Division 2 Postseason Storylines

The Michigan Top 250 Expo is going to be taking place on Sunday, Dec. 1 in Pontiac. You can <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1300/register/michigan-top-250-expo">sign up now</a> to be a part of the event. Get $10 off your registration by using promo code “EllisExpo2024”   The 2024 postseason gets started in one week.   After a dominant two-year run atop Division 2 for North Branch, the 2024 postseason could see a new champion.   That doesn't mean there isn't a clear favorite.   However, championships aren't won on paper.   Here's a look at what Division 2 has to offer in the coming weeks.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can anyone stop Harper Creek?</h2>   The Beavers are rolling this year with the move down to Division 2. They have yet to suffer a loss to a non-D1 opponent this season.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='472798' first='Cassidy' last='Pratley'] is playing like a Player of the Year candidate, hitting over .430 on the season while approaching 500 kills. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='493481' first='Camille' last='Robinson'] is a huge compliment on the outside as well. She's got big power and athleticism and is hitting over .300 herself. Junior setter Teagan Anderson is getting the ball well to both players. Thus far, no D2 team has been able to slow it down.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is it Country Day's year?</h2>   Detroit Country Day has been one of the most talented programs in Division 2 for years, but it has had to go through state champions and top contenders each year, keeping the Yellowjackets from getting to Battle Creek.   This year, DCD will once again have to get through rival Notre Dame Prep to win a district title. Then, the road won't get much easier in regional play.   Senior middle [player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] is hitting nearly .500 this season and looks ready to push the Jackets to another level. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra'] is also a handful on the outside, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='442977' first='Demi' last='McCoy'] is a very explosive option as well. Freshman setter [player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff'] has been one of the top Class of 2028 players at the varsity level this year, working the ball to all the DCD options.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't sleep on the powers</h2>   North Branch and Grand Rapids Christian have won five of the six D2 championships in MHSAA history. Both may not be as strong as their championship teams of the past, but still have enough to put together another title run.   The Eagles have been ranked near the top all season and aren't lacking in powerful arms. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'] is already battle-tested and proven to come through in big matches. Senior outside Lucy Vandrunen and junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='490356' first='Mallory' last='Bremer'] are consistent kill-producers as well. Defensively, they don't get much better than senior [player_tooltip player_id='156322' first='Madison' last='Peal']. She's someone GRC can count on to make a big dig to shift momentum.   North Branch still has one of the top players in the state. Junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] has over 700 kills. Despite taking on a big workload, she's still hitting .300 on the season, which speaks to her skillset. Sophomore Kylie Doherty has looked poised at setter, same for first-year starting libero, senior [player_tooltip player_id='732246' first='Ella' last='Swoish']. You can bet this team is well-coached and going to be tough to eliminate.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New contenders on the block</h2>   There's plenty of other teams that look like they can contend for the title, even though they haven't had recent Kellogg Arena appearances.   Imlay Citywants to show its one of the best in the state and it has a solid lineup led by [player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'], [player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='595974' first='Chloe' last='Bruman'].   In the same area, Richmond has had some good wins this year behind the play of [player_tooltip player_id='454366' first='Jordyn' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='187070' first='Alayna' last='Esselink'].   Tecumseh has picked up a lot of wins this year, but we still need to see how it handles pressure volleyball in November. [player_tooltip player_id='726472' first='Emma' last='Eldred'] has played really well this season and it would be nice to see her go toe-to-toe with the state's top hitters on a big stage.   The same goes for Maggie Elliott of Freeland. She's picked up dozens of kills and has the Eagles playing at a high level right now. Will it be enough to make a deep run?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toughest Districts</h2>   They don't get much tougher than District 42 at Godwin Heights. Along with second-ranked GRC, the district also includes Grand Rapids Catholic Central, as well as defending D2 runner-up, Grand Rapids West Catholic.   Just down the road, District 43 features both Lakewood and Grand Rapids South Christian. Two teams that have been ranked highly most of the year are likely to battle it out for some hardware.   District 63 may not have a ranked team, but it has three teams that have the capability to get hot and make some noise in the upcoming weeks. Frankenmuth, Birch Run and Swan Valley all could be sleepers in this D2 bracket.   District 64 will certainly feature some great play. North Branch and Imlay City seem set to determine the winner in a rubber match.

The Michigan Top 250 Expo is going to be taking place on Sunday, Dec. 1 in Pontiac. You can sign up now to be a part of the event. Get $10 off your registration by using promo code “EllisExpo2024”