2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 1’s top middle hitters

<p>It was a scary 24 hours for prep sports in Michigan, but it appears volleyball remains on track for a fall season.</p> <p>That means the breakdown of top players continues.</p> <p>We move to the middle hitter position, where Division 1 is stacked with outstanding talent.</p> <p>Here’s some of the best of the best at the position in D1.</p> <p><strong>Charli Atiemo, Sr. Mercy</strong></p> <p>Atiemo was one of the most improved players in the 2019 season. She was dominant in the middle while helping the Marlins claim their first state championship. Atiemo had over 400 kills while hitting .500 on the season. That put her on the First Team All-State list. She also approached 100 blocks on the year. Atiemo has the athleticism and footwork that is hard for any team to deal.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50298" first="Ainsley" last="Guse"], Sr. Stoney Creek</strong></p> <p>Guse was Second Team All-State in 2019 thanks to dominant play on both sides of the net. She put down 432 kills while hitting .391 for Stoney Creek. The Kent State commit added 144 blocks, giving her over 300 for her prep career already. She is sure to be a focal point for the Cougars in 2020 and keep Stoney Creek among the top contenders in the OAA Red.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50303" first="Reagan" last="Goeke"], Sr. Lake Orion</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_98726" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-98726" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/06/Reagan-Goeke-2-300x259.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="259" /> [player_tooltip player_id="50303" first="Reagan" last="Goeke"][/caption] <p>Goeke, a Pepperdine commit, was one of the top defensive middles in the state for 2019. She accumulated an impressive 178 blocks, more than 100 more than she had as a sophomore. The 6’2” middle also upped her attack, putting down 210 kills while hitting .341. Mix in an improving serve, and Goeke’s ceiling continues to be high. She is set to really take over at the net in 2020 after being Third Team All-State last fall.</p> <p><strong>Brooklyn Conner, Jr. Forest Hills Central</strong></p> <p>Conner was a big contributor for the Rangers as a sophomore. She was Honorable Mention All-State after putting up 284 kills and 89 blocks in under 100 sets played. Conner stands 6’2” and puts herself in good positions to finish points and make blocks. Competing against great hitters in the Grand Rapids-area, Conner is a battle-tested middle.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24843" first="Cari" last="Bohm"], Jr. Ann Arbor Huron</strong></p> <p>Bohm saw some time for the River Rats as a freshman, but an injury kept her from playing in the 2019 season. Still, Bohm bounced back from the injury and turned in a great club showing, which should lead to great things this fall. Standing 6’3”, Bohm already has a length advantage on most of her competition. However, it’s her athletic ability that makes her one of the elite.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24877" first="Sarah" last="Sylvester"], Jr. Marian</strong></p> <p>An ankle injury kept Sylvester from really finding her stride in 2019, but the standout middle still improved on her hitting. Sylvester had 116 kills over 85 sets while hitting .332 for the strong Marian attack. She also tallied 61 blocks. This fall, the multi-sport athlete should be ready for a breakout year if she can stay healthy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50308" first="Anna" last="Butler"], Sr. Byron Center</strong></p> <p>Butler is part of a great Byron Center offense. She earned Honorable Mention All-State honors last fall for the Bulldogs, a district champion. A North Florida commit, Butler has played up in age during the club year to really test her skills. She’s got the work ethic and athleticism to really emerge as one of the best in her class this year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14193" first="Kendall" last="Robertson"], Sr. Lake Orion</strong></p> <p>Robertson has been a consistent presence for Lake Orion since she was a freshman, improving steadily each year. Last year, with a young roster, Robertson was a great vocal leader on the floor. She also played at a high level, earning Honorable Mention All-State honors for the D1 semifinalist. Robertson tallied 266 kills and 101 blocks while hitting .337 at the net.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50294" first="Sophie" last="Plate"], Sr. Greenville<strong>; </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50301" first="Tatum" last="Otolski"], Sr. Forest Hills Central; [player_tooltip player_id="50312" first="Sydney" last="Reed"], Sr. Northville<strong>; </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50333" first="Kira" last="Buza"], Sr. Eisenhower; [player_tooltip player_id="50316" first="Ella" last="Uganski"], Sr. Jenison; [player_tooltip player_id="60832" first="Amanda" last="Glanton"], Jr. Davison; [player_tooltip player_id="24876" first="Emily" last="Struckmeyer"], Jr. Lowell<strong>; </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91609" first="Leah" last="Rogers"], Jr. Hudsonville<strong>; </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60837" first="Ava" last="Young"], Jr. Rockford.</p>