All-Michigan Freshman Showcase Team
In this article:
Saturday’s Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a wide array of 2027 talent that is sure to make a name for themselves in the years to come. While we will be going through evaluations for each participant in the days ahead, it’s…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSaturday’s Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a wide array of 2027 talent that is sure to make a name for themselves in the years to come.
While we will be going through evaluations for each participant in the days ahead, it’s good to acknowledge those that stood out the most and earned a spot on our All-Showcase team.
Outside Hitters
Leah Bongiovanni, Marian/Michigan Elite: The Marian program has a lot of promising 2027 talents. Included is Bongiovanni, who was very repetitive in her hitting power. She brought it to the net with each swing and never waivered in her velocity.
Grace Goodyke, GR Christian/FaR Out: Goodyke looked strong in all areas of the game. Her consistent power on her attacks and serves bodes well for a bright future.
Calli LeFevre Calli LeFevre 5'11" | OH Marian | 2027 State MI , Marian/Legacy: LeFevre was someone that really upped her game and performance when six-on-six play started. She had great chemistry with her setters and put down some showstopping kills.
Demi McCoy, Country Day/Michigan Elite: McCoy suffered an injury in the later stages, but prior to that she proved she can be a future star. She’s very explosive and can play well above the net. Her swing technique is in a good place and her defensive play is above average.
Eleanor Williams, Romeo/Michigan Elite: Williams was another complete player. Her passing and serving were right up there with her hitting. She played confident and consistent.
Middle Hitters
Kate Kalczynski, Mercy/Legacy: There may not have been a better overall hitter at the showcase than Kalczynski. She looked dominant in drills and made it difficult for any other player up against her swings or trying to get past her blocks.
Cynthia Ockerman, Brighton/Legacy: Ockerman has a lot of upside as a 6’2” middle. She got better as the showcase went on and proved she can finish from anywhere on the net.
Avery Thorp Avery Thorp 6'1" | MB Plainwell | 2027 State MI , Plainwell/Dead Frog: It wasn’t easy to try and keep pace with the middles in this showcase, but Thorp was right there. Another 6-foot prospect, Thorp displayed good footwork and was able to play at a fast speed no matter who was setting her.
Setters
Laina Kirsch Laina Kirsch 5'7" | S Badger | 2027 WI , Badger/ Midwest Penguins : Making the long trip from Wisconsin, Kirsch could have been overwhelmed playing with unfamiliar talent, but she held her own and dug in her heels. Kirsch was as competitive as any setter. She had great touch and was displaying a variety of sets.
Brenna Mirovsky, Oxford/Michigan Elite: Mirovsky played with a lot of heart and energy. She maintained a high level of play and was an excellent floor general that brought a lot to the table.
Marlie Smith, Clarkston/Legacy: Smith may have been the Most Outstanding Player of the showcase. You can’t find flaws in her game. Not only did she set at a high level and get the most out of her hitters, but she was one of the most vocal and supportive prospects on hand as well.
DS/Liberos
Makayla Naves, Grand Blanc/Legacy: Naves was a standout all-around athlete that specializes in defense. Her quickness and instincts were hard to match and she never tired throughout the showcase.
Joelle Mio, Marian/Team Detroit: Mio was very consistent with her serve receive and getting the ball to the setters in position to succeed. Mio was took on a lot of big attacks and never looked rattled. She maintained a lot of focus and drive to improve.