Seven 2025 Thumb Area Players To See This Fall

<!-- 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 Thumb area isn't a place to be overlooked when it comes to volleyball talent. This year's upcoming crop of seniors is going to be very talented.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the way is a dominant hitter that's headed to a major Division 1 program, but there's a handful of others that are sure to make some waves. There's also some others you may not be aware of that you need to know going into the fall season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's seven 2025 players that will make an impact in the Thumb this fall.</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='473954' first='Ava' last='Barnes'], S Brown City/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes is a well-rounded player that makes what she does on the floor look pretty effortless. Her setting has a simple touch, but is very effective. She can spread the ball out well and change up tempos mid-rally. Barnes also recognizes when she needs to make the play herself and remains very deceptive in doing so. Defensively, she's an active blocker at the net and has a smooth pass when she has to make a dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='595974' first='Chloe' last='Bruman'], OH Imlay City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the impressive talents on the Imlay City roster, Bruman showed the ability to climb the ladder and put the ball down with a lot of force last fall. She had great timing with her setters and did a good job of recognizing where to place the ball. When Bruman got on a roll, it spelled trouble for opponents. She fed off each kill and grew in confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172195' first='Kacee' last='Gray'], OH Cass City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray is part of the 1-2 punch for the Cass City offense that has led the team to multiple Battle Creek appearances in recent years. She's got the ability to get on a hot streak, as she can dial up big power on the pins, but also has the athleticism to adapt mid-flight and fool the defense with a good offspeed play. Defensively and from the service line, Gray also knows how to make an impact. She's gamer that comes through in pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash'], MH Cass City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ignash has established herself as one of the top hitters in the state for quite some time. The Texas Tech commit is as explosive as it gets at the net. She's got a wide range of shot selections, arm angles and speeds. Ignash can finish from anywhere on the floor and she terminates at a high rate. At 6'1” and with a big vertical, she's sure to make an impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156346' first='Ava' last='Oleski'], OH Croswell-Lexington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oleski was one of the power arms for the Pioneers last fall, taking on a pretty good workload while being able to finish at a high rate. She approached 500 kills while hitting .300 for the team. She was a picture of consistency throughout most of the season, but turned up her play in the closing weeks. Oleski has a lot of good technique on both offense and defense, and she never tires on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250066' first='Isabelle' last='Phillips'], S/RS Cass City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips is the one getting to set the big hitters for Cass City and she does it well. She's able to work a lot of different locations for each player and knows when one is riding a hot streak. Phillips is also an asset as a hitter herself, as she can quickly turn on a ball and put it down with some authority. Defensively, she puts in the work as well, doing a nice job of covering her blockers to keep points alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732246' first='Ella' last='Swoish'], DS/L North Branch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swoish is a name you might not be familiar with, but North Branch head coach Jim Fish is very confident you will be by the end of the fall. Swoish has been part of the Bronco roster for years, but with <strong>Hailey Green </strong>on the roster, she hasn't gotten a chance to showcase her talents. This fall will be her opportunity she's ready to go. She's got quickness, athleticism and is fundamentally sound, as you'd expect a Fish-coached libero to be. Swoish also has a dynamite left-handed jump serve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->