Kansas Tall Timber: The Top Ranked ’21 Middle Hitters

Jeremy Deckard

August 17, 2020 @ 01:29 PM

There is an old saying among coaches, “You can’t make players taller, but you can coach tall players.” To control the net in volleyball height helps. Tall players who can jump out of the gym are extra special. “Kansas Tall Timber” is a regular planned feature for Kansas Prep Dig that will focus on tall players who control the middle of the court. For the first edition of Tall Timber, here is a look at the highest-ranked middle hitters in the initial Class of 2021 rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="105483" first="Sarah" last="Bingham"], 6’3”, Shawnee Mission East (Ranked No. 3)– No pun intended but Bingham has long limbs. She has a huge reach and a nice follow through. She has verbally committed to the University of Illinois. [player_tooltip player_id="105486" first="Keyana" last="Cruse"], 6’1", Bonner Springs (Ranked No. 6) -- Cruse will continue her volleyball career playing for the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She has a solid net presence, a huge reach, and will be a nice addition to the Rebels program. [player_tooltip player_id="105492" first="Erin" last="Garr"], 6’0”, Bishop Miege (Ranked No. 12)– Garr is a big hitter for Bishop Miege. Like Jenna Zydlo she plays club ball with Dynasty 17 Black. She can also serve as a right-side hitter. Garr has verbally committed to play volleyball at Stony Brook University. [player_tooltip player_id="105495" first="Jenna" last="Zydio"], 6’0”, Basehor Linwood (Ranked No. 15) – Zydio is an explosive athlete. She has 31” vertical jump and hammers the ball with authority. She played club ball with Dynasty 17 Black. She has verbally committed to play college ball at West Florida. [player_tooltip player_id="105500" first="Justine" last="Bichelmeyer"], 6’2”, St. James Academy (Ranked No. 20)– Bichelmeyer continues to improve her skill levels. She plays one of the most successful programs in the state and will take her game to Central Missouri University. Alli Frank, 6’0”, Spring Hill (Ranked No. 22) – Frank is the second-ranked player from Spring Hill in the initial rankings and he highest ranked middle hitter. She has a 99 Standing Reach and works well near the net. She has verbally committed to Baker University.