2025 MHSAA State Finals Breakdown And Predictions

The final day of the 2025 prep volleyball season is here.   Four great matches await us on Saturday to crown four state champions.   Here's a look at each of the four finals pairings and what to look for in the match.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D1: Mercy vs. Bloomfield Hills, Noon</h2>   It's an Oakland County battle as No. 2 Bloomfield Hills takes on No. 3 Mercy after both had emotionally-charged five-set wins on Thursday in the semifinals. The story of this match will be the hitting depth and size of the Marlins against the unstoppable force that is [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze']. The Harvard commit has been able to show the state just how great a player she is this year, especially in the postseason. She has thrown her team on her back in key wins over Marian and Rockford. Opponents know the ball is coming her way, yet she still is hitting .400 with dozens of kills. Mercy may be able to provide more of a challenge for her with their great length in the middle behind [player_tooltip player_id='226875' first='Ella' last='Andrews'] (6'4”), [player_tooltip player_id='569766' first='McKenzie' last='Andrews'] (6'5”), and Saniya Tucker (6'2”). While Nwabueze isn't unaccustomed to big blockers, that kind of length could have an impact over a long match. One other factor in this match is the great setter play between Bloomfield Hills junior [player_tooltip player_id='512892' first='Brynn' last='Wilcox'] and Mercy freshman [player_tooltip player_id='709559' first='Kaelyn' last='Easton']. The two combined for over 110 assists in their respective wins. Mercy certainly has the depth, but the story of this postseason has been Nwabueze's road toward a title and who doesn't love a good story.   Prediction: Bloomfield Hills over Mercy in 5   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D2: Detroit Country Day vs. Flat Rock, 2:30 p.m.</h2>   Flat Rock likes being the underdog. Well, it will be in this one. The 10th-ranked Rams have worked hard to reach the final, but now if faces the defending champions and top-ranked DCD. Country Day has taken out many of the top teams in the state during this championship defense, including No. 3 Grand Rapids Christian on Thursday. DCD plays very steady and calm, handling most pressure situations thanks to the composure of [player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra'] on the outside and [player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff'] at setter. [player_tooltip player_id='450415' first='Leah' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='898111' first='Aliyah' last='Potapenko'] are proving to be big-time assets in the middle for this DCD squad as well. Flat Rock has a great setter in its own right in [player_tooltip player_id='443001' first='Zoe' last='Ryan']. She has a great connection with leading hitter [player_tooltip player_id='839917' first='Sarah' last='Giroux'], who should be anxious to test her skills against the best team in the state. Lily Klein will be a big key for the Rams if they want to get the upset. The 6'3” middle will need to slow down a lot of attacks, while libero Maelie Fricke will need to be at her best as well.   Prediction: Country Day over Flat Rock in 4   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D3: Kingsley vs. Kalamazoo Christian</h2>   Both the Comets and Stags have taken out multiple ranked teams in recent weeks to get to this final. Kingsley bested top-ranked Roscommon and dispatched the defending champs, SMCC. Kalamazoo Christian defeated Pewamo-Westphalia before beating Valley Lutheran in the semifinal. This looks to be a very even-matched contest on paper. Both teams have some hitting power, some strong setting, and good defenders. [player_tooltip player_id='833201' first='Jenna' last='Middleton'] against Eliana VanDusen should be a great matchup of strong outsides. Momentum is going to play a big role in each set, but being able to bounce back from adversity is likely going to decide the winner here.   Prediction: Kingsley over Kalamazoo Christian in 5   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D4: Mendon vs. Fowler, 10 a.m.</h2>   Saturday should start off with a bang with two gritty teams in top-ranked Mendon and No. 2 Fowler.  Mendon is seeking its sixth state title, while Fowler is looking to claim its first. Fowler had an emotional five-set win over a game Crystal Falls Forest Park on Thursday, while Mendon fought past Ubly in three tight sets. The Hornets have a great leader on offense in [player_tooltip player_id='464695' first='Gracie' last='Schultz'], but the collective defensive play has been the real strength. Jordyn Samson is a dynamite defender that leaves it all on the floor and she will be ready to take on the challenge of slowing down Fowler's [player_tooltip player_id='836790' first='Paige' last='Thelen'], who is having an MVP campaign. Thelen had 32 kills in the five-set win on Thursday, while hitting .329. When she was off the floor, it was noticeable for the Eagles. That's where Mendon will have to succeed. It won't be easy, as Rachel Wirth is another outstanding libero that put up 37 digs in the semifinal win. Neelah O'Rourke also is an energy player at setter that isn't going to let her team get too far behind. This match could just come down to who makes the key dig at the right time, or gets the right bounce at a crucial moment.   Prediction: Mendon over Fowler in 5

The final day of the 2025 prep volleyball season is here.