10 Heavily Improved Players In 2022

<p>As we approach the 2022 high school postseason, it's important to note some of the players that have really elevated their game this prep season.</p>   <p>Here's a look at 10 players that have shown incredible strides in their game this fall.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110279' first='Gianna' last='Bender'], Jr. L/DS Hudsonville</strong></h2>   <p>Everyone knew Bender had the talent to be great, but stepping into the libero position can be a different challenge, especially when replacing an All-State family member. However, Gianna has taken on the challenge and passed with flying colors. She's among the state leader in digs and has been stellar in her serve receive. Bender is a big reason why Hudsonville remains a top contender in D1 this season.</p>   <h2><strong>Rowan Cebulski, Sr. OH Grand Rapids Christian</strong></h2>   <p>The Eagles needed some players to step up this season after the program had lost three Miss Volleyball finalists in as many years. Cebulski has been one to answer the call. She's showcased her ability to be a six-rotation player, and someone that isn't afraid to take on the big swings in a big match. Cebulski showed just how far she's come when she earned All-Tournament team honors at the Beast of the East.</p>   <h2><strong>Victoria Gray, So. MH Bedford</strong></h2>   <p>Gray saw a lot of action as a freshman, but she's taken her game to another level as a sophomore. She's hitting nearly .500 on the season while already having doubled her kill total from 2021. Her blocking puts her right up there with anyone in the state as well with 117, and she's shown a very improved serve in 2022. Gray is setting herself up to be a major player in the next couple of years.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156300' first='Sadie' last='Haase'], So. MH Fruitport</strong></h2>   <p>Fruitport has had some tough losses this season, but one bright spot has been the growth of Haase. She's taking on a big role in the offense this season and has already doubled up her kill total from a year ago. On top of that, she's also improved in every other area of the game and is turning into a complete player. Haase's effort and athleticism are at a high level.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209470' first='Maddie' last='Hoelscher'], Sr. MH/OH St. Philip</strong></h2>   <p>The defending D4 champs lost a big senior class from its 2021 squad, but the proud program that it is, there's no “rebuilding years.” Hoelscher has been someone that has helped keep the Tigers right in the D4 mix this year. The 5'8” hitter plays even longer, as she is explosive off the ground and able to deliver a fast swing. She's got very good instincts in terms of placement, speed, and defensive recognition. If St. Philip is able to make another run at a title, Hoelscher will be a big reason why.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156313' first='Marie' last='Laurio'], So. OH/DS Saline</strong></h2>   <p>Saline has put together a great year and managed to do it without elite middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110282' first='Mallory' last='Bohl'] </strong>available for most of the season due to injury. In need of others to raise their game, Laurio has certainly answered the call. The sophomore has played with a lot of command and confidence. She's leading Saline in kills and one of the team leaders in digs. This year Laurio has established herself as a foundation of the Saline program for years to come.</p>   <h2><strong>Kadie Tarasiewicz, So. MH Orchard Lake St. Mary's</strong></h2>   <p>Orchard Lake St. Mary's has a very young roster, but it's still in the mix in Division 2. Part of the reason for that is the strides their second-and-third-year players are making. Tarasiewicz is a sophomore middle that provides a big presence at the net for the Eaglets. She moves well at the net, being able to take strong swings from the middle or outside. She's got a technically smooth swing, and she adds in a relentless defense effort with her blocking.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140493' first='Grace' last='Wenaas'], Sr. MH Notre Dame Prep</strong></h2>   <p>With NDP having as much graduation loss as it did from the 2021 team, someone had to step up at the net. Wenaas did just that for the Irish. She's been as good of a finisher as there has been in the state, hitting over .500 on the season. She's already put up a career-high in kills, approaching 500 on the year. She's also maintaining a high level of blocks. Wenaas has proven she's got the skills to be a difference maker this year.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110332' first='Avery' last='Weslow'], Jr. OH Forest Hills Central</strong></h2>   <p>Forest Hills Central is looking like it might be able to make a run to Battle Creek this season. Weslow's progression this year is a big reason why. She's a perfect 1-2 punch with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66299' first='Sarah' last='Dunn']</strong>. Weslow has over 420 kills on the season, surpassing last year's total by well over 100 already. She's also been able to maintain one of the top serves in the state while on pace to far surpass her career-high in digs.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='140494' first='Rachel' last='Zurek'], Sr. MH Lakeland</strong></h2>   <p>Zurek has really upped her game in 2022, proving she's among the best finishers in the state when it comes to the middle hitter position. She's hitting nearly .350 on the season and has put down some of the most emphatic kills I've seen this year. Zurek moves really well on the court and has great chemistry with her setters. She's able to finish anywhere on the floor and also has great instincts with her blocking to be a major part of the Lakeland defense as well.</p>

As we approach the 2022 high school postseason, it's important to note some of the players that have really elevated their game this prep season.