10 Lansing-area difference makers in the 2021 season
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A lot is made of Oakland County and the Grand Rapids area for its volleyball talent. While that certainly is warranted, the entire state has been improving over the last decade in regards to producing All-State caliber players and future…
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Continue ReadingA lot is made of Oakland County and the Grand Rapids area for its volleyball talent.
While that certainly is warranted, the entire state has been improving over the last decade in regards to producing All-State caliber players and future college stars.
The Lansing area is no different, as it has a number of teams in our state rankings right now.
Here’s a look at 10 players from the Lansing area that are making a difference in the 2021 prep season.
Taya Nordmann Taya Nordmann 6'2" | MB Dewitt | 2024 State MI , Soph MH, DeWitt: Nordmann looks to be the next of another great middle for the DeWitt program. Standing 6’1”, Nordmann has proven to be very impactful at the net, leading DeWitt in hitting percentage and blocks. DeWitt sits 20th in our latest D1 rankings and can be a player in the postseason picture as Nordmann continues to improve.
Taylor Stephens Taylor Stephens 5'11" | OH Okemos | 2023 State MI , Jr. OH, Okemos: Stephens has been on a trajectory to be a dominant player since she started with Okemos as a freshman. So far, in her junior season, she is right on track. The 5’11” outside is well on pace for career-highs in kills, hitting percentage and digs. She’s already tallied a career-high 39 aces over just 32 sets of action. Stephens is a driven and talented athlete.
Kendall White Kendall White 5'6" | DS/L St. Johns | 2023 State MI , Jr. L St. Johns: White is in her third year in the back row for the Redwings and she gets better each season. Already over 1,100 digs for her career, White is keeping St. Johns in some tough matches with her play. The Redwings are relatively young and slowly coming together on offense, but White’s defensive play is still making them a real threat in the area.
Skylar Bump Skylar Bump 5'7" | S Lakewood | 2023 MI , Jr. S/OPP, Lakewood: We all know what Maradith O’Gorman Maradith O’Gorman 6'2" | RS Lakewood | 2022 State #24 Nation MI brings to Lakewood, but Bump is playing a big role this year. She was the team’s lone setter the last two seasons, but now is sharing the role with Abby Pickard, a freshman. Bump has added some hitting duties this year and has impressed with her ability to adapt to the position. She’s athletic and moves well, while having the calm to be a good defender when the ball comes her way.
Hailey Bres, Sr. S, Lansing Catholic: The Cougars are off to a 19-0 start and ranked No. 6 in Division 2 right now. They are doing that thanks to the play of Bres, a great senior leader on the floor. Bres is one of Lansing area’s assists leaders this season, averaging nearly 10 per set. She spreads the ball out to the Cougars’ array of hitters and also brings a great serve to the squad.
Kassidy Casillas, Sr. S Ionia: The Bulldogs are No. 22 in our latest D2 rankings. Casillas is making a lot out of her setter position. Along with keeping the Ionia offense running smoothly, she’s also been a big contributor on the defensive effort. Casillas is one of the team’s dig leaders. She’s all over the court and plays with great energy.
Molly Johnson, Sr. L Portland: The Raiders are an improving program with an influx of talent in recent years. Johnson has been the reliable foundation in the back row and has been among the Lansing area leaders in digs for years. This year is no different as she has over 150 for the 25th-ranked Raiders. Johnson is a talented athlete that plays with a lot of confidence. She’s willing to take more than a few bruises and bumps to keep Portland in-system.
Sierra Schneider, Jr. MH Pewamo-Westphalia: Schneider has been a blocking machine for the 12th-ranked Pirates of Division 3. Standing 6’0”, Schneider brings some size to the P-W roster and her length has been a real problem for CMAC opponents. She’s currently averaging nearly 1.5 blocks per set. She also adds a lot more touches on opposing attacks, which has made life a lot easier for her teammates.
Anna Rottman, Sr. OH, Lansing Christian: Rottman is now the primary hitter for the Pilgrims after being Second Team All-State in 2020. She’s been an absolute force for Lansing Christian, our fourth-ranked team in D4. Rottman is among the leaders in kills and blocks for the Lansing area. She’s an explosive player that has a great court IQ.
Madison Wirth, Sr. OH Fowler: Wirth was another All-State selection in D4 last year and has the Eagles at No. 11 in our D4 rankings right now. With is a complete player, impacting the game in every aspect. She’s the kill leader for Fowler while also leading the squad in aces and digs. She is a steady blocker as well and is great at serve receive. Wirth is just another great athlete from the Fowler program.