Four storylines for the Division 2 MHSAA postseason

<p>Coming into the MHSAA Division 2 playoffs, last year’s state champion looks to be the team to beat again this year. However, anything can happen and there is still a lot of intrigue for the upcoming weeks of action.</p> <p><strong>Will Grand Rapids Christian repeat?</strong></p> <p>Grand Rapids Christian has held the No. 1 ranking all season in both the MIVCA rankings and our Prep Dig rankings. Their three losses have all come at the hands at some of the best teams in Division 1. The Eagles’ offense is balanced, their blocking and defense is physical, and <strong>Jordy Gates</strong> is just a gamer. Combine that with their championship experience from a year ago and it is easy to see why Grand Rapids Christian is the favorite.</p> <p><strong>Who can beat Grand Rapids Christian?</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Coopersville – </em></strong>We were firsthand witnesses of <strong>Abby Olin</strong> at the Beast of the East a few weeks ago. She was dominant and there wasn’t a team that was able to shut her down. Setter <strong>Aubrey Bates</strong> does a great job of finding her whether on or off the net. Coopersville has its sights set on GRC.</p> <p><strong><em>Hamilton </em></strong>– Only a few teams have been able to figure out Hamilton this season. The Hawkeyes have a veteran team of five seniors and seven juniors and are led by a pair of athletic hitters in <strong>Allison Ediger </strong>and <strong>Corbyn Wayner</strong>. The Hawkeyes are a bit under the radar, and they can use that to their advantage.  </p> <p><strong><em>Detroit Country Day – </em></strong>Although not ranked in our top 10 to finish the year, Country Day is one of the most physical teams in Division 2. They are in a brutal district with Lutheran North and perennial D2 power Notre Dame Prep, but if the Yellowjackets can control the ball on first contact, they will be able to upset the field. Sophomore outside <strong>Morgan Lockhart</strong> and sophomore middle <strong>Serena Nyambio</strong> are getting better with each match.</p> <p><strong><em>Notre Dame Prep</em></strong> – In a "rebuilding" year, Notre Dame Prep is still one of the top teams in Division 2. They aren't the team of the past few seasons, but their strength is keeping the ball alive. Sophomore dynamic setter/hitter <strong>Alyssa Borellis </strong>and outside <strong>Bianca Giglio</strong>, along with <strong>Olivia Kowalkowski </strong>and <strong>Josie Bloom </strong>in the back row, can carry this team to Battle Creek. The key for the Irish will be if they can produce enough consistent offense for the next three weeks, but their ball control and work ethic will keep them in every match.</p> <p><strong>Where is North Branch?</strong></p> <p>North Branch and Coach Jim Fish have set a high standard and championship culture that has spanned many years. They have dominated their area in the thumb and have been on the Class B/Division 2 volleyball map for years. This year’s Bronco team has worked hard to improve, but we haven’t seen them reach their potential yet. We might not see the Broncos in Battle Creek this year, but Fish will do everything he can to add another district championship to North Branch’s expansive trophy case. A lot of teams in the D2 pool will be hoping North Branch doesn’t make it out of this week.</p> <p><strong>What is with the emergence of Warren Regina?</strong></p> <p>It isn’t too bold of a prediction to say that Regina will be in the quarterfinals this year. The Saddlelites have a favorable draw and bring a really strong team to the floor. In years past, Regina has been the doormat of the Catholic League. They were lost in the shuffle with teams like Mercy, Marian, Father Gabriel Richard, Ladywood, St. Catherine, and Divine Child having strong postseason runs. Regina moved to the lower division this year and have really gained some confidence throughout the season. Outside hitter <strong>Jenna O'Brien</strong> is a special player and is the foundation for a strong defense. The buck might stop at quarters but Regina will be even better next year!</p>