2019 All-Thumb: Second Team
2019 was the year of the unknown. With the 2018 class being one of the best to come through the thumb, they dominated last year’s All-Thumb list. Of the 21 athletes noted on last year’s lists, only five were that…
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Continue Reading2019 was the year of the unknown. With the 2018 class being one of the best to come through the thumb, they dominated last year’s All-Thumb list. Of the 21 athletes noted on last year’s lists, only five were that of underclassmen. This season sees a heavy mix of newbies who made their mark and veterans who vastly improved their game. These athletes are the cream of the crop in a highly-competitive volleyball area known as the thumb. Let’s break it down.
Ellie Hornbacher, Sr, OH, Caro
Ellie Hornbacher has the ability to out-defend most area liberos. Smart court awareness, she knows exactly where to be at at the right time. Her keen sense and ball control rank her as the all-time leader in digs in a single season. Beyond her defensive sense, she was a key part of Caro’s offense. Leading the Tigers with 376 kills, her and teammate Kaitlyn Arebalo were a deadly duo. Hornbacher held strong as one of the most complete players in the thumb and was a natural leader on the court, never leaving the game.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-GTW
Season Stats: 376 kills, 845 digs, 564 receptions on a 95.6%
Jordyn Conrad, Sr, S, Frankenmuth
Jordyn Conrad has cemented her name as one of the best setters in the thumb. When you hear of Frankenmuth volleyball, you instantly think of Conrad. Jordyn was the glue that kept this team in tandem this season. Outside of her ball-handling, she had a big hand in every aspect of the game. Standing tall at 5’10, she was quite the concern for opposing teams when it came to her attacking and blocking which were pertinent in Muth’s success.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-TVE
Season Stats: 799 assists, 171 kills, 217 digs, and 58 aces
Maia Fagan, Sr, OH, Croswell-Lexington
Maia Fagan was crucial in the success of the Croswell-Lexington’s Pioneers. A 6-rotation outside hitter, Fagan led her squad in kills and grew in efficiency as the season progressed. Maia also ranked second on her squad in service receptions and had one of the highest receptions rates. Maia will definitely leave a hole in the court for the Pioneers next season.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-BWAC
Season Stats: 280 kills, 245 digs, and 525 service receptions
Brooklin Karwat, Sr, OH, Frankenmuth
Along with fellow All-Thumb teammate Jordyn Conrad, Karwat and Conrad made quite the duo. The connection the two had was constant and sometimes unstoppable. Karwat is another 6-rotation outside hitter who had all the tools in her box to lead her squad to success. Brooklin led the Eagles in both kills and service aces while being one the best passers in the Tri-Valley Conference.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-TVC, All-Region
Season Stats: 395 kills, 69 aces, and 263 digs.
Breann June, Jr, OH, North Branch
Breann June had quite the weight inherited upon her shoulders coming into 2019. After the departure of Allyson Severance and Reese Ruhlman, the outside position was a huge question mark for the Broncos. Question, answered. June stepped into the role with ease, leading the Broncos in kills, aces and solid in defense. Breann wasn’t named the MVP of the Blue Water Area Conference for nothing.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-BWAC, All-Region
Season Stats: 375 kills, 122 aces, and 397 digs.
Charlise Hyde, Sr, Lib, North Branch
Charlise Hyde had a breakout season donning the off-colored jersey for North Branch. Hyde seemed to have covered half of the court and did so with ease. Defense was the Bronco’s game this year and was one of the biggest reasons they maintained such success with the departure of such firepower. Hyde headed the new face of North Branch well.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-BWAC, All-Region, HM All-State (D2)
Season Stats: 715 digs, 1107 service receptions, and 58 aces.
Jenna Guza, Sr, OH, Harbor Beach
Harbor Beach had a historic season and captured their first conference title in over 40 years. Jenna Guza was a key part of the historic run. One of the most efficient outside hitters in the entire area, hitting for a clean .300, Guza served as a perfect compliment with Amber Pleiness. Guza averaged just under 3 kills per set and gave foes fits with her power.
Season Awards: 1st Team All-GTE, All-Region
Season Stats: 261 kills, 33 aces, and 183 digs