What 2024s can step into lead roles?
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As we further remove ourselves from the 2022 prep season, it’s hard to not notice the key 2023 graduates. A number of strong teams will need their complimentary players to step into lead roles if they hope to continue to…
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Continue ReadingAs we further remove ourselves from the 2022 prep season, it’s hard to not notice the key 2023 graduates.
A number of strong teams will need their complimentary players to step into lead roles if they hope to continue to succeed in the 2023 prep season.
Here’s a look at seven players that can step into those lead roles and help their teams maintain great success.
Cayla Cogan Cayla Cogan 5'10" | OH Clarkston | 2024 State #96 Nation MI , OH Clarkston
Cogan really took her game to another level before a knee injury ended her prep and club season. Next fall, Cogan could step into a lead role for the Wolves if her knee heals up. Last fall Cogan was bringing as much power at the net as anyone. She hit .337 as a junior and looks like she can be a dominant force in the fall of 2023.
Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI , OH Forest Hills Northern
Erickson was part of a talented FHN offense last fall that reached the D1 semifinals. The Huskies graduate kill leader Kennedy Louisell Kennedy Louisell 6'0" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2023 State #140 Nation MI , which leaves the door open for Erickson to take on the lead role next fall. Erickson has already proven she can handle the responsibility, as she had 418 kills and 310 digs in 2022 while hitting .316. Look for Erickson to be even stronger for the Huskies next fall.
Kate Maley Kate Maley 6'1" | RS Skyline | 2024 State #153 Nation MI , OH Skyline
Nobody can be expected to fill in the shoes of Miss Volleyball winner Harper Murray Harper Murray 6'2" | OH Skyline | 2023 State #2 Nation MI . However, Skyline has a big task to try and find her production for the 2023 season. While it could be a committee effort, it’s clear Maley will have to be the leading force for the offense next fall. She had nearly 300 kills in 2022 as Murray’s complimentary hitter. Next year, it will be a big opportunity for Maley to shine.
Avry Nelson Avry Nelson 6'3" | MB Northville | 2024 State MI , MH Northville
Nelson was a big key to the Mustangs reaching the D1 state final matchup last fall and next season could see her being the reason Northville again contends for a deep postseason run. Nelson had 100 blocks with 249 kills in 2022. With Abigail Reck Abigail Reck 6'2" | MB Northville | 2023 State #74 Nation MI and Lauren MacKellar Lauren MacKellar 6'0" | RS Northville | 2023 State MI graduating, Nelson is going to have to be the driving force at the net. The 6’3” Nelson shouldn’t have any issue meeting those expectations.
Piper Risdon Piper Risdon 5'11" | MB Lowell | 2024 State MI , MH Lowell
Risdon took a huge step forward as a junior, and the Red Arrows will need her to step up again in the 2023 season. Risd hit .331 as a junior with 310 kills and 48 blocks. With Aubriegh Oswald graduating, Risdon becomes the go-to middle for Lowell. As a multi-sport athlete, Risdon has great athleticism and footwork and should be able to take on a larger load for Lowell in 2023.
Johanna Tillman Johanna Tillman 6'2" | MB Dakota | 2024 State MI , MH Dakota
Dakota had a powerful lineup in 2022, but graduates four of its top-five kill leaders from the squad. Included in that is setter Erin Madigan Erin Madigan 6'2" | S Dakota | 2023 State MI . With so much fire power gone, the Cougars will need someone with experience to step up. Tillman should be that player. Tillman hit over .400 last fall from the middle and has a lot of energy on the floor. She seems eager and ready to be a go-to player for her squad and has the skillset to succeed at it.
Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI , OH Forest Hills Central
This one isn’t much of a stretch, as Weslow was basically a 1-2 leader for the Rangers with senior Sarah Dunn Sarah Dunn 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI this past season. Weslow had 503 kills in 2022 with 416 digs and 99 aces. She’s clearly ready to be the go-to arm for FHC. The question is now, just how dominant of a player will she have to be for the offense? Will FHC have a compliment to her as she was to Dunn?