2027’s Central Michigan Eye Catchers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Prep Dig Michigan will be hosting two Showcase events on Sunday, Aug. 3. You can now register for the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1540/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> or the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1521/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em>. Use code “EllisDig2025” to get $10 off your registration.*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Getting attention in the Class of 2027 isn't an easy task, but there are some prospects coming from the Central Michigan and Tri-Cities area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at seven from the Class of 2027 in that area that have drawn some extra eyes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523865' first='Kate' last='Belt'], S Valley Lutheran/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valley Lutheran has a lot of talent in its 2027 class that has gotten big-match experience. That includes Belt, who is a 5'10” setter that plays with good instincts. She does a nice job of fooling defenses and knowing when to play the ball herself. Belt also keeps improving on her speed of play and aggressiveness, which should make Valley Lutheran a tough offense to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='575013' first='Elsie' last='Hultberg'], DS/L Valley Lutheran/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hultberg is one of two exciting 2027 defensive prospects for Valley Lutheran. Hultberg provides great coverage and serving ability to her teams, as she's got an aggressive first step in approaching a dig, and times out sprawls well. Her serve receive showed more and more consistency as the 2024 season prolonged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='458372' first='Jeana' last='Lenhard'], OH Garber/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lenhard has definitely set up her spot among the best in the class. She showed dominant stretches this fall while leading Garber to a run to Kellogg Arena. She shouldered the majority of the Dukes offense and came through with flying colors. The 6-foot hitter has plenty of power, but shows a high court IQ and the ability to adapt well at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523863' first='Willow' last='Mason'], MB/RS Saginaw Heritage/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A great athlete that is also excelling on the track, Mason uses her lightning fast speed and quickness to be an explosive force at the net. Mason seems to float in the air, which is allowing her to deliver powerful kills that blockers can't time. She's also developing new facets to her attack to be a more well-rounded player, making her a scary prospect to go up against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='535295' first='Paisley' last='Schumacher'], S Beal City/MidMichigan Aces</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schumacher is a strong leader that is able to contribute in all phases of the game for her teams. She is a perfect fit for the small-school Beal City, as she is technically smooth with her setting and a strong defender. Along with getting strong swings out of her hitters, Schumacher brings a lot of positive energy that her teammates feed off of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442983' first='Hayden' last='Sherman'], DS/L Valley Lutheran</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sherman is the second piece of the two-part defensive combo that Valley Lutheran has to offer. Sporting the libero jersey, Sherman showed the ability to come through with a clutch kill in high-pressure situations. She dug up some big hitters and made it look rather routine. She shows a lot of maturity and composure at the position for a 2027 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='762849' first='Avery' last='Stewart'], MB/RS Midland/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stewart can play in the middle or the right side and she brings good length to the net at 6'0”. She's shown the ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations, and is making strides in her game as she's getting more opportunities. Stewart plays in control, but has the potential to add a faster pace to her game in the year ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->