The 2027’s Shaping Grand Rapids, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Prep Dig Michigan will be hosting two Showcase events on Sunday, Aug. 3. You can now register for the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1540/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> or the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1521/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em>. Use code “EllisDig2025” to get $10 off your registration.*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When looking for top volleyball talent in the state of Michigan, the Grand Rapids area is one of the best places to start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You don't have to look much further for proof than the Class of 2027. This group is dominated with by the area, with many of the top players coming from GR.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the first part of a two-part look at some of the top 2027 players from the Grand Rapids area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490376' first='Margaret' last='Alderink'], MB/RS Zeeland West/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alderink is a player that can really catch your eye during a match. She comes through with a few kills that seem to capture the attention of the whole gym. Alderink has impressive hang time, that allows her to unload on the volleyball from the middle or the right side. She's proving to be a great asset to any offense she's part of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490379' first='Sophia' last='Berger'], OH GRCC/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berger showed flashes of being able to take over a match as a sophomore at GRCC. She is able to terminate from both pins and has a swing that is strong in technique. She shows a lot of consistency in her delivery and finding the ball at a high point. Berger also has the ability to come through with a timely dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464378' first='Ava' last='Bush-Nelson'], MB/RS Jenison/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” Bush-Nelson does a great job of utilizing her length at the net, and does so by playing a variety of shot angles. She works the sidelines well, but can also come down over the top of the ball and put down an unstoppable attack. Bush-Nelson displays good footwork and anticipates well when it comes to blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490372' first='Piper' last='Cebulski'], S/RS GR Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'2” setter with great agility, Cebulski has a real feel for the game, which has allowed her to be a dual-position threat for her squads. She's got consistency with her locations, and is able to make great plays on the fly. Cebulski continues to show the ability to put her foot on the gas and pick up the tempo of play, which is a big key for her to continue to impress college scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490375' first='Cara' last='Crittendon'], MB Byron Center/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crittendon moves very quickly around the net to make life difficult for her opponents. She can attack from a variety of angles, and also displays great court vision to know when to go with an offspeed play. Defensively, Crittendon makes herself very wide at the net to disrupt a lot of opposing attacks. She uses her agility very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442982' first='Grace' last='Goodyke'], OH GR Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodyke has been in a lead hitting role with GRC since she was a freshman, and the 6'1” hitter hasn't shied away from that responsibility. She has a lot of athleticism, which leads to explosive kills. However, Goodyke has the awareness and agility to adjust her shots on the fly to score with a crafty offspeed play as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486269' first='Brooke' last='Johnson'], RS/MB FH Northern/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson has proven to be a high-rated finisher from the right side. She's got another gear at the end of her swing that can send the ball flying off her hand. When she's getting a clean look, blockers are going to wish they weren't in her way, because her attacks can do some damage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'], DS/L Byron Center/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is one of the top defenders in the nation in this class and has clearly established herself as one of the measuring sticks for defenders in the state of Michigan. Johnson always seems a step ahead of her opponents, which allows her to be in great position to make a clean feed to her setter without breaking much of a sweat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->