Returning Thumb Standouts In 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The thumb area is home to a lot of talented non-D1 volleyball programs here in Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But, the individuals can still hold their own with anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into 2023, the North Branch program is likely to be one of the top teams in the state regardless of division. Some of the players may be able to say the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the top returning players in the thumb for 2023, with the Broncos leading the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110287' first='Kaela' last='Chingwa'], MB North Branch (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Branch had a lot of all-around talent, but Chingwa was the dominant size in the middle last fall. Chingwa recorded over 110 kills while adding over 230 kills and hitting over .370 on the season. Chingwa stands 6'3” but has great quickness and athleticism to be nearly unstoppable at the Division 2 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110291' first='Alana' last='Deshetsky'], OH North Branch (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='110291' first='Alana' last='Deshetsky'] is definitely the heart and soul of the North Branch lineup. As a sophomore, she showed a lot of grit to lead the Broncos to the D2 championship game. As a junior, she showed a lot of leadership and unselfishness to take on more of an all-around game to allow for a balanced offense. Deshetsky was among the leaders in kills, aces and digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'], OH North Branch (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] into the lineup gave an already strong offense and even bigger boost. She didn't get the accolades of her teammates in postseason honors, but she was definitely vital to the state championship run. [player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'] had over 250 kills and 300 digs while also showing a lot of promise from the service line and in blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172195' first='Kacee' last='Gray'], OH Cass City (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":403670,"width":196,"height":242,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/5-Kacee-Gray.jpg?w=827" alt="" class="wp-image-403670" width="196" height="242" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='172195' first='Kacee' last='Gray']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray was part of dynamic 1-2 punch of sophomores at Cass City last season. The 5'6” outside has a crafty game, able to finish with a mix of shots. She works well with offspeed and power, while being able to read defenses well. She approached 400 kills last season while also being among the team leaders in aces and digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110301' first='Hailey' last='Green'], DS/L North Branch (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green doesn't have to take a backseat to anyone in regard to defensive play. She tallied over 600 digs as a junior and was arguably the MVP of the whole Bronco lineup. Despite the dominant offense, it was Green's play that allowed North Branch to remain in-system and able to attack relentlessly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110302' first='Adrienne' last='Greschaw'], S North Branch (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greschaw has plenty of hitters to work with, but it's her ability to spread the ball out and set the ball in places that allows the hitters to succeed that makes her elite. Along with her setting, Greschaw was a steady server and a defensive contributor as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222361' first='Clara' last='Gyomory'], RS North Branch (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gyomory was the real breakout star for the Broncos last fall. The First Team All-State player took on a big role with a lot of returning talent. Gyomory ended up leading the team in kills while hitting .324 on the season. She had a real explosive step to the ball and delivered a lot of velocity with each attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash'], MH Cass City (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":403671,"width":163,"height":216,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/13-Shelby-Ignash-4.jpg?w=769" alt="" class="wp-image-403671" width="163" height="216" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ignash is quickly proving that she's as gifted a talent as you will find in Division 3 and is capable of playing at the next level. The 6-foot Ignash has power at the net that can compete with anyone and the ability to attack from a wide variety of angles. She had over 500 kills last season with nearly 100 blocks. But, she's not just power, she's a defensive stalwart for Cass City as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'], S/RS Imlay City (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keeping was another impact freshman to come from the thumb in 2022. The setter/hitter combo gets a lot of reps running an offense during club season and is developing more and more. She's able to make the basic plays while adding in some athleticism and speed when the time is right. Keeping has a good feel for location and tempo. As a hitter, Keeping can fly under the radar and really put some power behind her swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Gabby Martinez, MH Marlette (2024)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martinez is a 6-foot middle for Marlette that has worked hard to compete with a talented pool of hitters in the thumb. Last fall, Martinez was a gamechanger for Marlette, as she got her hands on a lot of opposing attacks and was the go-to finisher for the Marlette offense. She should come into the 2023 with plenty of confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->