Seven Upper Peninsula Prospects To Watch In 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PrepDig is putting on the Michigan Stock Up Showcase for Class of 2024-26 prospects on July 22 in Pontiac. </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/info?website_id=3&amp;event_id=780"><strong><em>Click here</em></strong></a><em> to sign up for the event. You can use promo code “EllisDig2023” for $10 off your registration.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With June hitting the calendar, we aren't getting too far from the 2023 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While a lot of prospects are finishing up club seasons here in the Lower Peninsula, there are some returning Upper Peninsula talents that have been hard at work and ready to make a splash in the fall season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at seven returning U.P. talents to keep an eye on this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Allie Bjorn, OH Calumet (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bjorn is a little powerhouse of a hitter in the Upper Peninsula. Listed at just 5'1”, she still brings all the tools to the court to be a standout player. Her defensive play really stands out, as she is quick and technically sound when taking on opposing hitters. As an offensive threat, Bjorn is a smart player that knows how to place the ball where the defense isn't expecting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jessica Gooch, MH Marquette (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 5'11” middle for Marquette, Gooch is one of the top returning players in the Upper Peninsula and in store for a big 2023 fall season. The All-Region talent has a nice wingspan to utilize and she's got a variety of shots. Gooch doesn't just rely on power, she's crafty with her offspeed swings and locations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Emma Jones, S Manistique (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones is one of many impressive returning setters from the U.P. A D3 All-State Honorable Mention honoree, Jones moves over the floor with smoothly with a lot of focus. She's able to stay a step ahead of the opposing defense, which has allowed her to help develop a slew of hitters and make Manistique a D3 contender in the year ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473937' first='Laina' last='Kariniemi'], S Calumet (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kariniemi had the honor of being one of the few All-State honorees from the U.P. that will be returning in 2023. Kariniemi is a great floor general for the Copper Kings. The Second Team All-State pick in Division 3 mixes up her sets well and is a constant communicator on the floor. Her team follows her lead and it has helped lead Calumet to a lot of team success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445361' first='Maddy' last='Kreider'], S/OH Kingsford (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kreider is a real hidden gem up in the upper peninsula. She's a dynamic player that can play the two biggest positions on the floor and excel at both. Her hitting is consistent and she's got the engine to take a lot of swings in a match. Her setting is precise and she puts a great touch on the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ellery Nash, L/DS Kingsfoord (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another strong 2025 prospect out of Kingsford is libero Ellery Nash. She is very persistent in the back row and is going to get to the ball at all costs. Her ability to put up big dig numbers is why Kingsford is a Division 2 team to keep an eye on for the 2023 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153681' first='Ella' last='Schuetter'], MH Manistque (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schuetter is part of the crew of talented hitters in the Manistique program. At 5'11”, she's got solid size for a D3 middle and that is what helped her earn All-State Honorable Mention honors last fall. Schuetter has good blocking instincts and brings an added defensive dimension to the front row. Offensively, she's able to high point the ball and attack at sharp angles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->