2021 Prep Preview: Top defenses in Division 4
There will be plenty of highlight-reel defensive plays coming from Division 4 this upcoming prep season. With a lot of athleticism in the back row, look for plenty of great plays made each week. Here’s five teams that should be…
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Continue ReadingThere will be plenty of highlight-reel defensive plays coming from Division 4 this upcoming prep season.
With a lot of athleticism in the back row, look for plenty of great plays made each week.
Here’s five teams that should be among the best defensively in Division 4 for the upcoming season.
Battle Creek St. Philip
The defending D4 state champs return all but one from its roster, giving it a lot of experience to work with. Defensively, Baily Fancher was an All-State libero last year and returns to lead the Tigers’ defense. While St. Philip loses a strong middle, it still returns a lot of talented passers that can block at the net as well. Brooke Dzwik Brooke Dzwik 5'10" | OH Battle Creek St. Phil | 2022 State MI is the complete package at outside hitter and makes a big impact defensively. Rylee Altman and Kate Doyle also are back as a pair of DS’ that played as underclassmen last season. The Tigers should be a tough team to score on, making them an early D4 favorite once again.
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
The Lancers were an experienced squad in 2020, finding its way to a fifth set in the state final. While losing some major offensive pieces, Oakland Christian can still turn to a solid defense to open the 2021 season. Olivia Colletti is an athletic libero that will take on a senior leadership role this season. Micah Tison is a returning outside that also showcased a lot of strong passing last season, while Abigail Franey showed a lot of competitive fire as a freshman DS. Anna Frazee returns at middle blocker as well after leading the Lancers in blocks last season.
Southfield Christian
After losing such a large portion of the 2019 semifinal squad, the Eagles showed a lot of fight in 2020 by winning another district title. For 2021, Southfield Christian should feel like it could make another deep postseason run behind an entirely returning roster. Defensively, Eden Stokes is a libero that has a lot of experience, including playing in the 2019 semifinals. Juliana Helisek and Kendyll Martin are also hitting options that bring their own strengths to the defense with their footwork and instincts.
Onaway
The Cardinals have reasons to be optimistic after winning a district championship in 2020. This year, Lainey Shimel returns at libero to lead the defense. She’s a very athletic libero that is able to keep a lot of rallies going with her effort. Lexi Horton will be a senior middle blocker this season and can get her fingers on a lot of attacks to make life easier for Shimel. Both were All-Region players last season.
Athens
A regional finalist in 2020, Athens can build on that this season behind a pair of strong middles in sophomore Kamryn Parlin and Abby Youmans. The two were both All-Region players and will be relied on heavily on both offense and defense. Sara Nobach returns at libero for her senior season to lead the back row, which has a lot of experience this fall. Also back are defenders Milayna Harvey and Maddi Kiefer to give Athens plenty of passing options.