Bluegrass Sleeper Prospects From the 17s Division
Bluegrass in Louisville always marks the start of a wild month of March in the volleyball world with plenty of top qualifiers and recruiting that is full steam ahead. I’m diving into the 17s Division where there are some athletes…
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Continue ReadingBluegrass in Louisville always marks the start of a wild month of March in the volleyball world with plenty of top qualifiers and recruiting that is full steam ahead. I’m diving into the 17s Division where there are some athletes that coaches might want to do a double take make sure they don’t miss. These teams are uber talented and go more than one or two deep when it comes to their attackers and defenders who can play at a high level. They are accustomed to top notch training and competition each weekend. Here are some athletes you want to keep a eye on heading into Bluegrass Weekend!
Ella Chapman – Circle City 17 Purple
2023-Middle Blocker
Chapman is no sleeper. She’s a high level middle blocker who can move really well from pin to pin. Long, athletic, and accustomed to high level training and competition, she will be an impact player at the next level. Chapman is also going to get a lot of big game experience with Circle City 17 Purple being one of the top 17s teams in the country. Expect Chapman and her Circle squad to be competing for a lot of gold this season.
Becky Barrett – Illini Elite 17 Cardinal
2023-Libero
She is mighty! Becky Barrett is the libero for Illini Elite 17 Cardinal which has quite the duo on the pins between Purdue commit, Kenna Wollard and Illinois commit, Lily Barry. Barrett stood out at the Central Zone Invite in Indy at the end of January. She showed she can serve receive, keep her side of the net in system with taking control in scramble plays and keeping the pace of the game in their control. Barrett is a fun athlete, and one who should get plenty of looks.
Lindsey Green – Elevation 17 Goller
2023-Setter
This Elevation team is a lot of fun to watch with a ton of athleticism. Green is one of the quarterbacks of the team where she can find Kentucky commit Brooke Bultema with a variety of tempos. Green can nail all the tempos from any spot and is also really crisp out of system. This team will be in a power pool going head to head right away with the top teams in the tournament.
Allison Bedrick – AVC CLE 17 Red Rox
2023 – Middle Blocker
Bedrick would be considered undersized to most open level middle blockers, but she was highly effective at Central Zone at the end of January where she can hit the quick tempos and find an open spot. She is also one who can go from pin to pin to close the block. AVC has had some big wins so far this season and will be a tough matchup this weekend.
Gabi Moulton – Mintonette .72
Moulton is a really dynamic athlete with a really solid all around skill set. She is a really physical player where she can set and also swing on the right side. She’s touching just under ten feet and is extremely strong at the net. It’s always nice when there is an athlete on the floor who can do it all. With her skill set, this Mintonette team can use a variety of lineups so Moulton can have the greatest impact on the game.
Ryleigh Zeller – MVP 17 Blue
2023 – Libero
MVP is Motion Volleyball Program out of Milwaukee. Zeller is always solid and consistent from the libero position on a very athletic team where they have plenty of athletes who can play multiple positions. Zeller is dependable in serve receive and has great platform control where she remains cool, calm, and collected.
Jessica Pickett – Academy 17E Venom
2023 – Middle Blocker
Picket is a 6’6 middle blocker that has a definite upside to her game where she is strong at the net. She connects well with setter Lexi Thatcher, and knows how to find the deep corner. Her stock will continue to rise this season on a team that has been competing among top teams while advancing to the Elite bracket of Triple Crown.
Broolyne Darby – EliteVBTC 17 Black
2022 – Pin
As far as what I could find, Darby is not committed. She would be a big pick up at the next level with a big arm swing and the ability to score from both pins. She can score out of serve receive and also pass to attack. I really like how she has a lot of pace on the ball and can find the corner or a finesse shot over the block.
Kayla Hostetler – NKYVC 17-1 Tsunami
2023 – Libero
Uber athletic, Hostetler is another one who I had notes on from Central Zone. She moves really well around the court and is able to cover plenty of range. NKYVC 17-1 is on the cusp of breaking into that upper tier of to 17s where they have had some tight three set losses. This could be a breakout weekend for them. Another NKYVC athlete to take note of would be right side Peyton Mast who brings a lethal left handed swing.
Claire Kennedy – Boiler Juniors 17 Gold
2023 – Libero
So solid in serve receive. What makes Kennedy really solid and consistent is how she plays under control. She has great platform control where if she misses, she misses small – it’s not all or nothing – it’s consistency. Kennedy not only has the angles down with her platform, but her athleticism allows her to get the extra touch to keep the rally going on their side.