Preseason All-Thumb Team (Part 1)
Among the names on this list, we have returning All-State players, first team all conference honorees, and more. Some of these players led their respective squads to new heights last season and made deep runs into the MHSAA tournament. These…
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Continue ReadingAmong the names on this list, we have returning All-State players, first team all conference honorees, and more. Some of these players led their respective squads to new heights last season and made deep runs into the MHSAA tournament. These are the players opposing teams are scared to play against. Here is part 1 of 2 of our Preseason All-Thumb list.
Allyson Severance, Sr, OH, North Branch
To no one’s surprise, first on our list hails from one of the best programs in the area in North Branch. Last season would see the Lady Broncos run all the way to the Regional Final before falling 3-0 to Notre Dame Prep. All led by then junior Allyson Severance, Severance led the squad last season in kills, aces and serve reception while coming second in digs behind libero Olivia Sweeney. This season seems to be no different for the Miami (OH) commit. Through a perfect 11-0 record so far this season Severance has already amassed 126 kills on a .412 clip, 61 digs and 11 aces. Look for this starlet to lead the Broncos back into the MHSAA Final Four.
Coach Fish: “Allyson is fundamentally a great player. She has all of the shots on offense and is our best defensive player, also having an outstanding jump serve as well. She is also a 4.0 student and is very humble. It is nice having a two-time first team all-state player on the court at all times. Allyson can score from anywhere on the court and is better in the back row than most kids in the front row.”
Madison Thompson, Sr, OH, Reese
Photo by Sports FinestThe Rockets are back to being a prominent figure in the Greater Thumb volleyball game again since this athlete’s induction 3 seasons ago. Before Madison Thompson rolled onto the scene, Reese volleyball experienced a huge slump of losing seasons. But when Thompson arrived, Reese was back in the mix for top spot in the area. Thompson would lead her squad to a conference championship her sophomore season and then a district title in both her sophomore and junior outings. Last season, the Saginaw Valley State commit would smash down 600+ kills en route to that district title. Now onto a very tough senior schedule ahead with tournaments at Ann Arbor Skyline, Swan Valley and North Branch, as well as a rigorous conference schedule, Thompson is looking for an explosive senior season.
Coach Thompson could not be reached.
Kelly Ziegler, Sr, Libero, Cass City
Photo by Sports FinestKelly Ziegler is a name not many know yet, but once you do, it’ll be too late! The new libero for a rebuilding Cass City squad is looking for a big season ahead. Filling the role of graduated libero Baylee Murphy, who amassed 900+ digs in her senior campaign, could be really intimidating. This athlete looks to thrive in her new challenge as running the Hawk’s back court defense. Last season, in limited playing time, Ziegler popped up over 200 attacks while dropping over 30 aces, all of which coming in the later month and a half of play. In the season opener at the Hatchet Invitational, Ziegler put up 84 digs and 50 receptions.
Coach Cuthrell: “Kelly is a very special athlete and she could change the game for us this season. Last year she turned on late but was great when she did. Her serve is great and her passing is even better. She loves to dive and be everywhere on the court, she’ll do about anything to keep the ball up which is great. She’ll has potential to be an amazing libero.”
Abi Schuette, Sr, OH/MB, EPBP Lakers
Photo by Huron Daily TribuneComing into her fourth season with the Lady Lakers, Schuette has been a figment in the program. During her time, Abi Schuette has played everywhere from setter, middle blocker, outside hitter and passing while assigned with hitting duties, she’s done it all. All the reason for her to be total threat for this up-and-coming squad under new head coach Renee Repkie. Schuette being a first team All-GTW returner, look for her to lead this team to some upsets this season.
Coach Repkie: “We are expecting Schuette to be the Senior Leader and Co-Captain this year. She has seen where she is best for the team to have their success and is loving her roll. She however, will have the load that is asked of her. As her coach we have discussed what is asked of her and what her job is for herself and the team. She does very well in all rotations and is working harder to improve in all areas.”
Alexis Wiltse, Sr, Setter, Brown City
Filling into some big shoes can be very intimidating but this senior setter found the transition quite easy last season. After the Green Devil’s supreme 2016 class graduated, many questions arose as to who’d take over setting duties post-Alexia Mason. Well, in came another top notch setter in Alexis Wiltse. Proving herself to be one of the best setters in the area last season, she led the Devils to a Regional Final match against Unionville-Sebewaing. En route to the fifth round of the MHSAA tournament, Wiltse paced the offense with 891 assists, 51 aces while contributing to the defense popping up 248 balls. Leading her team to a runner up finish in the Brown City’s 2018 season opening tournament, Wiltse put up 120 assists and 8 aces.
Coach Welke: “We have very high expectations for Alexis Wiltse coming into her senior season. She was such a vocal leader on the floor last year and has already started the season with a boom. Her instincts and awareness of game situations are exceptional. The team feeds off her energy, and she is such a captivating player to watch. Her teammates really look to her for direction, and having her on the floor at all times will be key to our success.”
Kacey Haire, Sr, OH, Cass City
Photo by Sports FinestComing into her third season under head coach Amy Cuthrell, Kacey Haire is holding some pretty big expectations for herself. As the most experienced at the varsity level on the roster, the senior will look to lead her team this year in a tough season per usual. This athlete’s role not only expands to her leadership but also to her playing time. Last season, Haire would be asked of just her hitting capabilities which she did pretty impressively, knocking down 420 kills on a .340 clip. This season Kacey could be seeing some back court time as the young squad looks for defensive roles to be filled. In which she already seems to have fit in well. In the season opener at the Hatchet Invitational, Haire put down 37 kills on a .329 clip while contributing 40 digs.
Coach Cuthrell: “Kacey is a very good athlete. One of the best outsides in the area, although she could use some work mixing up her shots. She played great for me these past 2 seasons. This season should be no different and she should look to be a leader out there statistically and mentally for the rest of the team.”