Updated ’22 Rankings: The Newbies

<p>With the new-and-improved rankings being released today, there are quite a few changes that encompass all parts of the state. From time to time, we miss athletes simply because we can’t get to every prospect. In other cases, the athletes in question have made such a significant jump, they’re worth mentioning specifically to feature their accomplishments. Today we talk about the newest additions to the rankings, and what those kids mean to future schools interested in them.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106383" first="Meghan" last="Gaffigan"], 6-0 OH, Chesterton</strong></p> <p>Meghan is a six-rotation primary passing outside that recently played up a year on Ke’Aloha’s 18 Nazare team. Her high attack touch, smooth passing ability and terminal play make her a prime candidate for next-level production, and could be anything from a three-rotation right side to a six-rotation primary passer. I like how she makes playing this game look easy, and she looks balanced in every skill she performs. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138731" first="Emma" last="Ekblaw"], 6-1 RS, Chesterton</strong></p> <p>A teammate of Meghan’s, Emma is more suited for the right pin, as her length and shot-making abilities are more refined there. She hits high and hard, takes up space on the block, and always seems to put a positive play on the ball. I’m also impressed with her ability to hit a hard line shot on the right, as many in this class at this position don’t quite have that strength yet. Look for Emma to have better success at the next level now that she’s received upper-level training from Ke’Aloha.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="141714" first="Melia" last="Gorrell"], 5-7 DS/L, Greenwood</strong></p> <p>Wearing the special jersey for Team Indiana’s 18-1 this past club season, Melia is a smooth and steady left-back presence that can pass half the court with ease in serve receive. She is controlled, accurate, and always takes that extra step to stay mobile at all times. Many DS’s in this class want to make the flashy play by hitting the floor too often. Miss Gorrell doesn’t have to; her footwork and balance get her to more balls without the flair.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130540" first="Karly" last="Klaer"], 5-10 S, South Bend Saint Joseph</strong></p> <p>Karly is a left-handed setter who plays with passion and leads not only by example, but vocally as well. Miss Klaer is a fiery competitor from Dunes that had to, out of necessity, attack from the front and set from the back during parts of her club season, and had no problem switching between the two regularly. Her attack touch is closing in on ten feet, but she’s more known for running the show, and should do so at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125397" first="Liliann" last="Hunt"], 6-0 MB, Eastern Hancock</strong></p> <p>A big and strong middle in high school, this Academy-trained big from east of Indianapolis has been training as a left side for the majority of her club season. Her contact point is high, she hits a heavy ball, and can hit a ton of different shots from the left, mostly going over smaller blocks and tooling the rest. I’m especially fond of her abilities at the high school level; because of her teammates’ lack of club training, Miss Hunt has been asked to be an all-around player---from middle to outside, and even a little setting mixed in for good measure. A big kid from a small school that wants to play at the next level will be a steal come fall of ’22.</p>