Five teams that could shake up Division 2 in 2021

<p>Division 2 has been one of the more predictable in recent years in regards to top contenders.</p> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Christian </strong>has won the last three state titles without dropping a set. <strong>Lakewood </strong>and <strong>Notre Dame Prep </strong>have found themselves at Kellogg Arena the last four seasons as well.</p> <p>Coming into 2021, Division 2 seems as wide open as it has been in recent years.</p> <p>A lot of teams could shake up the championship picture this fall. Here’s five that seem like they could breakthrough with a deep postseason run.</p> <h4><strong>Detroit Country Day</strong></h4> <p>Country Day has been loaded with hitting talent, but the Yellowjackets have run into Notre Dame Prep early in the postseason path and been unable to get past the Irish. Their paths could cross again in 2021, but DCD may be bringing its strongest team yet. Michigan-commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24870" first="Serena" last="Nyambio"] </strong>is as good as they come in the middle and she is joined by talented 2023 middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66291" first="Laurece" last="Abraham"]</strong>. On the outside, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24862" first="Morgan" last="Lockhart"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24869" first="Nyla" last="Muskovin"] </strong>are long and explosive, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66300" first="Paige" last="Elliott"] </strong>is able to play both setter and DS. Country Day has the talent to be a state title contender in 2021.</p> <h4><strong>North Branch</strong></h4> <p>Just like Country Day, North Branch had a talented young team in 2020 that ran into Notre Dame Prep in the regionals. The Broncos had an interesting mix of seniors and underclassmen. While graduating three senior contributors, they return some standout talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"] </strong>was one of the team leaders in kills as a freshman, while middle <strong>Kaela Chingwa </strong>made a big impact as a freshman as well. North Branch also utilized a freshman setter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110302" first="Adrienne" last="Greschaw"]</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110301" first="Hailey" last="Green"]</strong>. This group may have to grow up fast in terms of leadership, but the talent is still there for the Broncos to be a real force again in Division 2 this season.</p> <h4><strong>Essexville Garber</strong></h4> <p>Garber was a district champion in 2020 and played quarterfinalist Birch Run to five sets in a regional semifinal. The Dukes did this with a relatively young roster led by a quartet of sophomores. Outside <strong>Emma Dufresne</strong>, middle <strong>Ashlee Lenhard</strong>, setter <strong>Eli Wagner</strong> and libero <strong>Laney Kokaly </strong>were all named All-Region as sophomores and will be back to lead Garber in 2021. With another year under their belt and plenty of confidence coming into the season, Garber could be positioned for a deeper postseason run this fall.</p> <h4><strong>Corunna</strong></h4> <p>The Cavaliers weren’t really able to see just what their potential was last season, but the team comes into 2021 united, returning their three leading hitters from last fall. <strong>Neele’ge’ Sims </strong>has the state rooting for her to have a great year, and she already has a wealth of talent to work with without the support. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24882" first="Ellie" last="Toney"] </strong>and outside <strong>Josalyn Stratton </strong>return for their senior season, while many other contributors will be back as well. Corunna has a lot of motivation and should be ready to shake up Division 2.</p> <h4><strong>Flat Rock</strong></h4> <p>The Rams were district champions in 2020 and went five sets with Father Gabriel Richard in a regional semifinal. They definitely have some holes to fill in the back row and at setter, but the foundation of the 2021 team is still strong. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137569" first="Kayla" last="Giroux"] </strong>is a dominant middle that is as strong as any at her position. She comes into her senior year and able to work alongside fellow All-Region talent <strong>Abigail Goldobin</strong> on the outside. If Flat Rock can piece together its defense, it should be pretty strong.</p>