Potential Division 4 Playoff Upsets
We give so much attention to our higher division teams, but there is something to be said for the small schools! These schools have limited resources and a much smaller number of students from which to draw. They typically aren’t allowed to…
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Continue ReadingWe give so much attention to our higher division teams, but there is something to be said for the small schools! These schools have limited resources and a much smaller number of students from which to draw. They typically aren’t allowed to make cuts, and sometimes are lucky to be able to field a Varsity and JV. Seeding can be a tough process when teams haven’t played one another nor have any common opponents. Coaches fight to get their teams the best seed and match-up as possible, as well as getting the regional or sectional as correct as possible. BUT anything can happen in playoffs, and who doesn’t love a Cinderella story?
Division 4
Sectional 1
#9 Flambeau @ #8 Mellen
These two have not played each other this season, but they have had similar results against common opponents. I think Mellen will start out strong with confidence in their seed, and then Flambeau will warm-up and build confidence as they push this match into overtime in a deciding 5th set.
#10 Lake Holcomb @ #7 Siren
These teams have not had the chance to play one another this season, but they have had several common opponents. Siren has an edge, having beaten Cornell, where Lake Holcomb has lost twice to Cornell. I still think there is something about this Lake Holcomb team that screams upset, but I think it will be very tight sets throughout.
Sectional 2
#5 Gillett @ #4 Bowler
Bowler took Gillett in 3 sets back in late August, but they were close games (25-21, 25-21, 26-24). A lot happens over the season, and Bowler does have a better winning percentage. BUT Gillett makes a late surge and pushes matches to the 5th set, and Bowler has yet to play a 5th set. So Gillett may end up in an advantage if they can make a big push to 5, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes to 5!
#9 Northland Lutheran @ #8 Rib Lake
Northland Lutheran has several advantages here, including a better overall record. This does appear to be two teams that could present a very good match-up. I would say Northland Lutheran has an edge behind Mikayla Obsuszt (2020), Alyse Neumann (2019), and Taylor Schiferl (2020), but all sets will be a battle!
Sectional 3
#12 Wonewoc-Center @ #5 Kickapoo
I’ve seen Wonewoc-Center play, and they are not a team you want to sleep on. Their record may not be impressive, but they have taken down good teams this year. Katelyn Miller (2019 – Outside Hitter) sees the block well and works just inside the blocker’s shoulder nicely, and if that isn’t open, she can power it through most blocks. Marin Stowe (2019 – Middle Blocker) also has a heavy swing that powers through a block. Kailey Ertel (2021) poses a threat from the service line and takes teams out of system. This should be a good match!
Sectional 4
#10 Oneida Nation @ #7 Sheboygan Area Lutheran
This is another match-up where there is no common opponents and no head-to-head history, making it tough to seed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Oneida takes this one in 3 sets, but not without a battle. They have a plethora of contributors, including Leida Rodríguez (2019 – 5’8 – Middle Blocker), Sadie Schumann (2020 – 5’8 – Middle Blocker), Tiara Barber (2019 – 5’4 – Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist), Mercedes Ackley (2019 – 5’3 – Libero), and Iselena Torres (2019 – 5’3 – Setter).
#11 Faith Christian @ #6 Monticello
They both have winning records, and they haven’t played each other OR any common opponents. They do have trends in the way they play. Monticello will come out with guns blazing and most likely take the first two sets, but they have a tendency to cool off ,while Faith Christian takes longer to warm up and may push this match to 5 behind Zoë Vyskocil (2019 – Setter/Outside Hitter), Michelle Kallestad (2020 – Middle Blocker), and Lilly Czarnecki (2019 – Libero).
#11 Eastbrook Academy @ #6 Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran
Lutheran has a lot more play experience that could help them in this match. They have no previous head-to-head history or common opponents. I think Lutheran will likely start out strong, but Eastbrook will push back and potentially take this match to 5, where Eastbrook has a better track record.
#12 Pecatonica @ #5 Fall River
I know upsets are more expected among the middle-of-the-pack seeds, but as I looked through these two teams’ body of work over the season, something really stuck out to me. Fall River has a tendency to start out hot and cool off. Pecatonica warms up as they go. This is a recipe for a 5-set match. There may be a possible lopsided score here and there; but overall, it should make for a good match!