All-Lansing Area Dream Team

<p>Certainly when looking at top volleyball areas in the state, Oakland County and Grand Rapids draw the most attention. However, a lot of top talent in the mitten is located in other areas.</p> <p>The Lansing area has produced some high-level prospects that are making names for themselves. Here’s a look at some of the best from the capital area.</p> [caption id="attachment_71362" align="alignright" width="300"] [player_tooltip player_id="14185" first="Aubrey" last="O’Gorman"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="14185" first="Aubrey" last="O’Gorman"], MB Lakewood/FaR Out (2021)</strong></p> <p>O’Gorman has been the top force in the middle for the state of Michigan and her finishing rate is as strong as anyone in the state. The 6’3” O’Gorman hit .424 in the 2019 prep season with close to 500 kills and over 150 blocks. The Michigan State commit is due for big things at the next level thanks to her play with Lakewood and FaR Out.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50291" first="Ashley" last="Nordmann"], OH/MH Lansing Christian/Michigan Elite (2021)</strong></p> <p>Nordmann can hold her own against anyone in the state in terms of finishing ability. Last fall, Nordmann hit nearly .400 for the Pilgrims. She has taken her club game to Michigan Elite, but she stands tall as a representation of the talent in the Lansing area.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50317" first="Gracie" last="Danziger"], L/DS East Lansing/Michigan Elite (2021)</strong></p> <p>An improving defender that has made big strides over the last year, Danziger has proven to be solid as a rock in the back row for East Lansing. She also has sharpened her skills with Michigan Elite. Danziger moves with a lot of fluidity during the play and has improved her instincts a great deal.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50299" first="Sage" last="Kissman"], OH Mason/Five:1 (2021)</strong></p> <p>Kissman has been able to hold her own at the net in the Lansing area and delivers a powerful attack despite not having the size of many of her competitors. Kissman also moves smoothly in the back row and has shown the ability to be a reliable six-rotation player for the Bulldogs and Five:1 Athletics.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50306" first="Keilyn" last="Carpenter"], OH Maple Valley/Attack (2021)</strong></p> <p>Carpenter stands 6’2” and is able to move very well along the net. She can play in the middle if needed and has been a dominant player for Maple Valley and Attack Volleyball Club. Carpenter has the length and athleticism to take her game to another level over the next 12 months.</p> [caption id="attachment_60870" align="alignright" width="300"] [player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24871" first="Maradith" last="O’Gorman"], OH Lakewood/FaR Out (2022)</strong></p> <p>The younger sister of Aubrey, Maradith has the all-around skills to take her game to the D1 level and be successful. The 6’2” Michigan State commit had over 500 kills and 350 digs in 2019 with Lakewood, and approached 100 aces. She’s only getting better with FaR Out and is due for another big prep season in 2020.</p> <p><strong>Kassidy Casillas, S Ionia (2022)<br /> </strong>Casillas had a nice 2019 season for the Bulldogs, a D2 district champion that won its first district crown in 42 years. Casillas ran the offense efficiently and had a powerful serve that sparked the Bulldogs to a number of scoring rallies. She’s got Ionia looking for more in 2021.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="24882" first="Ellie" last="Toney"], OH/MH Corunna (2022)</strong></p> <p>A multi-sport talent, Toney used her great footwork and 6-foot length to but a force at the net in the middle and outside for the Cavaliers in 2019. Playing alongside a Miss Volleyball finalist in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49389" first="Elizabeth" last="Norris"]</strong>, Toney received a great mentorship that should help her become a team leader in 2020 and 2021.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="66296" first="Skylar" last="Bump"], S Lakewood/FaR Out (2023)</strong></p> <p>Bump has shown that she is going to be one of the top setters in the state for years to come. In 2019 she had an All-State effort as a freshman, recording over 1,200 assists for Lakewood while also approaching 100 aces. She works with great hitters at Lakewood and FaR Out, which will only take her game to new heights.</p> <p><strong>Kendall White, L/DS St. Johns/Five:1 (2023)</strong></p> <p>White had a big impact for the Redwings as a freshman, earning All-Region honors in 2019. White also has shined for Five:1 during the 2020 club season. Facing a lot of top hitters already, White will be an impact player in the Lansing area, and the state, for years to come.</p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id="89359" first="Karsyn" last="Delbridge"], S Mason/Arsenal (2021); [player_tooltip player_id="89374" first="Alexis" last="Widner"], OH Mason/Arsenal (2021); Grace Marshall, L/DS DeWitt/Five:1 (2021), Sarah Veale, OH Fowler (2021); [player_tooltip player_id="60848" first="Alivia" last="Castle"], OH Lansing Catholic/Attack (2022);  Neele’ge’ Sims, MH Corunna/Michigan Elite (2023), [player_tooltip player_id="66337" first="Brielle" last="Sovis"], DS/RS Owosso/Attack (2023).</p>