Academy Summer League, Week 3, Part 1

Kyp Harasymowycz June 25, 2021 @ 11:34 AM

Entering the last week before the IHSAA mandated moratorium, we start seeing some of the non-national players get much-needed experience before their teammates return from Las Vegas and Orlando. We even get a chance to see some up-and-coming youth on each program, some of which I’ve never seen before. Here are two teams carrying a bunch of youth that will make waves this fall. Covington This 1A school just off of Interstate 74 near the Illinois border has a schedule of the who’s who in volleyball. I mentioned setter Karsyn Engle (’22, 5-6 S), who plays much bigger than her frame and bombed away on both of the teams they played from behind the service line. Of course, [player_tooltip player_id="102533" first="Holly" last="Linville"] (’22, 5-9 MB/OH) will be the physical leader for the Trojans. Her ability to play six rotations AND hit every shot will make her a target for future recruitment. Some of the youth on display last night included Maddix Minnick (’24, 6-1 MB), whose size is much needed at the 1A level, and her raw talent and athleticism should develop nicely. Lauren Vale (’23, 5-9 OH/RS) took some good, aggressive swings against Triton Central last night, and I like her strength. The surprise of the bunch to me was Alex Sutherlin (’25, 5-7 OH), who doesn’t look like much, but bombed away on both Triton Central and Knightstown last night. She should be a nice complement next to Holly and opposite Lauren. Here’s to hoping for no pandemic so that these Trojans can have a more competitive postseason. Knightstown From what Coach Cameron told me, their youth will take some lumps, but the future is bright for the Panthers. After an 18-win season last fall, looking for some of that leadership will be a work in progress, as their league matches last night were their first ball touches of the summer. I’m a big fan of quiet leader Gwen Dyer (’23, 5-11 S), whose high hands and consistently hittable ball make her perfect for this young squad. It was great seeing Paige Personett (’22, 5-8 MB) back on the court after ACL surgery, as she was just cleared to play recently. The majority of their youth is in the backcourt, with Jalyn Kopp (’24, 5-2 DS/L) and Breanna Ramsay (’25, 5-1 DS/L) the far-and-away best and most consistent passers and defenders. Finding the remainder of the offense looks to be a wide open race for the Panthers. I look forward to watching the battle.