Who stood out at the Portage Central Invitational?
Saturday was an opportunity for me to get a look at some players I haven’t had that chance to see much of this year at the Portage Central Invitational. There was some good volleyball on hand and some promising young…
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Continue ReadingSaturday was an opportunity for me to get a look at some players I haven’t had that chance to see much of this year at the Portage Central Invitational. There was some good volleyball on hand and some promising young talent. Here’s the players that caught my eye this weekend.
Jordyn GatesGrand Rapids Christian: We know about the big names already. Jordyn Gates, Addie Vanderweide, Ayva Kooistra and Lauren Peal all looked great, as usual. Evelyn Doezema looked the most improved from last year. With Maria Bos graduating, the Eagles needed Doezema to step up into that role and she is doing that with flying colors. Her hitting is powerful, her block is lethal and her serve is fierce. As she continues to develop her defense, Doezema becomes a player with unlimited potential. Stephanie Stewart has also had a nice transition to the middle after playing right side to begin the year. She showed a lot of chemistry with Gates when her number was called.
Schoolcraft: It was a real joy to watch Schoolcraft compete. Our top-ranked team in Division 3 lived up to the hype with its scrappy defense and talented array of hitters. Andelyn Simkins is everything she’s been labeled to be. She had as much pop on her attacks as anyone at the tournament and her steady back-row play makes her a complete player. Setter Kayla Onken makes a lot of great choices and knows when to call her own number. She’s got a great compliment of hitters to use, but she also makes them all better. Kelby Goldschmeding and Sophie Ridge really are what help set Schoolcraft apart. Along with Simkins, their digging and passing ability keeps them in a lot of points and that will take the Eagles a long way in the postseason.
Byron Center: Consistency has been the big concern for Byron Center so far in 2019, but the Bulldogs showed it on Saturday with a 4-1 record, losing only to GRC. Abby Boyle, a junior libero, was the most consistent player. Her defense and passing was the strength of the team. Anna Butler, a junior middle had some dominant stretches while sophomore setter Cierra Laska and sophomore outside Taylor Humphrey are certain to be some big stars in the years to come.
Lake Orion: It was an up-and-down day for the Dragons in an up-and-down year as they continue to play with the lineup against some new opponents. Kendall Robertson and Reagan Goeke, the two junior middles, both saw some time on the outside and in the back row. Robertson has really impressive footwork. She gives herself the best chance to finish her attacks, even when the set isn’t quite where it needs to be.
DeWitt: The Panthers lost 90 percent of their offense from the front row in 2018, but that didn’t hurt the Panthers early, as they started 10-0. Last week saw DeWitt finally hit that anticipated speed bump, as they struggled in Novi and then lost to Okemos and Grand Ledge in conference play. The Panthers had some high points at Portage, including a win over Rockford to cap the day. DeWitt is very small up front, with nobody standing 6’0”, but libero Grace Marshall has really played well to make up for the lack of size. Her hustle and leadership has been a real strength. At the net, Megan Pozgai has shown a lot of improvement and provides a strong block.
Mackenzie DelacherRockford: The Rams have a real mix of experience and youth, which leads to some good and bad. As the younger players continue to develop, it leaves the door open for Rockford to hit a stride late in the season. Senior libero Madelyn Long has been a picture of consistency in the back row and really carrying the team along this season. Claire Phillips is the go-to hitter in system for the Rams. The senior middle is taking on a bigger role with the offense this year. Sophomore setter Mackenzie Delacher and freshman outside Lizzie MacIntosh are two to keep an eye on going forward. They both show flashes of being big stars as they work through their first year of varsity play.
Portage Central: The host Mustangs took their lumps early on Saturday, but capped off their day with wins over Lake Orion and Gull Lake. Portage Central has a balanced roster, with a lot of different player getting opportunities to shine. Jordan MacDonald, a junior outside, was battling through a small leg injury, but showed she can really drive the ball home when given the opportunity. Her kills would really boost the Mustangs in key stretches. Senior middle Maizie Brown also was strong at the net. She has the ability to play the middle and outside and looks to be coming into her own for her final prep season.
Gull Lake: Like DeWitt, Gull Lake had to replace its go-to hitters this season and the Blue Devils are still working to find those new options. Ireland Watts is an undersized outside, but she gives her all on the floor and makes up for her lack of length with her effort and determination. Sonia Markucki is the long middle that Gull Lake is turning to when in system and a finisher. With reliable senior setter Lexie Beeke and senior libero Maddie Corstange, the Blue Devils could still make a big splash in the future as their hitting continues to develop.
East Grand Rapids: The Pioneers had a long Saturday, but they do have the potential to still be special this year. Abby Williams is a setter that plays consistently well and knows what number to call at the right times.
Plainwell: The Trojans were outmatched at Portage, taking some tough sets against some great competition. However, outside Alivia TerMeer deserves some credit. Undersized for an outside, TerMeer was called for a lot of swings and she gave her all to the team on Saturday. A really scrappy player, TerMeer wasn’t backing down from the challenge of facing some of the best hitters in the state.