Top returning 2021 classes in Division 2
Senior leadership won’t be hard to find in Division 2 this upcoming prep season, as a number of top teams are bringing back big classes. Here’s a look at five teams that should be led by a deep senior group…
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Continue ReadingSenior leadership won’t be hard to find in Division 2 this upcoming prep season, as a number of top teams are bringing back big classes.
Here’s a look at five teams that should be led by a deep senior group this fall.
Grand Rapids Christian
The two-time defending Division 2 state champs will have some big holes to fill in 2020, but the Eagles have a five-player senior class to rely on that includes two All-State honorees. Addie VanderWeide Addie VanderWeide 6'1" | OH Grand Rapids Christian | 2021 State MI leads the way, as she is likely to find herself as a Miss Volleyball finalist. The powerful outside has raised her game exponentially each year. Defensively, GRC will be able to rely heavily on libero Lauren Peal Lauren Peal 5'10" | DS/L Grand Rapids Christian | 2021 State MI , who returns for her senior year after being an unsung hero in last year’s championship run. Stephanie Stewart Stephanie Stewart 6'0" | OH GR Christian | 2021 State MI is another returning hitter that is likely to see an increased load this fall.
Montague
The Wildcats were a pretty young team last year and picked up a district championship. Now they bring back a senior class of eight players, including three that had All-State honors. Leading the way is 6-foot middle Ally Hall and 5’9” outside Reilly Murphy. The two combined for over 1,100 kills in 2019 and are one of the best returning 1-2 punches in the state. Helping them succeed was setter Raegan Murphy, who also returns as a senior in 2020. She tallied over 1,550 assists last fall and has a great serve as well.
Marshall
A district champion in 2019, the Redhawks had just three seniors on their roster and will now come into the 2020 season with eight seniors. Among the returners are middle Olivia Webber and outside Abby Welke, a pair of 6-foot hitters that were both Second Team All-State in 2019. They will lead a deep roster of hitters this upcoming fall that should make them a top contender in Division 2 right away.
Hamilton
The Hawkeyes were a quarterfinalist in 2019 before running into Grand Rapids Christian. While graduating five seniors, the Hawkeyes still bring back a big senior class for 2020 of seven players. Leading the way is dynamic, 6’2” middle hitter Allison Ediger, who was a First Team All-State selection last fall. She will continue to be a big presence at the net this fall. Libero Jen Johnson also returns and her skills in the back row, combined with Ediger’s blocking ability, should make Hamilton a strong defensive team.
Flat Rock
The Rams were a district champion last year and return seven seniors for the 2020 season, including a pair of captains in setter Madeline Cloke and OH/DS Ryley Osentoski. Libero Amanda Ibarra is also back, giving Flat Rock a lot of foundation pieces to build on. The Rams should be able to hit the ground running this fall with so many returning pieces and so much leadership to go around.
Other top Class of 2021 rosters: Harper Creek, North Branch, Regina