2018 MHSAA Season Preview: Breaking down the Downriver League
Ten teams in the southern part of Michigan make up the Downriver League. Coming into the 2018 season, some of the top teams experienced some big losses in regards to graduation, while others are hoping their young roster in 2017…
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Continue ReadingTen teams in the southern part of Michigan make up the Downriver League. Coming into the 2018 season, some of the top teams experienced some big losses in regards to graduation, while others are hoping their young roster in 2017 will lead to big success this fall.
Downriver League Breakdown
Both Trenton and Allen Park claimed district championships in the 2017 season, but both have different stories heading into the 2018 campaign. Allen Park lost three All-Region seniors in the Class of 2018. Setter Shayna LaFace, outside and DS Dealin Ruetz and middle Leah Schlesinger are all off to college, leaving the Jaguars with a lot of questions at key positions. Junior hitter Ella Bailey will get her chance to lead the team this year, along with junior libero Braelyn McCalister.
Trenton actually brings back a lot from last year’s squad, led by senior outside Sommer Cavazos, senior libero Madeline Douglas and senior middle Bailey Wilson. Douglas is on her way to Wayne State in 2019, but gives the Trojans a strong defensive foundation for this season. Trenton graduated just two seniors last season. Their returning experience makes them one of the best in this league and a contender in Division 1.
Woodhaven looks like it should be in the mix this season as it returns talented junior hitter Olivia Alexander. She can play middle and the outside and is a player that will shine in this league for the next two seasons.
Southgate Anderson is in a similar position to Allen Park, where the Titans are losing a pair of key players in libero Paige Siegrist and setter Alexis Calhoun. Those are difficult positions to replace, especially early in the year.
Both Carlson and Wyandotte seem like they will be in the mix this year, but both have their own question marks. Carlson has a new coach, but has a lot of talent to work with. Wyandotte has the coaching experience, but is unproven in terms of on-court talent.
Downriver League Prediction: Trenton
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