2011-2012 MHSAA Team Regional Breakdown

By Steve Widzinski
    MI Grappler High School Analyst
    steve@michigangrappler.com


10/3 - The MHSAA released the District and Regional assignments last week.  MI Grappler High School Analyst Steve Widzinski has provided an in depth breakdown of who the early favorites are in each regional from all four divisions.


Division 1
Region 1-1
Favorite: #9 Grand Haven
Top Competition: #10 Rockford, Portage Central, Hudsonville, East Kentwood

Overview: This west side regional should be one of the most open and competitive in Division 1.  Grand Haven brings back most of last year's team including three state qualifiers and three more regional qualifiers.  Also in the hunt to win this region will be tenth-ranked Rockford.  After a major rebuilding year in 2011, the Rams will have a much more experienced lineup that will be hungry to return to Battle Creek.  Portage Central, Hudsonville and East Kentwood are all additional teams who return significant talent and should be poised to compete in this region.

Region 2-1
Favorite: #4 Brighton
Top Competition: #8 Holt, Grand Ledge, Howell

Overview: 2010-2011 was a great season for Brighton that saw the Bulldogs reach the state semi-finals, with coach Sam Amine being named the Division 1 Head Coach of the year.  Brighton return's a great deal of last years team, and will be expected to continue on last year's success in 2011-2012.  Standing in their way will be a very talented Holt team.  Holt featured a very youthful group of lower weights last year, and should have a more seasoned and balanced lineup in 2012.  Expect the Rams to be a major obstacle in Brighton's path back to Battle Creek.

Region 3-1
Favorite: #5 Southgate Anderson
Top Competition: #6 Temperance Bedford, Westland John Glenn

Overview: Southgate Anderson shocked many last February when they upset Temperance Bedford at regionals to advance to the team state finals.  The Titans will not have the luxury of catching anyone by surprise in 2012 as they come into the year ranked #5 in Division 1 and #15 across the state.  After falling short of Battle Creek the past three years, Bedford should be hungrier than ever for team success.  The Mules will be lead by a new regime this year following the retirement of long time coach Denny Brighton.  It is still early, but as of know Southgate vs Bedford appears to be the best regional matchup in Division 1.

Region 4-1
Favorite: #1 Detroit Catholic Central
Top Competition: Canton, Livonia Franklin

Overview: With three returning state champions, two additional runner-ups, and a slew of other state placers and qualifiers DCC is the early season favorite to win the Division 1 state title this February.  The Shamrocks will be heavily favored to storm through this regional and advance to Battle Creek where they will look to avenge last years one-point finals loss to Oxford.

Region 5-1
Favorite: Roseville 
Top Competition: Grosse Pointe North  

Overview: For the past few years this has been by far the most wide open region in Division 1 and possibly the entire state.  Roseville has been able to take advantage, winning regional titles in 2009 and 2011, and they enter the season as favorites to advance to Battle Creek.  However, plenty of other teams should have a chance to get in the mix including Grosse Pointe North who returns the majority of last year's team.

Region 6-1
Favorite: #3 Oxford
Top Competition: Rochester, Macomb Dakota, Anchor Bay, Rochester Adams 

Overview: Oxford showed their mettle in 2010-2011, by going through an absolute gauntlet to win the Division 1 State Championship.  The Wildcats had to go through an immensely talented Davison team at districts, and then knocked off nationally ranked DCC in the state finals.  While Oxford will be hurt by graduation losses, they should have a slightly easier path to Battle Creek in 2012.  The Wildcats bring back seven starters from last year's championship squad including state champion Prescott Line at 215lbs.  In this region the defending champions will be chased by a plethora of on the bubble teams looking to make a statement.  Rochester, Macomb Dakota, Anchor Bay and Rochester Adams all bring back some significant talent and will try to upend the third-ranked Wildcats.

Region 7-1
Favorite: #4 Hartland
Top Competition: Clarkston

Overview: Over the past decade few wrestling programs have been able to boast the success and consistency of Hartland.  Expect the Eagles' winning ways to continue in 2011, with a lineup that includes several returning starters including two state placers.  As was the case last year, Hartland's toughest regional competition should come from Clarkston.  The Wolves have consistently had a strong program for a long time, but will have to make up for some notable graduation losses.

Region 8-1
Favorite: #2 Davison
Top Competition: Saginaw Heritage, Midland

Overview: After falling to Oxford in districts last winter, Davison should have a much more friendly path to Battle Creek in 2012.  The Cardinals return a tremendous amount of talent and will be astronomical favorites to tear though this regional and make their return to the team finals where they will be expected to compete with DCC.


Division 2
Region 9-2
Favorite: #3 Greenville
Top Competition: #9 Sparta

Overview: Coming off of an appearance in the Division 2 finals, Greenville should once again be one of Michigan's top teams in 2011.  The Yellow Jacket's lineup will feature a slew of returning starters including 2X State Champion and U of M recruit Jordan Thomas.  Greenville will be tested early in the postseason when they take on ninth-ranked Sparta at districts.  Sparta brings back a host of talent and has the potential to be a major sleeper in Division 2.

Region 10-2
Favorite: #1 St. Johns
Top Competition: Lapeer West

Overview: Over the past few years St. Johns has ascended through the ranks to become a premier in Michigan as well as the whole country.  The Red Wings first made their mark in 2009, with a trip to D2 semifinals.  The team followed it up by winning a state title in breathtaking fashion in 2010, and then cemented their place as one of Michigan's elite teams by winning Division 2 in dominant fashion last February.  Coming into the 2012 season the Red Wings appear to have their best lineup to date.  They lose only one starter to graduation, and will be significantly bolstered by the return of 2X Illinois State Champion Ben Whitford.  St. Johns will be one of the nation's elite teams in 2012, and overwhelming favorites to win their third consecutive team state championship.

Region 11-2
Favorite: #2 Lowell
Top Competition: #10 Grand Rapids Northview, Coopersville

Overview: Following a semifinals loss to St. Johns in 2011, Lowell will have revenge on their mind heading into 2012.  The Red Arrows will be lead by a stellar senior class that is headlined by three returning state champions.  Expect Lowell to tear through this regional and advance to Battle Creek where they will look to get a rematch with top-ranked St. Johns.

Region 12-2
Favorite: #4 Allegan
Top Competition: DeWitt

Overview: Despite graduating a phenomenal senior class, Allegan maintained their reputation and one of Michigan's most consistent programs in 2011.  The Tigers turned in another solid year, reaching the D2 quarterfinals where they lost a close dual against Tecumseh.  Allegan brings back the majority of this years team, and should be an improved squad in 2012.  The Tigers should have little trouble advancing through this regional and making another trip to Battle Creek.

Region 13-2
Favorite: #6 Stevensville Lakeshore
Top Competition: Eaton Rapids

Overview: Over the course of tenure at Stevensville Lakshore Coach Bittenbender has built the Lancers into a perennial top team in Division 2.  Expect this year to be no different as Lakeshore enters the season ranked sixth and will be heavily favored to win their regional and reach the team finals.

Region 14-2
Favorite: #7 Mason
Top Competition: Linden, Fowlerville

Overview: Despite the loss of 3X State Champion Conor Youtsey to graduation, Mason should feature a much more balanced and experienced lineup in 2012.  Following a tough regional loss to Tecumseh last winter, the Bulldogs should be hungry to win this regional and advance to Battle Creek.  Standing in their way will be a tough Fowlerville team.  Lead by elite upperweights, Fowlerville has some excellent individuals that could make them a dangerous opponent for Mason in this regional.

Region 15-2
Favorite: #5 Tecumseh
Top Competition: Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Adrian

Overview: Following a semi-finals appearance in 2011, Tecumseh appears to be a team on the rise in Division 2.  However, the Indians will have to fill a lot of holes this year, as they lose six starters to graduation.  Opposing the Indians in this region will be Dearborn Heights Crestwood, another team who reached Kellogg Arena in 2011.  Crestwood returns a lot of starters, but will be hurt by the loss of state champion Joey Golani.

Region 16-2
Favorite: #8 Holly
Top Competition: Madison Heights Lamphere

Overview: Holly proved they were the real last year, by reaching the team finals and wrestling a competitive dual against Greenville in the quarterfinals.  The Bronchos return four state placers, and will be heavily favored to repeat as regional champions and return to Battle Creek.

Division 3

Region 17-3
Favorite: Roscommon

Top Competition: Kingsford, Gladstone, Grayling

Overview: This regional should be completely open for the taking in division 3.  Roscommon, who advanced to team state last February, will enter the season as favorites to repeat as regional champs.  Other top competitors to claim a regional title here will be Kingsford, Gladstone and Grayling who were all district champions in 2011.

Region 18-3
Favorite: #3 Chippewa Hills

Top Competition: Manistee, Gladwin

Overview: After suffering an upset loss at the hands of Bullock Creek at last year's regional championship, Chippewa Hills enters the season ranked third and hungry for team success.  The Warrior's return a great deal of talent from last year's squad, including state champion Zach Cooper and several additional state qualifiers/placers.  Chippewa Hills will be heavily favored to advance through this regional and be in the mix to compete for a state title in Battle Creek.

Region 19-3
Favorite: #7 Whitehall
Top Competition:, #9 Fremont, Allendale, Comstock Park

Overview: Coming into the season this appears to be the most balanced and competitive region in Division 3.  Leading the way among the favorites to win is seventh-ranked Whitehall.  Whitehall, who returns five state qualifiers, was eliminated early in the postseason last winter by a team districts loss at the hands of Shelby.  With Shelby now in Division 4, Whitehall will have their eyes on a regional championship and trip to Battle Creek.  Opposing them will be ninth-ranked Fremont, who returns three state qualifiers from last year.  Others also very capable of winning a regional crown include returning state semi-finalist Allendale, and Comstock Park who brings back four state placers from 2011.  Expect this regional to feature some great dual meets between a handful of very capable teams.

Region 20-3
Favorite: #8 Otsego
Top Competition: Lake Odessa-Lakewood 

Overview: Competing for a regional title here will be Otsego and Lakewood, a pair of teams who both reached team state in 2011.  Otsego, who returns five state qualifiers from 2011, enters the season with a number eight ranking and will be favored to win this region.  Lakewood will be hit harder by graduation, with just two of their state qualifiers from a year ago returning.  While Otsego appears to be the early favorite, Lakewood should pose a very good challenge in their path back to Battle Creek.

Region 21-3
Favorite: #4 Birch Run
Top Competition: #10 Lake Fenton

Overview: With the possible exception of Dundee, no team in Division 3 will be hit harder by graduation losses than Lake Fenton.  Three state champions, one runner-up, and three additional state qualifiers will be among the many wrestlers departing from last year's state runner-up lineup.  With most of last years squad gone, the door will be open for Birch Run to make a trip to Battle Creek.  Birch Run enters the year ranked fourth after losing a close dual to Lake Fenton in last year's regional final.  The Panthers return the majority of last years team including four state placers, which should make them heavy favorites to win this regional and make some noise in Battle Creek.
 
Region 22-3
Favorite: #5 Bullock Creek
Top Competition: #6 Swan Valley, Caro

Overview: Bullock Creek enters the year with a chance to be one of Division 3's top teams.  The Lancers, who are coming off an appearance in the state quarterfinals, bring back four state qualifiers and several other starters from last years team.  However, Bullock Creek will have a tough road to return to Battle Creek as they will have to get through Swan Valley.  Swan Valley comes into the year ranked sixth as the wildcard team in Division 3.  The Vikings are rumored to bring in several notable transfers, and return many key wrestlers from a year ago.  If they live up to their potential, this should be the best regional match up in Division 3.

Region 23-3
Favorite: #1 Richmond

Overview: The two-time defending state champions enter the year ranked first with a great chance at a three-peat.  The Blue Devils have been a model of consistency and success across the state over the past fifteen years and show no signs of slowing down.  With the bulk of last year's state championship squad back, Richmond should breeze through this regional to Battle Creek where they will pursue their third consecutive state title.

Region 24-3
Favorite: #2 Dundee
Top Competition: Napoleon, Onsted

Overview: In 2012 Dundee will try to rebound following the loss of one their best senior classes of all time.  Among those departing from the Viking's lineup include four state champions and Senior National All-Americans.  Despite their tremendous losses, Dundee enters the season ranked second with a chance to contend for a state title.  The Vikings should have little trouble advancing through this regional and making yet another trip to Battle Creek.


Division 4

Region 25-4
Favorite: St. Ignace
Top Competition: Iron Mountain, Rogers City

Overview: St. Ignace made their presence felt at individual state's last winter, with Joe Ostman becoming the first U.P. state champion at 189lbs, and Galloway Thurston placing second at 171lbs.  This year St. Ignace will look to have some team success as Ostman and Thurston return accompanied by several other starters.  However, in order for St. Ignace to reach Battle Creek they will have to get through Iron Mountain who has won three consecutive regional championships.

Region 26-4
Favorite: #2 Hesperia
Top Competition: #5 Shelby

Overview: Generally one would assume moving down a division would result in an easier path to team states.  However, that will not be the case for Shelby who has the poor fortune of drawing into the same region as Hesperia.  Hesperia, who reached the finals with a very young team in 2011, comes into the season ranked second as a serious contender to dethrone reigning champions Hudson.  However, in order for the Panthers to meet their goals they will need to get through a very good Shelby squad.

Region 27-4
Favorite: #7 Dansville 

Overview: Returning quarterfinalist Dansville enters 2012 with a #7 ranking and appears primed for another trip to Kellogg Arena.  Dansville loses state champion Art Bunce to graduation, but will bring back all four of their other state qualifiers.  This tends to be one of D4's weaker regions, and as of now Dansville seems to be the head and shoulders favorite to claim their second consecutive regional title.

Region 28-4
Favorite: #3 New Lothrop

Overview: 2011 was a huge year for New Lothrop, who made waves with some huge wins in the regular season before seeing their season come to an end in a very close semifinal loss to Hesperia.  The Hornets bring back a whopping nine state qualifiers, and all signs indicate they will once again be in the Division 4 state title race.  New Lothrop should not be too heavily challenged in this regional which they won in dominant fashion last February.

Region 29-4
Favorite: #6 Decatur
Top Competition: Watervliet

Overview: Following a regional title in 2011, Decatur enters the season ranked sixth in division four and favored to return to Battle Creek.  They return two state qualifiers and numerous other contributors from a year ago, but will have to get by a tough a tough Watervliet team in order to win back-to-back regional titles.  Watervliet brings back six state qualifiers and should be very capable of competing with Decatur.

Region 30-4
Favorite: #10 Constantine
Top Competition: White Pigeon, Bronson

Overview: Tenth-ranked Constantine appears poised to claim another regional title as they will be in one of Division 4's weaker regions.  The team brings back five state qualifiers from a year ago, and should their toughest competition from Bronson who they narrowly defeated in last year's regional final.

Region 31-4
Favorite: #1 Hudson
Top Competition: #9 Springport, Addison 

Overview: Hudson appears to be on the verge of becoming Michigan's next great wrestling dynasty, as will attempt to win their fourth consecutive state championship in 2012.  The Tigers will be lead by six returning state placers, highlighted by state champions Devan Marry and Joel Varney.  Ninth-ranked Springport and Addison are both very solid teams in this region, however the presence of Hudson makes their chances of a regional title very slim.  

Region 32-4
Favorite: #4 Manchester
Top Competition: Sand Creek

Overview: After making a trip to the semifinals in 2011, Manchester should once again be a top team in Division 4 in the 2012 season.  The Flying Dutchmen will feature a deep lineup that will be lead by three returning state qualifiers.  In order for Manchester to return to Battle Creek, they will have to get by a solid Sand Creek team highlighted by 160lbs state champion Sam Mehan.












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