What 2024s can step into lead roles?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we further remove ourselves from the 2022 prep season, it's hard to not notice the key 2023 graduates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of strong teams will need their complimentary players to step into lead roles if they hope to continue to succeed in the 2023 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at seven players that can step into those lead roles and help their teams maintain great success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110288' first='Cayla' last='Cogan'], OH Clarkston</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cogan really took her game to another level before a knee injury ended her prep and club season. Next fall, Cogan could step into a lead role for the Wolves if her knee heals up. Last fall Cogan was bringing as much power at the net as anyone. She hit .337 as a junior and looks like she can be a dominant force in the fall of 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson'], OH Forest Hills Northern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":276089,"width":214,"height":326,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/12-Elana-Erickson-2.jpg?w=672" alt="" class="wp-image-276089" width="214" height="326" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110295' first='Elana' last='Erickson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Erickson was part of a talented FHN offense last fall that reached the D1 semifinals. The Huskies graduate kill leader <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66314' first='Kennedy' last='Louisell']</strong>, which leaves the door open for Erickson to take on the lead role next fall. Erickson has already proven she can handle the responsibility, as she had 418 kills and 310 digs in 2022 while hitting .316. Look for Erickson to be even stronger for the Huskies next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176600' first='Kate' last='Maley'], OH Skyline</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nobody can be expected to fill in the shoes of Miss Volleyball winner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66319' first='Harper' last='Murray']</strong>. However, Skyline has a big task to try and find her production for the 2023 season. While it could be a committee effort, it's clear Maley will have to be the leading force for the offense next fall. She had nearly 300 kills in 2022 as Murray's complimentary hitter. Next year, it will be a big opportunity for Maley to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110315' first='Avry' last='Nelson'], MH Northville</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson was a big key to the Mustangs reaching the D1 state final matchup last fall and next season could see her being the reason Northville again contends for a deep postseason run. Nelson had 100 blocks with 249 kills in 2022. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66325' first='Abigail' last='Reck'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='230898' first='Lauren' last='MacKellar'] </strong>graduating, Nelson is going to have to be the driving force at the net. The 6'3” Nelson shouldn't have any issue meeting those expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110321' first='Piper' last='Risdon'], MH Lowell</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Risdon took a huge step forward as a junior, and the Red Arrows will need her to step up again in the 2023 season. Risd hit .331 as a junior with 310 kills and 48 blocks. With <strong>Aubriegh Oswald</strong> graduating, Risdon becomes the go-to middle for Lowell. As a multi-sport athlete, Risdon has great athleticism and footwork and should be able to take on a larger load for Lowell in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman'], MH Dakota</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":306534,"width":275,"height":182,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/01/DSC09222.jpg?w=1024" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman']" class="wp-image-306534" width="275" height="182" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman'] </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dakota had a powerful lineup in 2022, but graduates four of its top-five kill leaders from the squad. Included in that is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='108718' first='Erin' last='Madigan']</strong>. With so much fire power gone, the Cougars will need someone with experience to step up. Tillman should be that player. Tillman hit over .400 last fall from the middle and has a lot of energy on the floor. She seems eager and ready to be a go-to player for her squad and has the skillset to succeed at it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110332' first='Avery' last='Weslow'], OH Forest Hills Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one isn't much of a stretch, as Weslow was basically a 1-2 leader for the Rangers with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='66299' first='Sarah' last='Dunn']</strong> this past season. Weslow had 503 kills in 2022 with 416 digs and 99 aces. She's clearly ready to be the go-to arm for FHC. The question is now, just how dominant of a player will she have to be for the offense? Will FHC have a compliment to her as she was to Dunn?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->