2024 Scouting Report: Setters Leading the Way in April
Bring on the setters. You probably know the drill by now. We’ve been taking a moment to reflect on some of the top performers from the Class of 2024 in this big stretch of national qualifiers. Things are about to…
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Continue ReadingBring on the setters.
You probably know the drill by now. We’ve been taking a moment to reflect on some of the top performers from the Class of 2024 in this big stretch of national qualifiers. Things are about to get really busy for this talent-rich group as we approach the summer, so I’m hoping to add as many athletes to your radar as I can. All this great volleyball is keeping us busy!
So, with outside hitters and middle blockers already covered, it’s time for some setters.
Caylee Rowley – 5’9 S – VCNebraska 16 Elite
I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot from VCN 16 Elite lately, and Rowley has quickly established herself as a setter to watch. She has developed some nice tempo sets and is a natural in right-back defense. Rowley’s time on the big stage is only just getting started, so I’ll be looking for her to make a year-round impact in 2022.
Ava Martin – 5’9 S – Pohaku 16-1
There’s just no way I can forget about Martin in a setter feature like this. The gunslinging style she brings to her position is incredibly rare, especially at the 16s level. Martin will never be afraid to make a risky set and strives to dish every ball with a ton of pace. This setter’s skills are at the heart of Pohaku’s recent string of success.
Pohaku 16-1 is in the hunt for Gold here at NLQ!
Ava Martin runs one of the smoothest offenses in 16 Open. pic.twitter.com/N3UFDQALq1
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) March 19, 2022
Emily Bobbitt – 5’11 S/RS – Triangle 16 Black
We’re now revisiting the 16 Open champions from the Big South Qualifier. Bobbitt’s pinpoint accuracy at the setter spot has been an essential component of Triangle’s championship-winning ways this year. You can bet that no one will be overlooking Bobbitt and her team when they make the trip to Indianapolis this summer.
Cooper Abney – 5’8 S – A5 Mizuno 16-Gabe
Let’s stick with another one of our top performers from Big South. 16-Gabe’s physical frontcourt rightfully gets a lot of hype, but Abney has quietly been making some big contributions to this team’s impressive qualifier showings. Her deception regularly keeps opposing blockers off balance and yields a lot of one-on-one opportunities for A5’s elite hitters.
Camille Edwards – 5’11 S – TAV 16 Black
TAV captured another 16 Open title at the Lone Star Qualifier, and Edwards was often in the middle of the action. She’s a physical setter who also has enough foot speed to track down any passes that drift off the net. 16 Black’s enviable lineup of attackers are able to thrive off of Edwards’ solid, consistent distribution.
Carson Eickenloff – 5’7 S – Madfrog 16’s National Green
Here’s another Texan who really thrived in home territory this month. Eickenloff is a setter who helps tie together all the heralded hitting talent that Madrog has, and that impact was on full display at the Lone Star Classic. Among all the great setters in this state that we’ll be covering throughout the year, Eickenloff will always be one to keep in mind.
Kinsey Smith – 5’10 S – 1st Alliance 16 Gold
Smith just has a knack for keeping her hitters in rhythm. It doesn’t matter if she’s standing still, backpedaling, or sprinting forward — she’s going to get her feet to the ball and deliver a perfect set. Her backcourt defense is equally impressive, as Smith is able to absorb a lot of heat in the right-back area of the court.
Sophia Wilson – 5’7 S – Drive Nation 16-Red
Keep adding to the list of Drive Nation players to watch this summer. There are a lot of them. Wilson is a springy, athletic setter whose hands have guided 16-Red to some solid placings during a busy April schedule. Keep an eye out for more steady improvement from Wilson and the rest of her hard-hitting Texas squad.