Ann Arbor Area’s Top Underclassmen, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1124/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1136/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em> are coming to Pontiac on Aug. 4. You can get $10 off your registration when you sign up by using code “EllisDig2024.” Be sure to register today.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ann Arbor area is loading up with talent that is going to be playing at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That includes players from the Class of 2026 and 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the first part of our two-part look at the Ann Arbor area's top underclassmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Players listed alphabetically</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261135' first='Clare' last='Beazley'], MH Saline/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beazley can play from the middle or the right side. At either spot she has some lighting-fast attacks. She stays alert and ready to unload on the defense at all times, which leads to some impressive finishes. Beazley's form is solid and consistent and compliments the quick spring she has off the floor. She also works hard defensively to be a difference-maker for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'], DS/L Northville/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burlingame has all the tools you look for in a back row leader. She's scrappy, she's quick and she's skilled. Burlingame has been well-coached throughout her volleyball career and it shows with her serve receive and first contact. She's got picturesque form and always looks composed when taking on a serve or attack. She's also a great communicator on the floor and lifts the play of her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226880' first='Chloe' last='Burns'], S Dexter/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burns is an agile setter that is able to cover a lot of space on the floor very quickly, which allows her to make some challenging sets. She's shown a strength of hitting the right side pin with a lot of accuracy, but her all-around placement is getting better each month. Burns also puts a lot of effort into her defense and she stays engaged at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523816' first='Riley' last='Copenhaver'], MH Brighton/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” middle from Brighton is able to cover a lot of space vertically, getting up to a lot of high spots for the ball. She shifts her body well to get good power behind her swing and works well to attack challenging angles. As a defender, Copenhaver stays very active and times things out well. She's still got a high ceiling to improve from an already solid foundation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445679' first='Taylor' last='Dahms'], MH Saline/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dahms is a middle that can also play on the right side. She's got good size at 6'3” and is gaining more confidence and developing a quicker tempo each week. Dahms shows a lot of consistency when it comes to power and being able to work off blockers. She also is a consistent presence with her blocking on defense. As she adds more intensity and finds that next gear, Dahms is really going to take off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226905' first='Delaney' last='Gilmore'], S Brighton/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter/hitter combo that Brighton has grown accustomed to producing, Gilmore is looking strong in both categories. As a hitter, Gilmore spreads the ball out well around the floor, consistently finding an opening in the defense. She also has a consistent pop on her ball to challenge passers. As a setter, Gilmore adjusts well on the fly and has a smooth touch that can produce a lot of high-quality swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->