GJNC American Division Preview: Circle City 16 White

<p>To lose in a title match by the slimmest of margins is one thing (24-26 in both sets). To find out moments later that because of your successes you EARNED your bid is the highest of highs that many nationwide never get to feel. After watching this group progress, I am so proud that they earned this American bid the hard way. It will pay off later in their careers. Here are some players that need mention.</p> <p><strong>’23, [player_tooltip player_id="85950" first="Shelby" last="Clements"], 5-6 OH/DS, Monrovia</strong></p> <p>A heavy-armed attacker that can also set, Shelby is a fun-sized version of the relentless attackers that come out of the small town of Monrovia. Most likely projecting to be a DS or three-rotation setter at larger schools at the next level, I wouldn’t be surprised if a smaller school took a chance on her to be a six-rotation outside. Her energy level never wanes, she’s always around the ball, and loves being the go to. </p> <p><strong>’23, [player_tooltip player_id="85949" first="Kelsie" last="Hankins"], 5-8 S, Avon</strong></p> <p>The ACTUAL setter for the 16-3 squad at Circle should get a lot more credit than she receives. I like Kelsie’s footwork, quick hands and ability to set the right person at the right time. She takes a ton of out-of-system balls and makes the hitters around her better. What more could you ask of a 5-1 setter and leader?</p> <p><strong>’23, [player_tooltip player_id="85948" first="Morgan" last="Lucas"], 5-5 DS, Brownsburg</strong></p> <p>The ’bro for this team has a lot more responsibility that other liberi on other squads for one reason: Miss Lucas covers more ground than most. Her size is never a deterrent, and she takes long, quick strides to pursue anything out-of-system. I do like her second-ball abilities as well. In the matches I saw, I didn’t get to see much serve receive----that should be a testament to her, as teams avoid serving her regularly.</p> <p><strong>’23, [player_tooltip player_id="85942" first="Elizabeth" last="Pelfree"], 5-11 MB, McCutcheon</strong></p> <p>The biggest and (almost) highest attack touch on this team is a smooth attacker with high-end defensive capabilities at the net. Although she’s at her best when away from the setter, she can hit any angle on any set she’s given, in front of or behind the setter, without complaint. She’s also on a top-five high school program. Receiving high-level training from multiple sources will make Miss Pelfree quite marketable when it’s time for her to choose a school.</p>