Ann Arbor Area’s Top Underclassmen, Part 2

<!-- 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 second 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='261202' first='Peyton' last='Lowes'], S Northville/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowes hasn't gotten a chance to show what she can do for Northville yet, as she's behind one of the best setters in the state. However, the 6-foot prospect still has a bright future and is likely to shine when she gets her chance. Lowes runs a fast offense and can work a fast connection with her middles. She's also able to shift to the OPP and put down a powerful swing of her own. She's got a great feel for the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261208' first='Skylar' last='Marteen'], OH Northville/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An outside that can play either pin, Marteen showed a lot of growth toward the end of the 2023 prep season and could be one of the top breakout candidates this coming fall. Marteen has deceptive power, as she can really explode off the floor and leave the defenses stunned. She was key for some momentum-shifting kills that had the crowd reacting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442976' first='Cynthia' last='Ockerman'], MH Brighton/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'3” 2027 prospect has quickly made a name for herself as a future star in the state. Her size alone makes her an immediate threat at the net offensively and defensively. But, when you add in her agility and arm speed, she becomes an elite prospect that will have a lot of Division 1 colleges looking to bring her in. This next year should see Ockerman make big gains in her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226911' first='Riley' last='Pilat'], OH Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pilat has proven to be one of the top young hitters in Division 3 and is likely to be a dominant player in the division in the years ahead. She's got a lot of tork and power in her swing and she is able to be consistent in her swing and approach to the net. Pilat has a smooth swing that generates a lot of power and defenses have struggled to contain her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Madison Slack, S Milan/HVVC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Slack handles herself very well in a lot of high-pressure situations. She plays with a lot of maturity on the floor and makes some high-IQ decisions on the fly. Slack covers a lot of ground as a setter, but still is able to put the ball in a place where her hitters can unload on the ball. She does a good job of making the most out of each set, even when she doesn't get a clean pass. Slack also is a good threat from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->