2023 Stat Watch: Freshman Assist Leaders
In this article:
Freshman that are asked to run the offense right away need to be a special breed. They need to play with a lot of composure, while adapting quickly to a faster game. Here’s a look at 10 freshmen that have…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFreshman that are asked to run the offense right away need to be a special breed.
They need to play with a lot of composure, while adapting quickly to a faster game.
Here’s a look at 10 freshmen that have made an impact at the setter position in 2023.
*Stats were provided through MaxPreps
Bradie Lehman, Concord
No freshman setter has been able to have the impact that Lehman has. She’s got Concord having a strong season while racking up 774 assists. In recent weeks she put up 42 assists in a five-set match with Reading, then following it up with 36 assists in a five-set match with Springport. Lehman has a great career ahead.
Amelia Ryzyk, Clare
The Pioneers have turned the offense over to a freshman and she’s doing a great job of adapting to the speed of varsity play. Ryzyk has 509 assists over just 65 sets of action. She’s coming off an impressive 35-assist performance against Shepherd in just three sets. Her season-high also came against Shepherd, a 40-assist performance.
Brynn Wilcox, Bloomfield Hills
Wilcox is part of a freshman/senior setter combo for Bloomfield Hills this season. Wilcox shows a lot of promise, as she’s been able to bring a lot of good swings out of the Black Hawk veteran hitters. She’s up to 459 assists on the year.
Avery Stepp Avery Stepp 5'8" | S South Lyon East | 2027 MI , South Lyon East
Like Wilcox, Stepp is part of a freshman/senior setting combo for the Cougars. Stepp plays with a lot of composure and maturity, well ahead of her age. Stepp has 424 assists on the year and is getting better with her decision making as the season progresses. Her top outing was a 29-assist performance against South Lyon to secure a conference title for East.
Camdyn Roach, Athens
Joining the D4 runner-up is a lot of pressure, but Roach has taken on a solid role for the squad this season. She’s one of two setting options for the team, but leads the way with 398 assists. Roach showed a lot of growth in a 5-set win over Burr Oak last week where she had 32 assists.
Nellie Alves Nellie Alves 6'0" | S Novi | 2027 MI , Novi
The Wildcats are utilizing some young talent this year, led by Freire, a player with a bright future as she gets a lot of experience. The 5’11” setter has 393 assists on the season, highlighted by a 38-assist outing when she led Novi to a five-set win over Plymouth.
Mari Hardin, South Lyon
The Lions are another team utilizing young talent. Hardin is part of that young core. She’s one of two underclassmen setters and Hardin has 329 assists on the year. Hardin has been a steady presence in the offense, improving with each set.
Morgan Bates Morgan Bates 5'7" | S Stoney Creek | 2027 MI , Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek always plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, which doesn’t make it easy on a freshman setter. However, Bates has shown a lot of growth this fall as one of two setters for the Cougars. She’s at 234 assists on the season. Her top outing was a 23-assist performance against rival Rochester.
Avah Vozar, Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids is battling to be one of the stronger teams in the Lansing area. Vozar splits setting time with a senior, getting a good learning experience throughout the season. She’s recorded 219 assists this fall, including a 21-assist outing against Jackson Northwest.
Marlie Smith Marlie Smith 5'10" | S Clarkston | 2027 State MI , Clarkston
Smith has only gotten into a setting role over the last month, giving Clarkston a little more offensive options with a 2-setter system. Smith is a natural as a setter and a hitter. She’s already recorded 175 assists in a short time as a primary setter. Those numbers will quickly climb in the year’s ahead.
PrepDig is putting on the Michigan Top 250 Expo for Class of 2024-27 prospects on Dec. 9 in Pontiac. Click here to sign up for the event. You can use promo code “EllisExpo2023” for $10 off your registration.