Who To Watch On The 2026 Watch List, 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, and in Grand Rapids on Aug. 17. 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>This upcoming fall is a big one for the Class of 2026. As they step into an upperclassman role, this group has a chance to really draw recognition from the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we have looked at the girls that are ranked in this class, there are many on the Watch List that could make a big impact as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at a handful of those Watch List players that might turn some heads.</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='226902' first='Claire' last='Hurley'], OH TC St. Francis/Northshore</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hurley was a steady contributor for St. Francis last fall while helping the Gladiators reach the D3 state finals. As a right side, she was able to come through with some timely kills that swung the momentum in St. Francis' favor. She also looked comfortable coming through with a big dig when her team needed it. Hurley should come into the fall with a lot of confidence and ready to produce even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226903' first='Reese' last='Jones'], S TC St. Francis/Northshore</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones was also a big part of TC St. Francis' run to the final. She was one of two setters for the squad, but she played with a lot of energy and made sure that she left her mark on each match she played in. Along with getting great swings out of her hitters, Jones was a very active defender and made a big difference with her serving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490024' first='Alexandra' last='Leggett'], OH Novi/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leggett will be eager to show what she can do at the varsity level this fall. This club season, Leggett has played all across the net and managed to show she can finish with good power. She's able to climb the ladder well, and has the footwork to get herself in advantageous positions against blockers. As she gets more reps, she should improve on her finishing rate and find new wrinkles to her swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261136' first='Dakota' last='Rae Robinson'], DS/L Mercy/Team Detroit</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson has always been a scrappy player. The 5'2” defender moves very well on the court. Her footwork and vision in the back row allow her to get into good position to make a clean pass. She keeps herself low to the ground to make sure she can get under the ball against even the strongest hitters. Robinson has room to grow as a player, but she's got the right mindset to excel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226934' first='Judith' last='Steffens'], OH TC West/Northshore</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steffens has shown that she can be a difference-maker offensively no matter where she is on the floor. She's got one of the stronger back-row attacks in Northern Michigan and she plays with a lot of awareness and savvy. Steffens does a good job of making the right play and the smart play instead of trying to utilize power in every swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448466' first='Evelyn' last='Watts'], OH Berkley/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watts has a great work ethic and a desire to be great. She's been putting in the time to improve in all phases of the game. Watts is a player that can get on a nice heater, as she mixes up her shots well with different speeds and attack angles. That gets combined with steady defensive play to make her an all-around talent. Watts could be a breakout candidate over the next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='456855' first='Annie' last='Zellen'], OH Stoney Creek/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zellen is a prospect that shows good decision-making and a good feel for the game. She works in a lot of effective offspeed swings despite having the ability to turn on a ball. She can quickly transition from defense to offense and vice versa. As she continues to get stronger and more reps, her game should jump to another level. Zellen has the athleticism to be a real impact player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->