Outside the Box: Top HS Outside Hitters in 2023 (MI)
In this article:
Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball! Join us at the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo! Use code LShotVBExpo2023 for 10% off your registration fee. (APPLICABLE TO ALL EXPOS) – We’re well into the 2023…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBe sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!
Join us at the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo! Use code LShotVBExpo2023 for 10% off your registration fee. (APPLICABLE TO ALL EXPOS)
–
We’re well into the 2023 season!
Things are starting to come into clear view now! Who’re the top teams going into the second half of the 2023 season and who are some of the top players around the state?
Let’s take a look at some of the top pins playing outside of the box this 2023 season.
Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI – Marian
If any one can lead the way to a four straight title series, it would be Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI (Cincinnati). One of the top outside hitters in the country coming into the fall, Busignani is more than backing up the hype. Not only has she taken on an increased offensive load this season, but she’s taken on some serious leadership that is paying off dividends for Marian. Busignani currently leads Marian with over 270 kills.
Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI – Forest Hills Northern
She’s not the top rated recruit in the 2024 class in Michigan for nothing! This player can quite literally do it all. This season has seen Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI (Western Michigan) level up big time in her play. A Semifinalist a season ago, Erickson is playing like she wants to go out on top this year. She’s knocked 15+ kills in eight matches so far, including a 20+ kill performance over Grand Rapids Christian last week.
Mallory Woiteshek Mallory Woiteshek 6'3" | OH Grand Haven | 2027 State MI – Grand Haven
From some of the most respected veterans in the state, to an emerging star to watch over the next several years. There’s nothing subtle about this player. Standing tall at 6’3 and already with some massive pop on her arm, Mallory Woiteshek Mallory Woiteshek 6'3" | OH Grand Haven | 2027 State MI is wasting NO time putting the volleyball community on alert. In a recent quad with Lowell, Marian and Lake Orion, Woiteshek totaled 53 kills to lead Grand Haven to a 2-1 day, losing to Marian in a five set battle.
Liv Hosford Liv Hosford 5'11" | OH Rockford | 2026 State MI – Rockford
This may be the year that Rockford returns to Kellogg Arena. One of the biggest reasons for this is the play of Liv Hosford Liv Hosford 5'11" | OH Rockford | 2026 State MI . Leading the Rams to a top ten ranking and a 17-9 record, Hosford may only be a sophomore but is playing like quite the veteran. A middle that averaged over a block per set a year ago, Hosford has slotted onto the pin wonderfully. She leads this Rams squad with over 250 kills and 200 digs on the season thus far.
Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI – Hudsonville
The west side is piping hot with some elite talent on the pins. One of the senior veterans, Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI is turning up the heat on the hunt for a state title. Hudsonville currently sits amongst the top of the Division 1 rankings with a 21-2 record much to the thanks of Swiercz. She’s lethal at the net and from the back court just as effectively, while rounding it out with some incredible defense. Swiercz is averaging close to 4.5 kills per set on a very nice .293 hit percentage.
Catherine Flaharty Catherine Flaharty 6'2" | OH Saline | 2024 State MI – Saline
Speaking of players catching steam, Catherina Flaharty (Xavier) is picking up the pace at the right time for Saline. At 6’2 heavyweight on the pin, Flaharty can muster through the toughest of defenses and has been doing so as of late. Against some of the toughest opponents, Flaharty has led the Hornets with 43 kills in their last five matches. A right side a season ago, now on the left, Flaharty is proving to be quite versatile for Saline.
Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI – Cass City
In one of the deadliest one-two punches in the state, Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI is very much a reason that Cass City has become such a prominent program in recent years. Standing at a stout 5’7, Gray’s incredible leaping abilities and shot selection proves her a deadly player to take on. She’s been catching some extra steam as of late as well. Cass City has swept its last three opponents, in which Gray knocked down 41 kills in the process.
Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI – Plymouth Christian
She’s easily one of the top seniors in the state and one of the top players in Division 3. Allison Pilat Allison Pilat 6'2" | OH Plymouth Christian | 2024 State MI (Cedarville) has been having one heck of a senior campaign after a illustrious career at Plymouth Christian. Leading the way to a top 5 ranking in the latest MIVCA polls, Pilat also just recently celebrated a major milestone in her career. 1,000 kills. Of those 1,000 kills, Pilat has put down over 70 of those in her last five matches.
Grace Goodyke Grace Goodyke 6'1" | OH Grand Rapids Christian | 2027 State MI – Grand Rapids Christian
Grace Goodyke Grace Goodyke 6'1" | OH Grand Rapids Christian | 2027 State MI has quickly become one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year this high school season. With the introduction of Goodyke has come the reemergence of the powerhouse, Grand Rapids Christian. She’s leading the charge and making some serious noise throughout the state. With wins over Lakewood, Lowell and Rockford, Goodyke has established GRC as a front runner for the Division II title in November.