The Thumb’s Fab Five Underclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thumb area has five outstanding underclassmen that are ready to take the next step in their play for the upcoming 20204 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at each one and what they are bringing to the court.</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='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'], S/RS Imlay City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruman is a potent setter/hitter combo that can make a big impact on the floor. She's got tremendous court awareness and adapts well to each play. Bruman has great touch on her sets and recognizes when she's got a hot hitter. When she's on the attack, she can put good pop behind each swing, even the out-of-system ones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'], OH North Branch/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deshetsky managed to shine amongst an incredible group of 2024 prospects at North Branch. She's got all the tools and has proven she can compete at a national level during club season. Deshetsky finishes at a tremendous rate with a great mixture of shots while also being a smooth defender. She's got a bright future ahead of her as she gets great coaching year-round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'], S Imlay City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keeping has been making a name for herself on a national stage as of late, proving to be one of the top setters around the country in the Class of 2026. This Imlay City 6-foot product brings a rare skillset to the floor as a left-handed hitter that also can set from the back row. That allows her to play an aggressive style. Keeping is very confident and plays with a lot of energy on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490026' first='Allison' last='Rutledge'], S Lapeer/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rutledge is definitely a player to keep an eye on going into the 2024 prep season. The 6-foot setter is able to play well above the net and can push a fast tempo. Rutledge is getting better with her command and instincts on the floor, which is allowing her to play more freely on the court. Rutledge is also making strides as a defender, backing up her hitters while also being a blocking force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226941' first='Jaidyn' last='Vanochten'], DS/L Reese</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vanochten has been one of the foundations for the Reese program and she's proven to be a dig machine for the team. She's got a lot of athleticism and quickness when she's in the back row. She's got a great first step and stays low to the ground to make accurate feeds to her setter. From the service line, Vanochten brings a lot of heat and challenges defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->