Beast of the East: Team Previews (Part 2)

<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>   <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>   <p>Let's keep the party going with our next six teams coming to the Beast of the East this weekend.</p>   <h2>Dakota</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-embed alignright is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/LineShotVBall/status/1558161058912772096?s=20&t=vqGwv8__2y1n7mVlTE8viw </div></figure>   <p>The Division 1 Semifinalists return to this years event on a major hot streak. A streak that hasn't seen the Cougars drop a game since early September. Leading the way is Miss Volleyball nominee and Arkansas State bound S [player_tooltip player_id='108718' first='Erin' last='Madigan']. Averaging close to 9.5 assists per set and leading the team in blocks, Madigan is not a setter you want to mess with. Alongside her is a returning First Team All-State honoree, [player_tooltip player_id='66302' first='Olivia' last='Gardner'] (Loyola Chicago) as the team's kill leader. </p>   <h2>Forest Hills Northern</h2>   <p>Not only could I see this team being one of the last standing teams in November, but I could also see this team be crowned the Beast of the East. Forest Hills Northern is finding themselves in a historic season that is lead by Miss Volleyball nominee OH [player_tooltip player_id='66314' first='Kennedy' last='Louisell'] (UNCG). One of the most terminal attackers in all of Michigan, Louisell lights it up on whatever court she steps on. Alongside her, Louisell is joined by junior duo, OH [player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson'] and MB [player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell'] who are just as impressive in their play .</p>   <h2>Grand Blanc</h2>   <p>This is very much a team you do not want to run into. Grand Blanc is going to play spoiler to many teams not only in Pontiac, but later on in the tournament come November. A large reason for the Bobcat's success comes off the shoulder of [player_tooltip player_id='66316' first='Remi' last='Madison']. As explosive as they come, I would believe Madison is playing this season with a chip on her shoulder after being snubbed from the Miss Volleyball shortlist. A nomination that is very much deserved for this player. Alongside her is another heavy arm with OH <strong>Laila Bates</strong>.</p>   <h2>Grand Haven</h2>   <p>Another west side team coming to show the east what's up are the Buccaneers of Grand Haven. This squad looks to be going through a little bit of a rough patch in the early going of the season, but they have a lot of talent to use on the bench. A huge chunk of talent comes from their power in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='108715' first='Kam' last='Burbridge']. A player you can't give the ball to enough, but when you can, she'll put it away almost every time.</p>   <h2>Grand Rapids Christian</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-embed alignright is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/StateChampsW/status/1576180172352622595?s=20&t=vqGwv8__2y1n7mVlTE8viw </div></figure>   <p>This team had a really good showing at last year's Beast of the East, just narrowly losing in the championship match to Marian. This year, Grand Rapids Christian is a whole new team. No more [player_tooltip player_id='24853' first='Evelyn' last='Doezema'] (Michigan State), who's leading this squad? The Eagles may look heavily to senior MB [player_tooltip player_id='66327' first='Makenzie' last='Ritsema'] (Trinity) to lead them to another deep run in the tournament.</p>   <h2>Imlay City</h2>   <p>A squad in their Beast of the East debut, this team is finding themselves in one of their best seasons yet and looking for more challenge. Imlay City plays with a heavy mix of seniors and freshman on the squad, which creates a fun dynamic. The Spartans play with a killer freshman duo includes S/OPP <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping']</strong> and S <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman']</strong>. Both splitting the setting duties and sharing time swinging on the right side, The two are performing at such a high level already so young in their careers and will be a treat to watch this weekend.<br>.</p>   <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>

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!