Players to watch & predictions for the MHSAA Division 1 semifinals

<p>Grab your popcorn, it should be quite a show.</p> <p>The 2019 MHSAA Division 1 semifinals are filled with great storylines and tremendous talent. You won’t just be seeing some of the best in the state, but some of the best in the country will be on display in Battle Creek Thursday evening.</p> <p>Here’s a closer look at the two matchups and some of the players you should be aware of.</p> <p><strong>Lake Orion vs. Lowell – Thursday, 4:30 p.m.</strong></p> <p>Lake Orion is the defending Division 1 state champion, but not many could have predicted that the Dragons would find themselves back in Battle Creek after losing nearly their entire roster from the championship squad. Lake Orion has hit its stride in the postseason and playing well above its No. 15 ranking. Lowell has been right in the mix for a top spot in our Division 1 rankings and came into the postseason at No. 2. The Red Arrows are appearing in the semifinal for the first time after besting No. 3 Mattawan in four sets on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Lake Orion – </em></strong>One of the few returning players that was a contributor in Battle Creek a year ago is junior middle <strong>Kendall Robertson</strong>. She has also been a big key to Lake Orion’s playoff run, as she is finishing at a high rate and provides a great block. Robertson is a vocal leader on the floor and her experience will be important this weekend. Freshman outside <strong>Nina Horning </strong>has been a breakout star for the Dragons this year and is getting better with each set. She leads Lake Orion in kills and aces and now gets to display her talents on the big stage.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Lowell – </em></strong>There may not be a single player in the state that has had a better 2019 season than <strong>Jenna Reitsma</strong>. The junior outside has over 800 kills this year while hitting over .350. She isn’t just about hitting though, as she has the all-around game to truly take over any match. Junior libero <strong>Emma Hall </strong>is going to also play a big role this weekend. Hall is going to face a lot of powerful hitters and will need to be able to keep Lowell in-system. If she can play her best, Lowell may be able to win it all.</p> <p><strong><em>Prediction – </em></strong>These two have played four sets against each other this year and Lowell has won all four, but the Red Arrows can’t prepare for the same team it has already faced. This is a different Lake Orion team that is now playing with house money. Lake Orion has already overachieved this postseason and any further wins will be a cherry on top of the sundae. Lowell has the pressure on it and is playing on the big stage for the first time. That can be a big factor this time of year. Lowell wants a state championship and is definitely battle-tested, but it will have to survive an early storm from Lake Orion on Thursday. I like the Dragons to start fast and put Lowell on its heels, but I eventually see the Red Arrows responding and finding their way into the final behind the play of Reitsma. <strong>Lowell over Lake Orion in four</strong></p> <p><strong>Ann Arbor Skyline vs. Mercy – Thursday, 6:30 p.m.</strong></p> <p>Mercy is appearing in the state semifinals for the third consecutive season and hoping to end its struggles at this stage. The Marlins have never won the state championship and have been upset in the semifinals the last two years. They came into the season ranked No. 1 and have been able to hold that spot for all but one week. The Marlins have another upset-minded test to face in Skyline, which is making its first semifinal appearance in program history. The Eagles have yet to drop a set in the postseason.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Mercy – </em></strong>You can’t talk about Mercy without talking about Miss Volleyball winner <strong>Jess Mruzik</strong>. Mruzik is arguably the top player nationally in the entire Class of 2020. Her athleticism, fundamentals and composure give her the complete package on the floor. Playing on this stage won’t rattle her one bit, as she has shined on the international stage multiple times. Junior setter <strong>Julia Bishop</strong> is the one that makes the Mercy machine run and does it smoothly. Even with Mruzik, Mercy has one of the deepest hitting rosters in the state and Bishop is able to work them all in consistently while finding her own chances to attack as well.</p> <p><strong><em>Players to watch for Skyline – </em></strong>There’s no more impressive 1-2 punch in the entire state than Skyline sisters <strong>Kendall Murray </strong>and <strong>Harper Murray</strong>. Kendall was a Miss Volleyball finalist this year while Harper is a freshman phenom that is coming off an All-American season in club. The two have combined for over 1,350 kills and are both hitting over .300. They also both are standout passers and Harper has over 150 aces this season. This two-person wrecking crew is going to give Mercy all it can handle.</p> <p><strong><em>Prediction – </em></strong>These two met early in the season and Mercy picked up a convincing two-set win over Skyline, but the Eagles have turned the corner and will be coming into Thursday’s match with a lot of confidence. Skyline could be nervous for their first appearance in Battle Creek, but they should feel like they have nothing to lose against top-ranked Mercy. The Marlins have been the expected state champ all year. The big question is, how will the Marlins respond if Skyline can strike the first blow? Will any doubts creep into the Mercy players after the last two semifinal losses? I think Mercy has healed those wounds and are determined to finish the job this year. The Marlins are the deepest team, the most experience team and the most talented team in this D1 field. <strong>Mercy over Skyline in three</strong></p>