Ella, committed to D2 power Northern Michigan, has that prototypical middle build and mentality that only Roncalli (and Circle) could cultivate. With length for days and an innate ability to frustrate opponents on both offense and defense, Miss Stone is a solid M2 recruit and a DEFINITE steal for Northern Michigan, as I had her tabbed as a low to midmajor D1 recruit for years. Often doing the dirty work that doesn’t come up in stat sheets, Ella will be the size Roncalli needs to compete and thrive in 4A ball this fall.

With length for days and an above-average vision of the court on the attack, Ella is more than capable of being an M1 or an M2 at the next level. In front of the setter, Miss Stone finds angles with that vision, and picks and chooses her spots to terminate, with all manner of shots at her disposal. Behind the setter, she chases the ball athletically, with a hard swing to end plays. Her block is impressively solid, and can defend from pin to pin with long strides and even longer arms.

An unsung heroine for the two-time state champion Royals, Ella was a brick wall and used every bit of her 6’1” frame to slow opponents down. The junior placed as tops in 3A and top ten in the state in blocks. Although this didn’t translate to an all-state honor, she still has a couple of state title trophies among her accolades, and looks to be part of the backbone of a three-peat opportunity next fall.