2024 Player Rankings Update: Top Outside Hitters

<p>This club season is a big one for 2024 prospects.</p> <p>It’s a chance for them to really establish themselves and move up our rankings ladder.</p> <p>With the release of the 2024 Player Rankings last month, let’s start to do a deep dive into each position. We begin at outside hitter.</p> <h4><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="110295" first="Elana" last="Erickson"], Forest Hills Northern/FaR Out</strong></h4> <p>Erickson is a great six-rotation outside hitter that is from the Grand Rapids-area. She’s outstanding with her footwork and plays with a lot of poise and calm in the back row. Erickson can then dial up explosive attacks from the front or back court.</p> <h4><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="110288" first="Cayla" last="Cogan"], Clarkston/Legacy</strong></h4> <p>Cogan had a breakout sophomore season with Clarkston this fall. She proved to be a very reliable option for the Wolves with 344 kills while hitting .262. Cogan also proved to be a defensive force at the net with 50 blocks. While not getting to display all her passing skills, those are shining through during club season.</p> <h4><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="172198" first="Isabelle" last="Swiercz"], Hudsonville/FaR Out</strong></h4> <p>Swiercz was a steady force for the talented Hudsonville squad this fall, helping the Eagles get to the D1 state semifinals. She was among the kill leaders with 305, while hitting .267. As she becomes a bigger part of the mix, Swiercz can build on her all-around game and showcase her defensive talents.</p> <h4><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="153662" first="Catherine" last="Flaharty"], Saline/L2</strong></h4> <p>The 6’1” Flaharty has a lot of intangible skills due to her length. That allowed her to step up and be a large presence for Saline during the prep season. As she continues to grow in confidence and technique, she’s going to be a force for both Saline and the new L2 club program.</p> <h4><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="110304" first="Cameron" last="Herman"], Hartland/Legacy</strong></h4> <p>Herman is very explosive and it leads to a high termination rate. Her wind-up and swing are very technically sound and have been difficult for opponents to stop. She applies that athleticism to the back row as well, making very athletic plays on the defensive end.</p> [caption id="attachment_166936" align="alignright" width="235"]<img class="wp-image-166936 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/11/NB-9-Alana-Deshetsky-3-1-235x300.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"][/caption] <p><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id="110332" first="Avery" last="Weslow"], Forest Hills Central/FaR Out</strong></p> <p><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id="153672" first="Audrey" last="Geer"], Frankenmuth/Legacy</strong></p> <p><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id="110291" first="Alana" last="Deshetsky"], North Branch</strong></p> <p><strong>9. [player_tooltip player_id="110333" first="Isabel" last="Whittaker"], Grand Haven/MVA</strong></p> <p><strong>10. [player_tooltip player_id="110286" first="Angie" last="Butler"], Mercy/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <p><strong>11. [player_tooltip player_id="110327" first="Ava" last="Thomas"], Northville/L2</strong></p> <p><strong>12. [player_tooltip player_id="153680" first="Rayna" last="Powers"], Marysville/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <p><strong>13. [player_tooltip player_id="110276" first="Payton" last="Atwell"], Portage Northern</strong></p> <p><strong>14. [player_tooltip player_id="176597" first="Sophia" last="Allen"], Grand Rapids Catholic Central/MVA</strong></p> <p><strong>15. Katelyn Rottman, Lansing Christian/Michigan Elite</strong></p>