D2’s Top Offenses Entering 2025 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025 MHSAA season approaches, there's plenty of analysis and roster breakdown to consider in each division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When taking a closer look at Division 2, there's going to be some very talented offenses taking the floor on Day 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at eight teams that should be leading the charge offensively in D2 for the prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Detroit Country Day</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets claimed their first D2 state title last fall and it looks as if they should be among the top teams again in 2025. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff']</strong> returns at setter after a sterling freshman season that saw her establish herself as one of the best Class of 2028 prospects. She already has a great connection with senior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra']</strong>, who really raised her game in the postseason last year and is committed to Columbia. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442977' first='Demi' last='McCoy'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450415' first='Leah' last='Green'] </strong>could see breakout seasons as they receive more opportunities to shine as well. You can also expect some new faces to step up, as DCD is never short on talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Edwardsburg</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eddies are going to be very difficult to slow down at the net offensively. A young team that took some lumps in 2024 should be ready to dish out revenge this fall. On the outsides, you don't get much better than the 1-2 punch of Sr. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478074' first='Sarah' last='Pippin'] </strong>(Valparaiso) and Jr. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='825043' first='Ella' last='Laskowski']</strong>. Both players can rack up the kills quickly. They also have a great complement in the middle in Sr. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='631464' first='Mya' last='Eberlein']</strong>. The Eddies should be able to hit the ground running on offense, which makes them a team to watch in Division 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frankenmuth</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles have consistently been pushing to break into the elite of Division 2 and this year's team has a chance thanks to a lot of potent hitters. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226896' first='Madison' last='Geer'] </strong>is a fearless outside that steps into her senior season looking to push Frankenmuth to the top. The Hillsdale commit plays with a lot of drive and determination. She's got junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523867' first='Miranda' last='Polley'] </strong>alongside her. Polley can play anywhere along the net and be successful, which gives the team some flexibility. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523870' first='Delaynee' last='Witbeck'] </strong>is a returning junior that can also put the ball away, giving the Eagles a lot of options to finish at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Grand Rapids Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can always expect the Eagles to bring a strong offense to the table and 2025 will be no different. This year, Jr. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'] </strong>returns on the outside after being the go-to hitting option the last two years. She is joined by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807747' first='Mallory' last='Bremer']</strong>, who is also a consistent finisher at the net. Junior setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490372' first='Piper' last='Cebulski']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523841' first='Taylor' last='Frost'] </strong>are also back, with Cebulski being a combo option at the net that can also put the ball away. The GRC offense has a lot of experience coming back and should be able to hit the ground running, making it a dangerous team for anyone in D2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>North Branch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anytime you bring back one of the nation's kill leaders, your offense should be pretty tough to contend with. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] </strong>is back for the Broncos after amassing 937 kills in 2024, sixth-most for a season in MHSAA history. But, that's not all North Branch has to work with. Senior middle <strong>Hannah Thomas</strong> is back in the middle and joined by a 6'2” sophomore in <strong>Kynlee VanHorn</strong>. They will provide a threat to give Deshetsky a break from time-to-time. <strong>Sophia Leach</strong> also showed promise as a sophomore and should see a bigger role in her junior year as an OPP. <strong>Kylie Doherty </strong>also returns at setter for her junior year. She should continue to efficiently run this potent offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notre Dame Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Irish are a team you can never forget about, as they always put a talented group on the floor. This year's squad brings back a lot of experience on offense, so that should help NDP remain a top force in D2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523848' first='Nicole' last='McDowell']</strong> had a breakout season as a sophomore, hitting .372 with over 500 kills. She's back for her junior season, but has plenty of help in sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765789' first='Vanessa' last='Artinian']</strong>, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842441' first='Ellie' last='Whalen']</strong>, and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586781' first='Tessa' last='Bordogna']</strong>. Each had triple digits in kills last fall. Setter <strong>Erin Eby </strong>is also back for her senior season. That kind of depth and experience on offense should be a big strength for NDP.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Richmond</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Devils made a splash last season and did so with a number of underclassmen contributors. That bodes well for the 2025 season, as Richmond still has three potent players that won't even be seniors yet. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454366' first='Jordyn' last='Jones']</strong> is one of the most athletic hitters in the state and will be back to lead this offense, but has a great finisher alongside her in junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454393' first='Ryley' last='Pastuschyn']</strong>. Those two are a formidable 1-2 punch on the pins. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='579164' first='Ava' last='Rewalt'] </strong>can play anywhere on the floor, including hitter or setter. Her wide range of skills will surely give this offense a boost as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tecumseh</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the teams that made a run to Kellogg Arena, Tecumseh looks like it will be loaded and ready for another run this fall. Senior outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828524' first='Emma' last='Eldred'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732284' first='Maddy' last='VanBlack']</strong> were a handful for any team as juniors and are back to lead this offense, alongside senior setter <strong>Lillian Gnodtke</strong>. All three were All-State honorees last season, giving Tecumseh a lot of momentum to get the season started on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->