All-Jackson Area Dream Team

<p>The Jackson area found itself on a nice island of its own in the volleyball world.</p> <p>Just south of Lansing, west of Detroit and Ann Arbor, and east of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.</p> <p>The Jackson area can get overlooked because of its surrounding territory, but there are some volleyball performers you are sure to hear more about in the coming year of action.</p> <p><strong>Henly Sleight, OH Jackson Northwest/Legacy (2021)</strong></p> <p>Sleight has been a shining star in this area. In 2019 she put forth an All-State performance for the Mounties. Sleight had over 500 kills while hitting nearly .300. She also was a dominant server with over 125 aces. Sleight has the ability to move to DS if needed as well, as her passing has been consistent over the last year. After making some nice strides with Legacy during the club season, Sleight is due for a big 2020 prep year.</p> <p><strong>Olivia Webber, MH Marshall (2021)</strong></p> <p>Webber was a top-level middle in Division 2 this past prep season. She helped guide the Redhawks to a district championship in 2019 behind her ability to finish at a high percentage and put up a strong block. Marshall moves very fluidly on the court and has the athleticism to make tough plays that other middles can’t.</p> <p><strong>Abby Welke, OH Marshall/Redline (2021)</strong></p> <p>Welke has the skills to excel anywhere on the court. She has a powerful swing that can finish points, but also has the grace and finesse to play in the back row. Welke is part of a strong 2021 class at Marshall that should have the Redhawks as a strong state title contender. Combined with Webber, Marshall has a powerful 1-2 punch at the net.</p> <p><strong>Mya Hiram, OH/MH Onsted (2021)</strong></p> <p>Hiram is also a standout basketball player, but her talents on the volleyball hardwood can’t be overlooked either. Onsted didn’t have postseason success last year, but racked up 50 wins during the 2019 season. Hiram was an All-State player that could played on the outside, but had the ability to move to the middle.</p> <p><strong>Kate Leach, OH Vandercook Lake (2021)</strong></p> <p>Leach really broke out in the 2019 fall season, putting up over 500 kills for Vandercook Lake. Though she isn’t as tall as many of her fellow hitters, Leach makes up for it with her competitive fire. She puts her body on the line each point and is willing to do what it takes to make a play. She’s shown she can play any position on the floor, making her a valuable asset to any team.</p> <p><strong>Abi Nunez, OH/MH North Adams-Jerome (2021)</strong></p> <p>Nunez is another undersized hitter, but she is able to make the most of her opportunities and had a strong 2019 season for the Rams. Nunez puts up a solid block for her 5’6” frame and her hitting ability earned her All-State honors in Division 4.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60863" first="Kylie" last="Ward"], L/DS Jonesville (2022)</strong></p> <p>Ward is someone easy to spot on the floor, as she is giving nonstop effort on each point. The Class of 2022 defender put up over 850 digs during the 2019 season for Jonesville. She has asserted herself as one of the most productive liberos in the state and will continue to be doing her all for the Comets in the next couple of years.</p> <p><strong>Rachel Steele, OH Eaton Rapids/FaR Out (2023)</strong></p> <p>Steele was able to get a chance to perform as a freshman for the Greyhounds and had an immediate impact as one of their top attackers. She also showcased an impressive serve and impressive passing at the varsity level. As she continues to improve while with Eaton Rapids and FaR Out, Steele is set to emerge as one of the shining talents in the Class of 2023.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>Teagan Giannunzio, L/DS Marshall (2021); Mallory Anspaugh, S Jackson Northwest (2021); [player_tooltip player_id="66335" first="Layne" last="Sleight"], RS/OH Jackson Northwest (2023); [player_tooltip player_id="66336" first="Alivia" last="Smith"] L/DS Vandercook Lake (2023).</p>