MHSAA State Finals Breakdown & Predictions

<p>At long last, we have reached the state finals</p> <p>A day that was supposed to be two months has arrived.</p> <p>Though the wait has been painful for the volleyball community, we are being treated with four outstanding matchups today.</p> <p>Here’s a closer look at each of the four championship contests and my picks for the winners.</p> <h4><strong>Division 1 – Marian vs. Lowell</strong></h4> <p>Friday’s semifinals were hard-fought contests, so I am curious to see how much energy these teams have, playing less than 24 hours later. Lowell didn’t get the luxury of playing on Tuesday, so the Red Arrows could still be in the process of getting in the groove. Marian was a little hot-and-cold on Friday, but elevated its game when it counted. The battle between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24846" first="Ava" last="Brizard"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14192" first="Jenna" last="Reitsma"]</strong> as go-to outsides should be fascinating to watch. Both bring a lot of power and are extremely explosive at the net. The difference in this one is the supporting cast. Marian seems to have more balance across the floor and its long arms at the net should pose a challenge for Reitsma.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: Marian over Lowell in four</strong></p> <h4><strong>Division 2 – Grand Rapids Christian vs. Lakewood</strong></h4> <p>This is the match I am most looking forward to. These two squads have been staring across the room from each other all season, seemingly waiting for the championship rematch to happen. Lakewood looks like a stronger team this year. While their size is still their strength, their defensive play has went up a notch. That should bode well in this year’s final. Grand Rapids Christian remains consistent and confident. They are the two-time defending champs for a reason. I don’t think they will be easily rattled by Lakewood, but they certainly will be challenged. How they respond to the challenge will likely tell the tale of the match. There’s just something about this year’s Lakewood squad that says state champion to me. They are playing with a swagger and they seem to have all the pieces in place. I like the Vikings to end the GRC title run in an outstanding match to close out the weekend.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: Lakewood over Grand Rapids Christian in five</strong></p> <h4><strong>Division 3 – SMCC vs. Schoolcraft</strong></h4> <p>Last year’s final between these two was the best match of finals weekend in Battle Creek. It was a five-set classic won by the Kestrels. There should be more fireworks this time around as well. SMCC looked great in its sweep of Beaverton, while Schoolcraft advanced to the final when Valley Lutheran had to forfeit due to a positive COVID-19 test. That could be important, as the Eagles didn’t get a chance to get more live sets after the long layoff before finals week. SMCC coach Karen O’Brien noted it’s a big advantage for her team. Schoolcraft is a balanced team, but relies heavily on its middles. SMCC is built to disrupt that and the Kestrels will be relentless with their attack. The team that defends better will likely come out the winner. SMCC really rose to the occasion in that department last year and I think the Kestrels will do it again this year.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: SMCC over Schoolcraft in four</strong></p> <h4><strong>Division 4 – St. Philip vs. Oakland Christian</strong></h4> <p>St. Philip is back where it is accustomed to being, in a state final. The Fighting Tigers will definitely have a size and depth advantage over the smaller Oakland Christian, which has just eight on the finals roster. The Lancers are easy to overlook for their lack of size, but they play with heart and are a tremendous defensive team. The Tigers won’t find it easy scoring points on them. If Oakland Christian can continue to get production from its secondary hitters like it did against Carney-Nadeau, the Lancers have a real chance at winning their first state title. In the end, I am going to go with the program that has 20 titles to its credit. Coach Vicky Groat knows how to succeed in this setting and she has the top player on the floor in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24854" first="Brooke" last="Dzwik"]</strong>. I think she will be the difference-maker.</p> <p><strong>Prediction: St. Philip over Oakland Christian in four</strong></p>