Eight 2024 Breakout Stars From The Class Of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 has already made a solid name for itself in the state of Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next year should be a year when a lot of these 2027 players breakout statewide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's eight players from the class that we think are in line for a dominant 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442997' first='Morgan' last='Bates'], S Stoney Creek/High Performance</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bates was the primary setter for the Cougars this fall, running an offense that featured a relatively young team. Bates grew a lot as a player and a leader during the season and had the Cougars playing some strong volleyball at the end of the year. That should build her confidence for the club season. Coming into the 2024 prep season, I like Stoney Creek to be a breakout team with a lot of chemistry within its offense, led by Bates taking a big step as a setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454367' first='Isabelle' last='Lawhorn'], MH/OH Lake Orion/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another promising long and young hitter to come through the Lake Orion program, Lawhorn has already proven she can be a force at the net. As she adds to her defensive game this club season, the Dragons should have a really exciting prospect on their hands. She got a lot of varsity experience this fall without having to be thrown into the fire. Next fall, look for Lawhorn to be a real breakout star in the OAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490381' first='Caylin' last='Lindsay'], OH Hartland/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lindsay got some good experience with the Hartland varsity this fall and the Eagles have a lot of their leaders graduating this spring. That opens the door for Lindsay to break out next fall. She's got a nice mixture of swing speeds and angles already, so she's looking to build on her power and all-around game during the club season. Don't be surprised to see Lindsay being a six-rotation option for Hartland next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442994' first='Makayla' last='Naves'], DS/L Grand Blanc/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Naves already showed herself to be a polished defender this fall for Grand Blanc, but the Bobcats will be graduating a lot of top players from the 2023 squad. That means the team is going to have to rely heavily on Naves and the defense next season. Naves looks to be someone that can handle that challenge. She's very smooth in the back row and has great instincts for being an underclassman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Anna Overway, OH Plainwell/Dead Frog</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overway turned some heads in the 2023 season as she was able to impact the game in all phases for Plainwell as a freshman. She showed a nice mix of shots and swings, while also being a sharp defensive player in the back row. Overway also has a lot of promise with her blocking and serving as well. Overway is only going to get better and more attention with each year. She's a name to pay attention to in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454368' first='Lexa' last='Pierson'], OH Milford/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierson was another player that had a bit of a breakout as a freshman, but is part of a team that is going to graduate a lot of top players. Because of that, I think Pierson is going to be one of the top players out of the LVC next fall. There's room for her to improve on her finishing rate and polish up her defensive play, but I suspect she will do just that this club season. Pierson should be able to hit the ground running next fall for Milford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493481' first='Camille' last='Robinson'], MH Harper Creek</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson is a promising middle that got some good opportunities with Harper Creek in 2023, but should take on an even bigger role next fall. Robinson can play well above the net. She's got a lot of explosiveness in her play at the net and showed improved finishing as the season went on. This offseason, if Robinson can continue to build on her footwork and defensive instincts, she could be a big breakout star next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442978' first='Eleanor' last='Williams'], OH Romeo/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams put on a strong showing for her freshman season with Romeo. She was one of the top offensive contributors for the Bulldogs. This offseason, Romeo will be graduating the majority of its offensive leaders. That means Williams is going to be relied heavily on to step up in 2024. Knowing this, I would expect Williams to be very motivated to build on her game during club season and come into the fall ready to establish her name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->