2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 1’s top middle hitters
It was a scary 24 hours for prep sports in Michigan, but it appears volleyball remains on track for a fall season. That means the breakdown of top players continues. We move to the middle hitter position, where Division 1…
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Continue ReadingIt was a scary 24 hours for prep sports in Michigan, but it appears volleyball remains on track for a fall season.
That means the breakdown of top players continues.
We move to the middle hitter position, where Division 1 is stacked with outstanding talent.
Here’s some of the best of the best at the position in D1.
Charli Atiemo, Sr. Mercy
Atiemo was one of the most improved players in the 2019 season. She was dominant in the middle while helping the Marlins claim their first state championship. Atiemo had over 400 kills while hitting .500 on the season. That put her on the First Team All-State list. She also approached 100 blocks on the year. Atiemo has the athleticism and footwork that is hard for any team to deal.
Ainsley Guse Ainsley Guse 6'3" | MB Rochester Stoney Creek | 2021 State MI , Sr. Stoney Creek
Guse was Second Team All-State in 2019 thanks to dominant play on both sides of the net. She put down 432 kills while hitting .391 for Stoney Creek. The Kent State commit added 144 blocks, giving her over 300 for her prep career already. She is sure to be a focal point for the Cougars in 2020 and keep Stoney Creek among the top contenders in the OAA Red.
Reagan Goeke Reagan Goeke 6'2" | MB Lake Orion | 2021 State MI , Sr. Lake Orion
Goeke, a Pepperdine commit, was one of the top defensive middles in the state for 2019. She accumulated an impressive 178 blocks, more than 100 more than she had as a sophomore. The 6’2” middle also upped her attack, putting down 210 kills while hitting .341. Mix in an improving serve, and Goeke’s ceiling continues to be high. She is set to really take over at the net in 2020 after being Third Team All-State last fall.
Brooklyn Conner, Jr. Forest Hills Central
Conner was a big contributor for the Rangers as a sophomore. She was Honorable Mention All-State after putting up 284 kills and 89 blocks in under 100 sets played. Conner stands 6’2” and puts herself in good positions to finish points and make blocks. Competing against great hitters in the Grand Rapids-area, Conner is a battle-tested middle.
Cari Bohm Cari Bohm 6'4" | MB Ann Arbor Skyline | 2022 State #39 Nation MI , Jr. Ann Arbor Huron
Bohm saw some time for the River Rats as a freshman, but an injury kept her from playing in the 2019 season. Still, Bohm bounced back from the injury and turned in a great club showing, which should lead to great things this fall. Standing 6’3”, Bohm already has a length advantage on most of her competition. However, it’s her athletic ability that makes her one of the elite.
Sarah Sylvester Sarah Sylvester 6'3" | MB Marian | 2022 State #126 Nation MI , Jr. Marian
An ankle injury kept Sylvester from really finding her stride in 2019, but the standout middle still improved on her hitting. Sylvester had 116 kills over 85 sets while hitting .332 for the strong Marian attack. She also tallied 61 blocks. This fall, the multi-sport athlete should be ready for a breakout year if she can stay healthy.
Anna Butler Anna Butler 5'11" | MB Byron Center | 2021 State MI , Sr. Byron Center
Butler is part of a great Byron Center offense. She earned Honorable Mention All-State honors last fall for the Bulldogs, a district champion. A North Florida commit, Butler has played up in age during the club year to really test her skills. She’s got the work ethic and athleticism to really emerge as one of the best in her class this year.
Kendall Robertson Kendall Robertson 6'2" | MB Lake Orion | 2021 State MI , Sr. Lake Orion
Robertson has been a consistent presence for Lake Orion since she was a freshman, improving steadily each year. Last year, with a young roster, Robertson was a great vocal leader on the floor. She also played at a high level, earning Honorable Mention All-State honors for the D1 semifinalist. Robertson tallied 266 kills and 101 blocks while hitting .337 at the net.
Honorable Mention: Sophie Plate Sophie Plate 6'0" | MB Greenville | 2021 State MI , Sr. Greenville; Tatum Otolski Tatum Otolski 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Central | 2021 State MI , Sr. Forest Hills Central; Sydney Reed Sydney Reed 6'1" | MB Northville | 2021 State MI , Sr. Northville; Kira Buza Kira Buza 5'11" | MB Utica Eisenhower | 2021 State MI , Sr. Eisenhower; Ella Uganski Ella Uganski 6'0" | MB Jenison | 2021 State MI , Sr. Jenison; Amanda Glanton Amanda Glanton 6'4" | MB Davison | 2022 State MI , Jr. Davison; Emily Struckmeyer Emily Struckmeyer 6'1" | MB Lowell | 2022 State MI , Jr. Lowell; Leah Rogers Leah Rogers 6'2" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI , Jr. Hudsonville; Ava M Young Ava M Young 6'0" | MB Rockford | 2022 State MI , Jr. Rockford.