All-Thumb Area Dream Team

<p>An area that produces some of the best volleyball teams in Division 2-4 regularly, the thumb is a place that can’t be overlooked for talent.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some of the players that really shined in the last year to help the thumb remain a talent-filled portion of the state.</p> <p><strong>Grace Schlaud, OH Brown City (2021)</strong></p> <p>Schlaud earned All-State honors for Brown City during the 2019 prep season by showcasing her abilities to be a six-rotation players. She had 427 kills, 373 digs and 50 aces to lead the Green Devils to a regional final in Division 3. Schlaud will be coming into 2020 as one of the top hitters in the thumb area and will be making a push to be one of the top hitters in all of Division 3.</p> <p><strong>Hannah Farnsworth, MH North Branch (2021)</strong></p> <p>The 2019 season was still a successful one for North Branch despite being in rebuilding mode. The Broncos reached the Division 2 regional final and established one of the top middles in the area. Farnsworth had 344 kills, 82 blocks and 57 aces last fall. This upcoming season, Farnsworth will lead an experienced North Branch team to big things.</p> <p><strong>Breann June, OH North Branch (2021)</strong></p> <p>It would be hard to find a more complete player in this area than what June was during the 2019 season. The Class of 2021 outside had 375 kills, 122 aces and 397 digs for North Branch, a district champion. June exceled everywhere on the floor and will make for a really experience group at the net for the Broncos in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Grace Williamson, MH USA (2021)</strong></p> <p>Williamson was an All-State player in the 2019 season for USA. She had 369 kills, 77 blocks, 276 digs and 43 aces. It was a career-high season in kills, blocks and aces. Her hitting percentage has continued to prove with each year as well. This season, Williamson is going to take on a bigger role as a senior for the Patriots. She looks ready for the challenge.</p> <p><strong>Allison Lautner, MH/OH Ubly/Thumb Fusion (2021)</strong></p> <p>Lautner was the primary hitter for Ubly during the 2019 season, as she helped the Bearcats claim a regional championship. Lautner finished the year with 386 kills, 44 blocks, 48 aces and 104 digs. Lautner took a lot of swings for the Bearcats, but was able to finish a number of key points. She went toe-to-toe with the best hitters in D4 and proved she can hold her own.</p> <p><strong>Maci Montgomery, L/DS USA (2021)</strong></p> <p>Montgomery has been a rock in the back row for USA over the years. Her junior season was her best, as she racked up 608 digs. She was the primary receiver for the Patriots, who earned another district championship in 2019. Montgomery is someone that USA doesn’t have to worry about. She is consistent and reliable and will continue to play at a high level in 2020.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60840" first="Anika" last="Prisby"], MH Armada/Michigan Elite (2022)</strong></p> <p>Prisby is a raw talent in the Class of 2022. The 6’4” middle plays for Michigan Elite and is trying to elevate her game to the next level. With her size, she can really play above the net. Now she looks to improve on her footwork and swing. Armada has a real gem on their hands that could become a dominant player for them for years to come.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60845" first="Kylie" last="Bohn"], S USA (2022)</strong></p> <p>Bohn shined in her first opportunity to run the USA offense in 2019. The sophomore had nearly 1,300 assists. Bohn was able to keep a talented USA attack going after a run to the state championship match in 2018. USA reached the regional round and could be a top D3 contender in 2020 thanks to Bohn and some veteran options around the court.</p> <p><strong>Maddi Ostantowski, OH Reese (2022)</strong></p> <p>A multi-sport standout, Ostantowski had a breakout season in 2019. She became a six-rotation player for the Rockets, who weren’t afraid to call her number often. Ostantowski was able to finish from the front and back row while improving on her passing skills on defense. She established that she will be a name you are going to hear more of from the thumb area.</p> <p><strong>Lindsey Guza, MH/OPP Ubly (2022)</strong></p> <p>Guza had a big jump in performance in her sophomore season for the Bearcats. As Ubly made a run to the Division 4 quarterfinals, Guza laid down 237 kills from the middle. Guza also showed the ability to improve on her blocking skills. Heading into the 2020 season, she will be pairing with Lautner to give Ubly a dynamic 1-2 punch at the net.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong> Morgan Moore, S Croswell-Lexington (2021); Olivia Norman, MH Lapeer (2021); Charity Dundas, S Lapeer (2021); [player_tooltip player_id="24858" first="Megan" last="Gross"], OH/MH USA (2022); Aydan Dalak, OH Reese (2022); Josie Gusa, L/DS Ubly (2022).</p>