Rule of Thumb: Top Outside Hitters in 2022
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With 2023 on the horizon, and 2022 nearing a close, it’s time to take a look at some of the best this past year. Starting off in the Thumb of the Mitten state. Producing two teams to make it all…
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Continue ReadingWith 2023 on the horizon, and 2022 nearing a close, it’s time to take a look at some of the best this past year.
Starting off in the Thumb of the Mitten state. Producing two teams to make it all the way to Kellogg and the second straight year having a team return as state champions is impressive. And there’s a lot more where that came from.
Breaking down some of the best of the best from the Thumb area. Here were some of the top outside hitters in 2022.
Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI – 5’8 OH – Cass City
While last season she caused some havoc, it wasn’t until 2022 that we truly saw this superstar emerge. What was once a freshman phenom, is now a certified baller and playing like a veteran to many standards. Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI made up one of the deadliest one-two punches in all of Michigan volleyball. Leading Cass City to a semi-final appearance in Division 3.
Aubree Deshetsky Aubree Deshetsky 5'9" | OH North Branch | 2026 State MI – 5’9 OH – North Branch
In one of the best debuts by any freshman in the state, Aubree Deshetsky Aubree Deshetsky 5'9" | OH North Branch | 2026 State MI knows how to make an impression. Starting off the season splitting time as a hitter and a setter, it wasn’t until her time as a six rotation left side took full focus that Deshetsky’s game took off.
Sarah Howard Sarah Howard 5'8" | DS/L Bad Axe | 2024 State MI – 5’8 S – Bad Axe
One of the only teams in the entire Greater Thumb Conference (East or West) that could hold a candle to Cass City’s fire. Bad Axe was led by their own tandem of hitters with Sarah Howard Sarah Howard 5'8" | DS/L Bad Axe | 2024 State MI being at the forefront of it all. With her career starting as a libero, to now a full-time, six rotation outside hitter. Howard has the ball control and the scoring cues to hang with the best.
Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI – 5’11 OPP – North Branch
North Branch’s season may have looked a lot different if it weren’t for the emergence of Clara Gyomory Clara Gyomory 5'10" | RS North Branch | 2024 State MI on the right pin. While a fixture in the offense in 2021, Gyomory WAS the offense in 2022. A leading scorer and top pin blocker for the Broncos, Gyomory was a force to be reckoned with.
Emma Keeping Emma Keeping 5'11" | S Imlay City | 2026 State MI – 5’11 OPP/S – Imlay City
It’s not everyday that you see one, but two freshman phenoms that so happens to play elite level volleyball in multiple positions. Like Deshetsky, Emma Keeping Emma Keeping 5'11" | S Imlay City | 2026 State MI was an even more prominent fixture splitting time between setting and attacking for Imlay City. With a wicked left arm, Keeping’s role turned more into a scorer and nearly led the Spartans to an upset over North Branch in the District Semifinals.
Lexa Forti Lexa Forti 5'7" | OH Imlay City | 2024 State MI – 5’7 OH – Imlay City
From the freshman to a junior, Imlay City was well-equipped with weapons on both ends of the net this season. Lexa Forti Lexa Forti 5'7" | OH Imlay City | 2024 State MI stepped up big time for the Spartans time and time again. Relied upon to take on the brunt of balls in reception and on the attacking front. Forti was another huge piece in the near upset over BWAC rivals, North Branch.