Five Athletes to Watch at the Division 3 State Finals
Along with the great matchups you can see at Battle Creek this weekend, the state semifinals provide you with an opportunity to see the very best players in the state and future Division 1 stars. In Division 3, there is…
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Continue ReadingAlong with the great matchups you can see at Battle Creek this weekend, the state semifinals provide you with an opportunity to see the very best players in the state and future Division 1 stars. In Division 3, there is no shortage of talent. Despite being in smaller programs, these five players play as well as anyone in the state. Here’s the five players you need to see in Division 3 this weekend.
Bronson Sr. Libero Kiera Lasky
It’s not easy to become a Miss Volleyball finalist as a libero, but Lasky was able to do that this year. She has been the foundation of the Vikings for the past three state championship runs and has as much experience at Kellogg Arena as anyone playing this weekend. Lasky receives over 10 serves per match and passes the ball as well as you could ask for. Bronson’s defense and passing has been a big piece to their championship reign and Lasky has gotten better with each year. When watching Lasky, appreciate the effort she puts in as well as her strong fundamental skills.
Bronson Jr. Outside Hitter Keona Salesman
Defense has been a foundation for the Bronson volleyball program, but you still need hitting to succeed at a high level and Salesman provides a big piece of that hitting. Sitting 14th in our Class of 2020 Players Rankings Salesman entered the postseason with over 500 kills and 350 digs while approaching 75 aces. She has continued to be the top hitting option for the Vikings throughout the last three weeks. While Lasky will be a vital piece for Bronson to win another state title this weekend, Salesman will be the one the Vikings need to finish points.
SMCC Soph. Outside Hitter Mikayla Haut
If you want to see the future of volleyball in the state of Michigan, look no further than Haut. The Kestrels have a special talent in this 5-11 outside hitter. She ranks third on our Class of 2021 Player Rankings right now, but a strong weekend in Battle Creek could move her closer to the top. Haut can jump out of the building and delivers a powerful attack that is tough for anyone in D3 to handle. She has 555 kills this season while hitting .405. Her offense is overwhelming, but she also is very consistent on defense, receiving nearly 10 serves a match and tallying over 350 digs. If that wasn’t enough, she also has an impressive serve and is pushing for 100 aces this year.
Traverse City St. Francis Sr. Middle Hitter Molly Mirabelli
The 11th-ranked player in our Class of 2019 Rankings, Mirabelli has been the leading hitter for the Gladiators this year and has been certainly stepping up in the postseason. She is consistently hitting at a very high success rate, well over .400 in key matches throughout the year. Mirabelli led St. Francis in the quarterfinal win over Beal City with 20 kills and is the foundation of the great attack that the Gladiators have. At 6-1, she also provides a great block and will be ready to challenge the talented hitters she will see in Battle Creek this weekend.
Unionville-Sebewaing Sr. Middle Hitter Rylee Zimmer
While only standing 5-10, Zimmer plays much bigger at the net. She has put up an incredible 782 kills this season from the middle position, including 30 in Tuesday’s quarterfinal win over Brown City. She also has 127 blocks in 2018, 90 of which are solo. What has been most impressive about Zimmer is that she really raises her game in the big matches. She put up 39 kills in a win over Cass City during district play and also had 25 in the four-set win over Reese in the regional final. Expect to hear her name a lot this weekend.