2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 4’s top middle hitters
An impact middle can take a team a long way in Division 4. Some of the top teams in the state from 2019 are bringing a highly-capable middle to the floor this fall. Here’s a look at some of the…
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Continue ReadingAn impact middle can take a team a long way in Division 4.
Some of the top teams in the state from 2019 are bringing a highly-capable middle to the floor this fall.
Here’s a look at some of the best patrolling the middle in D4.
Sarah Elwell, Sr. Leland
Elwell is one of the many returning starters for Leland this fall. She is coming off a 2019 season that saw her help the Eagles reach the Division 4 championship match. Elwell was named Third Team All-State by putting up over 260 kills and 95 blocks. The 6-foot middle provides a lot offensive and defensively for Leland. She should be locked in for a big senior year.
Jocelyn Nicholls, Sr. Camden-Frontier
Nicholls helped Frontier make a run to the Division 4 quarterfinals last fall where it gave the eventual champs, Mendon, a four-set battle. Nicholls stands 6’0” and plays big at the net in D4. A Third Team All-State selection, Nicholls finished at a high rate and was really strong with her court vision. She put herself in the right position for blocks and to end points.
Abi Nunez, Sr. North Adams-Jerome
Nunez will be a fourth-year varsity player for Rams. In 2019, she was named Third Team All-State as she made big strides in her game. Nunez only stands 5’6”, but she isn’t intimidated at the net. She swings with great power and also brings an all-around game to the court. Nunez makes in impact in all phases of the game.
Brooklyn Besteman, Jr. Rudyard
Besteman is a promising junior middle for the Bulldogs that was par of their run to Battle Creek in 2019. Standing just 5’9”, Besteman has been able to still put up great numbers with nearly 230 kills last fall. She has a strong all-around game, showcased by over 75 aces in 2019. She also has an improving passing game that makes her a triple threat for Rudyard.
Bree Salenbien, Sr. Lenawee Christian
Salenbien is a tremendous athlete that stands out on the basketball floor as well as the volleyball court. The 6’2” middle can also play on the outside for the Cougars. She was Honorable Mention All-State in 2019 as she helped Lenawee Christian reach a regional final. Great size combined with great athleticism makes Salenbien a game-changer.
Lindsey Guza, Jr. Ubly
Guza was an impactful sophomore for Ubly, which made the D4 quarterfinals last fall. She put up over 230 kills to finish second on the team. Guza is in for an increased role in 2020 and this could really lead to a breakout season. The 6-footer improves with each point and set. She got some big-match experience last year and that should pay off in 2020.
Liana Blahnik, Sr. Carney-Nadeau
Blahnik is part of a strong Carney-Nadeau attack that reached Battle Creek in 2018 and was a quarterfinalist in 2019. Blahnik was just shy of 300 kills last fall, but improved on her finishing ability throughout the year. She brings a diverse set of skills to the floor, as she had over 65 blocks, 85 aces and 180 digs in 2019. Things are only going to get better for Blahnik this fall.
Honorable Mention: Elysia Causley, Sr. Cedarville; Riley Johnson, Jr. Superior Central; Grace Morse, Jr. Pellston; Maddie Munley, Jr. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; Regan McGregor, Sr. Mio Ausable; Emma Heussner, Sr. Plymouth Christian.