Summer League At Academy, July 12

Kyp Harasymowycz July 13, 2022 @ 08:18 AM

A large number of teams in the state of Indiana either participated (AAU) or qualified (GJNC) for their version of nationals, pushing back and changing the number of play dates for the annual summer leagues around the state. Last night was my first true look at some starters, up-and-comers, and big time surprises for each of the teams listed below. FISHERS Coach Peek brought a smaller-than-average number of players to summer league last night, and the group of (mostly) starters showed no mercy in defeating the mixed squads of Westfield Gold and North Central. Fresh off of a bronze-medal performance at GJNCs last week in 17 National, [player_tooltip player_id="208628" first="Margo" last="Hernandez"] (’23, 5-10 S, South Alabama commit) is the tempo-based setter that can do everything in running a 5-1 offense. She has plenty of weapons to choose from, none more terminal than [player_tooltip player_id="85826" first="Ava" last="Vickers"] (’23, 6-0 MB, Indiana commit). Miss Vickers will be the primary attacker in all front-row options, and the passing is more than capable of ensuring zero-tempo sets are the new norm for the Tigers. My surprise isn’t so much of a surprise as it is a coming-of-age story. [player_tooltip player_id="191070" first="Lucy" last="Kay"] (’24, 6-2 MB) was first seen a couple of years ago as the human newborn giraffe. Fast-forward to last night, and you would think that she’s related to her setter the way they connect so well. Her length, size and speed are much needed in the "sectional of death", and might be the difference for the top-ten Tigers to make it to regionals. WESTFIELD Speaking of the Shamrocks, Westfield made TWO rosters out of the twenty-odd kids in the gym last night. As even strength as a coaching staff could make twenty kids, the Gold squad took their lumps, but performed well against older and bigger competition. My favorite from this group was newcomer Audrey Bassett (’26, 5-9 OH). She can easily become a six-rotation primary passer, and could see some time on varsity if she gains a little strength. Her armswing is already whiplike, and has the smooth movements of a kid two years older than she. On the Green squad, who performed well against Park Tudor and Lawrence North last night, another newcomer/surprise was a hybrid pin player named Ella Jenkins (’26, 5-8 OH). Starting off as a right side, her high and natural swing was regularly terminating against blocks of all sizes. Finishing her first match on the left pin, there were no rough spots in her game, and it hardly seemed like the match was too much for her. Springy and fast, both of these kids are, at the very least, the future of pin attacking for Westfield. How SOON in the future? Only time and experience can tell. LAWRENCE NORTH With a mixed squad (V/JV/F) and a ton of youth, Coach Nick Cox sought me out to emphasize how much athleticism and volleyball savvy this young squad has. Although last night’s play didn’t have ALL of the players that will be seeing varsity time this fall, there were two in particular that stood out to me. Immediately upon arrival at Academy, [player_tooltip player_id="191075" first="Lilah" last="Odegard"] (’24, 6-4 RS/MB) was easily the biggest kid out there. Last time I saw her, she was a space-eating right side that opposing attackers had trouble hitting against. Last night, she got to play middle, a newer position for Miss O. Although she projects as a right side due to her size and footwork, I can easily see a smaller school stealing her to be a project middle. Her size and length alone will do her wonders in her future. On the back end of this squad is my favorite DS of the night, [player_tooltip player_id="152932" first="Bella" last="Dafforn"] (’24, 5-4 DS/L). Her anticipation, smooth movements and consistent ball placement on first contact will be much needed if the Wildcats want to win a MIC championship.