2024 Prep Preview: OK Conference White Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OK Conference White Division has always been one of the toughest in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there are some changes for the 2024 season, it won't change that the division is once again stacked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gone are Lowell, Byron Center, Northview and Greenville. But, in steps Ottawa Hills, Forest Hills Eastern and Grand Rapids Catholic Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a very deep division of the OKC that should be a great battle for the title in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":593874,"width":"250px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/17-Briwana-Zimmerman.jpg?w=777" alt="" class="wp-image-593874" style="width:250px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Briwana Zimmerman</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Forest Hills Northern </strong>was the split division winner with Byron Center a year ago. The Huskies then went on to reach the D1 final and come within a set of taking the crown. The team graduated its dynamic 1-2 punch at the net in Elana Erickson and Kendall Hopewell. However, the team still has a lot of promise at the net in junior outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586437' first='Madalin' last='Hersman']</strong> and junior middle <strong>Briwana Zimmerman</strong>. Each were consistent parts of the offense last year and have chemistry with returning setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226936' first='Lexie' last='Stotenbur']</strong>. The junior setter is among the best in the state at her position and should be able to get the best out of these hitters. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454371' first='Riley' last='Loehfelm'] </strong>also is likely to see an expanded role after being a regular part of the attack as a freshman outside. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490347' first='Sydney' last='Shannon'] </strong>returns as a junior outside, as does junior DS <strong>Scout McAllister</strong>. The team used Erickson a lot for its defensive production, but this team still looks solid on paper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Christian </strong>was a D2 semifinalist in 2023 and right in the thick of the OKC-White race. The Eagles will be looking for new leadership, but still have a senior veteran in libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156322' first='Madison' last='Peal'] </strong>(Hillsdale). She can be the defensive anchor that carries GRC while it finds new starters at key spots. The Eagles graduated a pair of talented setter/hitter combo players, but still will have good firepower behind sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke']</strong>. She was one of the top freshman players in the state last fall and is set to lead this offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156336' first='Lucy' last='VanDrunen'] </strong>is a returning senior hitter with experience as well, as is sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490372' first='Piper' last='Cebulski']</strong>, who is listed as a setter/middle option by GRC. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523841' first='Taylor' last='Frost'] </strong>was also a freshman setter on the finals roster that could be an option to move into the lineup as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Forest Hills Eastern</strong> ended up winning the OK-Gold last year after takin the tournament title. Eastern has a pair of talented senior hitter/defender options to rely on this year in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156339' first='Layna' last='Waselewsky'] </strong>(Eastern Michigan) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='224598' first='Adelee' last='Kaiton']</strong>. Both can put the ball down consistently and have great defensive ability. Waselewsky is heading to EMU as a libero, but is a six-rotation option for Eastern.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grand Rapids Catholic Central </strong>was tied for first in the OK-Gold in the regular season. CC has a pair of potent juniors in middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490341' first='Madeline' last='Ostrander']</strong> and libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='216201' first='Cara' last='Wolf']</strong>. Ostrander was an all-league honoree last year and should be an impact player this fall. Wolf has worked hard to up her play and could be a difference-maker in a division full of strong attackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ottawa Hills, Forest Hills Central </strong>and <strong>East Grand Rapids</strong> have a tall task to work to the top of the division this fall, but still have talent that can push a surprise run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156334' first='Ella' last='Taatjes'] </strong>can be a big disruptor for EGR. The senior middle/outside has a big presence at the net. She is supported by a roster that is full of 6-foot hitters, so East Grand Rapids will be able to challenge opponents with its size and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310635' first='Taniya' last='Radden'] </strong>is a hungry and aggressive hitter for Ottawa Hills. The junior has shown a lot of growth in her game and will be a bright spot for the team in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FH Central lost its spark plug and heart in Avery Weslow. She was a do-everything player that brought a lot to the court. Replacing her will be a big challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->