Class of 2023: The Fall’s Top Middle Hitters
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A number of sophomore middle hitters made their presence known in 2020. The Class of 2023 put out over a dozen All-Region middle hitters this fall. Here’s a look at the future of the position in the state of Michigan.…
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Continue ReadingA number of sophomore middle hitters made their presence known in 2020.
The Class of 2023 put out over a dozen All-Region middle hitters this fall.
Here’s a look at the future of the position in the state of Michigan.
Raegan Lantz Raegan Lantz 6'1" | OH West Ottawa | 2023 State MI , West Ottawa: Lantz had a very impressive sophomore season for West Ottawa, a district finalist. She put down 312 kills and racked up 108 blocks. Lantz was a force offensively and defensively, giving opponents a lot to think about when she was on the floor. Lantz earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in Division 1.
Emily May Emily May 6'1" | OH Coopersville | 2023 State MI , Coopersville: Coopersville coach Shane Balcom was expecting a big season from May during the offseason and she definitely came through. The 6’2” sophomore was Honorable Mention All-State in Division 2 after tallying 288 kills, 99 blocks, 194 digs and 30 aces for the Broncos. She moves incredibly smooth for her size, giving her a great advantage over her opponents at the net.
Natalie Pannucci, North Muskegon: North Muskegon had a great season and Pannucci was a major contributor. An Honorable Mention All-State selection in Division 3, Pannucci had 260 kills and 64 blocks for the Norsemen. Standing only 5’10”, Pannucci used her explosive ability to play well above the net and be a consistent finisher.
Keely Hinzman Keely Hinzman 5'11" | MB Hudson | 2023 State MI , Hudson: Hudson was a district champion in Division 3 and Hinzman built off a solid freshman season for the Tigers. She had 195 kills over 85 sets while improving her hitting percentage to .254. Hinzman also tallied 87 blocks, 241 digs and 41 aces. The 6’1” sophomore was Honorable Mention All-State, but she’s sure to move up the ladder in years to come with her complete game.
Linde VanderVlucht, McBain: VanderVlucht helped guide McBain to a district championship and earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in Division 3 this season. She put up 147 kills, 54 blocks, 57 digs and 20 aces for McBain. VanderVlucht definitely has a high ceiling and is going to be a force in the northern Michigan area.
Neele’ge’ Sims, Corunna: Sims had her 2020 season ended prematurely by a tragic automobile accident, but saw the state rally around her and her family during a difficult time. Sims was an All-Region selection in Division 2 as she hit .317 while putting down 107 kills and 40 blocks. Sims still has a bright volleyball future ahead and the state is really pulling for her.
Kayla Ozanich, Okemos: The Chieftains almost didn’t have a season, but changed their mind and that allowed Ozanich to take a big step forward. Though seeing a low number of total sets, she still put down 158 kills while hitting .325. That earned her Division 1 All-Region honors. Ozanich is setting up nicely to be a dominant player in the Lansing area.
Morgan Deming, Boyne City: Deming was an All-Region selection in Division 2 after putting up 137 kills and 79 blocks for the Ramblers. She showed a lot of promise for the next couple of years. Deming has a lot of confidence on the floor and puts herself in the right position to succeed.
Others to note: Helen Beiring, Calumet; Annabelle Julian, Grosse Pointe North; Ashlee Lenhard, Garber; Jasa Ross, Vassar; Stella Wickstrom, Houghton.