2021 Northern Michigan difference makers

<p>In the 2021 prep season, the northern parts of the lower peninsula and upper peninsula are both producing some exciting volleyball.</p> <p>Here’s a look at some names to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.</p> <p><strong>Becky Lane, Sr. OH, Traverse City West: </strong>Lane has the Titans rolling right now at 16-1. She is coming off an 18-kill, 16-dig performance against rival TC Central this week. Lane makes a lot of her attacks look effortless. She is patient, but explosive, and can finish from the front row or back row.</p> <p><strong>Kailey Parks, Sr. OH, Traverse City Central: </strong>Parks is another talented all-around outside in the north. She’s very intelligent with her decision-making and placement of the ball. She also defends very well and always has her eyes on the whole court.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110314" first="Carissa" last="Musta"], Soph. MH, Cadillac: </strong>You can’t talk about Cadillac without talking about Miss Volleyball finalist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24845" first="Renee" last="Brines"]</strong>. She certainly does it all. One breakout star this year for the Vikings is Musta in the middle. The sophomore middle has 169 kills while hitting .333 this season. She also already has amassed 82 blocks. Musta looks to be a real star on the rise.</p> <p><strong>Hannah Burd, Sr. S, Sault Area: </strong>Burd is a nice setting and hitting option for the Blue Devils up in the U.P. She’s able to make a lot of athletic plays and runs a balanced offense. Not only is she quick offensively, she is able to react quickly on defense. Burd is the kind of on-court leader a team needs.</p> <p><strong>Helen Beiring, Jr. MH, Calumet: </strong>Beiring is a big-time finisher for the Copper Kings. She’s got the length and athleticism to dominate D3 opponents. Beiring is also able to finish from the middle or the outside, showing good footwork to swing at both spots.</p> <p><strong>Patria Muriel, Sr. L/DS, Charlevoix: </strong>Charlevoix bounced back nicely from a quarantine period and the team is well-balanced. However, for that offensive balance to be achieved, the defense has to step up. Muriel has been strong defensively for Charlevoix, moving well and taking on the tough shots. She plays with a lot of energy and keeps the team competitive with anyone.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24866" first="Emma" last="Mirabelli"], Sr. OH, Traverse City Christian: </strong>Mirabelli is a complete player, and a dominant one at that. Not many can match her skill set in Division 4. She brings a lot of power to her swings, but she’s got the athleticism to defend and serve with the best as well.</p> <p><strong>Kenzie Walcher, Sr. OH, Carney-Nadeau: </strong>Walcher was one of the few returning contributors from last year’s semifinal squad. This year she is making the move from a primary defender to one of the team’s kill leaders. Her swing continues to improve, while maintaining that same high-level of defensive play she already had.</p>