Freshman Watch: Dig Leaders
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In the 2023 prep season, we are seeing a lot of teams turning to freshman to play lead defensive roles in their program. Through over a month of the season, a number of 2027 prospects are racking up big dig…
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Continue ReadingIn the 2023 prep season, we are seeing a lot of teams turning to freshman to play lead defensive roles in their program.
Through over a month of the season, a number of 2027 prospects are racking up big dig numbers.
Here’s the 10 freshmen dig stat leaders from around the state.
*Stats were provided through MaxPreps and Hudl
Mallory Johnson Mallory Johnson 5'6" | DS/L Byron Center | 2027 State MI , Byron Center
The standout freshman libero is having a big season for Byron Center as the Bulldogs are making a splash in Division 1. On the year, Johnson had 231 digs, which includes a number of double-digit dig efforts and some 20-dig outings. Johnson plays with all the poise and skills of an upperclassman, giving Byron Center a bright future defensively.
Avery Seif Avery Seif 5'8" | DS/L Caledonia | 2027 MI , Caledonia
Caledonia is taking on a lot of top competition this year, which has forced Seif to have to grow up quickly. She’s doing a good job of handling the challenge, as she’s recorded 213 digs through 61 sets of play. In recent five-set outings with Rockford and Grand Haven, Seif recorded 34 digs combined and was all over the floor to keep her team in a rally.
Bradie Lehman, Concord
The setter for D3’s Concord is proving to have a lot of good defensive instincts as well. She’s doing a little bit of everything for Concord but amongst that is racking up 179 digs through 61 sets of play. Her footwork and athleticism have allowed her to be impactful in a number of areas, but she shows a lot of good instincts with her defensive play.
Rylee Paddock Rylee Paddock 5'9" | DS/L Jenison | 2027 State MI , Jenison
The Wildcats are a title contender in Division 1 this year and relying on Paddock to be a big part of the squad. As a freshman, Paddock is wearing the libero jersey and has racked up 177 digs. She brings a lot of energy to the floor and meshes well with a relatively veteran squad. Paddock is picking up new aspects of her game each week and becoming a very reliable defender.
Rease Buza Rease Buza 5'7" | DS/L Eisenhower | 2027 MI , Utica Eisenhower
Eisenhower has a pretty young back row of defenders, with Buza helping provide depth. The freshman DS has 166 digs through 54 sets of play on the season, with Ike consistently taking on top competition. There’s been a definite correlation to how Buza plays and whether Eisenhower wins. As she continues to improve over this next month, it should continue to boost Ike’s chances at securing big wins.
Addison Stepp Addison Stepp 5'8" | DS/L South Lyon East | 2027 MI , South Lyon East
Stepp is part of a team with a lot of offensive firepower, so there’s plenty of pressure on her to keep the Cougars in-system. On the year, Stepp has 161 digs and she looks to be getting better with each set. Stepp is gaining more confidence and communication skills as she gets more comfortable as well. She’s got a smooth delivery and doesn’t get rattled easily.
Aubrey Reynolds Aubrey Reynolds 5'9" | OH Caledonia | 2027 MI , Caledonia
Another impact freshman for Caledonia, Reynolds is an outside that is showing all-around skills. She’s got 158 digs on the season while taking on a big offensive workload as well. Reynolds has been putting up some of her best defensive performances in recent games. That included eight digs against Coldwater, 17 against Rockford and 15 against Grand Haven.
Calli LeFevre Calli LeFevre 5'11" | OH Marian | 2027 State MI , Marian
The impact freshman for the Mustangs has been one of their power arms throughout the season, but is also making a splash with her defensive play. LeFevre has 156 digs on the season. Her defensive play is a spot where she’s showing a lot of strides in recent weeks. She recorded 16 digs in a hard-fought win over Grand Haven this past weekend, which is a career-high.
Kate Kalczynski Kate Kalczynski 6'1" | OH Mercy | 2027 State MI , Mercy
The long, power hitter for Mercy is getting better and better with her defensive play as well. One of the top kill leaders in the Class of 2027, Kalczynski also has 138 digs on the year. A few weeks ago she tallied a key seven digs in a two-set win over Marian, and also had seven in a win over Brighton. Kalczynski is showing better defensive instincts and able to transition quickly to her primary offensive role.
Emma Fecher, Fruitport
A setter, Fecher is doing her part to add to Fruitport’s defensive depth this season. Through 54 sets, Fecher has 110 digs for the Trojans, who have a lot of talent in their back row. Fecher has proven she can fill into a lead role if needed. She had 20 digs in a four-set match with Allendale and 13 digs in a three-set win over Traverse City West.
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