MEQ Indy Preview: NIVA 15 Purple
Waaaayyyy up north in “the region” as it’s called is a fairly large club running multiple age groups and multiple teams in each. Most of NIVA’s 1s teams play in open, and 15 Purple is no different. With a roster…
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Continue ReadingWaaaayyyy up north in “the region” as it’s called is a fairly large club running multiple age groups and multiple teams in each. Most of NIVA’s 1s teams play in open, and 15 Purple is no different. With a roster ranging from freshmen on varsity to eighth graders playing up a year, there’s a ton of up-and-coming talent to pick from. Here are five players on NIVA’s 15-1 that will need to play well to ensure a Saturday morning start this weekend at MEQ’s. You can find them on Friday morning on court 93.
’25, Ella Watford, 5-6 DS/L, Mishawaka
The first contact is the most important, right? I have yet to see Ella NOT be the libero on any team I’ve seen her play for, and for obvious reasons. She can play any of the back row positions, keeps her feet going with her upper body quiet, and makes the game look easy. It makes sense, though, since she’s the libero on varsity at Mishawaka. Playing in a tougher-than-average 15 open field this weekend should prove to many how far she’s come over the years.
’25, CiCi Burton, 5-7 OH, Mishawaka
Raw and athletic, CiCi also saw some varsity playing time this past fall for the Cavemen (Cavewomen?). Her long arms make her appear taller than her 5-7 frame, and is a six-rotation player to boot, at least in the fall. I like her quick feet, her jumping ability, and the appearance that she’s getting better every time I see her.
’25, Claire Payne, 6-1 MB, NorthWood
The size for this squad, Claire is the easy choice for the “most likely to play in college” award. She has all the makings of an M1, and her transition to a two-footed attack is quicker than most kids her size in this graduating class. She’s just as adept on the defensive end, and the way she plays has led me on more than one occasion to question if she’s THIS young.
’25, Lauren Kinsey, 5-10 MB/Pin, Goshen
Speaking of quick transitions, Lauren is another of those springy middles that can use that quickness and athleticism to her advantage to make up for the couple of inches she might be giving up this weekend. Her arm is fast as well, making terminating easy. I listed her as a pin too; just in case she doesn’t grow more, she could definitely be a three-rotation attacker on either pin with that speed, blocking ability and arm swing.
’25, Kimora Gorman, 5-10 RS, Elkhart
Kimora is cut from the same cloth as Miss Burton listed above, only Kimora is left-handed. For now, Miss Gorman projects to be a three rotation right side, although I’ve seen her take a number of swings on the left with ease. Raw and athletic, Kimora has an above-average attack touch, and with her experience on both pins, she can adjust well to any set thrown her way. I only have limited footage of her, so hopefully we’ll see more of her this weekend.