DeWitt’s Lexi Nordmann hits a kill past Mason’s Autumn Kissman, left, Danielle Jones (4) and Erin McDermott, right, last season. Nordmann, a Southern Methodist University commit, is one of the area players to watch in 2016.
While the 2016 high school volleyball season is still in its infancy, the State Journal has compiled a list of 10 players to keep an eye on throughout the fall in mid-Michigan.
MEREDITH NORRIS, CORUNNA (sr.): The reigning State Journal girls volleyball player of the year was a Class B first-team all-state selection last season. She also set the state record for kills in a match with 56. Norris, who will be playing at Michigan State University next season, is featured on the ALL-USA girls volleyball preseason team.
LEXI NORDMANN, DEWITT (sr.): The senior was a Class A second-team all-state honoree a season ago, as well as first-team all-conference. She’ll be playing at Southern Methodist University next season.
GABIE SHELLENBARGER, LAKEWOOD (sr.): Shellenbarger was a key part of the Vikings’ team last season that captured a Class B regional title. She was a first-team all-state selection as well as a first-team all-conference pick. Shellenbarger is committed to play at Davenport.
REBECKA POLJAN, LANSING CATHOLIC (jr.): Poljan was a force last year for the Cougars, who went 10-0 in the CAAC White. The junior is verbally committed to Michigan State.
RYAN CASTLE, OKEMOS (sr.): The Class A all-area honorable mention selection was also an all-CAAC Blue pick a year ago. Castle will be one of the returning starters to watch for on the Chiefs with the departure of Daria Richards and Rachel Thomas, two Division I players.
PAIGE PORTER, LANSING CHRISTIAN (sr.): The Pilgrims’ Porter was a Class D first-team all-state honoree in 2015. She was also first-team all-conference and helped Lansing Christian reach the regional title game.
BROOKE BINKLEY, DEWITT (jr.): As a sophomore, Binkley was pivotal to the Panthers’ success in 2015. The setter was a Class A all-area selection as well as an all-CAAC Red pick.
BAILEY CANTRELL, MASON (sr.): The Mason senior was an all-league selection last season and helped the Bulldogs capture a share of the CAAC Red title. With two Division I players gone to graduation, she’ll lead Mason as it looks to maintain a spot in the conference’s top half.
ALANA SUNDERMANN, HOLT (sr.): The third-year setter was an all-conference selection a year ago for the Rams, who went 6-1 in the the conference.
MAYA FERLAND, LAINGSBURG (jr.): Ferland helped the Wolfpack grab the Class C regional title as a sophomore and was a third-team all-state selection.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Claire Hunter (East Lansing), Kate Senneker (Lakewood sr.), Maddie Watters (Williamston), Allie Peterson (Holt sr.), Grace George (DeWitt jr.), Hannah Whiteman (Holt sr.), Adair Cutler (Lansing Christian sr.), Alena Hartsuff (East Lansing)
Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.