2024 Prospect Roulette: June Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PrepDig is putting on the Michigan Stock Up Showcase for Class of 2024-26 prospects on July 22 in Pontiac.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/info?website_id=3&event_id=780"><strong><em>Click here</em></strong></a><em>&nbsp;to sign up for the event. You can use promo code “EllisDig2023” for $10 off your registration.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last month we did our first 2024 Prospect Roulette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a way to spread the wealth of our prospect coverage, not just hitting on the top names all the time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's how it works: Each month, I'll pop up a random number generator that includes the 2024 rankings. I'll generate eight numbers and the eight that come up will be the ranking of the player. I'll then spotlight those players in the article to help give them some more attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll do the same for a pair of watch list players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's 85 players ranked in our Class of 2024 and 35 on the Watch List. Let's see who has the lucky numbers this month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>82. [player_tooltip player_id='222365' first='Braxcynn' last='Baker'], OH Lowell</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other than having one of the coolest names in the Class of 2024, Brax Baker made big strides in the last year, proving she can take on a heavy attack workload and still improve as a defender as well. Baker has evolved her game well, mixing in a lot of different shot speeds and swing angles. This upcoming senior season should be a big one for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>37. McKenzie Swanson, MB Marian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swanson is a top prospect in basketball, but she applies those skills to being a very athletic and fleet-footed 6'3” middle. Swanson has a big lift off the floor and can deliver an unstoppable attack when connected with her setter. Swanson is also a dominant blocker, covering a wide range at the net with her long wingspan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>57. [player_tooltip player_id='176602' first='Samantha' last='Clemens'], MB Rockford/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clemens dealt with some injuries last fall, but still put together good stretches for Rockford when available. The 6-foot middle has a straight forward swing, which allows her to attack quickly and keep opposing blockers off their game. Clemens also has good defensive instincts at the net, allowing her to keep points alive in hectic scrambles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10. [player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer'], OH Frankenmuth/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":170102,"width":150,"height":174,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/37-Audrey-Geer.jpg?w=885" alt="" class="wp-image-170102" width="150" height="174" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='153672' first='Audrey' last='Geer']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably one of the most improved players over the last year, Geer has shown she has the total package for an outside hitter. The Marshall commit has every offensive tool in her toolkit. She can use power or offspeed, she can finish from the front row or back, and she can place the ball anywhere on the floor. Geer has a great court IQ, which she also uses to be a standout passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>55. [player_tooltip player_id='176598' first='Jenna' last='Southland'], MB Three Rivers/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southland approached being a 500-kill, 100-block player last fall for Three Rivers. Her finishing rate is among the best in the state. Southland has a long reach as a 6'1” middle and her arm mechanics allow her to really dial up the heat. The same applies to her blocking ability, where she's relentless at the net. The Hillsdale commit also has an underrated serving and defensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>15. [player_tooltip player_id='110333' first='Izzy' last='Whittaker'], OH Grand Haven/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whittaker has been one of the power arms for a stacked Grand Haven offense. The 6'1” outside has good footwork and covers a lot of ground during her attacks, which generates a lot of velocity. Whittaker finds ways to stay ahead of blockers, but also won't back down from powering through them either. Defensively, Whittaker uses that same athleticism to slow down a lot of opposing attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>40. [player_tooltip player_id='110335' first='Avery' last='Woodard'], S Marysville/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":130420,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/02/72_Avery-Woodard2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-130420" width="153" height="153" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110335' first='Avery' last='Woodard']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodard has been battling through a knee injury that has limited some of her time as a setter, but where she's still excelling is as a server. Woodard brings one of the toughest serves to the court in this class. As a setter, Woodard has a very soft touch and is able to consistently hit her spots, bringing out big swings from her hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>77. [player_tooltip player_id='110281' first='Arianna' last='Black'], MB Whitehall/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Black was a big producer for Whitehall last fall. She led the team in kills and blocks while also being a steady contributor defensively and from the service line. As a 6-footer, Black moves very well around the floor and shows strong technique with her passing. Her attacks generate a lot of power and she's played with more confidence after each match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WL [player_tooltip player_id='153668' first='Kayla' last='Budziak'], OH Walled Lake Northern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Budziak is an energy player that brings a lot of enthusiasm and competitiveness to the court. Last fall, Budziak showed improvement on her finishing rate and was bringing more velocity to her swings. She's a great all-around athlete that can be a real momentum swinger for the Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WL [player_tooltip player_id='176606' first='Grace' last='Steiner'], DS/L West Catholic/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steiner has been working through recovery from a knee injury, which can be a process as a DS/L that has to cover a lot of ground and be instinctual. Steiner has active eyes and does a good job of squaring up to the attack to try and put herself in position to make a dig without having to make a last-second lunge or dive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->