the Beavers are both [player_tooltip player_id='472798' first='Cassidy' last='Pratley'] (Western Michigan) and [player_tooltip player_id='493481' first='Camille' last='Robinson']. The two have been absolutely sensational as a tandem of one another. Swing on the pins or take a rip up the middle, these players seem to be able to convert just about anything they receive into kills. </p>   <p>Pratley has been a long time face for this program, she particularly came into the forefront of the statewide conversation last season. She's on her way to another 500+ kill season while being one of the state leaders in hitting efficiency. Robinson on the other hand was a freshman that seemed to have come out of nowhere. From last fall's debut to now, Robinson's stock has skyrocket all due to her jump in play. She has amassed over 300 kills this season, hitting above .325.</p>   <p>These two, firing at their apex, is one stunning duo to come in contact with, combining for 9.5 kills per set.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Maybe one of the most bloated schedules in all of Michigan, Harper Creek is riding a nifty 52-4 schedule. Against Division II competition, their best win is versus HM Garber. They also have a pair of wins over D1 HM Portage Northern and No. 9 Jenison in August. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Is Harper Creek Battle Tested? </strong>While the matter of quantity has been of no issue to the Beavers, I am curious to how much of quality has been at play for this No. 1 ranked squad. They've recently taken losses to two HM D1 teams, but from the column of wins, not many are against top ranked opponents from any division. This team has the talent, the firepower and athleticism. However, down the stretch, when it is do or die, have they done enough to feel the pressure? </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Rapids Christian</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/11/D2-Semi-2-3-crop-3614x2373-1717163079.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-545440" style="width:364px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Last year saw the reemergence of the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles. After winning an unprecedented three straight from 2018-2020, GRC went through a bit of a quiet period as they maneuvered through shifts in coaching and bench personnel. However, in 2023, the Eagles stormed back to prominence and made their way back to Kellogg Arena. Powered by some big underclassman, they return and are looking to finish what they started.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>I'd argue if it had not been for this player's sensational rookie season, Grand Rapids Chrtistian wouldn't have come anywhere near to returning to Battle Creek. Back and better than ever, no sophomore slump here, [player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'] has stepped it up and then some. Averaging over 4 kills per set and averaging nearly a .300 hitting clip, Goodyke has become one of the most prolific attackers in all of Michigan.</p>   <p>Alongside Goodyke, [player_tooltip player_id='156322' first='Madison' last='Peal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='490372' first='Piper' last='Cebulski'] are two other vital pieces to this year's puzzle. Peal, in her last season as the starting libero, has been lights out. She's put up another nearly 300 dig season and is passing a lot of court space. For Cebulski, she has been an overall revelation for the squad. Unlike Peal and Goodyke, this player had a minimal role on last year's squad. She now leads the Eagles in assists and throws in a heavy dose of point-scoring with her attacking and blocking.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>A record of 40-9 is pretty impressive given the type of schedule this team has taken on. They don't call it the wild west for nothing because the west side of Michigan is an absolute blood bath. All of GRC's losses currently hail from Division 1 teams that have lingered within the top 10 of the rankings. They also however own quite a few wins over some of those Division 1 teams as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Country Day</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/Grenadier.jpg?w=922" alt="" class="wp-image-503685" style="width:346px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Detroit Country Day has been this program that is constantly in conversation for deep tournament runs. Year after year, this crew is one of the most talented. However, DCD falls into a very tough regional that includes the likes of powerhouse programs North Branch and Notre Dame Prep. So, making it ahead is one tall task. But, entering the post season in 2024, I have a feel DCD will finally have what it takes so over come the longstanding hump. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>DCD really knows how to restock and reload every year with talent. This year seems to be the year that everything has come together. With a healthy [player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] (Colorado), the sky is the limit. The Miss Volleyball candidate has been lights out from start to finish. She's averaging over 4 kills per set to go along with hitting nearly .500 ON THE SEASON! </p>   <p>While Grenadier has been a long known commodity for the Yellowjackets, a player that has emerged as difference maker is [player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra'] (Columbia). Turning some heads in 2023, she has really come into her own this fall. Right behind Grenadier with over 3.5 kills per set and a team-leading 2.7 digs per set. Hiemstra is a complete package. Capable of knocking down ball from anywhere on the court, she offers up a lot of balance.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Outside of their singular loss to Mercy, coming all the way back in August, DCD is practically an undefeated team. However, this isn't with much challenge though. Throughout those 25 wins, they were only seemed to be challenge once. Against a dangerous D1 Bloomfield Hills squad, DCD managed to best the Black Hawks in a five setter. Other than them and Mercy, DCD seemed to have had a smooth sail throughout the fall.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Will the Underclassmen Be Ready?</strong> It's no denying that both Grenadier and Hiemstra are used to performing on the big stage in pressure situations. Looking over to the club circuit, both have played crucial roles on their highly successful teams. However, Country Day is equipped with a few major players that are underclassman. [player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff'], Sici Guerrant and [player_tooltip player_id='442977' first='Demi' last='McCoy'] are pivotal pieces to this puzzle.</p>   <p>Woodruff is a setter that has shown to be a transformative addition to this program. She's one of the state leaders in assists and has this team operating at a near .300 clip. As for Guerrant and McCoy, these are a pair of undersized fire crackers at the pins. Both can provide such serious sparks on the court when they are in a rhythm. However, Woodruff and Guerrant are a pair of freshman and McCoy is only a sophomore. While all three are having successful seasons, when the post-season begins, you really start to see who steps up. This could be a great challenge to a trio of such youthful players.</p>   <p><strong>Is DCD ready to take on the Gauntlet?</strong> Like I noted above, DCD hasn't had much of a challenging schedule this fall. With maybe a handful of games against tough opponents, none of which are within their division either. </p>   <p>Off the bat, the Yellowjackets will face off against the perennial powers of Notre Dame Prep in the district rounds. While NDP isn't necessarily one of the top rated teams, they're always a tough one to crack due to their intense defense. The Irish will have home court advantage here too.</p>   <p>From here they'll get a scrappy, yet high-octane group from Richmond in the regionals. But the real test will come at the Quarterfinal rounds. The Elite 8 always seems to be the place this program has seemingly been unable to breakthrough. They will get, presumably, the winners of the Imlay City district from the Cros-Lex regional. This will either be the hosts or the two-time defending state champs in North Branch. These two, on paper, may not have the firepower that DCD has. However, they have taken on the gauntlet themselves throughout the regular season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Imlay City</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/DSC02215.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-696351" style="width:353px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman']</figcaption></figure>   <p>This team has been rumbling under the surface ever since the take over of coach Rachel Minarick Van Dyk. The Spartans have come close to bursting through but fall short to nearby rival, North Branch. This group is equipped with a dynamic duo of setter/hitter hybrids that do a bulk of the heavy lifting. With a tough schedule, some key wins and a fire to make history, this may be a tough squad to see across the net come next week.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h4>   <p>It's not everyday that a program has two of the best setters in the state, but also that both of them can swing just as good as some of the best hitters. Ya, between [player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'] (Wake Forest) and [player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'], this squad is set in the ball handling and offensive department. These two are also somewhat of franchise players for this program at this point. Due to the emergence of their play, Imlay City has become a top rated program in Division II. And now, they are a serious contender to make a first ever trip to Kellogg Arena.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Important Wins/Losses</h4>   <p>Of all of the other Division 2 teams listed, Imlay City has the most losses. With a record of 28-12-1, these Spartans may be the most battle tested with their strength of schedule. Taking part in the Motor City Power League, they got to get a taste of some of the best. Which this is where they have seemed to take the bulk of their losses. </p>   <p>In the wins column, Imlay City has a huge one that just came recently. In maybe a first in program history, the Spartans took down the North Branch Broncos in 4 sets at home. While the two rivals would go on to split the conference series, going to five at the BWAC tournament merely a week later. The regular season win proved that they could not only go toe-to-toe with the Bronco, but that they can finally get the job done. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Other Factors</h4>   <p><strong>Can Imlay City Clear the Hump?</strong> For years, the regional rounds have been the illusive ticket that the Spartans just could not grasp. Always with North Branch at the other end of the District bracket, it was always a tough mountain to climb. However, like we've seen this season, IC has proved to finally be able to conquer the beast. </p>   <p>IC would take the first game in four sets at home before losing the second game in five sets in tournament play. The two programs are destined for one last match up in this year's District Finals once again. It'll be the third time they have played each other this season, a third time within a two week span. They've gone the distance both times. However, when Imlay City was able to pull it off, it was in front of raucous home crowd. Something North Branch just couldn't fight past.</p>   <p>With the district rounds back in Imlay City, can the Spartans finally break through?</p>