Beast Of The East Standout Underclassmen Part 3
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The Beast of the East wasn’t just a showcase of the top players in the state, it was also an opportunity to see many of the future stars of prep volleyball in Michigan. There was just too many to note…
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Continue ReadingThe Beast of the East wasn’t just a showcase of the top players in the state, it was also an opportunity to see many of the future stars of prep volleyball in Michigan.
There was just too many to note in one article, so here’s the third of three articles looking at the underclassmen that made an impact.
Gina Fredrigo, Fr. RS/MH Eisenhower
Eisenhower wouldn’t have worked its way to the Gold Bracket and a third set with Skyline without some players stepping up. Fredrigo had some nice moments Ike, delivering some timely kills and blocks. That included three blocks against Grand Blanc in a big win for Eisenhower.
Finley Helm Finley Helm 5'9" | OH Mt. Pleasant | 2025 State MI , So. OH Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Pleasant had an uphill climb most of the day, but Helm was able to turn a few heads with her play. The sophomore hit over .400 against Portage Central and Saline while staying very active in the defensive effort. An 11-dig performance against Brighton showcased Helm’s potential to be a complete player.
Mya Kattula, So. S/OH Notre Dame Prep
Kattula is filling in a big role this year for the Irish and Saturday was definitely a good test for the sophomore. She held her own pretty well against hitters and blockers that outsized her, but she used her court IQ to finish points and make plays. Her setting instincts have helped her attacks and her growth as a player is showing.
Sophia Kellogg, So. OH Plymouth Christian
PCA has a dominant hitter, but it needs more than just that to win and Kellogg is providing a great hitting compliment to Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI . Kellogg is a technically sound player, as you’d expect from PCA. She’s shown the ability to mix up her shot speeds and she reads opposing blockers very well. Kellogg isn’t over-thinking on the court, just letting things come naturally to her.
Lauren Khoenle, So. OH Portage Central
Khoenle has a bright future ahead, as she’s definitely got an explosive game that’s hard to ignore. Her first step toward the net is vey quick. She can cover a lot of ground in a short time, but has the body control to read the blockers and adjust her shots in mid-air. Her serve also has been very challenging for opposing defenses.
Marie Laurio Marie Laurio 5'10" | OH Saline | 2025 State #147 Nation MI , So. OH Saline
Laurio lived up to the hype she has created for herself this season. The sophomore put on a strong showing last Saturday, racking up double-digit kills against Eisenhower, Forest Hills Northern and Birch Run. She also was tireless in her defensive effort, being among the team leaders on the day in digs. Laurio has a complete game.
McKenna Payne McKenna Payne 5'7" | DS/L SMCC | 2025 State #105 Nation MI , So. DS/OH SMCC
Payne is another with a complete all-around game. Her defensive play could be put up against anyone in the gym at BOE on Saturday. But, she’s proven to be more than just a standout defender at SMCC. Her athleticism allows her to put up picture-perfect swings at the net, as well as high-speed serves.
Riley Pilat Riley Pilat 5'11" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2026 State MI , Fr. MH Plymouth Christian
The Pilat name is already well established at PCA, and it looks as if it will be for many years to come. Riley is a freshman with a high ceiling. She’s already got good form on her swings and has shown the ability to finish from the middle or the outside. As she continues to dial up the intensity, she’s going to be tough for anyone in Division 3 or Division 4 to stop.
Tara Swanson, Fr. S Oxford
Swanson knew she would be up against a lot of high-speed offenses this weekend, but she showed that it won’t be long before she’s able to get Oxford up to an elite speed. Swanson has good instincts with the ball, and she plays with a lot of effort and determination. Those tools will allow her to continue to improve quickly and be a force for seasons to come.