2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 1’s top setters

<p>The level of play in Division 1 has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.</p> <p>In the State of Michigan, D1 play is pushing its way to being some of the best among the country.</p> <p>Part of the reason for that is the quality of setters that have come out of Division 1.</p> <p>This year, Michigan once again has a plethora of setting talent in D1. Some of which can hang with anyone in the nation.</p> <p>Here’s a look at the best Division 1 is bringing to the table at setter.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14163" first="Julia" last="Bishop"], Sr. Mercy</strong></p> <p>Bishop is one of the state’s all-time great setters. The Michigan State commit had over 1,500 assists in 2019 while leading Mercy to its first state championship and earning First Team All-State honors. For her prep career, Bishop sits at 4,562 assists. That’s already sixth all-time in MHSAA history. She has the record of 5,790 assists within her sights. Bishop makes her play look effortless on the court. She makes great decisions and reads the court as well as anyone.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50289" first="Lydia" last="Harper"], Sr. Caledonia</strong></p> <p>Harper is a do-it-all setter for Caledonia. Along with over 2,700 assists in her career, Harper has nearly 600 kills as well. Last fall, Harper was Honorable Mention All-State as she had 310 kills with 731 assists, 309 digs, 71 blocks and 71 aces. Her athleticism has led her to a spot with Miami (Ohio) in 2021. Harper makes an impact in every aspect of the sport.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50309" first="Sophia" last="Powell"], Sr. Lowell</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_106526" align="alignright" width="269"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-106526" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/08/Sophia-Powell-269x300.jpg" alt="" width="269" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="50309" first="Sophia" last="Powell"][/caption] <p>Powell was one of the most productive setters in 2019. The senior led Lowell to its best season in school history, reaching the Division 1 state finals. She was a Second Team All-State selection after putting up 1,571 assists, 297 digs, 166 kills, 54 blocks and 44 aces. Powell is a great leader on the floor and has the chemistry with her hitters that is needed to make a team elite.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50311" first="Grace" last="Allread"], Sr. West Bloomfield</strong></p> <p>Allread has been a big part of turning the West Bloomfield volleyball program around. Just last year, Allread was Honorable Mention while helping the Lakers reach a regional final. An athletic player, she is able to contribute with her setting, but also with her attacks and passing. Allread has the competitive fire you look for in a leader and will find herself playing at Liberty in 2021.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24835" first="Kendyl" last="Andrews"], Jr. Flushing</strong></p> <p>Andrews had a breakout season in 2019, earning Honorable Mention All-State honors as a sophomore while helping Flushing reach the D1 regional finals. Andrews racked up 1,137 assists, 429 digs, 82 aces and 76 kills last fall. Playing on a smaller Flushing roster, Andrews really had to be on top of her game to get Flushing to the heights it reached. Her instincts are top-level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89354" first="Samantha" last="Boeve"], Sr. Grand Haven</strong></p> <p>Boeve led Grand Haven to a district championship in 2019 alongside Grand Haven’s talented hitters. An Honorable Mention All-State selection last fall, Boeve had over 1,400 assists with 270 digs, 81 kills and 64 aces. Boeve is a trusty leader on the floor for the Bucs and will keep them highly competitive in 2020.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92067" first="Marah" last="Griffore"], Jr. Jenison</strong></p> <p>Griffore was one of the top sophomores in the state last fall. She was Honorable Mention All-State in D1 in 2019 after amassing 1,187 assists, 406 digs, 191 kills and 47 aces. Griffore could do anything asked of her and do it with ease. Though only 5’8”, she was a finisher at the net when needed. She also has the smooth passing game to be a top-level defender. Her setting speaks for itself.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24834" first="Anna" last="Leigh Alford"], Jr. Mt. Pleasant</strong></p> <p>Alford has been handed the keys to the Mt. Pleasant offense for the last two years, and she has had the Oilers playing very well. Last fall, Mt. Pleasant reached the Division 1 quarterfinals as Alford had over 1,000 assists. Over her first two seasons, Alford has 2,163 assists for the Oilers. In 2019, Alford added 347 digs, 87 aces and 79 kills.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>Mackenzie Delacher, Jr. Rockford; Cierra Laska, Jr. Byron Center; [player_tooltip player_id="24875" first="Karlee" last="Stoll"], Jr. Anchor Bay; [player_tooltip player_id="66328" first="Ava" last="Sarafa"], Soph. Marian; [player_tooltip player_id="50326" first="Caris" last="Cross"], Sr. Bedford; [player_tooltip player_id="24865" first="Julia" last="Mills"], Jr. Airport; [player_tooltip player_id="89337" first="Ola" last="Nowak"], Sr. Grandville; [player_tooltip player_id="50334" first="Savannah" last="Hall"], Sr. Mattawan<strong>; </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89349" first="Ella" last="Markevics"], Sr. Stoney Creek.</p>