Stock Up Showcase: 2024 Player Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Michigan Stock Up Showcase is in the books.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another successful event last Saturday in Pontiac featured a handful of 2024 players that are looking to create some buzz for themselves entering their senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's our thoughts on what we saw from the group of upcoming seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261124' first='Angelina' last='Azbell'], RS Holly/Arsenal</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":437834,"width":236,"height":212,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/701-Angelina-Azbell-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437834" width="236" height="212" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='261124' first='Angelina' last='Azbell']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot Azbell definitely has the ability to be an imposing figure at the net. We saw her tap into that multiple times during the showcase with some authoritative swings against some lengthy blockers. When Azbell dialed it up and swung with confidence, she was as strong as anyone at the showcase. The same goes for her blocking. If she can trust in her skillset and not overthink plays, she's going to take her game to another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203380' first='Kennedi' last='Friendly'], OH Southfield A&amp;T/Volleyball Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friendly was someone that caught our eye early on with her ability to be a very explosive hitter. She could deliver a big pop on her attacks and was able to place the ball all over the court. Friendly moved very well around the floor and showed solid defensive skills as well. Where she can add to her play is if she slows herself down at times and develops more comfort with out-of-system swings. At times she tried to power through a ball that just wasn't going to get past the net. Once she mixes in that offspeed game, she's going to be a very consistent finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Arianna McCuller, DS/L Southfield A&amp;T/Victors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCuller was up against some solid defenders during the showcase and at times looked a little overwhelmed. However, she settled in as the showcase went on and you got to see an inspired performance as the intensity picked up. Her skillset is there, as she can consistently hit the setter on serve receive and make a quick adjustment to dig up a tough attack. McCuller needs to improve her confidence and her communication. The quicker she can take command, the better she will get.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kimora Smith, MH Arbor Prep/Hurricanes</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":437838,"width":240,"height":215,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/704-Kimora-Smith-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437838" width="240" height="215" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kimora Smith</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'7” Smith had to go up against a lot of long middles during this showcase. She brought her best to the floor and did a good job of challenging her peers where she could. She couldn't outjump them or outreach them, but she still showed a lot of consistency with her attacks. Smith did a nice job of backing away from the net and creating a little space for herself to work around the bigger blockers. She was a crafty player that did what she needed to succeed, and that can go a long way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261129' first='Brittney' last='Sting'], DS/L Valley Lutheran/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sting is an agile and eager defender that was willing to beat herself up to make plays. She's really quick to sprawl and dive to get to the ball, but is still able to do it with a fair amount of control and accuracy to the setter. Sting definitely has that “gamer” feel that is going to rise to the occasion as the pressure mounts. Where she can improve is on being in a little better positioning at times so she can avoid taking on some of those bigger bumps and dives. Although, I will take effort over complacency every time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261205' first='Saniyah' last='Terry'], DS/L L'Anse Creuse North/Unified</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Terry was another hustle player at the showcase. She put a lot of effort into each drill and each point during scrimmages. Terry communicated very well with her peers and was able to direct traffic very well for her defenders. She got to her spots consistently and was able to square up to most of the attacks that came her way. Where Terry can improve is sometimes she displayed some happy feet and was a little too eager to be on the move when she could have settled into a position. Being light on your feet is good, but sometimes you have to trust you are in the right spot already.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->