Keith Dunlap breaks down the players to watch and predicts the winners in all four classes of the Michigan high school volleyball tournament.
The Michigan high school volleyball tournament began Monday and will end with the crowing of state champions on Nov. 18 in Battle Creek. Free Press special writer Keith Dunlap breaks down the players to watch and predicts the winners in all four classes.
Erin O’Leary, Novi senior S: One of the top setters in the country and a Michigan commit, O’Leary is a member of the USA Youth National Team and has helped lead Novi to two straight Class A state championships.
Abby Malinowski, Clarkston senior OH: A hitter who gets kills through both power and finesse, Malinowski is the engine for a Clarkston team that has been ranked throughout the season. She has committed to Michigan.
Hailey Delacher, Rockford senior S: A four-year starter and key distributor for last year’s state runner-up in Class A, Delacher has over 3,000 career assists. Coached by parents Kelly and Deanna Delacher, Hailey has committed to Bradley.
Maria Mallon, New Baltimore Anchor Bay senior OH: A do-everything player who never comes off of the floor, Mallon racks up big statistics in multiple categories every match. She has committed to Cincinnati.
Abryanna Cannon, Novi senior OH: The main target on the outside for O’Leary’s sets, Cannon has committed to Northwestern. She was a first team all-state player last year and an accomplished club player for Michigan Elite.
Class A — Novi. The two-time defending champions should make it a three-peat behind O’ Leary and Cannon. A rematch of the 2016 finals againstNo. 2 Rockford could await in Battle Creek.
Class B — Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. Ranked No. 1, the Fighting Irish should have quite a battle with defending state champion and No. 2 North Branch in a regional final. But this time Notre Dame Prep will move on.
Class C — Bronson. Two-time defending champions in Class C, the Vikings are a good bet for a three-peat with their talent and experience.
