GJNC Preview: Circle City 17 Black

<p>Working from oldest to youngest on this fourteen part series, we get to our fourth edition. Circle’s 17-1 gets all the pub, and rightfully so. But the second team in this club’s age group is no slouch. They had to knock off a very good Boiler Juniors 17-1 team in the semifinal of the regional to even get a bid in the American division, and with the pressure on, this group pulled it off. Here are the primary players for Circle’s 17 Black squad.</p> <p><strong>THE BIGS</strong></p> <p>At this level, every team has to have some semblance of size, and this roster has a pair in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85941" first="Ella" last="Scott"] (’23, 6-1 MB, Plainfield) </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85938" first="Taryn" last="Kennedy"] (’23, 5-11 MB, Center Grove). </strong>Primarily two-footed, Ella has the reach, jumping ability and volleyball IQ to hit zero tempo sets to any spot on the court. Most of the kids her size here in central Indiana have their "shot". Not Ella, as she keeps defenses guessing with every swing. Taryn can be either an M1 or an M2, but could project to be an M2 or even a right side at the next level. She hits a heavy ball with her strength, and her long arms make up for her lack of height when defending. </p> <p><strong>THE PINS</strong></p> <p>Four very different pin attackers come at you when playing this squad. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190152" first="Joslynn" last="Rohlman"] (’23, 5-10 OH/DS, Perry Meridian) </strong>has probably made the most of her meteoric rise, starting club ball on a non-travel squad to now being one of the top pin attackers at Circle in her age group. She’s a primary passing outside, and could fill a number of gaps in the fall of ’23. <strong>Carly Christy (’23, 5-8 OH, Carmel)</strong> might be seen as more of a DS in some areas, but is fully capable of being a six-rotation outside for smaller schools at the next level. She’s smart, athletic, and has always been on winning programs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="180114" first="Alana" last="Aucremanne"] (’23, 5-9 RS, Center Grove)</strong> has been the newest addition to the rankings from this roster, and for obvious reasons. Her left-handed hammer can hit all shots from both pins, and her length is always a nice addition on defense. She even defends her position at an above-average rate, compared with fellow right sides in this class. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85940" first="Rachel" last="Williams"] (’23, 5-7 OH/DS, West Lafayette)</strong> is a springy and athletic outside who has all of the smart shots in the book and can defend with the best of them.</p> <p><strong>THE LITTLES</strong></p> <p>Between <strong>Payton Hinkle (’23, 5-4 DS/L, Brownsburg) </strong>and <strong>Stevie Earley (’23, 5-5 DS/L, Perry Meridian), </strong>you really can’t go wrong with either for a first contact. Payton made a name for herself with her outstanding play at the Sunshine Qualifier recently, and has proven worthy of the libero jersey. Although playing in a three-rotation role for this roster, Stevie can wear the special jersey too, and should do so for the Falcons next fall.</p> <p><strong>THE FLOOR GENERAL</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85933" first="Emmy" last="Frier"] (’23, 5-8 S, McCutcheon) </strong>has the enviable task of setting this bunch, and has all the skills to do so at the next level. She runs a faster-than-average offense for this roster, and defends her position well. Most of her leadership is by example, as her work ethic and coachability are both pluses for this author.</p>