2023 PD Michigan Top 250: The Big 'Bros

<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6>   <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/top-250-expos/">Join us at the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo</a>! </em><em>Use code LShotVBExpo2023 for 10% off your registration fee.</em> (APPLICABLE TO ALL EXPOS)</h6>   <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6>   <p>it was a packed house in the UWM Sports Complex today!</p>   <p>Over 100+ athletes from all over the state of Michigan and the Northern Ohio area we're coming out to show off what they got. It was a showcase filled to the brim with talent.</p>   <p>This year's showcase had defensive dandies in an abundance! Not many balls were hitting the floor with all of these top notch defenders in the gym. Here were some of the top liberos at the Prep Dig Michigan's Top 250.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='442628' first='Elizabeth' last='White'] - Team Detroit</h2>   <p>Saline was one of the most represented programs in the field. This defender had a really good showing at the 250. A returner from last year's showcase, [player_tooltip player_id='442628' first='Elizabeth' last='White'] was showing off her growth since the last time we saw her. Not only does this 'bro's first contact shine in reception, but she was showing off a nice touch defensively as well. White was also boasting a pretty dangerous drop serve that caused a lot of issues for passers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='261122' first='Alyssa' last='Jasman'] - Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>This is a returning Top 250 participate from last year. From where Alyssa Jasmine is now compared to last year, this player has a grown leaps and bounds. Not only is Jasmine quicker around the court but her touch on the ball is much more refined than we previously seen. Not only is Jasmine's game a lot more improved, but her court presence is as well. She's received the call up from Michigan Elite's national teams to their Elite squad and I could this player making some serious strides for the libero jersey.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Madeline Koch - Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>This player is coming off of a big 2023 year. After having to step into the outside hitter role during club, Madeline Koch seemed to thrive in that role. But then she got to the train all season long under Mayssa Cook, and Koch has improved vastly under Cook's leadership. She still very quick-twitched in her reaction and now much more defined in her finishes. Koch was one of the brighter stars amongst this stacked field of defenders.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='226897' first='Charlotte' last='Gramzow'] - Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>Talking about players that are going to have major incoming club seasons, this is another one. [player_tooltip player_id='226897' first='Charlotte' last='Gramzow'] is coming off of a historic year in high school. After leading for team to the Sweet 16 just a few weeks ago as an outside hitter, Gramzow is transitioning back to her libero duties quite nicely. After a season of playing the entire game as both an attacker and defender, Gramzow has taken on a lot more control of the court. She showcased a really solid outing at the Top 250 this weekend.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'] - L2</h2>   <p>When it comes to Northville volleyball, one thing you gotta know is that they are going to have a top-notch defender or two. [player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'] is one of those rising stars for the Mustangs. Burlingame showed a lot of hustle throughout the day. Despite her size, she has a lot of range in her defensive wheelhouse. Burlingame is quick on her feet, and she can cover a lot of ground in a short time. Not only is she strong defensively, but her reception is spot on.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='442980' first='Gabby' last='Lavoie'] - Michigan Elite</h2>   <p>There is no shortage of defensive talent over at Northville. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442980' first='Gabby' last='Lavoie']</strong> was another highlight from the Mustang cannon. Playing alongside such heavy hitters and high level defenders this fall, LaVoie's game has elevated another notch or two since the last time we saw her. While she has always been a strong receiver, and that was displayed wonderfully today, her defense is much improved. LaVoie was a great treat to see in action.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='490025' first='Alexandra' last='Mazzola'] - High Performance</h2>   <p>I was very impressed by this player's performance at this year's showcase. Seeing her play a little bit during high school season, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490025' first='Alexandra' last='Mazzola']</strong> was showing off some serious ownership on the court. With a solid platform and tight finishes on the ball, Mazzola was making play after play. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='442968' first='Amelia' last='Vogelheim'] - L2</h2>   <p>This is another player that I got to get a sneak peak of during the fall season. While in a limited role for Brighton, I wouldn't be surprised to see her in a much larger role for L2 151 this winter. [player_tooltip player_id='442968' first='Amelia' last='Vogelheim'] was putting on a show on Saturday. Despite her youth, I often had Vogelheim confused for the more experienced players in the field. She has a solid foundation and was making some impressive plays during scrimmage action.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='442989' first='Kyler' last='Madison'] - Dynamite</h2>   <p>One of the youngest defenders in the field, [player_tooltip player_id='442989' first='Kyler' last='Madison'] was another rookie playing much more like a seasoned vet. This performer brings a lot of defensive grit to her play on the court. She's willing to go after just about any ball and bettering it. I am very excited to see her throughout the club season with Dynamite.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='470701' first='Zoey' last='Kapeller'] - High Performance</h2>   <p>Orchard Lake St. Mary's is the new kid on the block, but man are they pumping out the defensive dandies. Watching this player in action and then seeing where she played high school, I was really impressed to say the least. Not only is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470701' first='Zoey' last='Kapeller']</strong> a really competent back court presence, but she plays much more mature than her age suggests.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='261172' first='Kailyn' last='Schlepp'] - MVA</h2>   <p>Last, but most certainly not least, rounding out our list of Big 'Bros at this year's top 250, we have [player_tooltip player_id='261172' first='Kailyn' last='Schlepp']. This is another returner from our previous showcases and yet again, Schlepp proves to shine amongst a talented field of athletes. One of the scrappier dandies, Schlepp has no problem throwing her body around to keep the play alive. </p>