Southwest Michigan’s Elite Eight Underclassmen

<!-- 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>Southwest Michigan is loading up with some great young volleyball talent that will be drawing a spotlight in the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at eight 2026 and 2027 prospects that have made a name for themselves in the bottom left corner of the state.</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='446691' first='Taliyah' last='Hanks'], MH Loy Norrix/Dead Frog</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanks has truly exploded onto the scene over the last year, rising up to becoming one of the top 2026 prospects in the state. The Loy Norrix product stands 6'3” and delivers attacks with as much power as anyone in any class. However, Hanks has shown her growth as a player by adding in offspeed options and being savvy with her placements. As a blocker, it's hard to get much better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478074' first='Sarah' last='Pippin'], OH Edwardsburg/NIVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwardsburg had the fortune of having some impressive outside hitters. Pippin was a great compliment to Drew Glaser last fall and now she's set to break out as a primary option in the fall. Pippin mixes up her shots really well and displays a high court IQ. Though she has the athleticism to be a power hitter, she's got the agility and awareness to fool the defense mid-flight as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493481' first='Camille' last='Robinson'], MH Harper Creek/Midwest Select</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top 2027 prospects in the state, Robinson is a hitter that has shown she can actually play anywhere along the net. She's got a lot of explosiveness, but her swing is really smooth and technically sound. She's finishing at a high rate and she's also a fierce blocker. Robinson is sure to be a dominant player in Southwest Michigan for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462081' first='Jadyn' last='Samson'], DS/L Mendon/Dead Frog</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samson has been one of the strongest defenders in this area, regardless of class. She plays with the composure and maturity of a senior. Samson always had a good first step and her first contact is among the best. She has a lot of experience against top hitters and it shows in her consistency and accuracy. Samson is determined to be elite and she's well on her way to getting there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454063' first='Miley' last='Southland'], S Three Rivers/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southland has been on the floor racking up assists since she stepped through Three Rivers' high school doors. Despite being an underclassman, Southland isn't afraid to take chances and play an aggressive style. At 5'10”, Southland can succeed with an up-tempo offense and also utilize her size to finish points as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371873' first='Brooke' last='Steeves'], S Mattawan/USA Volleyball Club</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steeves is a talented setter that also has a strong defensive background. She's an energy player on the floor that can make some tough plays through her dedication and hustle. As a setter, she hits her locations well and brings some solid swings out of her front line. Defensively, Steeves is very consistent with her serve receive and she delivers a smooth out-of-system feed as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226938' first='Kylee' last='Sykes'], S Hopkins/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sykes got a lot of experience in the last year and that led to some big gains as a player. She showed a lot better instincts and reaction time at the setter position. She also looked more comfortable in a leadership role. As the season went on, Sykes was more aggressive in her play and scored some nice finishes on her own. From the service line, Sykes has always been a problem for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442228' first='Avery' last='Thorp'], MH Plainwell/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2027 middle prospect, Thorp stands 6'1” and has a high ceiling. She's likely to draw more eyes in the upcoming year as she gets more opportunities to shine. As a hitter, Thorp shows the kind of power that can fight through blocking consistently. Defensively, she's an aggressive blocker with quick reaction time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->