Michigan Freshman Showcase Evaluations, Part 1
The Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a lot of impressive 2027 talents. This prospect group is sure to make a big impact in the years to come. Each participant brought their own strengths to the table last Saturday. Here’s the first…
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Continue ReadingThe Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a lot of impressive 2027 talents.
This prospect group is sure to make a big impact in the years to come.
Each participant brought their own strengths to the table last Saturday.
Here’s the first of our series of player evaluations from the group as they get set to being their prep careers.
Charlotte Aughenbaugh, OH WL Northern/Team Detroit
Life isn’t always easy for a 5’5” hitter at a showcase featuring a lot of towering middles and outsides. But, Aughenbaugh held her own and showed some deceiving power. The Walled Lake Northern freshman could pack a punch and was able to put good swings on the ball from the back row. She wasn’t a real vocal prospects, but was capable of excelling anywhere on the court. As she develops more confidence and becomes a vocal leader, Aughenbaugh can be a great asset for her team.
Aydia Bartz, DS/L Clarkston/Unified
Bartz is a defender that was also a little quiet and unassuming at times, but came through with some difficult plays when the intensity picked up in the showcase. Bartz had a promising serve to work with to go along with a sound defensive foundation. Bartz just needs to continue to put the pieces together and show a little confidence and swagger on the floor. She’s got the skills and is only going to get better with more reps against power hitters.
Morgan Bates, S Stoney Creek/High Performance
Bates is a setter that displayed a lot of impulsive and instinctive choices during the showcase. Not all of the choices paid off, but it’s something that Bates should continue to work with. As the level of play of her teammates continues to improve, those decisions will pay off more often. Bates did a good job of reading the court and trying to stay ahead of the defenders. She’s got a bright future as she tightens up her mechanics.
Grace Belanger, DS/L Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite
Belanger looked very calm as the ball approached her during drills and scrimmage play. While she stays active on her feet, in the moment to make a dig or pass, she snapped into a calming state. That allowed her to be consistent with her accuracy and keep her teammates in-system. Belanger also displayed a lot of impressive athleticism in hitting drills. She gets a nice jump off the floor and could be an asset in other areas of the game as she continues to mature as a player.
Olivia Berishaj, OH Eisenhower/Michigan Elite
Berishaj is a 2027 prospect that has a good feel for her timing at the net. She was patient with her setters and quickly picked up on their set speeds and locations. That allowed her to consistently put a good swing on the ball and avoid many attack errors. To continue to develop her game as an outside, Berishaj can work on her serve receive. She had a few lapses, but worked hard to correct her errors.
Leah Bongiovanni, OH Marian/Michigan Elite
Bongiovanni is another promising freshman for the Marian program. As a 6-foot outside, she brings a lot of great intangibles to the table. Bongiovanni had a lot of consistent power in her attacks and was able to hold her own with a lot of talented hitters at the showcase. As she gets more experience in high-level play and develops her defensive game, Bongiovanni could be another dynamic 6-rotation outside for Marian.
Kylie Freeman, S Romeo/Monsters
Freeman had a talented group of setters to compete against at this showcase, but she did her part to try and stand out. She looked very relaxed on the floor and in control when taking on the sets and directing her hitters. She also tried some different things and made some aggressive choices that didn’t always succeed, but it was good to see her take some initiative and risk. As she continues to get a better feel for when to call her own number, Freeman has the ability to grow quickly as a varsity setter.