2026 Division 3 District Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Division 3 postseason race has some frontrunners, but also a lot of teams that have the potential to reach a championship level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week's 32 districts should be exciting and lead to a few upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the D3 district tournaments and my picks for the winner in each.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 65 at Painesdale Jeffers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Ishpeming Westwood, Gwinn, Ironwood, West Iron County, Painesdale Jeffers, Calumet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The Copper Kings look like the team to beat this week. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736489' first='Cali' last='Hodges']</strong> has been a breakout talent that should shine in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 66 at Menominee</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Iron Mountain, Menominee, Manistique, Bark River-Harris, Norway</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> In this district in the UP, Norway is the team I like. It has managed to string together a lot of wins against teams in the bracket and should feel confident.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 67 at Charlevoix</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Harbor Springs, Inland Lakes, Rudyard, Charlevoix, Boyne City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Boyne City has done a nice job of beefing up its schedule to be ready for the postseason. That should pay off this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 68 at Mancelona</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Mancelona, Grand Traverse Academy, Johannesburg-Lewiston, Maple City Glen Lake, Elk Rapids, TC St. Francis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Traverse City St. Francis knows what it takes to win this time of year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='516948' first='Lola' last='Brown']</strong> should be the difference-maker for the Gladiators.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 69 at Manistee</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Manistee, Mason County Central, Shelby, Benzie Central, Hart</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Hart is a team that looks dangerous. Their set of wins holds up against many top D3 teams and I think it can definitely play its way to a district title this week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916647' first='Alayna' last='Schiller']</strong> is one of the state's dig leaders and will be on her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 70 at McBain</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Lake City, LeRoy Pine River, McBain, Evart, Manton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> There's a lot of familiar foes in this district that have played close sets against each other. Because of that, I will give the edge to McBain as the host team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 71 at Houghton Lake</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy, Houghton Lake, Oscoda, Tawas, Alcona, Roscommon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The top-ranked Bucks have their eyes on a much bigger prize than a district, but the road starts this week. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732306' first='Reese' last='Williams']</strong> to continue her POY campaign in this bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 72 at Pinconning</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Pinconning, Farwell, Harrison, Sanford Meridian, Beaverton, Beal City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Beal City is my pick in this district. The Aggies play with a lot of grit and energy, led by setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='535295' first='Paisley' last='Schumacher']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 73 at North Muskegon</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Holton, North Muskegon, Ravenna, Hesperia, Muskegon Western Michigan Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Western Michigan Christian is ranked in the top five of D3 for a reason. Look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916037' first='Madie' last='Folkema']</strong> to continue her dominant ways in leading WMC to the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 74 at Kent City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Lakeview, White Cloud, Kent City, Montabella, Morley Stanwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction: [player_tooltip player_id='816366' first='Madeline' last='Kozuch']</strong> has been one of the most productive players in the state in 2026. I think she leads Morley Stanwood to the district crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 75 at Grandville Calvin Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Saugatuck, Wyoming Potter's House Christian, Fennville, Holland Black River, Grandville Calvin Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Calvin Christian has put together some impressive wins this season that has it ready for the playoffs. It also is at home, just making their path a little easier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 76 at Olivet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Pewamo-Westphalia, Carson City-Crystal, Olivet, Maple Valley, Saranac, Dalton Kellogg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Saranac has managed to edge Pewamo-Westphalia a few times this season and that's good enough for me to believe it can win this district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 77 at Bridgman</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Constantine, Bridgman, Cassopolis, Niles Brandywine, Three Oaks River Valley, White Pigeon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> River Valley and White Pigeon have the byes and have had success against the rest of the field. These two split a match during the season. Coin toss goes to River Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 78 at Coloma</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Decatur, Hartford, Watervliet, Coloma, Bangor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This some familiarity on each side of the bracket, which I think gives the edge to Bangor, which has fought off Decatur and Hartford in the past.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 79 at Kalamazoo Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Gobles, Bloomingdale, Comstock, Parchment, Kalamazoo Christian, Galesburg-Augusta</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The perennial power Kalamazoo Christian gets the district at home. <strong>Elli VanDusen</strong> should be able to power the Comets to the hardware.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 80 at Schoolcraft</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Lawton, Union City, Bronson, Centreville, Schoolcraft</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This should be a really competitive bracket. There's some solid programs competing at Schoolcraft, but there's something about Bronson I like. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848766' first='Hadley' last='Wagaman']</strong> might be able to push the Vikings to the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 81 at Jonesville</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Jonesville, Reading, Homer, Hillsdale, Quincy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Quincy should be comfortable this week as the Orioles have beaten most of the teams in this district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 82 at Hanover-Horton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Napoleon, Addison, Jackson Lumen Christi, Onsted, Brooklyn Columbia Central, Hanover-Horton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The Comets have been soaring in 2026 and look poised for a strong postseason. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291173' first='Brynn' last='DeGlee']</strong> will be the player to watch in this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 83 at Clinton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Whitmore Lake, Ypsilanti Arbor Prep, Clinton, Manchester, Grass Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Grass Lake and Clinton are ranked in the top 10 and could meet in the final. They also played a 31-29 tiebreaker set, so it's a coin toss as to who would prevail. I will go with Clinton behind the leadership of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904506' first='Avery' last='Loftis']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 84 at Hudson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Hudson, Blissfield, Erie Mason, Sand Creek, Ottawa Lake Whiteford, SMCC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The Kestrels can't be overlooked in a district, or in the D3 picture as a whole. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='456251' first='Alexa' last='Turner']</strong> will make sure SMCC is on its game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 85 at Plymouth Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Taylor Prep, Westland Universal Learning Academy, Allen Park Cabrini, Detroit Community, Plymouth Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Plymouth Christian has the firepower to compete with anyone in Division 3, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587016' first='Lillian' last='Bowman']</strong>. Look for PCA to roll in this district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 86 at Royal Oak Shrine</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Detroit Cristo Rey, Detroit Northwestern, Royal Oak Shrine, Southfield Bradford, Hope of Detroit Academy, Detroit Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Detroit Academy of the Americas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This 7-team district should be able to work in Shrine's favor. The Knights will have to win three times, but it seems possible on paper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 87 at Clawson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Madison Heights Madison, Bloomfield Hills Roeper, Clawson, Warren Michigan Collegiate, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Lutheran Northwest can build off its postseason run from a year ago. I like the play of <strong>Becca Pavlik</strong> to keep the Crusaders on target for another district title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 88 at Mt. Clemens</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Clintondale, Mt. Clemens, New Haven, Center Line Prep Academy, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This district could feature a lot of tight sets, but Liggett is the team I am going with, as they seem to be a little more battle-tested.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 89 at Springport</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Potterville, Dansville, Lansing Christian, Springport, Leslie, Stockbridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The Panthers of Stockbridge have been able to fight their way to key wins against the top teams in this bracket. Look for them to win the district this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 90 at Laingsburg</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Ovid-Elsie, Durand, Laingsburg, Perry, Charyl Stockwell Prep, Bath</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Watch out for the Bees! Bath has been tearing it up this year and still is somewhat under the radar. Watch out for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='815540' first='Kyria' last='Pairolero']</strong> at the net, as she's hitting over .400 this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 91 at Burton Bendle</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Flint International Academy, Pontiac A&amp;T, Burton Bendle, Waterford Oakside Prep, Burton Bentley, Burton Atherton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This district should come down to the Burton programs, and Burton Atherton has had the bragging rights in that case.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 92 at Marlette</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Memphis, Capac, Kimball Landmark Academy, Sandusky, Marlette, Brown City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> This district shapes up well for Brown City. The Green Devils have been consistent and have picked up key wins against top opponents in the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 93 at Hemlock</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Ithaca, St. Charles, Hemlock, Breckenridge, St. Louis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> The Sharks have one of their best teams in a while and that is led by the dynamic hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817491' first='Olivia' last='Brown']</strong>. She's going to be too much for the rest of this bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 94 at Millington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Vassar, Millington, Reese, Valley Lutheran</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Valley Lutheran has been focused on returning to Battle Creek and their play gives me no reason to doubt that. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523865' first='Kate' last='Belt']</strong> will have this team ready to go this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 95 at Montrose</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Montrose, Otisville LakeVille Memorial, New Lothrop, Genesee, Mt. Morris</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Mt. Morris is a team that has had success in different divisions during the postseason. It can be a dark horse team in this postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>District 96 at Unionville-Sebewaing</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams:</strong> Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, Harbor Beach, Unionville-Sebewaing, Bad Axe, Cass City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Cass City knows how to win this time of year and <strong>Skylar Ignash</strong> has been one of the best in D3 in 2026. Look for another district title for Cass City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->