Elite Pin Hitters Dominate the Heartland Crossroads Tournament

All my observations from the Heartland Crossroads Tournament could not be contained within a single article. So, here we are. Yesterday, we looked at some stock risers who made a big impression at the event. It included prospects at a variety of positions and classes. Today, it's time to take a closer look at some pin hitters. The impact of the outside hitters at the tournament was massive. It was big enough to warrant a separate feature, which we'll tackle today. Here are some of the top pin performers to play in “The Swamp” on Saturday.   [player_tooltip player_id="88292" first="Ellah" last="Hofer"] - 6'0 RS/S - Fremont - Class of 2022 Interestingly enough, we're starting this list off with a player who can do a lot more than hit. Now, to be clear, Hofer had one of the deadliest swings of anyone at the event. She's got a natural approach on the right and hits a heavy ball. But Hofer can set, too, and does it incredibly well. This is a classic setter-opposite in a 6-2 system that can demoralize opponents from any rotation. While headlines are often dominated by players from the big cities, don't lose sight of the talent coming together in Fremont. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A talented and tall combination in the front row for <a href="https://x.com/fhstigervb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fhstigervb</a> with [player_tooltip player_id="88292" first="Ellah" last="Hofer"] (14) and [player_tooltip player_id="58822" first="Grace" last="Williams"] (15). <a href="https://t.co/LwRFDUZDTF">pic.x.com/LwRFDUZDTF</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1302278575819616257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="103000" first="Josie" last="Garrett"] - 5'6 OH - Columbus - Class of 2022 Great teams usually have that one player that they can go to in tough situations. For Columbus, that player is Garrett. This is a left-side hitter whose vertical effectively makes up for her smaller frame. Her swing was a problem for opposing wing blockers all day, as Garrett has the finesse to control her swing and wipe balls off the block. I think she tooled more blocks for kills than any other hitter at the event. The Discoverers are going to look to Garrett for clutch offense all year long. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> First match has <a href="https://x.com/lnsathletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lnsathletics</a> taking on <a href="https://x.com/DiscovererPride?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiscovererPride</a>! [player_tooltip player_id="103000" first="Josie" last="Garrett"] with the kill for Columbus! <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/2O2hH7M3d0">pic.x.com/2O2hH7M3d0</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1302246996271607808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="37555" first="Maddie" last="MacTaggart"] - 5'10 OH - Millard West - Class of 2022 It's hard to describe MacTaggart's performance on Saturday in simple terms. She was just fantastic. It starts with that monster vertical and a point of contact that was seldom rivaled by any other player in the gym. Her arm swing is equally effective, especially when she's in rhythm with her setter, Bridget Smith. And, to round everything out, she moves like a defensive specialist in the backcourt and digs balls like a seasoned veteran. MacTaggart fills a lot of roles for the Wildcats, and she excels at all of them. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="37555" first="Maddie" last="MacTaggart"] has been cranking on the left pin for <a href="https://x.com/mw_volleyball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mw_volleyball</a>! <a href="https://t.co/dYCsgE5rzJ">pic.x.com/dYCsgE5rzJ</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1302274793429823489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>   [player_tooltip player_id="104996" first="Lauren" last="Jones"] - 5'9 OH - Millard West - Class of 2024 We're sticking with Millard West for a moment as we look at a pin hitter of the future. Jones was recently a selection for our new <a href="https://prepdig.com/nebraska/rankings/2024-rankings/">2024 Watch List</a>, and she backed up that distinction on Saturday. The Wildcats moved Jones around in several different gaps along the net, and she delivered wherever she took her swings. That's a lot to ask of a young player, but this freshman prospect is mature beyond her years. Jones's game looks much like that of the aforementioned MacTaggart, so it's fair to say that Millard West is set up for a long period of success.   [player_tooltip player_id="107808" first="Macy" last="Roth"] - 5'10 OH - Lincoln North Star - Class of 2024 Finally, we have another talented 2024 outside hitter, this time from the event's host. Roth was a do-it-all performer for the Navigators. She carried major serve receive responsibilities as a six-rotation player and took numerous swings in the front row. As a freshman, she's already a standout hitter with athleticism that will serve her well as she continues to develop. North Star needed a new leader for their offense, and it looks like they've just added one to their roster. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 2024 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id="107808" first="Macy" last="Roth"] drops it in for <a href="https://x.com/lnsathletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lnsathletics</a>. Another freshman to keep an eye on! <a href="https://t.co/JACksgBDl5">pic.x.com/JACksgBDl5</a> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1302262053651054592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>