What if Kentucky had a 15s All-Star Club Team…
All over the state, there are competitive club programs and in each club, there are talented athletes. What would it look like if the top players from all over the state competed on the same club team? What players would…
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Continue ReadingAll over the state, there are competitive club programs and in each club, there are talented athletes. What would it look like if the top players from all over the state competed on the same club team? What players would make the most successful team? Below is a roster of Kentucky 15s who may just top that list! This list is constructed on the base of one-position for each athlete and includes possible alternates at the bottom.
Outside and Rightside Attackers
Sydney Helmers, 6’3, Assumption, KIVA Asics 15 Red: Helmers, as a freshman, competed in 51 sets for the reigning Kentucky State Champs in 2019. She totaled 108 kills and attacked at a consistent 25%. Helmers is also a member of the 2019 14s AAU Open Gold Medalist Team. Her ability to execute at high-level and flourish under pressure is the making of an all-star.
Ava Jackson, 5’11, Dunbar, Lex United 15 Adidas: Jackson was a starting member of PLDHS in 2019. She earned the second-most kills on the team, 317, and attacked at 24% on the season. Jackson explodes from the ground and attacks with quick speed and high contact, making her a great addition to the roster.
Ashby Willis, 6’1, Home School, KIVA Asics 15 Red: Willis is a unique player featured on the list as she does not play high school volleyball in Kentucky. However, that has never slowed her down. Willis is a returning member of the 2019 14s AAU Open Gold Medalist team. She has stood strong this 2020 club season, with increased speed and accuracy.
Alexis Strong, 6’1, Assumption, KIVA Asics 15 Red: Strong competed in the 2019 season for Assumptions Freshman and Junior Varsity Programs. During the first months of the 2020 club season, Strong saw great strides in her offensive play. At 6’1 she poses a massive defensive threat at the net.
Middles
Sydney Nolan, 6’2, Notre Dame Academy, NKYVC 15 Tsunami: Nolan was a rostered member of the 2019 State Semi-Finalist NDA squad. While Nolan only competed in 20 sets during her Freshman campaign she attacked at a remarkable 43%. Nolan attacks at 9’9 and sets a block at 9’4. She is an intimidating force to be reckoned with.
Nya Bunton, 6’4, DuPont Manual, KIVA Asics 15 Red: Bunton, another member of the 2019 14s AAU Open Gold Medalist team, had an impressive high school season in 2019 as well. As the starting Middle Blocker for the Crimsons, she dominated the net on both offense and defense. A long and quick attacker, Bunton is able to move the offense audibly; often creating holes in the opposing block for both herself and her teammates.
Setters
Madison Roar, 5’10, Rowan County, SKEVA 15 Blue: Roar ran a competitive 5-1 at Rowan County in 2019. She amounted to 848 assists during her freshman campaign. At 5-10 she is an offensive option in the front row as well. She ended the 2019 season with 95 kills.
Maia Long Maia Long OH Dixie Heights | 2023 State KY , 5’10, Dixie Heights High School, Tri-State Elite 15 Blue: Long has been competing for Dixie Heights on Varsity since she was a 7th grader. In that time she has demonstrated her great versatility, playing multiple positions: Setting, Attacking, Defense, all of it. While Long can do just about anything, at 5’10 her future is likely her hands. She has a natural touch and the ability to divert where her intended set will land. Her experience in all positions has created a knowledgeable and smart player.
DS/Liberos
Madi Hartman, 5’10, North Oldham, Union ASICS 15: Hartman competed as a defensive specialist for the Mustangs in 2019. Hartman tallied 180 digs and an impressive 238 receptions during her freshman season. Hartmans’ strength in serve receive makes her a strong candidate for an all-star position. Whether a deep jump-float or a topspin serve that drops at the 10-ft line, Hartman can pass it.
Nalaney Bivins, 5’5, Lafayette, Lex United 15 Adidas: Bivins is probably the most underrated player on this list. She has an uncanny ability to adjust, redirect and still get the dig after a defensive misread. Her quick feet and reflexes allow her to get to many balls that the other team already assumes has scored. Bivins also has the kind of work ethic you cannot coach.
ALTERNATES
Outside and Rightside Attackers
Sidney Arstingall, 5’9, St. Henry, NKYVC 15-1 Tsunami: Arstingall started as a freshman for the Crusaders in 2019. She performed well on offense and defense in her premiere season; totaling 197 kills, 171 digs, and 63 aces. At only 5’9, Arstingall is a firecracker who can leap and bound with the best and contacts well-over opposing blocks.
Middles
Brooke Hager, 6’3, West Jessamine, Lex United 15 Adidas: As a starting middle in 2019, Hager led the Colts defense at the net with 119 total blocks. She also tallied the second-most kills at 258. Hager is continually developing and growing into her length; her best is yet to come.
Setters
Mya Hunt, 5’10, Holy Cross (Covington), NKYVC 15 Tsunami: In 2019, Hunt was a second-year varsity member for the Indians. She led the team in assists, 451, and totaled the second-most digs, 136. She helped lead Holy Cross to their 2019 All “A” Championship. Hunt plays with great energy and intensity that helps push her to play to the next level.
DS/Liberos
Chloe Fortner Chloe Fortner 5'5" | DS/L Cooper | 2023 State KY , 5’3, Cooper High School, NKYVC 15 Tsunami: As the 2019 Jaguars Libero, Fortner totaled a 519 defying digs, 38 aces, and 511 receptions. Her strong defense and steady serve receive helped lead Cooper to their 33rd District Championship. With 2 years of varsity experience under her belt, Fortner is a threat to any opposing team.
All athletes featured in this article are freshmen and are uncommitted athletes.