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.