2020 MHSAA Postseason Sleepers

<p>It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 MHSAA postseason is just about a week away from getting started.</p> <p>The 2020 season has certainly posed new challenges, but thankfully teams around the state have been able to navigate it and get to this point.</p> <p>Each of the four divisions have some clearly established top contenders to win the state title, but are there some teams being overlooked?</p> <p>Here’s a team in each division that may surprise some with a run to Battle Creek.</p> <p><strong>Division 1 – Novi</strong></p> <p>The Wildcats are looking to make their first trip to Battle Creek since winning three consecutive state championships from 2015-17. Novi had some bumps in the road early while dealing with the challenges of COVID-19, but they have really found their stride and navigated through the KLAA with a perfect record.</p> <p>Novi’s lone losses this year are to Bloomfield Hills, Marian and Stoney Creek. In meetings with the Mustangs and Cougars, Novi grabbed a set.</p> <p>The Wildcats open district play with rival Northville, which will be a great challenge, but the Wildcats already own two wins over the Mustangs. A win in that opener puts Novi in the driver’s seat for a regional championship.</p> <p>Novi has arguably the top libero in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50290" first="Rachel" last="Jennings"]</strong>, and a balanced group of hitters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66340" first="Sarah" last="Vellucci"]</strong>, <strong>Gaby Cummings</strong> and <strong>Megha Gondi</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92063" first="Rachel" last="Karr"] </strong>has played very well at setter as well. Keep an eye on the Wildcats.</p> <p><strong>Division 2 – Regina</strong></p> <p>The Saddlelites have been hanging around the top 10 rankings throughout the season, but have had some consistency issues at times.</p> <p>However, it’s clear that when things are clicking, Regina can compete with anyone in Division 2. A big reason for that is the play of senior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50313" first="Jenna" last="O’Brien"]</strong>. O’Brien is a player that can take over a match. When she finds that next gear, it’s hard for opponents to slow her down. <strong>Maggie Peitz </strong>has really stepped up this year at outside as well.</p> <p>With O’Brien on the court, Regina has what it takes to make a run to the quarterfinals and see where things go from there. Their district and regional draws are favorable for them. As they compile wins in the opening weeks of the postseason, it should build confidence and have them ready to leave it all on the floor in the quarterfinal stage.</p> <p><strong>Division 3 – Bronson</strong></p> <p>It’s tough to say that the 2015-18 state champs would catch people by surprise, but Bronson isn’t among the top-ranked teams in Division 3 right now. But, perhaps that is just the added motivation the Vikings need.</p> <p>Bronson has played a very competitive scheduled, including a lot of best-of-five matches to prepare itself for November. The Vikings also have had to use a lot of different players throughout the season due to injuries, which has created depth throughout the lineup. At full strength, Bronson is going to be hard for anyone in Division 3 to deal with.</p> <p><strong>Meagan Lasky </strong>is a proven winner and a great leader at setter for Bronson. <strong>Skye Woodman </strong>and <strong>Karissa Gest </strong>have been the next in a great line of hitters at Bronson. In the back row, freshman <strong>Brealyn Lasky</strong> is the next great talent to come from the Lasky family.</p> <p>When you add in the talent and the excellent coaching of <strong>Jean LaClair</strong>, you have to expect Bronson to be ready for another postseason run.</p> <p><strong>Division 4 – Carney-Nadeau</strong></p> <p>The Wolves have been able to lay claim as one of the best in the Upper Peninsula in the past and they certainly have positioned themselves as one of the best this year.</p> <p>Though Nadeau isn’t featured as one of the top teams in Division 4 right now, don’t be surprised to see them make another deep postseason run this year.</p> <p>Their postseason draw requires a run through the north, which the Wolves have shown they can do.</p> <p>Nadeau has a lot of veteran leadership, especially at the net where <strong>Taylor Kedsch </strong>and <strong>Liana Blahnik</strong> have both been hitting over .330 on the season. <strong>Haley Ernest </strong>is a senior setter that’s on point with both hitters. Junior <strong>Mary Sivula </strong>has a great serve and is part of a strong defensive unit that is led by <strong>Kenzie Walcher</strong>.</p>