Six impact freshmen in 2018-19

<p>It’s never too early to look at the future of volleyball in the state of Michigan. While the upper classmen contain a lot of top-level national talent, there were a handful of freshmen that really stood out this fall in their high school debuts. Their play drew some national attention as they made clear they will be names to remember for the next three years as well. Here’s a close look at those impact freshmen.</p> <p><strong>Maradith O’Gorman, RS, Lakewood: </strong>Of all the freshmen in the state, only one could lay claim to being a First Team All-State selection for the 2018 prep season and that was O’Gorman. A 6’1” right side for Lakewood, she paired with her sophomore sister, Aubrey, to give the Vikings a tremendous 1-2 punch at the net. O’Gorman racked up over 450 kills, 125 blocks and 400 assists. She also approached 100 aces for the year, proving she has the all-around skills to be an impact player. Lakewood was able to reach the Division 2 state semifinals this year and the future Michigan State Spartan was recently named to PrepVolleyball.com’s Frosh59, which highlights the top 59 freshmen in the country. Currently part of Far Out 16 National Black, O’Gorman is only going to get better from here.</p> <p><strong>Alyssa Borellis, OH/S, Notre Dame Prep: </strong>The Fighting Irish haven’t been shy about giving freshmen opportunities to contribute right away. We have seen it in the past with the likes of Katherine Carlson, Madeline Chinn and Natalie Risi. Borellis is another to add to that list as she was a strong contributor to NDP this fall, leading the Irish to a runner-up finish in Division 2. Borellis recorded 328 kills with 371 digs, 725 assists, 76 aces and 54 blocks. Her efforts put her as a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, a Third Team All-State selection and part of the Frosh59. Borellis is currently playing for Legacy 15-Elite and should be a big focal point for the Irish next fall after losing three key seniors.</p> <p><strong>Ellie Toney, OH, Corunna: </strong>Corunna had the state’s top attacker in Elizabeth Norris, but freshman Ellie Toney was second in kills for the Cavaliers. She had 316 in 2018 while adding 436 digs, 92 aces and 36 blocks. Corunna made a run to the Division 2 state semifinals and Toney was recognized as part of the Frosh59 and MaxPreps Freshmen All-American team for her efforts. Toney and Norris both return for Corunna next year, which gives the Cavs a lot of reasons to be optimistic about 2019.</p> <p><strong>Ava Brizard, OH, Marian: </strong>With a new coach taking over at Marian, the Mustangs had to turn to some young faces in 2018 and Brizard was able to step up and meet the challenge. An Honorable Mention selection in Division 1, Brizard was the lone freshmen to be part of the Division 1 All-State teams. Brizard was second on Marian in kills with 401. She also had 419 digs with 32 blocks. Brizard was part of the Frosh59 as well and is currently competing for Michigan Elite 15 Mizuno. As she continues to improve on her serving and passing, Brizard is certainly to be a six-rotation star.</p> <p><strong>Braelyn Berry, OH, Morley Stanwood: </strong>A Division 3 star that earned Third Team All-State honors in 2018, Berry landed on the Frosh59 list as well for her standout play. She was second on the team in kills for the Mohawks with 237 while adding 409 digs and 84 aces. Her serve should only continue to improve, which is scary to think about. Stanwood exited the postseason in district play in a five-set battle with Pewamo-Westphalia, but the Mohawks return some promising talent, led by Berry. A multi-sport star, Berry has a lot of potential for her athletic future.</p> <p><strong>Brooke Dzwik, OH, St. Philip: </strong>Dzwik was the only freshman to be part of the Division 4 All-State teams, as she was a Second Team selection this fall. The Fighting Tigers reached the regional final before losing to the eventual state champ, Mendon. Dzwik had over 340 kills and 180 digs for St. Philip this fall as she showcased the ability to play in the front and back rows. Dzwik has solidified that the Fighting Tigers will continue to be a force in Division 4 for years to come.</p>