Volleyball Storylines.

Written Friday October 8th at 11:30 AM

As we head toward the final stretch of the regular season and into the postseason, here are some things that I am looking at during the volleyball season.

The Regional at Novi is loaded.

When looking at the regional at Novi there are some really strong programs that could come out of these districts and play each other pending if all four of these teams get by their respective districts (District Eight-Lake Orion, District Five-Clarkston, District Six-Novi, District Seven-Birmingham Marian.) Three of these four teams made the Final Four last season and all of these teams are near or in the Top Ten in the State this season. It looks like whomever wins this regional has a great chance to win the Division One State title this season.

Can Stoney Creek break out of this funk???

It has been a struggle for Coach Ross Talbott and company at Stoney Creek. The Cougars have lost some tough matches. Stoney Creek needs someone else besides Sydney Tomlak to step up. The Red is very tough but should help come postseason time. The district looks very winnable for Talbott's squad and they would host. If the Cougars can win that then the regional looks very manageable but they could see Macomb Dakota at some point. There is still time to turn this thing around before the postseason.

Can Berkley go deep into the Postseason???

The Bears have been a rising program as of late. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they get to the Division One State Quarterfinals this season. They won a district title last season and is getting better. Can they get to that next step which is the regional??? Sure and for a few reasons. Berkley has a really favorable district with Detroit Renaissance as the likely challenger and whom they beat last season in the district finals. The regional at Lincoln Park pending if the Bears gets there looks very favorable for Coach Eric Wachterhauser. If Berkley can keep improving and gain confidence, once the postseason comes and they take care of business, don't be surprised to see this team make the Division One State Quarterfinals. They have a very favorable path to get there.

Toughest District.

When looking at the districts on paper there are some good ones. I think the toughest district will be District Seven at Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs are the defending Division One State Champs and they have Farmington Hills Mercy, Seaholm, and Bloomfield Hills. Birmingham Marian has beaten the Marlins twice this season while the Blackhawks and Maples are formidable challengers. District Five is another tough district at Lakeland which has Clarkston, Lakeland, Holly, and Walled Lake Northern. The Wolves are favored to win this district but the Bronchos, Eagles, and Knights could give Clarkston some trouble if Coach Alison Smith's team is not careful. District 29 looks very interesting at Stoney Creek with Stoney Creek, Utica Eisenhower, Rochester, Romeo, Port Huron, and Port Huron Northern. The Cougars have struggled a bit this season but has the best player in Sydney Tomlak. The Eagles, Bulldogs, Falcons, and Big Reds could also have strong says as well. District Eight at Oxford is also interesting especially with Lake Orion, Adams, and Oxford as possible contenders. The Dragons are the favorite but the Highlanders and Wildcats could have strong says if Lake Orion is not careful.