Seven 2028 Defenders Not To Overlook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 is making a big splash in the state of Michigan and there's a lot of talent to go around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at seven defenders that you can't overlook in a highly-talented class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='712151' first='Lily' last='Eveland'], DS/L Lowell/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowell has been able to produce some great defensive talent over the years and Eveland shows a lot of promise to be the next in that mold. She's able to get really low to the ground and has digs against a lot of top hitters in the state. As she keeps developing new facets to her play, she should become one of the top defenders in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765793' first='Maya' last='Lorenzo'], DS/L Dakota/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lorenzo is a player that stays ready and in position to get under the big attacks that come her way. Even when she has to make a last-second adjustment, she's able to still make an accurate pass to her setter. She's a defender you can count on for a lot of digs in quick fashion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='726340' first='Stephanie' last='Lulaj'], DS/L Notre Dame Prep/Unified</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another program that has produced plenty of Division 1 college talent in the back row, Lulaj is getting some great experience for Notre Dame Prep. She's got the athleticism to play outside hitter, but shows the instincts and quickness to really shine in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916055' first='Brooklen' last='Minix'], DS/L Homer</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minix was an absolute dig machine this fall for Homer, producing 775 to be among the very elite in the state. She sees the ball very well and maintains smooth form no matter if she has to make a sprawl or dive. Minix looks very in control when she is in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939687' first='Carys' last='Nieuwenhuis'], DS/L GR Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nieuwenhuis moves really smoothly around the court and she plays her angles well. She can square up to any shot and knows where she needs to get her arm placement in order to make a tough dig still be very accurate. There's a lot of upside in her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752645' first='Kaila' last='Van Drie'] DS/L Rockford/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Drie got some time with the Rockford varsity this fall, a great experience playing for one of the state's best. She's a well-coached and polished player that shows a lot of composure on the court. Her serve receive is smooth and consistent, and she is able to react quickly to any shots that come her way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847397' first='Bridget' last='Wiggins'], DS/L MP Sacred Heart/Mid-Michigan Aces</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wiggins has been a great energy player for Sacred Heart and her energy is infectious to her teammates. She's not been one to back down from a challenge and comes through with some very challenging digs in high-pressure situations. Having her on the floor makes SHA competitive against anyone in D4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->