Unsung heroes for Division 1’s top 10 teams

Drew Ellis October 28, 2021 @ 11:33 AM

Marian – Ella Schomer Ella Schomer 6'0" | RS Marian | 2023 State #142 Nation MI , Jr. OH: Schomer has been a key piece for Marian’s deep attack the past few years, but she’s really made big strides in 2021 to be a perfect compliment on the outside to Ava Brizard Ava Brizard 6'0" | OH Marian | 2022 State #16 Nation MI . Schomer is hitting .356 and approaching 200 kills on the season. She’s also been steady defensively with 49 blocks and 184 digs. Schomer will have a chance to be a real breakout star in 2022, but right now she’s definitely an unsung hero for the Mustangs.

Hudsonville – Emmalee Murphy Emmalee Murphy 6'0" | MB Hudsonville | 2022 State MI , Sr. OH/MH: Hudsonville has a lot of length and a lot of hitters, but Murphy has quietly went about being a reliable finisher this season. She’s got 278 kills over 118 sets. Murphy also has been able to add to the defensive effort and help keep Hudsonville’s offense in-system.

Rockford – Alina Anderson Alina Anderson 5'5" | DS/L Rockford | 2022 State MI , Sr. L: It’s hard to find an unsung hero on Rockford because the team plays very well as a collective unit. For the team to maintain the balance and pace, Anderson is a big part of that with her athleticism in the back row. She handles the majority of serve receiving and has an impressive 518 digs on the year. She plays with a lot of fire and leadership as well, really completing the squad.

Skyline – Kate Maley, Soph. RS: Skyline obviously has an outstanding talent in Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI , but the Eagles have an impressive sophomore with a high ceiling contributing on the right side. Maley provides a lot of pop in her attacks and she’s able to adjust well to where the ball is set. She also has good length and is a factor is blocking.

Forest Hills Central – Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI , Soph. OH: Another sophomore making waves in big matches is Weslow. She has shown she can contribute everywhere on the floor. Her serve is proving to be one of the best in the state, as she has 93 aces on the year. She also has 240 kills and 306 digs. Weslow is sure to be a dominant force in the years to come.

Forest Hills Northern – Natalie Schmidbauer, Jr. L: Schmidbauer stays very light on her feet and moves well around the floor to make tough defensive plays. The Huskies have some tremendous hitters, so if Schmidbauer can continue to take on the top hitters in the state, she gives FHN a shot at a special postseason.

Mercy – Leah Lafontaine Leah Lafontaine 5'9" | OH Mercy | 2022 State MI , Sr. OH: LaFontaine is part of a relatively young Mercy squad, but she is an important senior leader that has a lot of big-match experience over her time with the Marlins. That experience and leadership has been crucial this season. She also still is a big part of the defensive effort while being able to deliver a strong kill when the time calls for it.

Northville – Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI , Soph. MH: Nelson is another impact sophomore that has really aided Northville with its defensive effort. She has 88 blocks on the season, but also has added 163 kills while hitting .284 for the Mustangs. Nelson has a high ceiling, as the 6’2” middle is getting more comfortable with her swing.

Saline – Laney Burns, Jr. S: Burns has taken over the Saline offense this season and has a lot of length to work with. The Hornets have a lot of impressive hitters, but Burns is the one that is able to keep each of them in the offensive rotation. She keeps a calm presence on the floor and plays the position with a lot of effort and determination.

Lake Orion – Hannah Lynch, Sr. MH: Lake Orion has been known to have some dominant blockers and Lynch has definitely stepped into that role this season. She has 112 blocks over 102 sets and has been a key piece to the Dragons winning the OAA Red. She also has added 103 kills while hitting .283.