OK Conference Green Breakdown: Top Players, Top Teams In 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for some of the top talent in the state, the OK Green Conference isn't a bad place to start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The teams in this division have been able to prove themselves to have players that can hang with the best in Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the teams that should contend for the conference title in 2025, and the top players the OK Green will feature this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jenison</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats tied Caledonia for the top spot in 2024 and they bring back a talented team that could have them as the frontrunner in the division this year. Jenison is going to have one of the best offenses in the state, as it has tons of firepower. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226882' first='Karis' last='Chatfield'] </strong>(East Tennessee State) is a senior outside that is one of the best all-around talents there is. She can take over a match with her attacks or her defensive play. She is joined at the net by junior middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464378' first='Ava' last='Bush-Nelson']</strong>, who was an All-State honoree alongside Chatfield. She's got a lot of length and agility at the net. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807901' first='Charlee' last='Cochran']</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467951' first='Rylee' last='Paddock'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557447' first='Makenzie' last='Thompson']</strong> are also returning hitters that had triple digits in kills a year ago. Junior <strong>Erin Eriks </strong>was one of two setters in 2024 and is back to help lead the offense this fall. While Jenison graduated some key defenders, both Chatfield and Paddock were among dig leaders and will keep this defense strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Caledonia</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fighting Scots produced a lot of big wins in 2024, but will have some key positions to fill entering the 2025 season. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='459740' first='Aubrey' last='Reynolds'] </strong>was a big part of the offense and will be leading the charge this fall from the outside. <strong>Kyla Charles </strong>also had some success at the net, but didn't see a big workload. That could change for the senior this year with a lot of graduating talent. Defense should be a strength for Caledonia, as junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809359' first='Avery' last='Seif']</strong> is back after leading the team in digs last year. Seif is a workhorse defender that will help give the offense time to come together. Reynolds is also a talented defender that will be able to give Seif some support in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Byron Center</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs finished tied for third in the division last year, but weren't far from being even with the co-champs. Byron Center will enter the season with no questions when it comes to its defensive leader. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'] </strong>(Nebraska) is one of the best liberos in the country and has established herself as one of the best juniors in the entire state. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834311' first='Kinsley' last='Whitfield'] </strong>also shows a lot of promise as a defender and should add good depth to the position. When it comes to offense, Byron Center has some proven junior talent in outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830699' first='Caitlin' last='Hartson']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809922' first='Cara' last='Crittendon']</strong>. Senior middle <strong>Lainey VanTol </strong>also will bring experience to the front line. One key for Byron Center will be finding a setter to run the offense. It could take a little time for the hitters to gel with their new starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mona Shores</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Byron Center, the Sailors were knocking on the door of a conference title, but finished tied for third in 2024. Mona Shores lost some key starters, but do have a pair of 6'2” seniors in outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='591756' first='Maddie' last='Russell'] </strong>and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='643759' first='Laynie' last='Russell']</strong>. These two were strong finishers in 2024 as juniors, but will need to continue that trend as they turn into the primary hitters for the Sailors offense. The good news for them is senior setter <strong>Elena Reister</strong> is also back and already has strong chemistry with both hitters. She will keep the offense clicking to start the year. Mona Shores lost its libero to graduation, but outside/defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490352' first='Kyli' last='Geoghan']</strong> is back for her senior year to help ease the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Players To Watch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='801353' first='Carlee' last='Bowen'], Sr. L Reeths-Puffer; [player_tooltip player_id='816605' first='Makayla' last='Disselkoen'], Sr. MH Reeths-Puffer; [player_tooltip player_id='523434' first='Mairyn' last='Peterson'], Sr. MH Reeths-Puffer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->