2019 MHSAA Season Preview: Breaking down the KLAA
Every year since 2012, the KLAA has produced one team that has gone on to play in the state semifinals in Battle Creek. The 2019 season has some top contenders coming out of the KLAA once again. Here’s a breakdown…
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Continue ReadingEvery year since 2012, the KLAA has produced one team that has gone on to play in the state semifinals in Battle Creek. The 2019 season has some top contenders coming out of the KLAA once again. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect this season.
KLAA West Breakdown
Celia CullenNorthville took home the West title and went on to the Division 1 state semifinals last year after putting an end to the four-year run of Novi. The Wildcats weren’t far behind, finishing second in the division. The Mustangs lose a big senior class, but still return a lot of talent. The big losses come at libero, with the graduation of Hannah Grant, and at setter with the loss of Gabriella Fisette. Also gone is coach Julie Fisette, who is replaced by Rick VanDerVeer. However, Northville has a lot of hitting coming back, led by senior Clare McNamara, junior Jenna Boksha and senior Eleanor Knight. Nyia Setla (West Liberty) is a capable defender that could slide into the libero role this fall and Emma Stiles had 445 assists a year ago.
After three consecutive state championships, it was predictable that Novi would have a tougher time in 2018 after graduating an ultra-talented senior class. The Wildcats were still in the Division 1 mix last year, just couldn’t get past Northville. This year’s team brings a lot of talent back and should be a contender in coach Kacy Moran‘s second season. Novi has three All-Region players returning in senior setter Shannon Jennings, junior libero Rachel Jennings and junior outside Gaby Cummings.
Brighton was third in the division last year and the Bulldogs bring back one of the top players in the entire state in Celia Cullen (Michigan State). Cullen actually led the team in assists, blocks and kills last year, as she also played OPP at times. The key for Brighton will be how much support Cullen gets around her. The team lost six seniors from the 2018 squad. Solana Hickinson (Grand Valley State) is a senior middle that could be in for a big year.
Hartland and Salem were right in the mix last year. Hartland finished fourth while Salem was fifth. Howell, Canton and Plymouth finished in the bottom. While there could be some shuffling this year, I think the West will still come down to Northville, Novi and Brighton. Novi and Northville should again be the top contenders. The Mustangs were definitely the top team last year and I expect the gap to be closer this year, but I think Northville has the pieces to help overcome their big position losses.
KLAA West Prediction: Northville
KLAA East Breakdown
Churchill took the division title last year with a 7-0 record, besting 6-1 Stevenson. The Chargers would go on to reach the D1 quarterfinals before falling to Northville. Churchill brings back a pair of senior leaders in outside Sarah Dunn and libero Jessica Maladecki. Replacing setter Grace Vaeth will be a challenge for the team, but the Chargers have some hitting to help the process along. Stevenson should be hungry this year after finishing a game back of Churchill. The Spartans lose just three seniors from 2018 and have a very senior-led team this year, but they also lost a key pair of juniors as setter Abby Cleaveland (Jacksonville) and middle Libby Cleaveland (Jacksonville) moved to Blissfield. Middle Sedona Coon was an All-KLAA pick last year and Koryn Paramenter is also a returning outside that gives the Spartans a potent attack.
Franklin finished third last year at 5-2. The Patriots have two solid outside hitters to lean on this year in junior Jamia Murray and senior Kaitlyn Merrill. Their attack will make them a threat in any match this year. Belleville finished fourth a year ago at 4-3, but loses a big chunk of its production. The same can be said for Fordson, Dearborn and Wayne. The one team that could make a surge in the standings this year is John Glenn, which was just 2-5 a year ago. The Rockets return two All-League outside hitters in junior Jessica Florn and Mya Tarrance. That 1-2 punch may go a long way for John Glenn this year.
With the loss of the Cleaveland sisters, Stevenson’s bid to unseat Churchill got even more challenging. It should still be a good race, but I will go with the defending champions to make it back to the top.
KLAA East Prediction: Churchill
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