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<p>The Class of 2026 in Michigan is proving to be another gem.</p>
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<p>Already with national success at the club level, there's a lot of promising prospects that we can expect to see play at the Division 1 college level when that time comes.</p>
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<p>Some were on hand for the Michigan Stock Up Showcase last Saturday.</p>
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<p>Here's Part 1 of our 2-part player evaluations for this class.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261140' first='Ella' last='Azbell'], OH Holly/Arsenal</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/741-Ella-Azbell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437778" style="width:204px;height:146px" width="204" height="146"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='261140' first='Ella' last='Azbell']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Azbell got a chance to compete alongside her 2024 sister, Angelina. The two have a lot of similar traits on the floor, as each brings a lot of length and athleticism. Azbell has a really consistent swing and she's able to take swings at the high points of the set, going over the blockers. Azbell didn't rusher her swings, but managed to be very consistent and still generate a lot of velocity each time she wound up. If she can build on her defensive skills, she's got the potential to be a breakout star.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261135' first='Clare' last='Beazley'], MH Saline/Michigan Elite</strong></h2>
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<p>Beazley looks like she can be an impact player at the varsity level sooner rather than later. She has a good feel for the position and is able to high point the ball and bring a violent swing to net. Her footwork is advanced and she's very active with her blocking. Playing alongside some great middles at Saline will only raise her game and help her become a more consistent finisher.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438529' first='Mckenna' last='Boykin'], MH Portland/Airstrike</strong></h2>
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<p>Boykin had a very smooth and composed game during the showcase. She has the athleticism and the power, but wasn't concerned with being overly flashy. Boykin made the plays that came to her and used a high court IQ to finish off points however it needed to be done. Another player that could also contribute to the outside if needed, Boykin looked smooth in the back row with a lot of promising swings and some impressive defensive plays.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243338' first='Addison' last='Dunning'], OH Davison/Five:1</strong></h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/744-Addison-Dunning.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437781" style="width:203px;height:124px" width="203" height="124"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='243338' first='Addison' last='Dunning']</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Dunning was a solid player in all phases of the game. She brought a lot of power on her swings as an explosive 5'7” outside. She made challenging attacks from the back row while bringing the heat up front. Her defensive game showed a lot of good traits as well. With her ability to move and anticipate well, Dunning looks to be a six-rotation player that will be relied on heavily in the future.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261181' first='Laurin' last='Edwards'], OH Cass Tech/Michigan Elite</strong></h2>
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<p>Edwards was a player that committed herself to making defensive plays during the showcase. She was consistently getting her hands on opposing attacks. Whether it be a stuff block, or just slowing down the ball for her passers, Edwards was able to make an impact on a regular basis. Her athleticism and swing speed look good as well. As she adds in more offspeed attacks, she can become a real dynamic outside.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261153' first='Grace' last='Hannosh'], DS/L Marian/Michigan Elite</strong></h2>
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<p>The 5-foot Hannosh was up against some giant hitters in this showcase, but she showed her scrappiness and willingness to get beat up to make a play. She remained aggressive and committed to each ball throughout the showcase and took some bumps along the way. Her technique was sound for having to fight for each ball, but it showed she knows how to quickly adjust and still put out a good feed to the setter.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226899' first='Cree' last='Hollier'], MH Mercy/Michigan Elite</strong></h2>
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<p>There's a lot to like about Hollier, perhaps her competitiveness being first. It's not easy to be at a showcase full of 6-foot, aggressive middles and be a 5'8” middle looking to prove themselves. However, Hollier showed she's got what it takes to succeed. Not many can compete with her vertical jump and ability to hang in the air. That allows her to be a real powerhouse attacker and a deceivingly tough block. If the middle position doesn't pan out, Hollier has the explosiveness to succeed on the outside as well.</p>
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The Class of 2026 in Michigan is proving to be another gem.
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