2021 Prep Preview: Top offenses in Division 1

<p>As the 2021 prep season draws even closer, here is a look at five offenses in Division 1 that should push to be the best in the state.</p> <h4><strong>Marian</strong></h4> <p>The defending Division 1 champs will return their entire squad in 2021, meaning they return their very high-powered offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24846" first="Ava" last="Brizard"]</strong> is as solid as they come on the outside, hitting nearly .400 in 2020. She’s joined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24877" first="Sarah" last="Sylvester"]</strong> in the middle, who has made a lot of big strides in the last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24883" first="Sophia" last="Treder"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66330" first="Ella" last="Schomer"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66329" first="Reagan" last="Sass"]</strong> were also steady contributors, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="137570" first="Janiah" last="Jones"] </strong>showed signs of being a key middle for 2021. Running the offense is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66328" first="Ava" last="Sarafa"]</strong>, one of the top setters in the state and a player that’s also grown a lot in the last year and is playing with ultimate confidence.</p> <h4><strong>Skyline</strong></h4> <p>The Eagles have one of the best players in the nation for the Class of 2023 in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66319" first="Harper" last="Murray"]</strong>. The outside has a complete game and is only dialing up stronger swings as time passes. She’s partnered with a tremendous middle in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24843" first="Cari" last="Bohm"]</strong> that stands 6’4”. <strong>Sophie Schrag </strong>was able to play middle and right side last season and hit nearly .300 for Skyline as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60856" first="Lauren" last="Lee"] </strong>is a very composed setter that returns for her senior season and has great chemistry with this hitting trio.</p> <h4><strong>Rockford</strong></h4> <p>The Rams were another team that returns the majority of its roster from 2020, which is exciting for them as they were really clicking toward the end of the year. A balanced offensive attack was led by middles <strong>Ava Horton </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60837" first="Ava" last="Young"]</strong>. They return for their senior seasons in 2021. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140476" first="Meredith" last="Simmons"] </strong>had a strong sophomore season on the outside and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92234" first="Avery" last="Toole"]</strong> was a great 1-2 punch with Simmons at the pins. <strong>Mackenzie Delacher </strong>runs the balanced offense at setter and her decision-making and athleticism is what allows such a strong attack. Returning as a senior, Delacher has the command to make Rockford one of the best units in the state.</p> <h4><strong>Byron Center</strong></h4> <p>The Bulldogs suffer a big loss with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50308" first="Anna" last="Butler"] </strong>graduating in the middle, but they still have plenty of firepower to work with. Leading the way is standout outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24859" first="Taylor" last="Humphrey"]</strong>, who has already proven she can take on a big workload on the floor. <strong>Makenzi Bennett </strong>showed a lot of promise as a freshman in 2020 on the outside, and will have a chance to really raise her stock in 2021. <strong>Marie Barr </strong>could be someone to help fill the void of Butler in the middle, especially as a senior with some experience. <strong>Cierra Laska </strong>is a veteran setter to lead the offense and help develop the new starting middles. She will keep the offense rolling along.</p> <h4><strong>Portage Northern</strong></h4> <p>Like Byron Center, Portage Northern will have a big hole to fill in the middle with <strong>Kennedy Pilger </strong>graduating, but the Huskies still have a lot of tools in their toolbox. <strong>Bela Griswatch </strong>was their leading hitter in 2020 and returns for her senior season with a chance to really push Northern to another level. <strong>Anna Griffioen </strong>is a great partner with her on the outside that’s improving on her finishing skills. <strong>Jada Clomon </strong>is a junior middle that could be in line for a big upgrade in production this fall. At setter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24864" first="Alia" last="Mastromatteo"]</strong> has a full grip on the offense and can also make the aggressive play when needed. As a senior, she should keep Northern’s offense playing at a high level.</p>