High 5s: Back again
September 12, 2012
Each week, Second Half recognizes multiple athletes and teams from around the state of Michigan for their accomplishments while participating in MHSAA sports. We'll begin dishing out High 5s again beginning next week.
While larger stories about the honorees will be posted to the site throughout the week, check back in this spot each Wednesday for the full list of our selections, links to their stories and a running list of honorees for the entire season.
Know an athlete or team with a great story? Email editor Geoff Kimmerly at [email protected] and tell him about it. Again, most of our honorees will be recognized for what they do athletically; but we also enjoy telling the state about the great things our athletes are doing in the classroom and their communities.
Performance of the Week: Essexville Garber's Ella Kokaly
November 22, 2024
Ella Kokaly ♦ Essexville Garber
Junior ♦ Volleyball
Garber is enjoying its best season, and Kokaly directs a powerful attack that has the Dukes playing in a Division 2 Semifinal this weekend. Garber won its first Regional title in four sets over Kingsley (25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 29-27) and Kokaly set an MHSAA single-match record with 75 assists, bringing her season total to 1,233 heading into this week.
Kokaly also had 91 aces and 326 digs this season after the Regional, and added another 36 assists and 16 digs in Garber’s Tuesday Quarterfinal sweep of Fruitport. Garber is 43-12-2 and will play Tecumseh in a Division 2 Semifinal on Friday at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Arena. Also a softball standout, Kokaly also hit .421 with 50 runs scored and 44 stolen bases this spring.
@mhsaasports 🏐POW: Ella Kokaly #volleyball #essexville #garber #Regional #champion #record #part1 #highschoolsports #tiktalk #interview #performanceoftheweek #mistudentaid #fyp #MHSAA ♬ original sound - MHSAA
@mhsaasports 🏐POW: Ella Kokaly #tiktalk #questiontime #tacobell #night #emoji #prettylittleliars #TikTok #part2 #performanceoftheweek #mistudentaid #fyp #MHSAA ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
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Previous 2024-25 honorees
Nov. 15: Caroline Bryan, Grosse Pointe South swimming - Report
Nov. 8: Kaylie Livingston, Whitmore Lake cross country - Report
Oct. 25: Oliver Caldwell, Grand Rapids West Catholic tennis - Report
Oct. 18: Alex Graham, Detroit Cass Tech football - Report
Oct. 11: Victoria Garces, Midland Dow cross country - Report
Oct. 4: Asher Clark, Bay City John Glenn soccer - Report
Sept. 26: Campbell Flynn, Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball - Report
Sept. 19: TJ Hansen, Freeland cross country - Report
Sept. 12: Jordan Peters, Grayling soccer - Report
Sept. 6: Gabe Litzner, Sault Ste. Marie cross country - Report
Aug. 30: Grace Slocum, Traverse City St. Francis golf - Report
(Photos courtesy of the Essexville Garber volleyball program.)