Five 2023 prospects flying under the radar

<p>The Class of 2023 is about as strong as it gets in the state of Michigan.</p> <p>One of the state’s strongest and deepest classes is sure to produce a lot of high-level Division 1 talent.</p> <p>With a deep class, that means there are a lot of hidden gems beneath the surface.</p> <p>Here’s five names that don’t get a lot of attention in the Class of 2023, but are definitely capable of making a big impact at the college level.</p> <h4><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66298" first="Sophia" last="Dawkins"], S Berkley/Team Detroit</strong></h4> <p>Dawkins brings a lot of leadership to the table and is a player that is willing to be coached. She implements her teaching quickly and is adding a lot of small details to her game. Dawkins has been able to elevate the player of the hitters around her, while also showing good instincts of when to dump or attack on her own. As she continues to improve, Dawkins can be a real game-changer at setter.</p> <h4><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="140484" first="Anna" last="Hesse"], OH Saline/Five:1</strong></h4> <p>Hesse stands 5’11”, but plays much longer with a lengthy wingspan. That allows her to make a big impact with her blocking, while also playing above her opponents on her attacks. She’s really been coming into her own during the 2021 club season and that is likely to lead to a breakout prep season at Saline this fall. Hesse has all the athleticism to be great, now she just needs to sharpen her footwork and instincts on the floor.</p> <h4><strong>Cathryn Haven, OH NorthPointe Christian/MVA</strong></h4> <p>Haven is on a talented MVA 16 Black team with a lot of hitting options, but she is an emerging talent that has all the fundamental skills to be a dominant player. Haven is able to wind up and deliver a powerful attack, while also moving well around the court for blocking and passing. As she becomes more instinctual and confident on the floor, it will lead to her becoming an even more explosive player. Haven already has a solid vertical, now she just needs to let the game come to her.</p> <h4><strong>Kendall Ihm, MB Owosso/Attack VBC</strong></h4> <p>Ihm is a talented middle that has been able to play all over the court due to her court IQ and athleticism. She’s proven to be a finisher at the varsity level for Owosso, while displaying a great serve and quality blocking. Ihm also has the passing ability to be an outside, while also taking time at the setter position. That kind of all-around talent makes her an asset for all her teammates and she can see plays developing well in advance. As she finds her home at her strongest position, she is sure to excel and create a promising future for herself.</p> <h4><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66311" first="Delaney" last="Jenkinson"], L/DS Holly</strong></h4> <p>Jenkinson has faced a lot of strong hitters as part of the Flint Metro League and playing in Oakland County. She’s been able to handle the heat in the back row, being a great asset for the improving Bronchos in her first two years on varsity. Jenkinson looks the ball into her arms very well and glides around the court to get herself in good position. She’s got a lot of competitive fire for a young player. That should bode well in the years to come as she looks to climb up a talented rankings list at the libero position.</p>