D2 Breakout Hitters in 2022

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 2 has a lot of the proud programs once again leading the way in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, we are seeing some great hitting performances from other programs around the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some hitters to keep an eye on as the prep season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Hope Schriber, Jr. MH Imlay City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'1”, Schriber shows a lot of quickness at athleticism at the position. She's got the footwork to play off the net and still deliver highlight-reel kills. She's finishing at a high rate and finding openings on the floor to keep Imlay City in the top 10 mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110334' first='Ava' last='Wilcox'], Jr. OH Lansing Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilcox is a really explosive outside that is leading the Cougars to a great year thus far. She's among the Lansing area leaders in kills per set, while showcasing a great defensive effort as well. Wilcox plays a relentless style and doesn't tire easily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172193' first='Taylor' last='Schram'], Sr. OH Birch Run</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schram is another solid all-around athlete that is using her athleticism and explosiveness to make plays at each rotation. She's got good technique on her attacks to go along with a nice vertical. She's also able to finish from the back row. Defensively, Schram is quick to the ball and she's also adding in a high-velocity serve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172188' first='Ashlee' last='Lenhard'], Sr. MH Garber</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lenhard has been a big force offensive and defensively for the Dukes. Garber is rolling at this point in the season, with Lenhard being a catalyst for the success. She's got a lot of length and is coming through with block after block. Offensively, she's able to dial up a lot of speed on her attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66304' first='Megan' last='Grose'], Sr. S/OH St. Catherine</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":130408,"width":134,"height":134,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/02/59_Megan-Grose2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-130408" width="134" height="134"/><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='66304' first='Megan' last='Grose']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grose has a really high court IQ that helps her succeed at both positions. Her swings are technically sound and come with a lot of speed at sharp angles. As a setter, Grose is able to recognize the openings in the defense and when to call her own number.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Jillian Bruckner, Sr. OH Niles</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruckner has emerged as the go-to arm in a deep hitting crop at Niles. She's finishing at a high rate, hitting .320 on the season, while already sitting over 250 kills on the year. Bruckner has also been strong on the block (54) and from the service line (32 aces).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226908' first='Meredith' last='Martin'], Fr. OH St. Mary's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orchard Lake St. Mary's is in its third year as a prep program and you can see clear progress year-to-year. In 2022, the Eaglets have added a promising freshman in Martin, who looks very comfortable as a lead hitter in the offense. She's finding her swing and improving with her instincts. She's also got a nice mix of serves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Maureen Winstanley, Sr. MH GR Catholic Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winstanley has been showing a lot of improvement in her finishing ability. This season her hit percentage has increased, and her blocking instincts are on point. Despite not having the size of other middles in the area, Winstanley is still holding her own with the best of the best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Avery Jozwiak, Jr. OPP Allendale</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jozwiak has really nice form on her swings and they have led to some nice highlight-reel moments for the junior. She's able to get to the ball at a high point and get through the opposing blocks. She's showing a high ceiling as she mixes in speeds and swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->