Nine Macomb Area Players 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.&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>Just outside of Oakland County, the Macomb area isn't one to sneeze at when it comes to volleyball talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the top teams year after year come from this part of the map and in 2023, there are some hungry players ready to prove that they are among the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222364' first='Trista' last='Ameel'], L/DS Romeo (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ameel has active eyes and good form to be a reliable libero for her squad. She is technically sound, placing the ball in the right spots and always keeping her digs and passes in playable spots for her team. She doesn't look frantic on the floor, staying focused and in control while playing with a lot of confidence to make the tough dig when it comes her way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Catherine Barnes, L/DS Fraser (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes has been a great leader on the floor for Fraser and she's stood up to some of the top hitters in the state and been able to keep her squad competitive. Barnes stays light on her feet and is never standing in the same spot for more than an instant. She's able to make accurate passes no matter where her arms take the ball, as she's learned to adapt well on the fly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sara Curtis, OH/DS L'Anse Creuse North (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curtis is a strong all-around player that can contribute in every aspect of the game for LCN. She's been able to succeed as a six-rotation outside during the prep season, but also has been standing out as a libero during club year. She has a knack for getting to the ball and making a sound defensive play. Her quickness and speed also allow her to pack a punch at the net with some impressive power on her swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226886' first='Gabby' last='DiVita'], OH Grosse Pointe South (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":306161,"width":238,"height":158,"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/DSC09374.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-306161" width="238" height="158" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='226886' first='Gabby' last='DiVita']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grosse Pointe South may technically sit in Wayne County, but the Blue Devils are up against a lot of Macomb area squads. DiVita was one of the top freshman in the state last year, winning the MAC White Player of the Year award. An All-American in club as well, DiVita is a special prospect. The 6'1” hitter has tremendous athleticism and swing mechanics. She can attack from any angle and from anywhere around the net. She brings a complete game to the floor as well, as she can be a defensive standout like she can be an offensive standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250095' first='Kaley' last='Eller'], OH Utica (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eller is listed at 5'10”, but she has a long reach that allows her to cover a lot of space in the air and attack a lot of challenging angles at the net. She can play at either pin, and also has been used as a DS because of her strong defensive skillset. Eller brings a lot of consistency in her attacks. She doesn't have the power of other hitters, but is able to find a home for her swings and doesn't make a lot of poor attack errors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153673' first='Ella' last='Jensen'] L/DS SCS Lakeview (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jensen gets herself into good position in the back row, squaring up to the ball consistently to deliver an accurate a soft feed to her setters. Her first contact has been steady, as she is able to read the ball well and not have to rely on a lot of sprawling to get under the ball. Jensen looks composed on the floor and doesn't let much get to her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222363' first='Kaitlyn' last='Marsh'], MH Henry Ford II (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” Marsh has a long reach that allows her to high point the ball and attack above the blockers. She connect well with her setters and knows where to position herself on the court in order to deliver a big attack. Marsh is also a strong blocker, as she has shown improved quickness and reaction time defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156330' first='Ella' last='Sikorski'], L/DS Regina (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sikorski is a multi-sport athlete that uses her quickness and instincts to be a solid defender in the back row for Regina. She's had a lot of big-match experience, seeing a lot of varsity action in a power-packed Catholic League. That's paying off as she's developed a lot of confidence and has the ability to react quickly to a lot of power shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110328' first='Johanna' last='Tillman'], MH Dakota (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tillman has been a consistent force at the net that has shown improvement year-to-year. This fall, she steps into a key role for Dakota, which graduated a lot of its lineup. Tillman finishes at a high rate, hitting over .400 in 2022. She has great explosiveness off the floor and moves smoothly around the net. Tillman also brings a lot of effort and energy to every point. That makes her a difficult blocker to contend with as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->