<p>There’s never a bad time to assess the top players in a given class at a given position. After an exciting fall and some strong play early in the club year, here’s the 10 outside/right side hitters that have garnered my attention.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong> Jess Mruzik, Farmington Hills Mercy/Legacy</strong> – Arguably the top player in the entire state for the Class of 2020 and one of the best in the nation. Has Legacy 18-Elite playing as well as anyone in the nation in club volleyball. Powerful, athletic hitter that keeps improving. Committed to Michigan.</li>
<li><strong> Francesca McBride, Troy/Michigan Elite – </strong>An explosive right side hitter that has been a compliment to Jessica Robinson at Troy, but will be the focal point of the Colts next season. Also a go-to hitter for Michigan Elite Mizuno 17. Committed to Florida.</li>
<li><strong> Keona Salesman, Bronson</strong> – Breakout fall season, leading Bronson to another state title. Great size and power that showed a lot of improvement with her passing and serving this fall.</li>
<li><strong> Andelyn Simkins, Schoolcraft – </strong>Simkins only stands 5’9”, but plays well above her abilities. She has the all-around game to lead a team and is a Western Michigan commit.</li>
<li><strong> Kate Stration, Stoney Creek/Legacy – </strong>Stration really took a step forward this fall for Stoney Creek and is now a part of Legacy 17-Elite, which is making a splash on the national scene. Committed to Cornell.</li>
<li><strong> Riley Homer, Forest Hills Northern/FaR Out </strong>– A commit to Villanova, Homer has a great combination of size and athleticism. Competing with FaR Out 18 Black, Homer should make some big strides this club season.</li>
<li><strong> Ashley Slater, Grand Haven/MVA</strong> – Heading to the ACC as a Wake Forest commit, Slater can reach 10’3” with her vertical and has a lot of power in her swings.</li>
<li><strong> Lauren King, West Bloomfield/Legacy – </strong>King helped guide West Bloomfield to a conference title with a breakout season and is showing even more improvement with Legacy 17-Elite. Standing only 5’10” King plays well above the net with her 10’2” vertical. Committed to VCU.</li>
<li><strong> Makayla Smith, Portage Northern/Dead Frog – </strong>Smith has been able to play the middle and the outside, but her improving game makes her an all-around threat. Plays well above her 5’11” frame.</li>
<li><strong> Christine Audette, Marian/Legacy</strong> – Audette stepped up for a young Marian squad in the fall and showed a lot of tenacity on the floor. Only 5’9”, Audette’s focus and competitiveness make her stand out.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Others to note: </strong>Taylor Rutgers, Sydney Smith, Joanna Larsen, Kayla Engel, Gabriella Kellogg, Emily Van Dyke.</p>
