2024 Players Watch List: Impact Outside Hitters
Prep Dig Michigan released its first Class of 2024 Watch List last week and a total of 21 outside hitters made the cut.
A handful of those outsides are making their presence known in the 2020 high school season and showing that they will be big names to remember in the years to come.
Here’s a closer look at six outside hitters contributing at the varsity level this season.
Delaney Cousino Delaney Cousino 5'7" | OH Riverview Gabriel Richard | 2024 State MI , Riverview Gabriel Richard
Cousino is working on her all-around game, but getting a chance to get some swings for Richard this fall. In the early stages of the season, she has shown some promise. She’s part of a balanced attack, but is approaching .300 for her hitting and is averaging nearly two kills per set. As she gets more swings and adds new wrinkles to her game, she is sure to be an impact player for the Pioneers.
Alana Deshetsky Alana Deshetsky 5'8" | OH North Branch | 2024 State MI , North Branch
Deshetsky is one of the most productive freshman in the state right now, as she is getting a big role with North Branch, a traditional D2 power. She has 135 kills over 48 sets, which ranks second on the team. She also has 29 aces and 105 digs, finding a way to make an impact all over the floor. With some great coaching and a chance for a lot of court time, Deshetsky is likely to be quite special.
Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI , Forest Hills Northern
Erickson doesn’t have the size of some other outsides at 5’10”, but her work ethic and skillset is going to make her hard to stop. Erickson has all the talent to be a dominant six-rotation outside as she continues to mature and gain confidence. Forest Hills Northern has a lot to be excited about with this promising talent.
Cameron Herman Cameron Herman 5'11" | OH Hartland | 2024 State MI , Hartland
Hartland has a team comprised of all juniors and seniors except for one. That one is Herman, a 5’11” outside that has a lot of buzz coming into the start of her high school career. Herman moves very well on the floor and is creative in her play. While it may take some time to catch up to the speed of varsity play, Herman has the skills to make it a quick transition.
Phoebe Humphrey Phoebe Humphrey 6'0" | OH Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI , Traverse City Central
Humphrey has worked her way into the rotation for the TC Central lineup. She’s putting up numbers that warrant her continuing to get more time as well. Humphrey is hitting .295 in 2020 with 71 kills. That goes along with 22 aces, 27 blocks and 57 digs. Humphrey is finding ways to help the Trojans anywhere on the floor.
Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI , Forest Hills Central
Weslow is an undersized outside as well at 5’8”, but Weslow has been very impactful for Forest Hills Central as a freshman. That has been especially true from the service line, where she puts out an aggressive serve that opponents haven’t been able to handle. Already shining in one area of the game, Weslow will definitely shine in other areas as she continues to improve and grow.
Others Listed: Payton Atwell Payton Atwell 5'10" | OH Portage Northern | 2024 State MI , Portage Northern; Katie Berry Katie Berry 5'9" | OH South Lyon East | 2024 State MI , South Lyon East; Devin Brunk Devin Brunk 5'10" | OH Lake Orion | 2024 State MI , Lake Orion; Angie Butler Angie Butler 5'10" | OH Mercy | 2024 State MI , Mercy; Cayla Cogan Cayla Cogan 5'10" | OH Clarkston | 2024 State #96 Nation MI , Clarkston; Megan Ervans Megan Ervans 5'10" | OH Livonia Stevenson | 2024 State MI , Livonia Stevenson; Katie Harpenau Katie Harpenau 5'7" | OH Novi | 2024 State MI , Novi; Emily Kramer Emily Kramer 5'7" | OH Brighton | 2024 MI , Brighton; Lana LaFontaine Lana LaFontaine 5'9" | OH Mercy | 2024 MI , Mercy; Ashley Powell Ashley Powell 5'7" | OH Lowell | 2024 MI , Lowell; Taylor Smaka Taylor Smaka 5'4" | DS/L Grand Haven | 2024 State MI , Grand Haven; Ava Thomas Ava Thomas 5'10" | OH Northville | 2024 MI , Northville; Hannah Tymitz Hannah Tymitz 6'0" | OH Romeo | 2024 State MI , Romeo; Izzy Whittaker Izzy Whittaker 6'1" | OH Grand Haven | 2024 State MI , Grand Haven; Ava Wilcox Ava Wilcox 5'10" | OH Lansing Catholic | 2024 State MI , Lansing Catholic.