Top players

1. Alex Cocklin jr., OH, Birmingham Marian — The Mustangs’ top hitter last season, should be even better this season. Cocklin is a smart and powerful hitter, and was a Class A all-state second-team selection last year.

2. Kathleen Donahue sr., OH, South Lyon — A phenomenal hitter for the Lions, who was a Class A all-state third-team selection last season. The 6-foot-1 Donahue has committed to Indiana.

3. Evia Prieditis sr., S, Milford — An early candidate for Miss Volleyball consideration, Prieditis was a Class A all-state honorable mention last season. She is good at finding mismatches for her hitters and broke all the Maverick setting records last season.

4. Rachel Charles jr., L, Birmingham Marian — Charles is the leader of the Mustangs’ defense and isn’t afraid to take charge. She is one of the top passers in the state and was a Class A all-state second-team selection last season.

5. Danielle Gotham sr., MB, South Lyon — Will create nightmares for opposing teams with Donahue. Gotham is a great blocker and a powerful hitter. She was a Class A all-state honorable mention and has committed to Central Michigan.

6. Anya Cekauskas sr., OH, Birmingham Seaholm — A great hitter for the Maples, who is a solid all-around player with a nice serve. She has committed to Yale.

7. Amanda Yerke sr., OH, Walled Lake Northern — The 6-foot-3 Yerke was an All-American at the AAU nationals and has a full ride to Michigan. She is a great attacker, with an excellent serve.

8. Kim Hilderth sr., S, Novi — A great court manager for the Wildcats, who can also play as a hitter. She has signed with Eastern Michigan.

9. Destiny Tolliver jr., OH, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep — Tolliver emerged as a force during the Fighting Irish’s run to the Class B state championship. She has a great knowledge of the game and already has plenty of big Division I schools interested in her.

10. Sarah Gauer sr., OH, Farmington — A four-year starter for the Falcons, Gauer led the team in kills last season. She is a hard-hitter, can touch 9-foot-6 and has several Division I schools interested in her.

11. Tori Manix sr., MH, Bloomfield Hills Lahser — Manix is a great blocker and will be the Knights’ go-to player. She has several big-time schools interested in her, including UConn.

12. Katie Petersen sr., S, Farmington — Petersen broke the school record for assists in a season and assists per game last year. She is also a solid blocker and was an all-region selection last season.

13. Abby Lovell sr., S, Birmingham Marian — Lovell will rack up assists this season running the Mustangs’ high-powered offense. The third-year starter has committed to Northern Michigan.

14. Jenna Coates jr., L, Clarkston — Getting a ball down is always a tough task when the Wolves’ libero is on the court. She already has Division I schools interested in her.

15. Alicia Roth sr., L, Lake Orion — Roth is a student of the game with good speed. She has committed to Samford.

16. Lauren Maxwell jr., OH, Lakeland — A solid all-around player for the Eagles, who is getting interest from several colleges.

17. Lauren Gardner sr., OH, Clarkston — Gardner is a smart hitter that rarely gets blocked. She is good at finding holes in the defense and already has offers from several Division II schools.

18. Jessie Best jr., OH, Birmingham Groves — A third-year varsity player, who was an all-region selection last season. She has several schools interested in her, but is also a standout equestrian rider.

19. Sara Shouhayib sr., OPP, Troy — Shouhayib has an excellent jump serve and can attack from anywhere on the court. She is also an excellent defensive player.

20. Sarah Robb sr. Novi, MH — Novi coach Julie Fisette says Robb is the top blocker she has ever had and is a great hitter. She has committed to Saginaw Valley State.



— Staff writer Dave Pemberton