New Discoveries from the 2022 Club Season: Setters
Let’s keep introducing some of 2022’s new discoveries. In case you missed it, we’ve been taking a look at some players that have made big first impressions this year. Pin hitters and middle blockers have already been in the spotlight…
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Continue ReadingLet’s keep introducing some of 2022’s new discoveries.
In case you missed it, we’ve been taking a look at some players that have made big first impressions this year. Pin hitters and middle blockers have already been in the spotlight this week as we look to relive some of the best emerging talents from an exciting club campaign. Up next: setters.
So, it’s time to churn through a long list of setters that have been added to my radar over the past few months. There’s a lot to talk about here.
Ava Blascziek Ava Blascziek 5'10" | S Lakeville North | 2023 State #198 Nation MN – 6’0 S – Northern Lights 17-1 – Class of 2023
Blascziek had a chance to make a very early impression at the Northern Lights Qualifier way back in January. The way she pushes the ball from pin to pin has been a treat to watch, and she’s particularly strong at connecting with her middles on the slide. Watching Blascziek run an up-tempo offense brings back memories of so many great Northern Lights setters.
Zoe Rachow Zoe Rachow 5'11" | S Otay Ranch | 2023 State #141 Nation CA – 5’10 S – COAST 17-1 – Class of 2023
Big national events are always a great way for me to break out of my Midwestern bubble and see some talents from way out west. Rachow’s standout moment came at Triple Crown NIT, where she ran an electrifying offense for COAST 17-1. She’s a great representative for the kind of prep talent California has — though that’s not really a mystery to anyone at this point.
Allie Shondell Allie Shondell 5'9" | S McCutcheon | 2024 State #78 Nation IN – 5’10 S – Boiler Juniors 16-1 Elite Gold – Class of 2024
At last, I got an in-person look at Shondell as she worked her magic with Boiler Juniors. She’s one of the most deceptive setters I’ve seen in the 2024 class and is so comfortable setting against the grain. She’s also not the only Shondell to be a standout leader with a Boiler program, if you catch my drift.
Izzy Starck – 6’1 S/RS – Colorado Juniors 16-Sherri – Class of 2024
Of course, it’s nothing new to see the Starck name making a big impact with Colorado Juniors. But this latest Starck iteration is bringing her own unique style to the court as a killer setter-opposite for 16-Sherri. Her spectacular hands keep the team’s strong group of hitters in rhythm, and I’d also trust Starck as a go-to attacker on the right pin. She’s got it all.
Hannah Pattie Hannah Pattie 5'7" | S Lake Catholic | 2024 State OH – 5’7 S – Maverick 16 Elite – Class of 2024
As far as big first impressions go, I’m not sure I can think of many players who had a bigger one than Pattie. Maybe that’s just recency bias from late April’s Prep Dig Open at the I-X Center, but I was really taken aback by what this setter brings to the court. Pattie is always looking to push the tempo and is incredibly aggressive with her jump sets. She’s an absolute gunslinger who undoubtedly left an impact on our Cleveland circuit event.
Ava Martin Ava Martin 5'10" | S Bishop Miege | 2024 State #77 Nation KS – 5’9 S – Pohaku 16-1 – Class of 2024
Again and again, Martin was the driving force behind Pohaku’s success on the qualifier stage. Her feel for tempo is well beyond her years, and she also brings a complete game with her right-back defense and steady blocking presence. With talents like Martin, I don’t think Pohaku will be overlooked by anyone.
Peyton Meyer Peyton Meyer 6'0" | S Westside | 2025 State NE – 5’11 S – Nebraska Elite 15 Matrix – Class of 2025
This season provided my first extended look at Meyer here in my home state of Nebraska, and this setter has been spectacular the whole way. Her determination and competitiveness are shown in the way she always tries to get her feet to the ball, even when the pass is far off the net. Meyer’s drive to be the leader of the 15 Matrix offense has helped punch Nebraska Elite’s ticket to the 15 Open field in Indianapolis.
Hannah Beauford Hannah Beauford 5'11" | S Prosper | 2025 State #99 Nation TX – 5’11 S/RS – Drive Nation 15 Red – Class of 2025
Beauford was a huge contributor in a wild, emotional run to a Nationals bid at NLQ in March. I was thrilled to document that journey for 15 Red, and I was also left dazzled by the way Beauford runs the offense. She has an incredibly soft touch and has a mature connection with her frontcourt hitters. Watch out for this setter in the summertime.
Taylor Cook Taylor Cook 5'11" | S Prestonwood Christian Academy | 2025 State #87 Nation TX – 5’11 S/RS – Dallas Skyline 15 Royal – Class of 2025
Let’s keep it rolling in the Lone Star State. Cook is another Texas setter who has made the most of qualifier events, as her best moments seem to come against top competition. She is not afraid to call some combination plays and crossing patterns to keep opposing blockers guessing, and that has created ample scoring opportunities for 15 Royal this year.
Billie Reiter Billie Reiter 5'11" | S Greendale | 2025 State WI – 5’10 S – MKE Sting 15 Gold – Class of 2025
MKE Sting is building up quite a pipeline of quality setters. Reiter has built a bit of a reputation for her amazing one-handed sets, but she can definitely dish it with both hands, too. Her shoot sets to the middle are particularly effective, as Reiter brings the right pace and location for her middles to be effective. This setter’s all-around game flourished in our Cleveland circuit event, and 15 Gold will be back in the Prep Dig event fold soon.