Division 1 quarterfinals breakdown & predictions
In this article:
It’s time for finals week. Eight teams remain in all four divisions, with only four in each advancing to Kellogg Arena this weekend. Let’s breakdown Division 1 first, which includes our top-4-ranked teams, and seven that were in the top-13.…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s time for finals week.
Eight teams remain in all four divisions, with only four in each advancing to Kellogg Arena this weekend.
Let’s breakdown Division 1 first, which includes our top-4-ranked teams, and seven that were in the top-13.
Davison vs. Marian at Royal Oak HS
The defending champs and top-ranked team in D1 gets set for a new challenge from Davison. These two haven’t encountered each other this season, so there could be some feeling out early. Davison has a game-changer in the middle in Amanda Glanton Amanda Glanton 6'4" | MB Davison | 2022 State MI , that can pose some problems for the Mustangs. However, Marian still has the top array of weapons in the state. Ava Brizard Ava Brizard 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State #16 Nation MI , Sarah Sylvester Sarah Sylvester 6'3" | MB Marian | 2022 State #126 Nation MI and Janiah Jones Janiah Jones 6'1" | MB Marian | 2022 State MI are all hitting .440 or better, while Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI and Sophia Treder Sophia Treder 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State MI are strong finishers as well. Ava Sarafa Ava Sarafa 6'0" | S Marian | 2023 State #14 Nation MI runs a very fast offense that has yet to meet its match, and I don’t see Davison being able to either. Prediction: Marian over Davison in 3
Rockford vs. Hudsonville at Holland High School
The top matchup on Tuesday has No. 2 Hudsonville squaring off with No. 3 Rockford in a great matchup full of elite talent. Both teams have diverse offensive options. The Rams have five different players with 199 kills or more and can run fast behind setter Mackenzie Delacher Mackenzie Delacher 5'10" | S Rockford | 2022 State MI . Defensively, Alina Anderson Alina Anderson 5'5" | DS/L Rockford | 2022 State MI is a top-level libero with a lot of athleticism. Hudsonville can match hitting and blocking with Rockford, led by outside Eva Joldersma, who has 401 kills. The Eagles have five players with 190 kills or more, but also have a big blocking presence with Leah Rogers Leah Rogers 6'2" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI in the middle. Carlina Bender Carlina Bender 5'5" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2022 State MI is also a libero that can battle it out with anyone, while bringing a great serve to the floor as well. These two have played 12 sets against one another this season, with Hudsonville winning 10 of them. The Eagles just seem to be a really tough matchup for the Rams. Prediction: Hudsonville over Rockford in 4
Ann Arbor Skyline vs. Northville at Dexter HS
No. 4 Skyline will look to get back to Battle Creek after a year away, while No. 8 Northville is looking to make its first trip since 2018. The Mustangs actually handed Skyline their last loss back on Sept. 25, but the Eagles were without Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI at the time. Skyline avenged the loss in October, but it was a competitive match. Skyline has a big 1-2 punch at the net in Murray and middle Cari Bohm Cari Bohm 6'4" | MB Ann Arbor Skyline | 2022 State #39 Nation MI . Northville will try to answer with powerful hitter Abby Reck, while also playing sound defense behind Taryn Rice Taryn Rice 5'7" | DS/L Northville | 2023 State MI and Jessica Mondragon Jessica Mondragon 5'6" | DS/L Northville | 2022 MI . This match is likely to come down to the team that makes fewer unforced errors. Skyline got a little stagnant in its regional final with Brighton, but that close call may have been a good wake-up for the Eagles. Prediction: Skyline over Northville in 5
Dearborn Divine Child vs. Macomb Dakota at St. Clair Community College
Dakota has been up near the top of the rankings during the season before settling into No. 12 at playoff time. The Cougars have the ability to contend for the state championship, but have struggled with some lapses. This week is certainly no time for that. The Cougars have a great array of arms, including dynamic setter Erin Madigan Erin Madigan 6'2" | S Dakota | 2023 State MI . Madigan is also a great blocking option alongside middle Olivia Gardner Olivia Gardner 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2023 State MI . Gardner and Emma Thamarus Emma Thamarus 5'11" | OH Dakota | 2023 State MI are the lead hitters and can finish with a lot of power. Divine Child will have its hands full. The Falcons were unranked entering the postseason, but find themselves in the Elite Eight. Jillian Palmer will have a big challenge at setter. She’ll need to mix things up to keep the Dakota blockers off-balance. Riley Tople will need to finish at a high rate when her number is called, while the DC defense will have to have its best outing of the season. Prediction: Dakota over Divine Child in 3