Five Athletes to Watch at the Division 1 State Finals
If you want to get a look at some future national volleyball stars, look no further than the Division 1 state semifinals. This foursome is packed with talent, including some that have already made their mark on an international stage.…
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Continue ReadingIf you want to get a look at some future national volleyball stars, look no further than the Division 1 state semifinals. This foursome is packed with talent, including some that have already made their mark on an international stage. While it was tough to narrow this field down to five players to see, here are the ones that are sure to catch your eye.
Farmington Hills Mercy Jr. Outside Hitter Jess Mruzik
Mruzik wasn’t eligible for Miss Volleyball, being just a junior, but she certainly has a case for being the best player in the entire state of Michigan. Already committed to Michigan, the Mercy outside hitter has had a year to remember. Prior to joining the Marlins this fall, she was named MVP of the 2018 NORCECA Girls’ U18 Continental Championship in Honduras after leading Team USA to the championship. Mruzik might have the most powerful attack in Battle Creek this weekend, but she has developed her offspeed shots and has pinpoint location. In the last year, Mruzik has really improved her defense, blocking and serving. She is a complete player and a big reason why Mercy has looked so dominant this year. Mruzik ranks No. 1 on our Class of 2020 rankings.
Farmington Hills Mercy Soph. Setter Julia Bishop
While Mruzik is the one the you will notice the most on the floor, it is Bishop that could be the most valuable to the Marlins’ squad. Bishop is tasked with running the offense for the very deep Marlins attack and she runs it very well. Bishop is agile and has a great feel for the flow of the match to know where to place the ball and to which of the Marlins’ hitters. Bishop also provides a solid blocks and serves the ball incredibly well. She ranks No. 1 in our Class of 2021 rankings and her talents will be on full display this weekend.
Lake Orion Sr. Setter Wren Macaulay
While Macaulay isn’t the power hitter of the Dragons, she contributes in every aspect of the game. An aggressive setter, Macaulay mixes up her setting speeds and locations as well as anyone and also has a great sense of when to attack herself. Macaulay is pushing nearly 200 kills this year while amassing over 1,500 assists for No. 3 Lake Orion. The New Hampshire commit’s effort can never be questioned either. If a ball can be kept in play, Macaulay is going to give up her body to go for it. She also has great instinctual reflexes that has helped keep the Dragons in a number of rallies throughout the postseason. When you watch Macaulay, you will instantly notice her tireless effort.
Northville Sr. Libero Hannah Grant
While the Mustangs have some talented hitters, Grant has been the key to Northville’s success for years and is finally getting her chance to play at Kellogg Arena. Ranked eighth in our 2019 player rankings, Grant gives 100 percent to every point she plays. The Michigan State commit passes very well and her ability to take on spikes from the toughest hitters will be the key for Northville to win this weekend. At this stage, defense can get overlooked, but it is what makes the difference between and win and a loss. Grant may be the best defender in Battle Creek this weekend.
Rockford Sr. Outside Hitter Lindsay Taylor
Taylor has been very motivated to get the Rams back to Battle Creek after appearing in the finals in 2016 and now she has done that. The future Miami-Ohio RedHawk is third on our 2019 player rankings and she is playing every bit of that. A complete all-around player, Taylor has racked up over 700 kills this season and also plays an important part in the defense. Taylor wasn’t a Miss Volleyball finalist, but certainly was qualified enough to be one. She’s been playing with something to prove this season and I get the sense she isn’t done yet.