Academy Summer League Week 5 Wrap-Up: Hamilton Heights

<p>I have known coach Steve Ward since I moved to Central Indiana in 2004. Our coaching styles were very similar; hands-on, let the kids fail aggressively to learn, and have a superior knowledge of what fits the kids you’re coaching. I was so excited when I got a chance to watch his team play last week, as I never get a chance to ref them. I know that coach Ward will put an excellent product on the floor, and I know his kids will work hard to do so. They even took state runner-up Brebeuf to five sets in the postseason last fall. This year’s team is no exception, and might be the most experienced team he’s ever coached. Here’s what I saw.</p> <p><strong>’22, [player_tooltip player_id="85837" first="Jordan" last="Fryman"], 6-1 MB/RS</strong></p> <p>The surprise of the bunch, Jordan is one of two with size and skill on this squad. She regularly put balls away <em>over</em> blocks, and used her length to defend from pin to pin. What makes this surprising to me is that she’s still uncommitted. Length larger than her 6-1 frame, ability to terminate, blocks well, and is coachable? Check, check, check and check.</p> <p><strong>’22, [player_tooltip player_id="149129" first="Lexi" last="Hayden"], 5-9 OH</strong></p> <p>Playing middle for the majority of her high school career, Lexi’s move to the outside will be a nice addition to the Huskies offense. She’s fast, she flies, and she swings high and quick. Currently a three-rotation option, she could develop into a six-rotation outside when her serve receive sees more development. </p> <p><strong>’22, [player_tooltip player_id="125528" first="McKinley" last="Rose"], 5-9 RS/DS</strong></p> <p>This former Miller from Noblesville recently transferred to HH, and is an immediate plug-and-play for coach Ward. Still learning not only the position but her teammates as well, I like that she’s willing to try something new, fail, and make adjustments to get better. Her wiry, athletic build will do wonders for her future, and her ability to be a three-rotation DS also makes her more marketable at the next level.</p> <p><strong>’24, [player_tooltip player_id="149128" first="Lily" last="Steiner"], 5-6 DS/L</strong></p> <p>We talk about leadership being a key to team success, but what happens when the youngest starter is the first contact? No worries. Lily is a smooth, controlled libero for the Huskies that does her job quietly, and does it well. Mostly a left-back option, Miss Steiner stays on her feet for run-throughs, takes long strides on defense, and is an exceptional serve receive option.</p> <p><strong>’22, [player_tooltip player_id="85829" first="Kelsey" last="Smith"], 6-1 S</strong></p> <p>I have been trumpeting Kelsey’s skills since I got this job. Kelsey is a long, lean and athletic 5-1 setter whose hands are quick and accurate. Two club seasons ago, she attacked in the front (almost 10’ attack touch!) and set from the back. Now a full-time setter, there are plenty of colleges who would covet her skills. Yes, she played at Grand Park. But that schedule allowed her to be the leading high jumper at the state level for the Huskies (She won her sectional with a jump of 5’5", and duplicated that height at the regional to qualify for state.). Bottom line: Miss Smith is an athletic, strong, tall and smart setter that can run a 5-1 RIGHT NOW at the collegiate level, and she’s still available.</p>