Michigan Freshman Showcase Evaluations, Part 2

<p>The Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a lot of impressive 2027 talents.</p>   <p>This prospect group is sure to make a big impact in the years to come.</p>   <p>Each participant brought their own strengths to the table last Saturday.</p>   <p>Here's the second part of our series of player evaluations from the group as they get set to being their prep careers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442975' first='Cristiana' last='Giglio'], OH Marian/Legacy</strong></h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/788-Cristiana-Giglio.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437798" width="203" height="159" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='442975' first='Cristiana' last='Giglio']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Giglio stands 5'9” but plays longer at the net. She had impressive hang time off the floor, which allowed her to dial up some serious power. Giglio stays active at the net during defensive scrums and is able to make plays through her effort. At times it looked like she let a bad swing or passing error get to her, but that can improve with time and growth as a player. Giglio is going to be a solid asset for Marian in her prep career as she works to being a six-rotation player.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'], OH GR Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2>   <p>Goodyke looks to be one of the next great hitters to come out of the Grand Rapids area. The athletic 6-footer moves very well around the floor and is able to transition quickly from defender to attacker. At the net, Goodyke has a long reach, which serves her well with her size and ability to hang in the air. She generates a lot of power and puts the ball down at sharp angles. As she adds more dimensions to her attack, she's going to be a real gamechanger.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442986' first='Karly' last='Harrison'], OH Romeo</strong></h2>   <p>Harrison is another promising freshman prospect that generates a lot of power at the net. She played aggressive throughout the showcase, as if she really had something to prove against this talented group of hitters. Harrison held her own for the most part and brought a positive attitude to the floor. She kept herself upbeat and eager to make plays. Harrison doesn't have the length of some of her peers, but she can stay ahead of them through a polished defensive game and keeping her positive attitude.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski'], OH Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2>   <p>Kalczynski was the most consistently powerful hitter during the showcase. The 6-foot Mercy prospect has a wingspan that is tough for any opposing hitter and blocker to compete with. She uses her length well, but it's also her hang time that really adds another dimension to her game. Kalczynski has all the skills you'd want to see in a promising hitter, including footwork. The sky seems to be the limit as she builds on her defensive ability.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435242' first='Laina' last='Kirsch'], S Badger/[program_tooltip program_id='431537' first='Midwest' last='Penguins']</strong></h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/793-Laina-Kirsch.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437802" width="201" height="145" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='435242' first='Laina' last='Kirsch']</figcaption></figure>   <p>The Wisconsin setting prospect was the only out-of-state competitor this past weekend. That can be a tough situation to find yourself in, but Kirsch held her own well. She played with a lot of unfamiliar hitters, but still was able to stay focused and hit her spots and mix up her sets. Kirsch played with a lot of quiet intensity and competitiveness. The technical skills are there for Kirsch. As she continues to build on her leadership and communication, she can grow as a prospect.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Izzy Lawhorn, OH/MH Lake Orion/Legacy</strong></h2>   <p>Lawhorn has a great family pedigree to work off of. She's learned from some of the best hitters this state has seen and now is ready to begin her prep career. Lawhorn displays a familiar ability at the net. The 6-footer has that combination of length and power, while finishing at a high rate. She's a bit quiet and unassuming when not in action, but really turns up the intensity on the floor. The offensive intangibles are already there, now Lawhorn just needs to build her defensive game to become a complete player.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454352' first='Calli' last='LeFevre'], OH Marian/Legacy</strong></h2>   <p>LeFevre is a player that raised her game when play intensified the most. She was one of the most dominant hitters during scrimmage play and was able to make unstoppable swings time and again. LeFevre gelled quickly with her setters and was technically sound. She also had a strong serve and good defensive instincts. As a Marian prospect, LeFevre is sure to be an impact player in the years to come.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kayla Liedke, DS/L Romeo/Monsters</strong></h2>   <p>Liedke had the most important trait you need in a defender, she stayed very active during the play. She never got caught flat-footed and had active eyes. While she didn't make every play that came her way, she shook off the mistakes quickly and learned from them. Liedke's technique is sound and she does a good job of squaring up to the opposing attacks. More reps against power hitters will keep her instincts sharp and allow her to react quicker and quicker.</p>

The Michigan Freshman Showcase featured a lot of impressive 2027 talents.