GJNC National Division Preview: Circle City 15 Black

Kyp Harasymowycz May 27, 2021 @ 09:25 AM

On multiple occasions, I’ve had the pleasure of reffing Circle’s 15-2s, and watched them grow and develop into one of the stronger 15U squads in the state. Here are four kids that will make or break their success in Las Vegas next month. ’24, [player_tooltip player_id="111874" first="Mia" last="Loyd"], 5-7 S, Terre Haute South It took me a bit to figure out that the setter from 15 Black was ALSO the setter running the show at THS this past fall. She’s already ahead of the game in running a great offense, but now she’s even better at her footwork, ball location and turning out-of-system passes into hittable balls. She always seems to get the second ball, and her defense is above average for her class. ’24, [player_tooltip player_id="118354" first="Madeline" last="Lynch"], 6-0 S/RS, Plainfield This left-handed gem of a player is from Circle’s backyard. Her ability to go on two (when Mia gets the first ball in the back row) as well as running an offense on her own make her one of the more marketable players in this class. I also like her high attack touch and her shot selection, regardless of where she’s hitting from. ’24, [player_tooltip player_id="118357" first="Veronica" last="Whitaker"], 5-11 MB, Franklin Community An under appreciated middle on her high school squad, Veronica is a solid M2 option at the next level. Her strength and attack touch have improved dramatically since the fall, and her volleyball IQ is increasing just the same. I hope she’s used wisely in the fall to showcase all she’s learned since January. The Grizzly Cubs were this close to knocking off Center Grove in the sectional in October; Miss Whitaker should be yet another piece to the puzzle for that young squad. ’24, [player_tooltip player_id="118351" first="Sophia" last="Sabol"], 5-9 OH, Center Grove We’ll stay south of Indianapolis and talk about that very same CG squad. Everyone knows about the Trojans’ primary player, [player_tooltip player_id="85806" first="Katie" last="Egenolf"], but more players need to emerge so that she’s not completely overwhelmed physically like she was last fall. Insert Miss Sabol, who is a primary-passing six-rotation outside that should complete a nice one-two punch for her high school. It’s also important to mention Sophia’s recent front squat personal record of 230 pounds. There are very few kids in ANY class that can claim that number.