2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 4’s top liberos
Division 4 is where you can find a lot of well-established defensive specialists. The best around the state have been able to hold the starting position for years and build on their skillset. Here’s a look at the standout liberos…
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Continue ReadingDivision 4 is where you can find a lot of well-established defensive specialists.
The best around the state have been able to hold the starting position for years and build on their skillset.
Here’s a look at the standout liberos in Division 4 for the 2020 season.
Mia Osorio, Sr. Leland
The face of the Leland defense returns for her senior season after earning First Team All-State honors in 2019 while helping the Comets reach the D4 championship match. Osorio has played in a number of high-profile matches over the years. She stays very calm, cool and collected on the floor. Her poise will always make Leland a contender.
Bailey Fancher, Jr. St. Philip
Fancher made a lot of waves in 2019, earning Honorable Mention All-State honors as a sophomore. The Fighting Tigers are always a top contender in Division 4, and that should continue in 2020 behind Fancher’s play. Fancher has a lot of athleticism for the position and has the instincts needed to succeed in the back row.
Hailee Ide, Sr. Oakland Christian
Ide was Honorable Mention All-State for Oakland Christian last fall as well. Ide is entering her fourth year with the Lancers and is part of a team that hasn’t had a senior on the roster since 2017. Her experience is hard to find at the high school level. Oakland Christian knows it can count on Ide to be in the right place at the right time.
Josie Gusa, Sr. Ubly (also OH)
Gusa is a dynamic player that can play outside hitter as well as in the back row. Her passing skills helped Ubly reach the D4 quarterfinals in 2019. She’s off to a strong start this year and is going to make an impact in many ways. Ubly has a lot of trust in her and she plays very freely on the court. Gusa makes the tough plays look effortless.
Payton Griffith, Jr. Mendon
The two-time defending state champs saw Juliana Hagenbuch graduate, but the Hornets still have an experienced DS to turn to this year in Griffith. As a sophomore, Griffith saw a lot of action and looked sharp in the big matches at Battle Creek. She will have no problem donning the libero jersey and being able to elevate her game to another level.
Jerzie Belleville, Sr. Rudyard
Rudyard made a run to Battle Creek in 2019 behind a largely young squad. Included in that team was Belleville, who now enters her senior year with an added boost of confidence. She got to play against the best in Division 4 last fall and that should help her leadership skills on and off the floor. Rudyard has high expectations for 2020 and Belleville is a big reason why.
Honorable Mention: Rylie Madison, Soph. Novi Franklin Road Christian; Jordan Larson, Jr. Onaway; Kiera Welden, Sr. Hillsdale Academy