Updated ’23 Rankings: The Stock Risers

<p>There are kids who improve, and there are kids who rise to the occasion. The five listed here have made it clear that the former is important, but not as important as the latter.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85932" first="Ava" last="Smith"], 6-0 OH, Park Tudor</strong></p> <p>Ava is a high-flying, full-go and no-quit six-rotation outside that can go over blocks as easily as around them. At north of a ten foot attack touch, she reminds me of the phrase, "go get it". The ball can be set anywhere, and she’ll take a full approach and, quite literally, go get it. Not a lot of subtlety in her game, which makes sense considering the athleticism we’re talking about here. Although Park Tudor might take a step back this fall, expect Miss Smith to pave the way to any successes they might have.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109514" first="Emily" last="Kirkendol"], 5-4 DS/L, Zionsville</strong></p> <p>I’m pretty positive there’s been a Kirkendol playing volleyball somewhere in central Indiana for roughly forever. One in a long line of ball control specialists, Emily is a left-back defender that always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. Her serve receive is just as reliable, with quiet feet and an accurate platform. Also a TI 16-1 kid like Ava above, she’s played in high-leverage matches and situations for years now, and should continue to do so moving forward.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85942" first="Elizabeth" last="Pelfree"], 5-11 MB, McCutcheon</strong></p> <p>Everyone knows who the primary is for McCutcheon. What folks don’t know is that Miss Pelfree has slowly but surely found her niche as a strong and reliable middle, and is looking forward to contributing more starting this week. Her long arms and athleticism makes up for her lack of size, and her steady rise over the years is not going unnoticed. Hopefully, she can help McCutcheon make another run at a regional title this fall.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85950" first="Shelby" last="Clements"], 5-6 OH, Monrovia</strong></p> <p>Shelby is the definition of spitfire. Every action on the court is 100%, from her swing, to her block, to defending and serve receive. She even had to step in and set a little in high school last fall. Her arm swing is heavy, she terminates a ton, and can make up for her size with exceptional athleticism and jumping ability. A Circle kid just like Miss Pelfree, her training level has skyrocketed in recent years, and will only improve from here.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119626" first="Mariah" last="Minor"], 5-10 MB, Pike</strong></p> <p>As athletic as she is smart, this Rev-trained kid goes all the way across town to get her club training. This proves to me that she just wants to get better daily, making her highly coachable. I’ve watched this kid move from newborn giraffe to full-time volleyball player in a matter of less than two years, and her solid summer league play proved as such. She transitions and gets up quick, can go from pin to pin with long strides, and can hit any shot in front of the setter she wants. Although she projects to being an M2 at the next level, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her start running more one-footed attacks both this fall and next spring to get to that M1 level.</p>