GJNC National Division Preview: Empowered 16 Elite Black

Kyp Harasymowycz May 30, 2021 @ 10:37 AM

Moving on to older age groups, we’ll touch on a few players for the Hoosier Region champ, Empowered’s 16-1. This group has a bunch of size and skill, and should do damage in Vegas. ’23, [player_tooltip player_id="143884" first="Gabbie" last="Stores"], 6-0 MB, Bishop Dwenger One of many kids that hit high and hard on this roster, Gabbie plays bigger than her six foot frame both offensively and defensively. She hits all angles off of two feet, has the smarts to adjust to sizes of block, and defends with some of the best in the state in this class. Plus, her Saints knocked off Brebeuf in the 3A state final in the fall, and Miss Stores will contribute some much-needed size to defend their title. ’23, [player_tooltip player_id="143885" first="Ellie" last="Frey"], 6-0 OH, Carroll Speaking of size, this kid hits high and hard in a faster-than-average offense. Her footwork will dictate how effective she’ll be, but once she has contact, look out. This is a heavy ball that can come on to defenders in a hurry. Not a lot of finesse in Ellie’s game, not that there needs to be. In the top three in kills, digs, blocks and aces, Miss Frey will be a welcome returnee hoping to make another run in the postseason in the fall. ’23, [player_tooltip player_id="143886" first="Kate" last="Zellers"], 5-9 OH, Heritage A rare six-rotation left-handed outside, Kate is more known for her all-around game than the other three kids on this list. She does not, and should not, ever come out, as her skills attacking are only eclipsed by her exceptional floor defense. She can hit from anywhere, front and back, pin to pin. Kate also returns to a 23-win Patriot squad next fall that looks to make a deeper run in the postseason than last fall. ’23, [player_tooltip player_id="112650" first="Haley" last="Biedenbach"], 5-9 S, Homestead You can’t talk about the three ladies above without mentioning the director of the offense. Haley is one of the better setters in this class in Indiana, and can do anything a 5-1 setter can and should do. She runs a fast offense, jump sets EVERY ball, and defends at an above average level for not only this class, but any setter in any class. Although she runs a 6-2 on her Trojans squad in the fall, she is a clear 5-1 setter that can play at any level.