Motor City Power Series Weekend 2: Teams to Watch

<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7548952382651075895?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7521784493947569719">Check out the latest @LSHOTVB video</a>   –   The Motor City Power Series brings out the best weekend after weekend. In a multi-weekend series, this is the place ever top team in the state wants to be to test themselves.   We are going into weekend 2 of the MC Power Series and we're in for more great match-ups. With the likes of reigning state champions and many, many ranked opponents. Here are some of the top teams and players to keep your eyes set on this weekend at UWM.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pool A</h2>   While in comparison to the weekend's slate, this should be a relatively easy weekend for the Marlins. Some may think to over look some of these matches. However, this is what I find intriguing. With Mercy's depth of talent on the bench, we could see some really strong players have their time to shine off the bench. We also are well-aware of Mercy's love to spin the dial with their line ups as well, hitters in libero jerseys, middles on the pins, etc. This weekend offers up a lot of line up play time for HC Loretta Vogel.   Some players I would be most intrigued to see some time off the bench would be in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='762765' first='Natasha' last='Harvey'] and Saniya Tucker. Harvey has been seeing time here and there and showing some incredible promise. She's long and growing in her agility along the net. Tucker is a young, but well-decorated player that could use the reps in competition as well.   Off the bench, or just playing with line ups, I would be intrigued to see freshman [player_tooltip player_id='885455' first='Kate' last='Berghoff'] move around a bit. Berghoff has done very well for herself in the youth club scene as an outside attacker. So far, this fall, she has been seen primarily in the libero jersey. With littles on the bench such as [player_tooltip player_id='804575' first='Anna' last='Naida'] and [player_tooltip player_id='586766' first='Catie' last='Kuchta'], there is plenty of ways to experiment with her attack while upholding an excellent line of ball control.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pool B</h2>   In Pool B, we have a trio of very strong teams that could make some noise this weekend. With the likes of North Branch, Bloomfield Hills and Northville on tap, these are three teams and three match-ups that could be very exciting.   First up, the Broncos of North Branch are steadily putting the pieces together to put up yet another highlight season in their deep history. They're led by [player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'], a recent Miss Volleyball Finalist; and in my opinion, the only viable option to win the award in this class. She has picked up right where she left off a season ago. Averaging well above a 6 kill per set average and a mainstay in the back court duty, she has been sensational. Alongside her, Hannah Thomas in the middle has been a true revelation. Hitting for nearly a .500 efficiency, Thomas has also been aiding the work in the back court as an often-time six rotation player.   Next, Bloomfield Hills. This team has been put on early-season watch list as one of the top teams in Division 1. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze'], the No. 1 rated prospect in the 2026 class, playing out of position as a six rotation outside hitter rather than her usual position in the middle. Nwabueze has shown no signs of struggle as she maintains to be one of the state's most lethal and highest efficient attackers. She is surrounded by a strong supporting cast that includes the likes of S [player_tooltip player_id='512892' first='Brynn' last='Wilcox'] and OH [player_tooltip player_id='584598' first='Allison' last='Stakoe'] who do a lot of heavy lifting alongside her.   For Northville, the reigning State Champions, things have gotten off to quite the rough start this season. Not for anything unusual, the Mustangs lost a substantial amount of talent on the court from a season ago. Add to that, the issue of the injury bug, Northville has seemed rather out of sorts. Nonetheless, Northville remains to be a STRONG team that deserves attention. With players such as OH Elle Chenoweth and L [player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'] righting the ship. Both of which carry such heavy loads in terms of the team's offensive production as well as the defense and reception duties.   I make note of these match-ups this weekend because we could be rather surprised by the outcomes. While many may think, the No. 3 team in the state, Bloomfield Hills, may breeze through the comp, this team has shown their achilles heel early. Hills may very well be one of, if not, the most physical teams in the state, they proved to lack in their serve and pass game. An area that was exploited by the Marian Mustangs recently. With that lack of, being North Branch and Northville's overabundance, we could have a very fun trio of matches.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pool C</h2>   While Pool B may take a lot of attention, I wouldn't count out Pool C. This is one that has a lot of teams with high 'dark-horse' potential this season.   One of the teams with the most 'dark-horse' energy so far is Dexter. It has been quite sometime since we have heard any huge rumblings from the Dreadnaughts, but they are coming together quite nicely. With 14 wins on the season so far, Dexter has taken some key wins over the likes of Northville, South Lyon and more. They're led by OH [player_tooltip player_id='727732' first='Larkin' last='Pham'], who is having one heck of a senior season. Averaging over 4 kills per set, Pham has truly bursted onto the scene.   She's accompanied by what seems to be a really balanced team. S [player_tooltip player_id='226880' first='Chloe' last='Burns'] has been doing stand-up work at the setter position, running one of the most efficient offenses in the state, alongside L AnnaMarie Myint who is controlling the back court with ease.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pool D</h2>   Much like Pool B, this one could be quite a fun one to watch unfold.   Clarkston is coming into the weekend on a high toppling over the defending champions, Northville. They're led by one of the top players in the country with [player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith'] at the setter position. Smith has been weaving in and out of the 5-1 and 6-2 systems, dueling as a setter and a hitter at any given moment. OH [player_tooltip player_id='442985' first='Josie' last='Seets'] has been having a sensational start to her junior season as well, leading the Wolves with an impressive 4.1 kills per set.   Bedford has always been well within the conversation of heavyweights in Division 1. They're recovering exceptionally well after the departure of a STRONG 2025 class. [player_tooltip player_id='487356' first='Lucy' last='Monahan'] has been tapped to take on the bulk of the offensive load. While a middle blocker on the regular, Monahan has been asked to swing just about anywhere along the net and doing quite well in that role.   Other notable teams include Saginaw Heritage and Plymouth, who can both play spoiler. Heritage is led by the highly explosive MB [player_tooltip player_id='523863' first='Willow' last='Mason']. The Plymouth Wildcats are led by a very youthful team that includes L [player_tooltip player_id='587006' first='Hope' last='Purwadihardja'].   –   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!   –

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