Part 4 Of Our Michigan Freshman Showcase Evaluations
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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 fourth…
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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 fourth part of our series of player evaluations from the group as they get set to begin their prep careers.
Makayla Naves Makayla Naves 5'7" | DS/L Grand Blanc | 2027 State MI , DS/L Grand Blanc/Legacy
Naves displayed a lot of quickness in her ability in the back row. She covered a lot of ground and had excellent footwork to keep herself in position to make a lot of tough digs. Naves also displays a lot of patience and doesn’t rush a dive or sprawl. She times things up well to put a good pass together. That is the same with her serve receive, which was as consistent as anyone in the showcase. Her athleticism also allows her to be a solid back row attack option for out-of-system situations.
Cynthia Ockerman Cynthia Ockerman 6'3" | MB Brighton | 2027 State MI , MH Brighton/Legacy
Ockerman has all the looks of a future middle star here in Michigan. At 6’2”, Ockerman has a great combination of size and athleticism. She has tremendous power with a sharp attack angle from the middle, but also can flow to the outside and deliver a highlight-reel kill. Ockerman managed to get better throughout the showcase as she was very open to coaching and was quickly able to correct any mistakes she was making.
Brooklyn Rummler Brooklyn Rummler 6'2" | MB Stoney Creek | 2027 MI , MH Stoney Creek/Michigan Elite
Rummler was another of the impressive middles this showcase had. Just over 6-feet, Rummler will be another towering presence at the net for this class. To go with her size, Rummler was an effort player. She battled hard at the net for the 50-50 balls and usually outworked her opponent on the other side. Her length and spring off the floor allow for some head-turning swings when she connects with her setter. The key will be for her to develop that consistency and chemistry with her setters at the prep level. The effort is already there.
Zoe Ryan Zoe Ryan 5'7" | DS/L Divine Child | 2027 MI , S Divine Child/Michigan Elite
Ryan was part of another deep position in this showcase. The setting all around for the 2027s was impressive. Ryan brought her own wrinkle to the court and played very steady. She had consistent touch on her sets and was able to get a quick feel for the hitters and find their strong spots. Where Ryan also was able to make an impact was with her defensive choices. Ryan was very alert and quick to react on scrambles and made the smart play to keep a rally going as opposed to trying to force a set that wasn’t there.
Josie Seets Josie Seets 6'0" | RS Clarkston | 2027 MI , RS Clarkston/Legacy
Seets does a great job of being a consistent power option from the right side. Her swings and power can hold their own with most other outsides in this class. She brings a lot of aggression to the net. Sometimes she would be a little over-aggressive, but it’s good to see she can already dial up that intensity at this stage. You can always add in the offspeed game with more experience. Even though Seets got ahead of herself at times, but was still doing a really good job of finding a home for most of her swings. She had a good feel for where to place the ball.
Hayden Sherman Hayden Sherman 5'0" | DS/L Valley Lutheran | 2027 MI , DS/L Valley Lutheran/L2
Sherman was a player that you couldn’t question her heart and determination. The 5-foot libero took on big shot after big shot and never waivered in her effort to try and dig them all up. She didn’t let any balls that hit the floor get to her, just came back more eager to get the next. Her energy was infectious for some of her peers and she did a great job of talking throughout rallies to keep everyone in the right defensive position. Sherman just needs to keep working on the little details that will keep her more consistent, but her effort and passion will take her a long way.
Brier Skelton Brier Skelton 5'7" | S Brighton | 2027 MI , S Brighton/Dynamite
Skelton was a good all-around athlete playing at the setter position. She did a lot of good things during the drill portion, showing she’s got the ability to put consistently good swings on the ball. I think there is potential for her to maybe dabble in the RS/S category. As a setter, she was very active and vocal. Her reaction time during a point was impressive and she read the court well. She knows when to go for the dump and when to switch up the hitters.