Club Preview: ’21s at Smaller Clubs, Part 1

<p>In our club previews, we’ve touched on some of the larger clubs in the area. In this article, let’s take a closer look at some not-so-big clubs in the Hoosier State that have kids that need a home for next fall.</p> <p><strong>COA 18 Cyclones</strong></p> <p>The lone committed player for this squad is <strong>Braxton Shelton (Kentucky Wesleyan), </strong>who can play multiple spots along the net, but should be an outside hitter at the next level. We also like future libero <strong>Kaitlyn Anderson, </strong>who stays on her feet more than most DS’s in this class and is steady and solid in serve receive. <strong>Lilly Meyer </strong>can also play multiple positions, as either a six-rotation outside or a three-rotation DS. Her high, flat swing makes up for her size, and her passing and defense is above average for this class. Finally, <strong>Emma Pinkston </strong>is another six-rotation option, and hits all of her shots high and hard.</p> <p><strong>COA 18 Pink Panthers</strong></p> <p><strong>Shay Baker-Watson</strong> looks to wear the special jersey on this squad, with her steady passing and defensive capabilities. Although basketball is a big part of her life, I also like <strong>Grace Burdge, </strong>whose whip-action arm is lethal. <strong>Aubrey Ewers</strong> brings a versatility to the DS position, and can play all three back row spots. <strong>Mikaila Sullivan </strong> is a long and lean middle that blocks everyone and slows down everyone else. Her 6-2 frame will be best suited as an M2, as she excels off of two feet. Running the show for this squad is <strong>Madalyn Rinck, </strong>a 5-10 setter who locates the ball well and can be an offensive threat when needed.</p> <p><strong>Evansville United 18 Black</strong></p> <p>From the west side of the state all the way south to the southwest corner of Indiana, Evansville United has slowly but effectively brought notice of their players and skill. Multiple players on this roster have already signed to play next fall, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101835" first="Brooke" last="Jackson"] (Miami, Ohio), [player_tooltip player_id="85713" first="Anna" last="Ballengee"] (Southern </strong><b>Indiana), Catherine Shane (McKendree) </b>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101834" first="Libby" last="Steinhart"] (Lipscomb). </strong>The unsigned portions of this roster can and will make an impact next fall. <strong>Brooklyn Shell</strong> can be a six-rotation outside at a small school, while also seeing time as a three-rotation DS. <strong>Taylor Skaggs</strong> is looking for an opportunity to wear the special jersey at the next level, as her passing and defense are smooth and consistent. <strong>Lilly Vance, </strong>a middle coming over from Metro, is more than capable of playing any of the front row positions. Her blocking abilities lend her to be a middle at a smaller school, while her heavy arm and strong approach lead me to believe that she can attack from either pin at the next level.</p> <p><strong>Cougar 18</strong></p> <p>A tiny club from Seymour, Cougar has consistently produced tall, physical teams over the years. Our top player from this squad, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93687" first="Anna" last="West"] (Walsh), </strong>has already signed for next fall, and will be the primary attacker on the left pin. Two seniors that need mention are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="93745" first="Kennedy" last="Hoffman"], </strong>who will most likely occupy the other outside hitting position, and <strong>Maggie </strong><b>Connell, </b>a DS that’s fully capable of passing and defending at the next level as either a libero or a three-rotation DS.</p>