Way Too Early Look at Central Zone 17s – Part 1
We’re just over a week away from Central Zone in Indianapolis and teams are looking to build momentum heading into Presidents Day weekend. This is one of the top non-qualifier tournaments team will compete in with squads coming from Wisconsin…
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Continue ReadingWe’re just over a week away from Central Zone in Indianapolis and teams are looking to build momentum heading into Presidents Day weekend. This is one of the top non-qualifier tournaments team will compete in with squads coming from Wisconsin down to the Southeast in Georgia and Carolinas. This will be a key measuring stick for these teams and for most, their first major challenge of the year. We take a look at some of the favorites heading into a very loaded 17s field where plenty of these teams have big dreams that they hope to achieve in in the same city come the beginning of July at USAV Nationals.
Legacy 17-1 Adidas
Legacy comes in with a loaded resume and one of the top players in the country. The Nebraska commit, Harper Murray, has been on the radar since she first came on to the scene her 14s and 15s year. This squad is coming off a JVA Rock and Rumble title and is only going to be picking up more steam as they prep for Triple Crown over Presidents Day weekend where they will go in as a heavy favorite. Aside from Murray, Legacy has plenty of weapons with outside Nina Horning (Cincinnati), middle Olivia Gardner (Loyola-Chicago), and setter Erin Kline (Mississippi State).
Circle City 17 Purple
Small plot twist to Circle City 17 Purple is Penn State commit, Chloe Chicoine is playing on this team after traditionally playing up an age group. Murray and Chicoine teamed up on the USAV U18 National team this past fall. Chicoine was key in the Circle City 17 Purple run to USAV 17 Open run in 2021. This team has other major weapons in Quincy Thomas, a long, athletic six rotation outside who is committed to Xavier. Libero, Molly Urban is a Louisville commit, pacing the backrow. A 2024 prospect to keep tabs on is setter Macy Hinshaw who is a savvy gamer who will make things happen for her side of the net.
One of the top 2023 commits teeing off for @AHSRockets – Sydney Helmers is heading to @TexasVolleyball #asicschallenge pic.twitter.com/U6VhJKjPDG
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) October 2, 2021
Adidas 17 Kiva
This might be the biggest and most physical lineup in the country this season. With a core of players who are jumping and touching the rim, they will be six feet plus at every front row position. Sydney Helmers and Nya Bunton are two Texas commits where Helmers is 6’5 and has a cannon for an arm where Bunton rules the middle with a long reach and is such a presence. Other commits on this team is Olivia Fish committed to Wake Forest, Gabrielle Gerry committed to South Carolina, and Whitney Woodrow to Fordham.
Illini Elite 17 Cardinal
This team might be a little bit of a dark horse, but definitely one to watch, especially with the likes of Lily Barry and Kenna Wollard. Barry might be all of 5’7, but she packs a major punch from the outside where she is a high flyer that has all the shots in the book. Barry is going to stay local and play for Illinois where she will be a libero/ds. Kenna Wollard is an extremely physical six rotation outside hitter where she can swing and score from any spot on the court. At the JVA World Challenge last June, plenty of Big Ten and top twenty five programs were on their court with the opening of recruiting on the heels of this event. Wollard would commit to Purdue before the end of the summer.
Academy 17E Tsunami
There is a ton of athleticism on this team out of Indianapolis where they have a balance of strong ball control, consistent setting, and physical attackers. This group had a big offseason when it comes to recruiting with three big commits. Raegan Burns makes the backrow look easy with efficient movement and a great IQ for the game. Burns has committed to Kansas. Lexi Thatcher is a Samford commit where she can run the show as a setter. She is long, athletic, hits all the tempos, and can be offensive when the situation calls for it. Mya Ayro has a big time arm on the pin where she is a big point scorer. She is a UCONN commit and will be relied heavily on to put the ball away. A 2023 middle blocker prospect is Jessica Pickett who had off season shoulder surgery and is back and better. The 6’5 middle can close the block work in transition to score points as well.
Who’s Next? We’ll take a look at Michigan Elite, Milwaukee Sting, A5, and more!