Three Elite Outside Hitters From The Mizuno Showcase
There is so much promising talent showing up every weekend; different venues, different teams, but still so much amazing talent. This past weekend I attended the 2022 Mizuno Showcase hosted in Wisconsin Dells and this tournament never fails to bring teams from a number of states. With that in mind, there will be a number of articles with players from different states, as well as quite a few athletes that live in one state, and play club in a different state. To get us started, here are three elite outside hitters who caught my eye.
Avey Amelse Avey Amelse OH Pella Christian | 2022 State IA – 2022 – 5’8 – Outside Hitter – Pella (IA) – RVA 18U Parma – Committed to Dordt
Amelse is definitely a key player on her RVA team with her dynamic and explosive style of play. This 5’8 attacker is not just an offensive powerhouse, as she can work effortlessly around the block, slicing and dicing with a perfect combination of finesse and power. Amelse contributes in other aspects of the game as a six-rotation player. She is smooth out of serve-receive, gritty on defense, and carries herself with confidence from which her teammates feed off.
Natalie Schmitz Natalie Schmitz 6'1" | OH Blaine | 2022 State MN – 2022 – 6’1 – Blaine (MN) – Kokoro 18-1 – Committed to UW-Milwaukee
Schmitz is a really productive scorer for Kokoro, and she has experience hitting from the middle as well. She’s really athletic and springy on the pins and plays all 6 rotations. At 6’1 she is really physical at the net and creates a lot of power with her aggressive approach to the ball. Most importantly may be her ability to adapt and find ways to score. She is an all-around, complete player.
@MKE_Volleyball commit Natalie Schmitz Natalie Schmitz 6'1" | OH Blaine | 2022 State MN of @Kokorovb 18-1s gives me tons of Ari Miller vibes. She should be a great addition to for the Panthers in 2022. @PrepDigChris @PrepDigMN pic.twitter.com/ux3IyPU066
— Breit Nelson (@BreitNelson) March 6, 2022
Kiersten Schmitt Kiersten Schmitt 6'0" | OH Beckman | 2022 State #103 Nation IA – 2022 – 6’0 – Beckman Catholic (IA) – CIA 18 Black – Committed to Iowa State
Schmitt takes a BIG swing with a high contact point and really gets on top of the ball. She can hit hard in the split or down the line because with her vertical – she absolutely flies! Schmitt’s game is exceptionally developed, and she’s one of those players who will fill the stats box regardless of how important the match is. She operates with a high motor, and you can see a competitive fire in her eyes.