Beast of the East: Team Previews (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The event we have all been waiting for! Bringing 32 of the best teams in the state of Michigan, across all divisions, to one spot for an epic weekend of volleyball! You do not want to miss this!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hosted by [program_tooltip program_id='431551' first='Michigan' last='Elite Volleyball Academy'] at the UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac, Michigan, only the best of the best will be on tap for this event. These teams are so good in fact, we have to be break 'em all down and preview each team attending the Beast of the East. Making Prep Dig your one-stop-shop of all things, Beast of the East related. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting off with our first six teams looking to be crowned the Beast of the East, let's take a look at who will be there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Birch Run</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":130361,"width":221,"height":147,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/02/Kalliann-Cook-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-130361" width="221" height="147"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has one of the best defensive lines in Division 2 and you could even make an argument for the entire state. Spearheading the defense, Austin Peay bound [player_tooltip player_id='66297' first='Kalliann' last='Cook'], mans the back court with such ease. While this talented defense will keep the Panthers in play, I will be curious to see how their attackers will terminate during the tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Bloomfield Hills</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bloomfield Hills is a very young team that has a huge ceiling to reach in the next few seasons. Hills is currently led by rookie, [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze'] in the middle. Nwabueze has a very explosive nature to her play and she can also man down the back court very well. While an underdog coming into the tournament, Hills won't be going without a fight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Brighton</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A team that has been razzled with some injuries this season, I am curious to see this team against such consistent, high-level competition. Pushing aside injury, Brighton is very young with a few freshmen in the starting lineup including OH [player_tooltip player_id='226884' first='Faith' last='Cullen'] and OH/MB [player_tooltip player_id='226878' first='Paige' last='Bierlein']. The two will have to get down with the big dogs and I believe they can deliver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":220220,"width":165,"height":225,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/Oxford-quad-18.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-220220" width="165" height="225"/><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='66303' first='Paige' last='Giehtbrock']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Clarkston</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2022 season has been very good to the Clarkston Wolves. After an early departure in 2021, it seems it has been nothing but fuel for this squad. They will be coming into the Beast of the East with their guns HOT! Two of their biggest guns come fromthe Giehtbrock sister combo of [player_tooltip player_id='66303' first='Paige' last='Giehtbrock'] (Rider) and [player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock']. Paige has proven herself the go-to arm for the team, while Chloe can come in and out of the game at about any position and deliver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Coopersville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of many west side teams making the trek to Pontiac for this epic event, Coopersville brings an electric crew to play. Leading the Broncos is future Ferris State Bulldog, [player_tooltip player_id='108716' first='Emily' last='May']. Wherever she may be on the court, May is a total force to be reckoned with. Her and S [player_tooltip player_id='66341' first='Hayley' last='Wegener'] are a tandem to play against and will be tough to contend with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Utica Eisenhower</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Utica may come in with a 12-14 record, but this team has one of the toughest schedules around. They continue the tough season schedule this weekend in Pontiac. They're led by Wayne State bound [player_tooltip player_id='108717' first='Katie' last='Smith'] who is averaging five kills per set on the season. While Smith leads the way, Utica has struggled finding a consistent supporting cast to back up Smith. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Join us at the<a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/09/the-prep-dig-top-250-expo-series-is-back-2/"> Prep Dig Top 250 Expo</a>! Use code LShotPDExpo250 for 10% off your registration fee. Register before October 19th for the early bird special!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->