2020 Prep Season Preview: Top RS/OPP’s in the state

<p>Outside hitters get most of the attention in volleyball, but opposites can be game changers.</p> <p>A sturdy right side or OPP can solidify an offense and make a team elite.</p> <p>The state of Michigan features some highly-talented hitters on the right and they will all be ready to take over games this fall.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some of the top right sides in the state for the 2020 season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"], Jr. Lakewood</strong></p> <p>The Division 2 standout was First Team All-State last fall while leading the Vikings to the state finals. O’Gorman, a Michigan State commit, had over 500 kills, 360 digs and 85 aces in 2019. Her 6’2” length, combined with her athleticism, makes her difficult for anyone to deal with. An improving defensive game has made O’Gorman a complete player.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50293" first="Ellie" last="Tisko"], Sr. Mercy</strong></p> <p>Tisko established herself as a middle for the Marlins, but has been making the transition to the right side during her club time. Last fall, Tisko was part of the unstoppable Mercy attack that claimed the Division 1 championship. She hit nearly .500 for the year and had 365 kills with over 70 blocks. Tisko stands 6’2” and moves smoothly on the floor. She has all the skills to take over a match.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24861" first="Kimani" last="Johnson"], Jr. Cass Tech</strong></p> <p>Johnson is an explosive player that has really been able to showcase her talents during the club seasons. At Cass Tech, Johnson was able to guide the Technicians to a district championship last fall. She put down 234 kills in limited sets and has made herself into one of the best at her position. Johnson can carry Cass Tech a long way.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23440" first="Madison" last="Grace"], Sr. Fraser</strong></p> <p>Grace was a huge part of Fraser’s run to a district championship in 2019. Grace has been able to move across the net, but her strength is on the right side. Her athleticism and technique make for a powerful swing that opponents haven’t been able to slow down. Grace is a gamer that plays with a lot of competitive fire. She’s going to continue to improve with each set.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14204" first="Jenna" last="Vaske"], Sr. Charyl Stockwell</strong></p> <p>Vaske has been a big part of Sentinels thanks to her diverse skill set. Also able to play setter, Vaske has proven to be a great finisher on the right side. Last fall she had over 450 kills while hitting .300. She also had over 80 aces and 340 digs. Vaske reads the court really well and makes a lot of good decisions. Her leadership will be important this fall for Charyl Stockwell.</p> <p><strong>Taylor Butkiewicz, Sr. Lake Orion</strong></p> <p>The Dragons got a big boost from Butkiewicz last fall. In need of some hitting help, she stepped up throughout the year and had 257 kills and 94 blocks. You could see her really improve in the postseason and gain a lot of confidence in her swing. With a big 2019 under her belt, it’s exciting to see what she could do in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Becca Apsey, Soph. Groves</strong></p> <p>Apsey is a really promising right side in the state. She had an eye-opening freshman season at Grove, racking up 102 blocks with 140 kills. He instincts on the floor are quite advanced for an underclassmen. Apsey really shined during the shortened club season, which should lead her to a breakout sophomore year for the Falcons.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24857" first="Bianca" last="Giglio"], Jr. Notre Dame Prep</strong></p> <p>The Fighting Irish have a lot of young options at the net and Giglio is one of them. As a sophomore, she had 150 kills and 39 blocks. Her season was limited due to injury, but she showcased her potential when on the floor. Well-coached, Giglio learns from her mistakes and comes back stronger with each match. She’s sure to be noticeably improved in 2020.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50325" first="Jaden" last="Rice"], Sr. Northville</strong></p> <p>Rice is a player that has taken her game to another level over the last year. Rice has played the middle and the right side, but being an OPP seems to be the best fit for her. The Mustangs utilized her skill set well. During club season, Rice added some new tools to her tool kit. It will be fun to see just how far her game grows this fall.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60855" first="Leah" last="Lafontaine"], Jr. Mercy; [player_tooltip player_id="50328" first="Stephanie" last="Stewart"], Sr. Grand Rapids Christian; [player_tooltip player_id="24869" first="Nyla" last="Muskovin"], Jr. Detroit Country Day; Madi Tulley, Sr. Constantine.</p>