Looking Ahead: Top D2 Teams Coming Into 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a dominant run for the top team in Division 2 for 2023, it feels like the 2024 season should be wide open in the division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's five teams that we expect to be among the top contenders next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Grand Rapids Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We didn't know what to expect of the Eagles in the 2023 season and they ended up being one of the top teams in Division 2. While graduating some key players, including both setting options, the Eagles still have some good pieces to work with. In 2023, this team should be able to find a new setter quickly due to the talented hitters it has back. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke']</strong> had an outstanding freshman year and should be even stronger on the outside as a sophomore. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156336' first='Lucy' last='VanDrunen']</strong> will be a senior outside next fall and she can be a great option to go along with Goodyke. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156322' first='Madison' last='Peal'] </strong>will be the rock in the back row as one of the top passers in the state. Her play will allow the Eagles to find their offense in the early stages of the season and still be successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kingsford</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Flivvers reached the regional final in 2023 and will bring back a large portion of its starting lineup in 2024. Kingsford had four All-Region selections that were in their junior year, so the 2024 squad should have a lot of experience and leadership to rely on. Kingsford smoothly ran a two-setter system behind <strong>Madelynn Kreider </strong>and <strong>Alyssa Larson</strong>. Both were able to transition to a hitting position as well, so they had a good feel for one another at both spots. <strong>Kailey Sundquist </strong>was an aggressive middle that played well above her 5'9” frame, while libero <strong>Ellery Nash</strong> was always able to keep the offense in-system. Kingsford should be the team to beat in the north for D2 and certainly looks like it can make a deep run on paper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>North Branch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's fair to say the 2023 North Branch teams was one of the best we have ever seen in the Class B/Division 2 level. The Broncos were also senior dominant on the court, so it's understandable people might expect North Branch to have a rebuilding year in 2024. However, I won't be so quick to look past the Broncos. The program and coach Jim Fish are likely to still put out a great product on the floor next fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] </strong>is going to be one of the top players in all of Division 2. She's a very well-rounded player with natural leadership in her bones. She's not going to let the Broncos just mail it in. Fish worked in some returning kids during the season that may be able to step up like middle <strong>Hannah Thomas</strong>, outside <strong>Aubrey Fritz. Josie Greschaw </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732246' first='Ella' last='Swoish'] </strong>also saw some time as DS options, so don't expect the back row to just fall apart. North Branch was great before the Class of 2023 arrive, it's likely to continue to be great after it is gone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notre Dame Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Irish are another team that you just can never count out. They were part of one of the toughest districts in the state alongside OLSM and Country Day. The region isn't any easier, but tends to product a top state contender each year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288955' first='Mya' last='Kattula'] </strong>is one of the returning talents that is a setter/hitter combo. Kattula plays the role very well. She excels at both spots and has improved a lot defensively as well. The Irish will once again be one of the top defensive teams in the state next year with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482158' first='Audrey' last='Thummel'] </strong>and <strong>Allison Pilot </strong>returning. Where the Irish will need players to step up is along the net. Outside of Kattula, NDP won't have a lot of proven hitters to work with. However, the team did utilize a variety of underclassmen at times in 2023, all of which should be primed to break out in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orchard Lake St. Mary's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eaglets finally had some seniors in 2023 and it should be no surprise that it won its first district title, doing so in one of the toughest districts in the state as well. OLSM still wasn't terribly senior heavy in 2023 either, meaning the team should be even stronger in 2024. The Eaglets will be as solid as anyone in the middle behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239993' first='Kadie' last='Tarasiewicz'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487079' first='Jillian' last='Gibbs']</strong>. Both can be dominant offensively and defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226908' first='Meredith' last='Martin']</strong> was a great six-rotation outside for OLSM, but she has transferred to Marian. <strong>Ella Muhleck </strong>and <strong>Miriam Czarnik</strong> were two steady defensive contributors last fall, so OLSM won't be lacking in that department in 2024. If the Eaglets can quickly find a new starting setter and consistent outside play, they should definitely be a top contender in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->