MHSAA Post-Season Watch-List
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And the road to Kellogg Arena has officially begun! After one heck of a 2022 season, we have finally entered the point in the season where you leave it all on the table. It’s do or die. This post-season is…
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Continue ReadingAnd the road to Kellogg Arena has officially begun!
After one heck of a 2022 season, we have finally entered the point in the season where you leave it all on the table. It’s do or die. This post-season is looking to be one of epic proportions as the hunt for a Wooden Mitten has begun.
When it’s go time, look no further than these players to deliver their team to the promise land. Here are some of the top players to watch over the course of the next three weeks.
Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI – Cass City (D3)
She may have been sidelined due to a minor injury earlier in the season, but it was the perfect recharge for the high flier. Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI has been playing some of her career best volleyball in these last few weeks and has become a dominant force for this Division 3 contender. Despite her size, Gray can jump out of the gym and bring some serious heat behind her ball while backing it up with some elite IQ.
Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI – Forest Hills Northern (D1)
A lot of attention may surround her outside hitters, but you simply cannot overlook this dynamo in the middle for Forest Hills Northern. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI is the X-factor for this team. A monster at the net with her blocking and attacking prowess, you’ll be shocked to see how top-notch her back court play is too. For a middle, Hopewell is not one to put on your scouting report as a serving target.
Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI – North Branch (D2)
Going from an X-factor to a total revelation, Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI was just that for North Branch this season. I would argue that Gyomory’s glow up on the court from last season to now is one of the best in the state. Gyomory leads the No. 2 team in Division 2 in kills and is one of the leaders in blocks. She knows just when to deliver her best play and the Bronco’s are so famous for their post-season domination.
Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI – Detroit Country Day (D2)
Detroit Country Day wasted no time finding their next dynamo in the middle and she’s quite intimidating to see across the net. Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI ‘s emergence in this program is one of the biggest reasons for their No. 1 status in Division 2 as they enter the tournament. She’s averaging almost four kills per set on a .450 clip, leading a lot of DCD’s momentum entering the tournament.
Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI – Marian (D1)
She may have been a part of the Mustang’s second straight title last season, but Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI is now entering a whole new role this time around. From watching on the sidelines, Busignani is coming into Marian’s hunt for a third straight as the top dog on the court. With a killer whip of an arm to knock out the toughest of defenders, her back court play can also rival most liberos.
Anna Hesse Anna Hesse 5'11" | OH Saline | 2023 State MI – Saline (D1)
Another big time glow up story from a season ago, this senior outside hitter can be credited much to this squad’s success this season. Saline enters the tournament as one of the top teams in Division 1, Anna Hesse Anna Hesse 5'11" | OH Saline | 2023 State MI is the Hornet’s leading scorer on the left pin. Hesse has a high ceiling with a knack of playing her best ball against the top teams in the state and that habit will come up huge the further Saline makes it into the tournament.
Isabelle Kirkendall Isabelle Kirkendall 5'11" | OH Lenawee Christian | 2023 State MI – Lenawee Christian (D4)
This player could go toe-to-toe with the best of them in Michigan, no matter of division. Lenawee Christian has become a Division 4 powerhouse under her tenure in the program and are looking to go all the way this season. She’s one of the most prolific attackers in the entire state, hitting just above the .500 mark which is so impressive for a player getting a huge chunk of the offense.
Sophie Crawford Sophie Crawford 6'1" | S Gull Lake | 2024 State MI – Richland Gull Lake (D1)
One of the most underrated names in the state of Michigan, if you aren’t aware of this setter, you better get ready! Richland Gull Lake is a heavy favorite for a deep run into the tournament because of Sophia Crawford. She ranks amongst the top of her team in about every statistical category. While running the offense, her high IQ offers much of an offensive play and some pretty stellar defense as well.
Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI – St. Mary’s Catholic Central (D3)
Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI was huge for SMCC in last year’s Runner-Up finish. She’ll be a huge factor in a change of results this time around. Like this year, SMCC was top dog going into the tournament and were upset by Cinderella-team, Reese. Costlow and company beefed up their schedule big time this year and are well tested. Costlow’s high-flying nature and eye for the court will be hard to contend with.
Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI – Pewamo-Westphalia (D3)
If anyone were to upset the mighty beasts of SMCC, it’ll be the the Pirates of Pewamo-Westphalia led by S Taylor Smith Taylor Smith 6'1" | S Pewamo Westphalia | 2024 State MI . One of the top setters in the state, Smith has been playing on a whole other level as of late. She’s got the magic touch when running her offense, which will be a big difference down the line.
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