2023 Rankings Update: Top Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We updated&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2023-rankings/">our 2023 player rankings</a></strong>&nbsp;last week and its definitely one of Michigan's top classes in some time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with looking at the&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3PJaFvK"><strong>stock-risers</strong></a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3wr9g6a"><strong>new additions</strong></a>, we started taking a deeper dive into each position's rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final stop is at libero/DS, which might be Michigan's best overall crop ever for the position. A lot of top-level talent makes up our top 10 and should shine at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66340' first='Sarah' last='Vellucci'], Novi/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A standout outside as well, Vellucci really cemented her spot up top by leading Legacy to a national championship this past club season. She's able to take on the toughest hitters and get the ball to her setter. In prep season, she does it all for Novi, showing her overall athleticism. Vellucci is committed to Long Beach State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66308' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hoffman'], Novi/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another great all-around player that helps lead the Novi program, Hoffman also has a lot of poise and control in the back row. The Ohio State commit can also play hitter and is explosive at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66295' first='Allison' last='Berent'], NDP/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berent is another in a great line of Notre Dame Prep defenders. The Alabama commit is aggressive and puts her body on the line with each point. She's also displayed an all-around game in year's past, but the back row is certainly her home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66297' first='Kalliann' last='Cook'], Birch Run/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook is a real gamer. She's ready to do whatever it takes for her team to succeed and she won't be intimidated by any opposing hitter. Along with her great effort, the Austin Peay commit is a vocal leader on the floor as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>5. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152528' first='Ella' last='McAllister'], Marshall/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McAllister is a very athletic defender that keeps her head on a swivel. She sees the play developing and gets into position to make a big dig. Her court IQ and athleticism will make her a valuable collegiate asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>6. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110323' first='Alexis/Lexi' last='Smith'], Anchor Bay/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently committed to Oakland, Smith has been very steady for Anchor Bay and Legacy. Smith has a quick first step and solid form with her defensive play. She's quick to study her hitters and pick up on their tendencies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66342' first='Kendall' last='White'], St. Johns/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White is a really experienced defender that has faced many of the best. She's shouldered a big load for her prep and club teams in order to keep them in tight matches. White plays with a lot of confidence and determination.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>8. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66305' first='Lauren' last='Heming'], Marian/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heming has been a bit of an unsung hero for Marian, as she's been the steady rock in the back row of the last two championship runs. Heming has tapped more and more into her aggression and knows she can take on the top hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>9. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108714' first='Taryn' last='Rice'], Northville/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northville is another program that has developed a lot of defensive talent. Rice is the next in line. She's very determined and steady in the back row. Rice can make a great pass from a tough angle and looks the ball into her arms each time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>10. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66333' first='Ella' last='Shields'], Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Stony Brook commit, Shields has been battling against the best the CHSL has to offer for years and it's paying off. She worked her way into a big role with Mercy despite a lot of defensive depth. Shields had a strong serve and she is committed to getting to each ball that comes to her side of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->