By BUTCH HARMON
The volleyball season was a memorable one for area teams and players. The Class B state finals saw North Branch and Lakewood battle it out for the state title, while Beal City reached the Class D state final. Pewamo-Westphalia also made a thrilling post-season run. Individually, the area produced some outstanding players, led by Midland’s Tori Blake who was a finalist for Miss Volleyball.
Following is a look at this year’s High School Sports Scene all-area volleyball team:
FIRST TEAM
Tori Blake:
Midland:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
Comment: A finalist for the Miss Volleyball Award, Tori owns several school records at Midland, including solo blocks, block assists, and total blocks. Tori was voted first-team, all-state in Class A and was one of the leaders in the state in kills.
Rachel Fish:
North Branch:
Sr.:
Libero:
Comment: An outstanding defensive player, Rachel played a key role in North Branch’s march to the Division 2 state final. She was one of the leaders in digs in the state this season and also displayed strong setting and serving skills. Rachel also earned first-team, all-state honors in Class B.
Victoria Jankoska:
Freeland:
Sr.:
Outside Hitter:
Comment: One of the top basketball players in the state, Victoria is also an outstanding volleyball player. This season, she displayed strong blocking and hitting skills. Along with earning all-conference honors, Victoria was named second-team, all-state in Class B.
Emily Kutch:
Lakewood:
Sr.:
Outside Hitter:
The Vikings captured the Class B state title this season, and Emily played a key role in the march to that title. A strong hitter who also provided solid blocking at the net, she capped the season by earning first-team, all-state honors in Class B. Emily will be playing basketball at Northwood University next year.
Allison Smith
St. Louis:
Sr.:
Setter:
This talented senior setter played a key role in St. Louis reaching the Class C regional finals. Allison finished the season with over 1,000 assists and was also a strong defensive player. She capped the season by earning second-team, all-state honors in Class C.
Madison Smith:
Pewamo-Westphalia:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
The Pirates reached the state quarterfinals this season, and this 6’1″ middle hitter played a key role. Madison was strong at the net both as an attacker and as a blocker on defense. An outstanding basketball player as well, Madison earned first-team, all-state honors in Class C.
SECOND TEAM
Jessica Askew:
Sr.:
Valley Lutheran:
Libero:
Micaela Deshotsky:
North Branch:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
Taylor Robertson:
Midland:
Sr.:
Outside Hitter:
Addie Schumacher:
Beal City:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
Samantha Shafer:
Valley Lutheran:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
Brooke Wieland:
Lakewood:
Sr.:
Setter:
THIRD TEAM:
Kelli Combs:
Grand Ledge:
Sr.:
Setter:
Olivia Davis:
Lakewood:
Sr.:
Outside Hitter:
Makenna Ott:
Haslett:
Sr.:
Middle Blocker:
Avery Punches:
Rockford:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
Kayla Rosman:
Morley Stanwood:
So.:
Middle Hitter:
Brittany Severn:
New Lothrop:
Sr.:
Middle Hitter:
HONORABLE MENTION:
Bri Alspaugh, St. Louis; Jamie Barrows, North Branch; Mekayla Carey, Morley Stanwood; Monica David, Beal City; Erica Hansen, Sacred Heart Academy; Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart Academy; Karli Herrington, Hemlock; Jade Kennedy, Beal City; Maria Kronner, Haslett; Kennedy Marker, East Lansing; Allison Martin, Pewamo-Westphalia; Maddy Mertz, Frankenmuth; Alexa Methner, Sacred Heart Academy; Mallory Rajewski, Midland; Melanie Schafer, Beal City; Kaylee Schmitt, DeWitt; Emily Severn, New Lothrop; Monica Skrabut, Garber; Kelsey Smith, Ashley; Brooke Tubbs, St. Louis; Laura Wilson, North Branch; Ashley Youngstrom, Freeland.