Under-the-Radar Tall Talents: Class of 2023

<p>As we continue our post-club season look at some of the under-the-radar athletes around the Midwest, we’re now resurrecting our Tall Talents series.</p> <p>We’re looking at six-foot-plus athletes who have been making waves in this area for a while. Height is not teachable, of course, and these players know how to take full advantage of their length and stature.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_101609" align="alignright" width="225"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-101609" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/Lauren-Buzbee-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Buzbee[/caption] <p><strong>Lauren Buzbee - 6’0 MB/RS - Club Legacy Volleyball Academy</strong></p> <p>Buzbee has always been a fun small-town talent to follow. During the high school season, she plays for a Bennington team that is never afraid to travel to the big cities and make some noise. This physical middle blocker is often leading the charge for the Badgers, as Buzbee’s efficient approach and strong swing lead to solid output on offense. Combine that with her ability to anchor any block at the net, and Buzbee is poised to keep her momentum going into the fall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Haley Wolfe - 6’1 MB/RS - Nebraska Elite</strong></p> <p>Wolfe is yet another Nebraska prospect that caught my attention during last year’s high school season. She played for a talented Elkhorn team that made a run to the Class B tournament, and Wolfe continues to make strides with one of Nebraska Elite’s top groups. Her quick right arm is an asset both in the middle and on the right, so she has the chance to dominate at multiple positions moving forward in her prep career.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><img class=" wp-image-129641 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/02/Emma-Tallman-300x291.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="244" />[player_tooltip player_id="135831" first="Emma" last="Tallman"] - 6’2 MB - Club Ignit Select</strong></p> <p>This Tall Talents feature surely wouldn’t be complete without Tallman. She’s another middle blocker on this list who thrives in front of the setter. Tallman is particularly good at reading the blocker in front of her and adjusting her angle to find the open seam. Her quickness off the floor doesn’t hurt, either. Tallman is developing well and is part of club and high school programs that will help her showcase all that natural ability.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135827" first="Kennedy" last="Adair"] - 6’0 OH - Iowa Select</strong></p> <p>It’s time to bring some pin-hitting presence to this list, and Adair does more than just make her presence known on the court. She wants to dominate. This Iowa Select product has all-around skills in addition to her impressive explosiveness on the left side. Adair is a good candidate for a breakout high school season, and her potential for further development is exciting.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="120034" first="Brailee" last="Bogle"] - 6’0 S/RS - Air Capital Aces</strong></p> <p>Tall setters are always fun to watch, but a tall setter that can move around and place the ball anywhere is even better. Bogle is a true leader when she steps onto the court; all the hitters around her benefit from smooth deliveries and consistent location. With her length, too, Bogle is no liability in the blocking phase. This is a versatile shot-caller you want on your side.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99215" first="Brooklyn" last="Young"] - 6’0 MB/RS - Dynasty</strong></p> <p>Young is a thrilling, hard-hitting athlete who can crush it in the middle as well as the right. Her high school and club teams are not afraid to use her in different ways, and Young is always ready to accept that challenge. Her effortless elevation allows her to see the court and exploit any available lanes. The hype she brings to the floor is yet another intangible trait that makes Young special.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="123471" first="Emma" last="Blaine"] - 6’0 MB/RS - High Performance St. Louis</strong></p> <p>This type of middle/right-side hybrid player has been quite trendy on this feature. Blaine is another athlete that fits this description. Her mastery of the two-footed takeoff makes her adept at any front-row position, and Blaine is more than willing to play in a spot that helps her team win. While Kansas City gets a lot of attention for its concentration of talent, don’t lose sight of skilled players like Blaine in the St. Louis area.</p>