2024 Rankings Update: Top Middle Hitters
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Last week saw us release a much-anticipated update to our 2024 Player Rankings. There were a lot of movers and shakers in the list, as well as some fresh faces. With the new list out, let’s jump through the positions…
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Continue ReadingLast week saw us release a much-anticipated update to our 2024 Player Rankings.
There were a lot of movers and shakers in the list, as well as some fresh faces.
With the new list out, let’s jump through the positions and see what the class is bringing to the table.
Today we look at the middle hitters, which is arguably the top position in the class. This group is deep and likely to make a big impact at the next level.
1. Mallory Bohl Mallory Bohl 6'3" | MB Saline | 2024 State #102 Nation MI , Saline/Legacy
Recently committed to Notre Dame, Bohl brings a very elite skillset to the court. The 6’3” middle is one of the top blockers in the state, while also finishing at a very high rate on her attacks. She’s got a great career trajectory.
2. Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI , FH Northern/FaR Out
Already a junior captain for a talented FHN offense, Hopewell has shown the ability to play the OPP, as well as middle. She’s quick on her feet and able to change direction in a flash. Hopewell also has a great vertical to give her a big advantage on opponents.
3. Kaela Chingwa Kaela Chingwa 6'3" | MB North Branch | 2024 State MI , North Branch/Michigan Elite
Chingwa brings some size and power to an athletic North Branch roster. The 6’2” middle is improving each match. Her finishing rate has grown a lot year-to-year, combining with a blocking game that puts her near the top of the state.
4. Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI , Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite
Pilat is able to do it all for PCA. As a middle, she displays a lot of athleticism and determination to be a playmaker defensively as well. Her athleticism carries her to a powerful attack, but her effort level is what pushes her to being a complete player.
5. Ellie Fles Ellie Fles 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2024 State MI , South Christian/FaR Out
Fles is another complete player, that can shift to the outside and play six rotations if needed. Along with an explosive attack, she’s also improved a lot with her defense and passing, and brings a competitive serve to the table.
6. Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI , Northville/L2
The 6’3” Nelson could be a real difference maker for Northville’s efforts to win a state title this season. She’s improved her finishing rate by leaps and bounds so far in 2022 while maintaining her high block rate from 2021. Nelson’s dialed-up aggression is taking her game up another level.
7. Johanna Tillman Johanna Tillman 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2024 State MI , Dakota/Legacy
Tillman is part of a talented crop of hitters at Dakota. She got some great experience as a sophomore and is ready to breakout this fall. Already a top blocker, the 6’2” Tillman is mixing up her swings and showing she can finish all around the net. Her drive to succeed is hard to anyone to match.
8. Mila Kavara Mila Kavara 6'2" | MB Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI , FH Central/FaR Out
A promising 6’2” middle, Kavara is emerging as a top name out of the Grand Rapids volleyball scene. She’s getting more aggressive with each match and working on her consistency when it comes to finishing. Kavara has a high ceiling as she continue to gets more confident.
9. Piper Risdon Piper Risdon 5'11" | MB Lowell | 2024 State MI , Lowell/FaR Out
A multi-sport talent, Risdon is already showing improvement in all areas of her game in 2022. Her finishing rate is growing, her serve is improving, and her defensive skillset is starting to emerge.
10. Mckenzie Swanson Mckenzie Swanson 6'3" | MB Marian | 2024 MI , Marian
Swanson is another multi-sport standout athlete. The 6’3” junior is getting a chance to really have a breakout year with Marian losing key middles. So far this year, Swanson is finishing at a very high rate while establishing that she can get her hands on almost any opposing attack.