The I’s Have It: Top Players From Indiana With An ‘I’ Name

<p>It is only fitting that after my post of ’M’ names on Mother’s Day in May, I continue my alphabetical journey of Indiana talking about our top players that have names that start with the letter ’I’ in Indiana from all classes. I realize that two of the kids below have nicknames that start with a ’B’, but their actual name is from a proper first name that starts with ’I’, so no haters, please.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85698" first="Bella" last="Dearinger"], ’21, 5-10, S, Munciana 17 Pandas, Delta High School</strong></p> <p>Fully capable of running an offense as a 5-1 setter, Bella hammers from the front and sets in the back. I think the one thing that sticks out to me is her ability to carry any team she’s on both physically and emotionally. An absolute spitfire that will run the future gym of a college somewhere, for sure. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85833" first="Isabel" last="Metzger"], ’22, 5-11, OH, Circle City 16 Black, Zionsville High School</strong></p> <p>A springy, light-footed pin attacker is what Isabel does best. One of the non-physical traits I like with this kid is her ability to be positive no matter the outcome of the point. Competitive? Absolutely. But not at the expense of being a great teammate. Although her attack touch currently resides at 9’3", we expect it to cross the 9’6" threshold before the school season begins.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85866" first="Imani" last="Stokes"], ’22, 6-2, MB, Academy 16 Elite Phoenix, Warren Central High School</strong></p> <p>Imani is a late-comer to the sport of volleyball, as her background is like all WCHS athletes; basketball. Make no mistake, though, this kid blocks EVERYONE. Her length is far greater than her 6’2" frame, and although new to the game, she’s progressed from "newborn giraffe" two years ago to playing a hybrid open/national schedule on her Academy 16-2s team. She was even mentioned as a "Player of the Match" this past fall, where in a three set win, she totaled 7 kills and 6 blocks. And those weren’t even season highs for her. She will get it, and she’s only getting better. Frankly, you can’t teach 6’2", and you can’t teach her natural athletic ability. And did I mention she’s almost touching ten feet?</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85711" first="Bella" last="Schumacher"], ’21, 5-7, DS, Academy 17 Elite Tsunami, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School</strong></p> <p>Splitting time between a three-rotation DS and wearing the special jersey this season, Bella is a positive defensive floor general who can pass with the best of them. She, like most high-level passers, never seems to get rattled. And if Corky Robertson wants you on his club team, you take the offer. I am impressed with her abilities to defend as well, and look forward to her senior season at Brebeuf, hopefully as the libero.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85723" first="Isabella" last="Hinton"], ’21, 5-9, RS, Union 17 Asics, Silver Creek High School</strong></p> <p>I’ve seen plenty of left-handed attackers do well here in Indiana. What I haven’t seen is what Miss Hinton has; the ability to hit every shot from every spot in the offense. She’s the primary attacker at Silver Creek, amassing hundreds of kills in her career. Watching her play, however, leads me to believe that she’s played a little outdoor ball as well. She has every shot in the book, and hits with an accuracy that is nearly impossible to defend. Put two blockers up, and she tools you. Leave a seam or a line, and she hits it. Front or back row, Isabella will be playing somewhere in the future; all she needs is a look.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>