What If We Made A Club Team Out Of The Best Available 21s?

<p>With the state championships behind us here in the Hoosier State, club tryouts officially started the day after, on Sunday, November 8. Some of the older club teams have already been decided, as Circle City had some summertime tryouts---a newer concept here in Indiana. </p> <p>Mind you, this entire list is subjective. One of the players on this list had a previous commitment, and then didn’t. Additionally, this is a newer concept for me, as I used to be a coach, but now I get to have a giant free-agent list to pick from. With that in mind, here’s what I’m looking for:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li>OH1 is the hammer, and plays three rotations</li> <li>OH2 is the six-rotation passer, with consistent, low-error attacking</li> <li>MB1 is the middle next to the setter</li> <li>MB2 is the middle next to the RS</li> <li>There is only 1 setter; we’re running a 5-1</li> <li>1 libero and 2 DS’s; I sub out OH1 and RS</li> <li>Previous club team listed</li> </ul> <p>Again, this is a "me" preference. Some club coaches like having a 6-2, some like having an extra DS just in case the OH2 breaks down, or needs some rest, or for an extra serving sub. This list is subject to judgment, as this is also just an opinion.</p> <p>Here we go!</p> <p><strong>OH1: [player_tooltip player_id="85683" first="Jada" last="Allen"], 6-1, Fishers, Munciana</strong></p> <p>With an attack-touch at well past ten feet, and a hammer of a shoulder, this is a no-brainer for me. Jada did have a previous commitment to Xavier, but as of the writing of this article, she’s still undecided. I’ll go into battle with this kid anytime.</p> <p><strong>OH2: Cami </strong><b>Kelsay, 5-10, Franklin Community, Circle City</b></p> <p>A late bloomer from Johnson County, Cami had the majority of the offense revolve around her, and never came out of the game, as well she shouldn’t have. She was a couple of unlucky bounces away from knocking off sectional champ Center Grove in the sectional final, losing an epic match in five. I love her attitude, her physicality, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to win.</p> <p><strong>RS: [player_tooltip player_id="85694" first="Mikayla" last="Christiansen"], 6-0, Fishers, Munciana</strong></p> <p>A hybrid of a player, Mikayla has spent time throughout her career at each of the front-row positions. She has the capability of playing regularly in the back row, and is from a bloodline of talented volleyball players. I went with consistency rather than hammer, and Miss Christiansen fits the bill nicely. She takes up space on the block, is a smart attacker, and is a positive influence on those around her.</p> <p><strong>MB1: [player_tooltip player_id="85700" first="Jaylynn" last="Dunsmore"], 6-0, Yorktown, Munciana</strong></p> <p>The only state champion on this list, Jaylynn just completed an undefeated season this past Saturday with a four-set win over Munster in the 4A final. Smart, fast, adept off of one foot and can slow down any ball attacked at her, Jaylynn’s leadership shone through most in the five-set thriller against Providence in the semi state. Again, going for consistency, mostly because I hate mental errors. Miss Dunsmore just doesn’t make them.</p> <p><strong>MB2: [player_tooltip player_id="85695" first="Kayden" last="Holcomb"], 5-10, Floyd Central, Union</strong></p> <p>I know, Kayden is "undersized" for this position, but I love her athleticism and "Union smarts" at the position. Another kid that reduces errors, she is a reliable MB2 who can hit multiple tempi in front of the setter and can go pin to pin to block just about anyone.</p> <p><strong>S: [player_tooltip player_id="85696" first="Paige" last="Conklin"], 5-8, La Porte, Dunes</strong></p> <p>For me, the unassuming, lead-by-example setter is the one for me. Paige quietly gets the job done, regardless of where the ball is passed. Some setters bemoan having to chase down balls, and will give up quickly. Paige just doesn’t. Add to the fact that she plays great defense and can attack if you need her to, and she’s the whole package. Don’t stay focused on the size; there are setters that are smaller from Indiana that are already committed to a school next fall. </p> <p><strong>L: [player_tooltip player_id="85689" first="Lexi" last="Brehl"], 5-8, Carmel, Academy</strong></p> <p>From unassuming and quiet in Miss Conklin, to absolute vocal leader on the floor in Lexi, Miss Brehl is the consummate coach and defensive leader for a super young Greyhound squad that returns nearly everyone from a 20-win squad. Lexi was the perfect example for all future defenders at Carmel. She covers a ton of ground in serve receive, and can dig the hard and off-speed shots with similar accuracy.</p> <p><strong>DS: [player_tooltip player_id="85681" first="Taylor" last="Lauri"], 5-8, Hamilton Southeastern, Circle City</strong></p> <p>Fully capable of attacking from the front, Taylor should be, at the very least, a three-rotation DS at the next level. She can play any of the positions in the back row with ease, and her relentless play and positive vibe rubs off on her teammates. Solid, dependable play is Miss Lauri’s trademark, and is yet another kid on this roster that doesn’t self-promote---she does her job, does it quietly, and does it well.</p> <p><strong>DS: [player_tooltip player_id="85710" first="Delaney" last="Needham"], 5-6, Avon, Circle City</strong></p> <p>Delaney was the libero for the Orioles this past fall, and has always played on a different aged team than her fellow classmates due to her young age. No matter. Another vocal and physical leader at the position, she’s more comfortable as a middle-back with the innate ability to read and react to any shot and chase down the rest.</p>