All-Kalamazoo Area Dream Team

<p>The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area is where the MHSAA crowns its state champions in volleyball each year.</p> <p>That area of the state is ripe with volleyball talent across all four divisions. While Grand Rapids may be the power area of the West, this area is not far behind. Here’s a look at some of the top players that reside near Kellogg Arena.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50300" first="Anna" last="Smith"], OH Mendon/FaR Out (2021)</strong></p> <p>There hasn’t been a more dominant player in Division 4 volleyball the past two years than Smith. The Mendon outside has been the driving force behind back-to-back state championships for the Hornets. Smith is a powerful arm that finishes at a high rate, but also has an overwhelming serve and a steady passing game to make her a complete player. While some may look past her skills as a D4 player, she has shown what she can do on a bigger platform as part of FaR Out.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50297" first="AJ" last="Ediger"], MH Hamilton (2021)</strong></p> <p>Also a standout basketball player, Ediger has been able to dominate on the volleyball court as well. Ediger has the size you look for in a top option at the net. Standing 6’2”, Ediger combines her size with great athleticism to be a top-level finisher and top-level blocker.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50334" first="Savannah" last="Hall"], S Mattawan/FaR Out (2021)</strong></p> <p>Mattawan has earned a spot as one of the best programs in the state in recent years and Hall’s play at setter had that offense running smoothly. A strong leader, Hall is going to be a big focal point for the Wildcats in 2020 and she appears up to the task. She’s worked with some great hitters at FaR Out and can get the most out of her teammates at Mattawan.</p> [caption id="attachment_95370" align="alignright" width="189"] Kayla Onken[/caption] <p><strong>Kayla Onken, S Schoolcraft/USA Michigan (2021)</strong></p> <p>Onken put up over 1,400 assists for Schoolcraft in 2019 while helping the Eagles reaching the Division 3 state final. Onken had a great hitter to work with in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49379" first="Andelyn" last="Simkins"]</strong>, but it was her setting and consistency that allowed Simkins to be the powerful player she was. Onken will be a great on-court leader for Schoolcraft in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Kylee Crandall, L/DS Harper Creek/Redline (2021)</strong></p> <p>Crandall is a back-row specialist that is able to get all over the court. Harper Creek had its struggles in the 2019 season, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort from Crandall. She kept her team in a lot of points with her athleticism and determination. She’s a big asset for Redline Volleyball during the club year as well and will be a libero to watch in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Anna Schuppel, MH Schoolcraft (2021)</strong></p> <p>Schuppel was a great presence in the middle for Schoolcraft in 2019. She put down over 250 kills and had over 150 blocks. Schuppel hit at a high rate as well, pushing near the .500 mark. Schuppel has the ability to move around the net, making her an interesting option for the 2020 season for the Eagles.</p> <p><strong>Maggie Morris, MH Schoolcraft/FaR Out (2021)</strong></p> <p>Another solid middle for Schoolcraft, Morris put down over 270 kills and had over 110 blocks in the 2019 season. She also hit over .440 to give the Eagles a dynamic 1-2 punch at the middle of the net. Morris made the move to FaR Out for the 2020 club season and is looking to add some new pieces to her game for the 2020 prep season.</p> <p><strong>Sonia Markucki, MH Gull Lake/USA Michigan (2021)</strong></p> <p>Markucki is a 6’2” middle that dealt with some injuries during the prep season, but still showed a lot of promise for Gull Lake. She’s in line for a big senior year following some positive growth with USA Michigan Volleyball during the club season. Even after missing time, Markucki still finished as one of Gull Lake’s leaders in kills and hitting percentage.</p> [caption id="attachment_71338" align="alignright" width="226"] Kelby Goldschmeding[/caption] <p><strong>Kelby Goldschmeding, L/DS Schoolcraft/USA Michigan (2021)</strong></p> <p>Schoolcraft had a dominant attack in the 2019 season, but their defense was really the unsung hero of its run to the Division 3 final. Goldschmeding was a tireless worker in the back row and did her all to keep that high-powered offense in-system. She always stepped up in big matches and had Schoolcraft as one of the best teams in the state, regardless of division.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24838" first="Lyse" last="Bates"], L/DS Portage Northern/Dead Frog (2022)</strong></p> <p>Bates has been playing up in age during club season, and that has her taking on some powerful hitters. That experience has helped her a great deal during the prep season, where she shines for Portage Northern. Bates is one of the most trustworthy liberos in her class and she continues to have a high ceiling for how much she can improve.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24854" first="Brooke" last="Dzwik"], OH/DS Battle Creek St. Philip/Far Out (2022)</strong></p> <p>Dzwik is a player that can help out in the front or back row, and do it at a high level. She’s another great talent out of the Fighting Tigers program and has continued to develop her skills with FaR Out during the club season. Dzwik has the grace and calm to excel in the back row, but also has the explosiveness and power to finish at the net as an outside.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>Brooklyn Broadway, L/DS Edwardsburg (2021); Payton Rice, Avery Ekkens, OH Kalamazoo Christian (2021); Jordan Macdonald, S Portage Central/Dead Frog (2021); Brianna Miller, OH Hopkins/MVA (2021); Bailey Fancher, St. Philip/Redline (2022); [player_tooltip player_id="92237" first="Karyna" last="Lewis"], OH Vicksburg (2022); Alia Mastromatteo, S/OPP Portage Northern (2022); Payton Rice, OH Harper Creek (2023); [player_tooltip player_id="66306" first="Lauren" last="Higgs"], S Harper Creek (2023); [player_tooltip player_id="66343" first="Corrie" last="Wisser"], S Hopkins (2023).</p>