Michigan 2027 Rankings Breakdown: Top Ten (Aug 2023)

<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow <strong>@lshotvb </strong>on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6>   <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6>   <p><strong>THE FIRST EVER <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2027-rankings/">CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS</a> ARE OUT! </strong></p>   <p>Now, with the first round of rankings for this young group, be sure to watch out for movement and shake ups over the next few updates. With the bulk of the class on the watchlist, we have our peak at the "who's-who?" early on in this exciting class. </p>   <p>With the top ten rookies coming into the fall of 2023 ranked. Let's take a look at who're making big waves early on in their prep career!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 3 Prospects</h2>   <p>Kicking off the very first rankings release for the class of 2027, we have a kid who's a very familiar face already. L [player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'] (Byron Center/FaR Out) has already cemented herself as one of the top prospects nationally - regardless of position. Johnson has been playing up an age group since she started. Playing up on FaR Out's 15 Black squad since her seventh grade year, Johnson has had a hand in multiple Top 5 finishes in the 15 Open at AAU Nationals. She has surely made her mark early on.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/792-Kate-Kalczynski-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437884" style="width:244px;height:212px" width="244" height="212" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Next up on the list is S [player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith'] (Clarkston/Legacy). This player made some incredible waves during this last club season with 14-1 Adidas at Legacy. Smith's play proved to be a big time key to the success of her squad this season. Placing 5th in the 14 Open at AAU Nationals, Smith was also awarded All-America honors this season as well. At such a young age, Smith moves with such ease around the court and plays like a well-seasoned veteran. Smith will be huge for Clarkston's post season prospects this fall.</p>   <p>Speaking of high school teams that could that could use a boost from some of this youth. There's no better player to enter a squad than OH [player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski'] (Mercy/Legacy) at Mercy. Alongside Smith, it was that impeccable connection that took Legacy so far throughout the club season. Kalczynski has a dominating presence to her on the court. Lengthy and with a grand whip of an arm, Kalczynski puts a lot pace on her attacks. An attacker like this bodes the Marlins really well for post season aspirations in 2023.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4-7 Prospects</h2>   <p>Just when you thought they were down, they come back locked and loaded. Marian brings in, yet another, highly touted freshman class. Leading the herd of new players is OH/OPP [player_tooltip player_id='454352' first='Calli' last='LeFevre'] (Marian/Legacy). Let's face it, this is a really good class for the Legacy cannon. LeFevre was another power tools in Smith's toolbox this last club season and knows how to come up big in the right moments. LeFevre enters a squad that is riding on three straight state titles and will play under one of the best head coaches in Michigan.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/789-Grace-Goodyke-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437881" style="width:248px;height:228px" width="248" height="228" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke']</figcaption></figure>   <p>We've been talking about it early on in the 2023 season. Grand Rapids Christian is back in business baby! One of the big reasons for that? Freshman OH [player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'] (Grand Rapids Christian/FaR Out). Goodyke had a really successful 14s year with FaR Out 14 Black. Leading the charge for them, Goodyke was critical in a big time 10-1 run at AAU Nationals, playing up in the 15s division where they place 17th after an early bow out in the gold bracket.</p>   <p>Yet, another Legacy product in the initial top ten for the 2027 class AND our first middle blocker to grace the list. Take note on this one now, she's just getting started. MB [player_tooltip player_id='442976' first='Cynthia' last='Ockerman'] (Brighton/Legacy) stands head and shoulders above the rest at 6'3 and is finding her groove quite nicely along the net. A developing blocker, but a mighty thumper on offense, Ockerman is going to do big things in the next four years. Already with Brighton, Ockerman's play is proving to be game-changing for the top 5 ranked squad.</p>   <p>It's been quite sometime since we have heard a big name emerge from the 2014 Class A Champions Romeo, but I have a feeling we're going to be hearing much more from them in the next few years. OPP [player_tooltip player_id='442978' first='Eleanor' last='Williams'] (Romeo/Michigan Elite) has entered the chat. I'll be curious to see how this players career pans out over the next few years. This past club season with Elite, Williams showcased a promising south paw on the right side. As the season continued though, her back court play, and even her setting abilities, began to shine rather bright as well.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/Eleanor-Williams.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-448561" style="width:272px;height:170px" width="272" height="170" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='442978' first='Eleanor' last='Williams']</figcaption></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8-10 Prospects</h2>   <p>Onto the latter portion of the 2027 Top Ten, we have another promising prospect out of Marian, OPP [player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] (Marian/Legacy). Smith marks the second freshman along with several others to join the 3x defending state champs this fall. Smith and LeFevre have both done some serious damage in club with Legacy and will look to continue that deadly 1-2 punch with Marian over the next few years. </p>   <p>One of top setters entering her high school career, there's a LOT of upside to this player. Unfortunately, we may not be able to get a good look at her until this coming club season. Out for the bulk, if not all, of her freshman campaign rehabbing a knee injury, S [player_tooltip player_id='454358' first='Lily' last='Tripi'] is still one of the top prospects in this class. Standing tall at 6'1, Tripi may be one of the strongest players you'll find in the group. Her play is very reminiscent to a young <strong>Melani Shaffmaster</strong> of Minnesota.</p>   <p>Rounding out the initial round of rankings for this class and its top ten, we have MB [player_tooltip player_id='442228' first='Avery' last='Thorp'] (Plainwell/Dead Frog). While on a team that underperformed at AAU Nationals in June, Thorp was a clear star for the squad from start to finish. Stout at the net, standing at 6'1, maybe even 6'2, Thorp offers up a lot of potential in terms of physicality. A highlight from this summer's<a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/07/2023-pd-freshman-showcase-top-dogs-mi-part-1/"> Freshman Showcase </a>as well, Thorp has the makings for the next middle dynamo from the west side of Michigan. </p>