Written Tuesday June 20th at 6:40 PM
Updated Monday October 23rd at 8:10 AM
This are the volleyball districts. Here are my thoughts and insight surrounding each district. This article will be updated.
District 17 @ Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston vs Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston/Livonia Stevenson vs Novi
FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy
FARMINGTON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. Livonia Stevenson
FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy
NEXT: Livonia Stevenson
DARKHORSE: Novi
PLAYER ON SPOT: Kaitlyn Pallozzi-Farmington Hills Mercy
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very tough district. Three teams have a great chance to win this district. Novi made a ton of head waves last season despite losing a ton of proven experience from last season’s final four run. The Wildcats have Cece Regoli, Mallory Stoy, Grace Hoener, Izzy Earley, Kate Harpenau, Paige O’Connor, and Zoe Adams coming back for Coach Kacey Moran. Livonia Stevenson should be a sleeper in this district. The Spartans have Ava Schoen, Dea Alushi, Natalie West, Brynlee Hass, Erin Cahill, Megan Ervans, Cate Sosnowski, Jessica Muller, Kennedy Hinkle, Lauren Micallef, Kelsey Bahr, and Grace Trantham coming back for Coach Amy Osborn. Farmington Hills Mercy has been a perennial power in volleyball and they should be again. The Marlins have Kaitlyn Pallozzi, Maya Zarow, Angie Butler, Lana LaFontaine, Jillian Collins, Cree Hollier, Campbell Flynn, Keira McNutt, and Ava Fitzgerald coming back for Coach Loretta Vogel. Southfield Arts and Tech has a really good season last year winning the Blue for Coach Michael Armstrong. Redford Thurston was up and down last season. They should be better this season for Coach Scott Gray. Farmington really struggled last season. The Falcons should be much improved for Coach Kate Drews. This should be a very interesting district to watch this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: There is no changes to this district. Farmington Hills Mercy got a great draw and should get to the district finals while Novi and Livonia Stevenson should see each other in the district semifinals. If your Coach Loretta Vogel, your living right, right now.
District 21 @ Birmingham Marian
Birmingham Marian vs SEAHOLM
Birmingham Marian/SEAHOLM vs GROVES
ROYAL OAK vs BERKLEY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Berkley
FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian
NEXT: Berkley
DARKHORSE: Groves
PLAYER ON SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian
EARLY THOUGHTS: In the words of the great Paul Heyman, the word defending and undisputed champion is in this district and that is Birmingham Marian. They are the two time defending Division One State Champs and they host the district. The Mustangs area young team but they are loaded again with Allie Davison, Danielle Mertz, Mackenzie Swanson, Maggie Scott, Jayla Zayti, Maria Odeesh, Izzy Busignani, and Ella Swanson coming back. They also added Clarkston transfer Chloe Gehtbrock for Coach Mayssa Cook. Seaholm really struggled last season. The Maples should be better for Coaches Jason and Heather Gambone. Groves should be very interesting this season. The Falcons have Jordan Allen, Anna Apsey, Chloe Cast, Autumn DeGroat, Emily Eshelby, Adison Gerken, Alexis Heller, Molly Heller, Sydney Lezovich, Sofia Scott, Ayden Weber, and Ariell White coming back for Coach Madison Close. Berkley had an incredible run getting to the Division One State Quarterfinals last season. The Bears have Sophie Owens, Lili Herron, Karsen Savage, Mariah Jones, Erika Mayry, Emily High, Alana White, and Julia Watson coming back for Coach Dakota Stanichuk. Royal Oak has a ton of ups and downs last season. The Ravens have Ava Emery, Brie Emery, Charlotte Graves, Riley Maizy, Jaelynn Prebelich, Hannah Saunders, and Emmy Walden coming back for Coach Ciara Schultz. This district is the Mustangs to lose but the Bears, Falcons, Ravens, and maybe Maples might have a strong say how this district goes.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district doesn't have a ton of changes except Oak Park dropped out. This district looks like it will be Birmingham Marian despite all the young talent they have likely up against Berkley in the district final. The Mustangs should be favored but the Bears could surprise some folks and pull off a stunner. They are more than capable of doing that.
District 25 @ Waterford Mott
Walled Lake Western vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Walled Lake Western/BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Walled Lake Central
Waterford Mott vs NORTH FARMINGTON
Waterford Mott/NORTH FARMINGTON vs WEST BLOOMFIELD
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Bloomfield Hills, 2. Walled Lake Central
FAVORITE: Bloomfield Hills
NEXT: Walled Lake Central
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Western
PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Natalie Petrucci- Bloomfield Hills
EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines coming into this district. Walled Lake Central is veteran heavy. The Vikings have Madeline Elkow, Lauren Browser, Angelina Virga, Angelina Saco, Samantha Klenczar, Makalynn Czamecki, Brielle Thomas, and Reagan Adams coming back for Coach Elizabeth Kaplin. Walled Lake Western is another team that is veteran heavy. The Warriors have Blaire Waling, Evynne Santana, Natalie Kosaian, Ryah Dewey, Brie Woodman, and Megan Hill coming back for Coach Angie Dewey. Bloomfield Hills has a ton of proven experience. The Blackhawks have Jessica Pal, Kacy Rankin, Emily Daitch, Kora Nicolanti, Jamie Zousmer, Natalie Peturcci, Annalise Parker, Gabrielle Gippert, Mia Feinglold, Celeste Arabo, and Kayla Nwabuezee coming back for Coach Jacob Paige. Waterford Mott has struggled in the past but they should be better for Coach Beth MacVicar. North Farmington was very young last season. They have experience which should help. The Raiders have Skyler Wayne, Sydney Ostrofsky, Liz Grajewski, Sofi Licari, Sam Hoffer, Amara Gatson, Isaiah Bartlett, Mehar Khanna, Sullivan Totin, Whalen Kennedy, Collin Zimmerman, Kayli Piper, and Kanoto Noguchi coming back for Coach Michael Love. West Bloomfield should be very interesting with a new coach and system coming into the program. The Lakers have Arielle Newsome, Jordanne Shannon, Gabrielle Hale, and Felcia Fulton coming back for new coach Elizabeth Ferguson. This should be a very interesting district to watch. It’s anyone’s district but give a slight edge to the Blackhawks.
DISTRICT UPDATE: It really stinks to me that the two top teams in this district will likely meet in the district semifinals but it is what is. West Bloomfield and North Farmington should be a very interesting district semifinal matchup. I see whoever wins that game seeing Bloomfield Hills when looking at the bracket. My district projection has no changes.
District 26 @ Adams
Utica Eisenhower vs PONTIAC
Utica Eisenhower/PONTIAC vs ROCHESTER
ADAMS vs STONEY CREEK
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Stoney Creek, 2. Utica Eisenhower
FAVORITE: Stoney Creek
NEXT: Adams
DARKHORSE: Rochester
PLAYER ON SPOT: Lola Hurst-Rochester
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district. There are four teams that have a shot to win this district. Utica Eisenhower should be a very interesting team. The Eagles have Jada Pantaleo, Shpresa Nikolai, Gina Fredrigo, Kayla Ostrander, Claire Bemis, Danielle Becker, and Jenna Fraser coming back for Coach Caitlyn Mahoney. Rochester has made a ton of strides from last season. They should be very good this season. The Falcons have Aleeza Carballo, Lola Hurst, Abby He, Kaitlin Allen, Kylah Vigant, Vivian Campbell, Carol Campbell, Isabella Ferrara, Joran Suhajda, Bruce Suhajda, and Makena Torri coming back for Coach Kirk Gibbs. Adams should be back in the mix. The Highlanders have Emily Edwards, Maddie Wilson, Julia Fidler, Tori Lang, Tina Barnekova, Emerson Straub, Bella Guthrie, Sayrha Nahra, and Olivia Carroll coming back for Coach Terry Baughman. Stoney Creek was very young last season which was very unusual. The Cougars have Lexi Mazzola, Grace Bonner, Joslyn Becker, Julia Gojcaj, Lili Sipila, Caroline Khury, Zoe Champine, Ana Cano, Jillian Van Stee, and Cassandra Younggren coming back for Coach Ross Talbot. Pontiac should be very young this season for Coach Kyrie Holloman. This district should be very competitive with the Cougars, Highlanders, Falcons, and Eagles have great chances to win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This should be a very fun district when looking at the matchup. Rochester got a great draw but could see Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Adams and Stoney Creek should go five games which would be very interesting. I'm seeing right now a Rochester/Adams district final but Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower could easily replace both teams.
District 27 @ Avondale
AVONDALE vs Sterling Heights
AVONDALE/Sterling Heights vs Utica Ford II
TROY vs TROY ATHENS
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Troy, 2. Avondale
FAVORITE: Troy
NEXT: Avondale
DARKHORSE: Troy Athens
PLAYER ON SPOT: Caroline Cubitt-Troy Athens
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Auburn Hills. Utica Ford II should be solid this season. The Falcons have Natalia Malewicz, Bella Allen, Ruby Sandison, Kaitlyn Marsh, Stephanie Saunders, and Samantha Yantus coming back for Coach Randy Schantz. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a solid year last season. The Titans have Diana Marku, Kaitlyn Davis, Samantha Fenwick, and Katie Coles coming back for Coach Karolina Dziedzic. Troy has been very good in the past. The Colts have Anna Rich, Bella Colon, Gabby Bouzide, Emma Runke, Riley Smith and, Anika Abelgas coming back for Coach Vince Muscat. Troy Athens has been improving. The Red Hawks have Ashlyn Andrzejewski, Caroline Cubitt, Macy Van Tiem, Maya Sabra, Madigan Tennies, and Julia Heywood coming back for Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Avondale has been improving each season. The Yellow Jackets have Ava Williams, Cate Pastori, Marissa Jewell, Paige Inez and Kennedy Wolfe coming back for Coach Andrew Stepp. I think this is a wide open district to say the least.
DISTRICT UPDATE: No real changes to this district. Troy has really emerged as the favorite and should be the favorite in this district going forward. Utica Ford II has been really interesting while Avondale is the wildcard. It wouldn't surprise me if the Falcons or Yellow Jackets and Colts are the district final matchup.
District 29 @ Lake Orion
Lakeland vs CLARKSTON
Lakeland/CLARKSTON vs LAKE ORION
Walled Lake Northern vs Waterford Kettering
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Clarkston, 2. Lake Orion
FAVORITE: Clarkston
NEXT: Lake Orion
DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Northern
PLAYER ON SPOT: Cayla Cogan-Clarkston
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is going to be a very competitive and very tough district. Four teams have a shot to win this district. Walled Lake Northern is veteran heavy this season. The Knights have Kaitlyn Freitag, Amelia Foster, Ava Epley, Kayla Budziak, Hadley Krygier, Avery Alfano, Lexi Peters, and Lucy McCarthy coming back for Coach Suzanne Krygier. Lakeland has been very good and they should be again this season. The Eagles have Kenzie McCombs, Kylie Kennedy, Ivana Fillipovic, Rylie Finzel, and Finley Ostach coming back for Coach Meghan Polce. Waterford Kettering has struggled in recent years. The Captains have Isabel Nuttall, Sarai Villegas-Rosa, Isabella Labo, Delaney Hall, Andrea Brown, Kyra Nickerson, and Riley Buczek coming back for Coach Rod Armstrong. Lake Orion is a very interesting team. They kind of remind you of the 2015 Michigan State Spartans College Football team. The Dragons have Charlotte Peplowski, Teresa Gaberdiel, Allison O’Rourke, Sydney Bell, Carly Zibell, Ella Johnson, Sydbey Small, Addison Dukus, Kennedi Miller, and Devin Brunk coming back for Coach Tony Scarvada. Clarkston made a ton of noise and took Birmingham Marian to the brink last season in the State Quarterfinals. The Wolves have Morgan Lozzi, Addison Newblatt, Kiley Gallagher, Cayla Cogan, Jessica Petker, Emery Kuebler, and Isabelle Henry coming back for Coach Alison Smith. This district should be the one of the most competitive in the State this season.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks like Walled Lake Northern will head to the district final with ease. Lakeland and Clarkston looks very interesting but the Wolves should pull through setting up a rematch with Lake Orion. The Wolves beat the Dragons in three games. This district looks like it's a Clarkston/Walled Lake Northern district final.
District 32 @ Romeo
Port Huron vs OXFORD
Port Huron/OXFORD vs New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Romeo vs Lapeer
Romeo/Lapeer vs Port Huron Northern
PROJECTED MPR: 1. New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 2. Oxford
FAVORITE: New Baltimore Anchor Bay
NEXT: Oxford
DARKHORSE: Port Huron
PLAYER ON SPOT: Jordyn Fiedler-Port Huron
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, three teams have a great shot to win this district. New Baltimore Anchor Bay was solid last season. The Tars have Ashlyn Cunha, Grace Lancaster, Lea Wasielewski, Brooklyn Haack, Rachel Youngblood, Korin Hitton, and Amelia Klos coming back for Coach Kristy Morrow. Port Huron should be a very interesting team. The Big Reds have Brylynn Balon, Jordan Fiedler, Alana Haller, Erica Hudy, Gwen Kamendat, Bryn Mullens, Isabelle Trombly, Illiana Williams coming back for Coach Derek Arena. Port Huron Northern really struggled last season. The Huskies have Elizabeth Block, McKenna Kiteley, Paisley Peyerk, Alexis Umbreit, Emma Vandergraff, Sydney Betts, and Anna Kerhoulas coming back for Coach Jacqueline Jamison. Lapeer was solid last season. The Lightning have Josie Jacob, Rosa Freeland, Berkley Dixon, Zoe Lomerson, Addison Seifferly, Vanessa Carr, Ginger Grzyb, Eva LeClaire, Oaklee Callans, Shannon Nolan, Baylee Osentoski, and Lexi Norman coming back for Coach Barry Jones. Oxford should be very interesting. The Wildcats have Alexandra Lantzy, Abby Jones, Jenna Miller, Kaitlyn Weiss, Tara Swanson, and Ella Sharrow coming back for Coach Noelle Zebb. Romeo has home court and should have a bounce back season. The Bulldogs have Trista Ameel, Alyson Culkin, Kara Plutschuck, Emma Pagliarella, and Hannah Tymitz coming back for Coach Stacey Williams. Overall this should be a very interesting district as mentioned between the Tars, Big Reds, and Wildcats are the early favorites but never count the Bulldogs out by any means.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks wide open. Romeo has been much better than advertised and should make a run to the district final. The top of the bracket should be fun with Port Huron and Oxford playing each other with the winner getting a proven powerhouse in New Baltimore Anchor Bay. Port Huron is a scary team right now but can't count the Tars out. This is a perfect opportunity for Romeo to make some noise.
District 54 @ Hazel Park
Detroit Henry Ford vs FERNDALE
Detroit Henry Ford/FERNDALE vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy
Hazel Park vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy
Hazel Park/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Hazel Park, 2. Ferndale
FAVORITE: Hazel Park
NEXT: Ferndale
DARKHORSE: Ferndale University
PLAYER ON SPOT: Isabella Mendoza-Ferndale
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district looks like it could be a three team district. Detroit Henry Ford really struggled last season for Coach Tiffany Jackson. Detroit Lincoln King struggled last season for Coach Briana Moss. Detroit Jalen Rose Academy for Coach Rhea Cooper. Hazel Park has been very good since leaving the OAA for the Macomb Area Conference. The Vikings have Alayna Brown, Lacy Chambers, Gabrielle, Figueroa, Emily Hudnall, and Savannah Lopez coming back for Coach Sherry Rietz. Ferndale should be a contender this season. The Eagles have Tatiyana Butts, Isabel Dutra, Charlotte Keller, Isabella Mendoza, Scarlet Reid, Katie Stokes, and Djene Sy coming back for Coach Natalie Satkowiak. Ferndale University should be very interesting this season. The Eagles have Ja-Kai George Tate, JonNae Kitchen, Briah Wadley, and Chanel Watson coming back for Coach Kenton Maki. As mentioned earlier, this district could come down to the Vikings, the Eagles, and the Eagles whom could win this district.
DISTRICT UPDATE: This district looks very interesting. Ferndale got a great draw and should make the district finals. Hazel Park and Ferndale University could be a very interesting matchup in the district semifinals. I see a Eagles/Vikings district finals so no changes right now.
District 56 @ Harper Woods
Detroit Denby vs Detroit East English Village Prep
Detroit Denby/Detroit East English Village Prep vs HARPER WOODS
Harper Woods Chandler Park vs Detroit Southeastern
Harper Woods Chandler Park/Detroit Southeastern vs Detroit Osborn
PROJECTED MPR: 1. Harper Woods Chandler Park, 2. Detroit Southeastern
FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park
NEXT: Detroit Southeastern
DARKHORSE: Harper Woods
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Detroit Southeastern was very good last season for Coach Ricardo Brown. Detroit Osborn has a new coach. Detroit East English for Coach Pamela Green. Detroit Denby for Coach Leif Seed. Harper Woods Chandler Park was up and down last season but they will have home court which helps. The Eagles have Micha White, Asia Newsom, Destiny Hardy, Jaiden Brooks, Shardae Littlejohn, Autumn Howard and Jailah Carter coming back for Coach Michelle Smith. Harper Woods really struggled last season for Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. This district on paper looks like this is the Eagles to lose but the Jungaleers could give a battle for sure.
DISTRICT UPDATE: The matchups are very interesting. Harper Woods got the best draw and should be in the district final. Harper Woods Chandler Park and Detroit Southeastern has to go through each other. Should be a very interesting district.
Volleyball Districts
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