2026 Prospect Roulette: August Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the prep season now back in action, it was a good time to get back to our Prospect Roulette, especially with our first <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2026-rankings/">2026 Player Rankings</a> now available as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's how it works: I'll pop up a random number generator that includes the 2026 rankings. I'll generate eight numbers and the eight that come up will be the ranking of the player. I'll then spotlight those players in the article to help give them some more attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's 71 players ranked in our Class of 2026. Let's see who has the lucky numbers this month:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>26. [player_tooltip player_id='243338' first='Addison' last='Dunning'], OH Davison/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunning is part of the Davison varsity this fall and already a steady contributor to the offense. She's got a lot of different shots in her arsenal and does a good job of taking the play for what it is and not forcing a swing when it's not there. She's quick to adapt and recognize where she needs to place the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='226909' first='Kayla' last='Nwabueze'], MB Bloomfield Hills/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our top-ranked player in the Class of 2026, Nwabueze does a little bit of everything despite being listed as a middle. Her attack power and explosiveness off the floor are unmatched, but her aggressive blocking instincts are a big asset as well. Nwabueze is also a smooth defender in the back row while bringing a very challenging serve to the floor as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id='226882' first='Karis' last='Chatfield'], OH Jenison/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chatfield is definitely a name to keep an eye on. She's already putting up big kill numbers for Jenison against some of the top teams in the state. She looks very natural and comfortable in a lead role and is ready to go toe-to-toe with top hitters. Chatfield has a technically sound and smooth swing while her ball trajectory is very impressive. Her attack angles and velocity make her tough to dig out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>50. [player_tooltip player_id='226877' first='Olivia' last='Beaudrie'], OH SMCC/Level Up</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beaudrie is an outside/setter/DS utility player for SMCC this season. The sophomore is a well-rounded and composed player that makes a smooth pass as well as she makes a smooth set. Her serving ability has been a strength early in the 2023 season as well. While not able to get as many swings in a talent-heavy SMCC offense, Beaudrie will provide great depth offensively for the Kestrels for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>45. [player_tooltip player_id='226935' first='Lucy' last='Stoll'], S South Lyon/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As seems to be a theme with this Class, Stoll is another utility player. While setting may be her strength, she's also a proven defender that can put points away as an outside as well. She doesn't have the size of many of her peers at the net, but she can still generate a lot of power and work her way through a block. Stoll is doing a little bit of everything for the Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'], S Imlay City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another setter that can also hit and defend, Keeping is a big lefty power arm that has incredible reaction time from a defensive standpoint, but also from an ability to adjust her swing mid-flight. As a setter, she's got the athleticism to get a great set off an inaccurate pass. She brings the best out of her hitters and keeps defenses guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>28. [player_tooltip player_id='216201' first='Cara' last='Wolf'], DS/L GR Catholic Central/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolf is a promising young defender that plays with a lot of spirit and energy. She's always on the go and making sure she covers as much ground as possible. When the ball comes her way, Wolf does her best to be squared up and look the ball into her forearms, consistently delivering a smooth and accurate pass. Her instincts for dives and sprawls is at a high level for a sophomore as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10. [player_tooltip player_id='226939' first='Maggie' last='Szlachcic'], OH Hudsonville/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Szlachicic is making her presence known early on this season for Hudsonville, which could be the team to beat in Division 1 right now. Looking for some offensive balance to open up the offense, Szlachicic could be one of those key hitters as the season progresses. She's already got a solid swing that can deliver the ball with some authority. Hudsonville is moving her around the net a little, showing she can be a threat from anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->