Class of 2022: The Fall’s Standout Defensive Specialists

<p>There was tremendous back row play during the 2020 season from the Class of 2022.</p> <p>Defense was a big key around the state throughout the year and these juniors raised their game above the rest.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24839" first="Carlina" last="Bender"], Hudsonville: </strong>A Second Team All-State pick in Division 1, Bender was the strong and steady presence in the back row for the Eagles. She put up 541 digs with 29 aces during the 2020 season. Hudsonville was able to consistently contend against top teams due to Bender’s relentless efforts at libero.</p> [caption id="attachment_112702" align="alignright" width="255"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-112702" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/NDP-Josie-Bloom-255x300.jpg" alt="" width="255" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24842" first="Josie" last="Bloom"], Notre Dame Prep: </strong>Bloom is part of a deep defensive unit for the Irish, but would be a starting libero almost anywhere else in the state. She was a Second Team All-State honoree in Division 2 for ND Prep, a D2 quarterfinalist. This season, Bloom recoded 392 digs with 55 aces. She even filled in at setter when the Irish were dealing with quarantine and recorded 155 assists.</p> <p><strong>Alina Anderson, Rockford: </strong>Anderson got a lot of sets in for the Rams, a D1 regional finalist. She made the most of her time on the floor, racking up 609 digs with 36 aces. Anderson earned Third Team All-State honors in Division 1 and will be a big part of a 2021 Rockford team that is shaping up to be a top contender in the state.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24838" first="Lyse" last="Bates"], Portage Northern: </strong>Bates had established herself within the state prior to the 2020 season, but followed it up with a great year for Portage Northern. Bates was Honorable Mention All-State in Division 1 after putting up 451 digs and 46 aces for the Huskies, a district finalist.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="60859" first="Amina" last="Robinson"], Mercy: </strong>After taking over the starting libero role for the Marlins as a sophomore, Robinson really came into her own as a junior. Robinson had 422 digs and 37 aces during the season for the Marlins, a D1 regional finalist. She received Honorable Mention All-State honors and will be a very big piece to next year’s Marlins squad.</p> [caption id="attachment_120106" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-120106" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/Summer-Jidas-300x273.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="273" /> [player_tooltip player_id="24860" first="Summer" last="Jidas"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24860" first="Summer" last="Jidas"], Clarkston: </strong>Jidas is part of a great Clarkston defensive team. The Wolves are a D1 quarterfinalist and Jidas was Honorable Mention All-State this year for her efforts. Jidas had 414 digs for Clarkston while adding 57 aces. She’s got great reaction time and her serve has been a real problem for opponents.</p> <p><strong>Jaydn Cary, Bronson: </strong>Cary played very well for a defensive-minded Bronson squad. The Vikings are a D3 quarterfinalist and Cary was Honorable Mention All-State for her play in the back row. She has great instincts and moves very well around the floor to keep her team in crucial points.</p> <p><strong>Baily Fancher, Battle Creek St. Philip: </strong>Fancher is part of a strong Fighting Tigers team that is still alive in the Division 4 postseason. Fancher has succeeded at a high level for multiple seasons now, earning Third Team All-State this season. She has the poise and athleticism to continue to flourish at the position.</p> <p><strong>Others to note: </strong>Grace Blickley, NorthPointe Christian; Sarah Collins, Gabriel Richard; Taryn Eckert, Clio; [player_tooltip player_id="24856" first="Chloe" last="Fornetti"], East Kentwood; Allison Hawk, Davison; Delaney Hogle, Johannesburg; Julia Jezak, Cadillac; Cadence Knight, Niles; Ava LaMotte, Clawson; Emma Lloyd, Dundee; Ella Lucas, Trenton; Ally Jo McKenna, Traverse City West; Olivia Rush, Maple Valley; Lexi Sattler, Kingsley; Lainey Shimel, Onaway; Ellie Wagner, Grayling.</p>