Division 1 Power Rankings for Oct. 21

<p><em>The 2026 Prep Dig Exposure Tour hits Michigan on Sunday, Dec. 6. We've now added Universal Speed Testing as part of the event, which is open to 2027-2030 prospects.</em> <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2498/register/exposure-tour-michigan"><strong><em>Get signed up for the event</em></strong></a> <em>now and use <strong>promo code ET26DREW25OFF</strong> to get <strong>25% off</strong> your registration.</em></p>   <p>The 2026 prep season is already winding down, if you can believe it.</p>   <p>As we enter the final few weeks of regular season play before the postseason gets started, there's plenty of contenders in the mix for Division 1 right now.</p>   <p>Here's a look at my latest power rankings in Division 1.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Marian</strong></h2>   <p>The Mustangs got a big confidence-boosting win over Mercy in the CHSL Finals, but then suffered a loss to Forest Hills Northern at Beast of the East. Still, Marian is playing very high-level volleyball right now and has incredible depth around the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569767' first='Quinn' last='Nelson']</strong> is proving she's one of the best all-around talents in the state.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Farmington Hills Mercy</strong></h2>   <p>The Marlins got their stud middle back, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569766' first='McKenzie' last='Andrews']</strong>, so they can start to work toward having their full complement of arms in time for the postseason. Mercy has suffered some close losses as of late, but it is still hard to argue they aren't a top contender to win the D1 title.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3. Byron Center</strong></h2>   <p>Even with a loss to Romeo on Saturday, Byron Center proved a lot by winning the Beast of the East, and doing it in impressive fashion throughout the Gold bracket. The Bulldogs are technically polished and will make opponents work to earn points. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834311' first='Kinsley' last='Whitfield']</strong> is playing at a high level at libero.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4. Clarkston</strong></h2>   <p>The Wolves had a few slip ups in the last week while not at full strength, but you can't ignore their strong stretch of wins throughout the last two months. Clarkston doesn't have the size as many of the top teams, but they defend very well and have great control of the offense through <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith']</strong>.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>5. Utica Eisenhower</strong></h2>   <p>The Eagles have as much talent as anyone, as they put elite-level talent in every position on the court. The key for this team will just be putting together enough consistency to win the tough sets against other top teams. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='938309' first='Juliet' last='Berishaj']</strong> could be what helps push this team to the next level as she continues to develop as a freshman hitter.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>6. South Lyon East</strong></h2>   <p>The Cougars have shown they can beat some of the best in the state, as they bested Mercy over the last week. They've got the dominant hitter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587564' first='Lexi' last='Coleman']</strong>, while still being great defensively and smooth in offensive execution. Blocking will be the key for this team to make a deep run in the postseason.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>7. Forest Hills Northern</strong></h2>   <p>The Huskies will be as strong as anyone when it comes to firepower on the outside. Northern has three players that can terminate at a high level. If they can find a way to have their blocking and defense catch up to that, a title run is definitely within reach. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454371' first='Riley' last='Loehfelm']</strong> has really upped her intensity to try and help Northern complete that final push.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>8. Lowell</strong></h2>   <p>The Red Arrows are going to be a scrappy team. Their youth continues to get better and better, which makes them a dangerous team to be up against in November. There's a lot of balance throughout the offense and defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888958' first='Ellery' last='Bieneman']</strong> is a sophomore middle that could be one to watch come the playoffs. She's got a lot of potential.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9. Romeo</strong></h2>   <p>The Bulldogs definitely put the state on notice for their performance at Beast of the East. They defeated Byron Center and Eisenhower before falling in the semifinals. You could see them really riding the momentum as they kept making great plays as a team. If they get hot, they are going to be a real problem for any opponent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891341' first='Layla' last='Ljajcaj']</strong> is another freshman that can make a difference this postseason.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10. Hudsonville</strong></h2>   <p>The Eagles are a tough team to figure out. They have tremendous talent and have some of the best wins in Division 1, yet there are a few head-scratchers as of late that don't add up to the overall performance. You won't find many better middles than what Hudsonville has, especially with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827359' first='Megan' last='Glass']</strong>.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Next Team In: Orchard Lake St. Mary's</strong></h2>   <p>The Eaglets have played one of the toughest schedules in the state, but at Beast of the East, they showed a lot of grit and ability to compete with the best. They also did that without some key players. OLSM could be a real sleeper team in D1.</p>

The 2026 Prep Dig Exposure Tour hits Michigan on Sunday, Dec. 6. We've now added Universal Speed Testing as part of the event, which is open to 2027-2030 prospects. Get signed up for the event now and use promo code ET26DREW25OFF to get 25% off your registration.