Unsung Heroes of Division 1’s top 10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are a month into the 2022 prep season and the top teams have established themselves in Division 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With our <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/09/prep-dig-michigan-d1-top-25-week-5-2/"><strong>latest top 10 rankings</strong></a> coming out on Monday night, we decided to dive into the lineups and see which players are playing key roles to push their team to a top-10 slot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maybe not the go-to player, but still a crucial piece to success, here's a look at the unsung heroes of the top-10 teams in D1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 1 Marian – [player_tooltip player_id='152524' first='Molly' last='Banta'], OH: </strong>The 6-foot senior has stepped up to take an increased role for the two-time defending champs. She's third on the team in kills while finishing at a strong rate. Banta's also been a big part of the defensive effort. Banta's at over 100 kills and 100 digs in the young season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 2 Northville – [player_tooltip player_id='110300' first='Ashlee' last='Gnau'], DS: </strong>Northville has great defenders, led by libero [player_tooltip player_id='108714' first='Taryn' last='Rice']. However, Gnau has been a big asset in the back row as well. She's second on the team with over 100 digs, while being very steady on her serve receive. Gnau is also leading Northville in aces, proving to be a great momentum swinger from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 3 Hudsonville – Sydney Overweg, MH: </strong>A 6'3” senior middle, Overweg has provided Hudsonville with that needed presence in the middle offensively and defensively. She's hitting close to .400 on the season while leading the team in blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 4 Forest Hills Northern – [player_tooltip player_id='173606' first='Lauren' last='Hallas'], S: </strong>The Huskies have a tremendous wealth of hitting, but to keep that offense running smoothly, Hallas is playing at a very high level. She's showing a lot of athleticism and spreading the ball nicely, while keeping opposing defenses guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 5 Mercy – [player_tooltip player_id='66313' first='Erin' last='Kline'], S/DS: </strong>Kline is getting a chance for a bigger role with Mercy this fall and proving to be very valuable. She's impacting the team in all areas. The 6'3” setter has the offense hitting at a high rate, while also being among the team leaders in digs, aces and blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 6 Clarkston – [player_tooltip player_id='179732' first='Isabelle' last='Henry'], MH: </strong>A sophomore, Henry has provided some nice boosts for Clarkston this season. She's come through with some strong finishes at the net when her number is called, but also is leading the team in blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 7 Skyline – [player_tooltip player_id='176600' first='Kate' last='Maley'], OH: </strong>Skyline has needed a continued counter-punch to go along with [player_tooltip player_id='66319' first='Harper' last='Murray'] and Maley is fitting that role. The junior is hitting over .320 on the season while making a lot of impact at the net defensively as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 8 Dakota – [player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman'], MH: </strong>Tillman is getting a chance for a breakout season, seeing more swings in the offense this year. The junior is approaching .400 on her attacks and continuing to show improvement on her blocking instincts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 9 Forest Hills Central – Averie Zaschak, S: </strong>One of two setters for FHC, Zaschak has the Rangers offense as one of the tops in the state. She also has a very difficult serve to handle, while also being among the team leaders in digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No. 10 Coopersville – [player_tooltip player_id='224599' first='Avery' last='Powers'], MH: </strong>The sophomore middle has been a great compliment in the offense to standout [player_tooltip player_id='108716' first='Emily' last='May']. Powers has had a big impact with her blocking, but also has great footwork and arm speed on her attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->