“Live Eye” New Names, Big Impacts From Chicagoland

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A weekend of Illinois volleyball is always a great weekend as I'm always impressed by the number of high level athletes.&nbsp; What is always exciting are finding those players who I haven't seen live, have a series of big moments in a match, or do something impressive athletically that makes me take note.&nbsp; These players below are ones who I know are making an impact for their high school teams.&nbsp; The ones closest to them won't be surprised, but they are new on my radar.&nbsp; They are efficient, they may bring a certain sense of energy, or they just find a way to get it done.&nbsp; Here are some new names to know after a weekend at the Huntley Tournament and Scholastic Cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578527942132789249?s=20u0026t=535gFDb1GlyQz1_L7DVlwA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578527942132789249?s=20&amp;t=535gFDb1GlyQz1_L7DVlwA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207810' first='Georgia' last='Watson'] - Huntley&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All it took was seeing [player_tooltip player_id='207810' first='Georgia' last='Watson'] take a rip on an out of system set on the right side to say - “Yep, it's there”.&nbsp; Watson has the length, fundamental foundation, and great on court intangibles to be a key athlete to watch among the Class of 2025.&nbsp; Her versatility is also in her favor where she has the ability to hit from multiple spots in the front row.&nbsp; As she continues to develop her all around game and starts scoring out of the backrow - watch out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":234851,"width":339,"height":226,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/DSC07619.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-234851" width="339" height="226"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tarnow</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lynney Tarnow - Benet Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tarnow has to be around 6'5 or 6'6 for Benet Academy.&nbsp; And with that height, she can move pretty well considering she is only a freshman.&nbsp; It's hard not to make comparisons to the likes of 1st Alliance alum, Dana Rettke.&nbsp; Tarnow plays for 1st Alliance and between her high school and club training, she will be on the path to being a high level prospect in the Class of 2026.&nbsp; She can close the block on the pin and is also really strong with being able to score points on a slide - this will be fun to watch the progression.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578766121469063168?s=20u0026t=535gFDb1GlyQz1_L7DVlwA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578766121469063168?s=20&amp;t=535gFDb1GlyQz1_L7DVlwA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311413' first='Audrey' last='Asleson'] - Benet Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288647' first='Aniya' last='Warren'] - Benet Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So smooth.&nbsp; Asleson is in charge of running a really high powered offense at Benet Academy who has had some pretty high level setters come ahead of her.&nbsp; What impresses me the most is how she is able to make adjustments during the game that will lead to points for her side.&nbsp; Whether its adjusting a set to the block, feeding the hot hitter, or even knowing the right time to attack herself, she has such a great feel for the game.&nbsp; Another sophomore on this squad is libero [player_tooltip player_id='288647' first='Aniya' last='Warren'] who plays with maturity beyond her years.&nbsp; She makes a lot of these difficult plays look easy and puts up such a nice second ball for her pins to attack out of system.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":234860,"width":252,"height":262,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/DSC07599-scaled-e1665606893281-986x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-234860" width="252" height="262"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Smith</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311961' first='Hayven' last='Smith'] - Lincoln Way East&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'5 middle blocker who can move - yes.&nbsp; I was really impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='311961' first='Hayven' last='Smith'], who is a major force at the net. She had her share of blocks and causes the opposing attackers to think twice about their shot.&nbsp; Her ability to move and transition allows her to be a major target offensively as well.&nbsp; By the looks of her Twitter profile, it looks like basketball will be in her future.&nbsp; She is the 20th ranked prospect in Prep Girls Hoops for the Class of 2024.&nbsp; Always a spot for you in the volleyball world, Hayven.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hayley Burgdorf - St. Charles North&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":234852,"width":362,"height":242,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/10/DSC07661.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-234852" width="362" height="242"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Burgdorf #23</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another freshman making a statement this past weekend.&nbsp; Burgdorf is able to hold her own among the elite at these high level tournaments.&nbsp; With the ability to play six rotations, Burgdorf is really able to showcase her talents in the front row where she puts a ton of pop on the ball.&nbsp; She has great hand contact and has the fundamental foundation to really take off with her game.&nbsp; The tandem of Burgdorf and Maryland commit [player_tooltip player_id='239878' first='Katherine' last='Scherer'] make St. Charles North a tough team to stop.&nbsp; Elon commit [player_tooltip player_id='138655' first='Jessica' last='Parker'] runs a great offense with solid command of everything going on her side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239882' first='Gwen' last='Adler'] - Barrington&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrington is loaded with talent, that's an understatement.&nbsp; One athlete I wasn't very familiar with was [player_tooltip player_id='239882' first='Gwen' last='Adler'] who is one of the setters for Barrington.&nbsp; She can really move the ball and get her attacker in position to terminate.&nbsp; I knew [player_tooltip player_id='136595' first='Jenna' last='Meitzler'] would be key to the offensive scheme after watching her set multiple times in high school and club, but with the addition of Adler to the Barrington offense, this allows Meitzler to attack on the right side.&nbsp; This really stresses the defense with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='227437' first='Hope' last='Regas'], [player_tooltip player_id='136599' first='Berkeley' last='Ploder'], [player_tooltip player_id='136595' first='Jenna' last='Meitzler'], and Jessica Horvath attacking and Adler just directing the orchestra.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='135967' first='Ella' last='Conlon'] - Marian Central Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conlon was one who was able to consistently score points for Marian Central Catholic at the Huntley Tournament Friday night where they finished 3-2 overall for the weekend.&nbsp; As a junior, Conlon is able to really zone in on the hard cross shot, but she can use the block to her advantage as well.&nbsp; She was connecting well with sophomore setter Alex Rewiako.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='239881' first='Sarah' last='Musial'] - St. Charles East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Charles East has a high powered offense and behind the success is the quarterback of it all in [player_tooltip player_id='239881' first='Sarah' last='Musial']. Musial has the makings to really rise in her junior season heading into club where she can run a 5-1 at a high level.&nbsp; She can hit all of the tempos, connects well with her middles, and can even take it herself offensively.&nbsp; At 6'0 tall she receives the ball high, remaining neutral where she is tough to read.&nbsp; She's also smart and savvy which always keeps the other side guessing.&nbsp; I'd keep her on the radar among some top 2024 setters in Illinois.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578790874578030592?s=20u0026t=7KQg9cX8FHLh0wDDtW9bIQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1578790874578030592?s=20&amp;t=7KQg9cX8FHLh0wDDtW9bIQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='311372' first='Mykaela' last='Wallen'] - Crystal Lake Central&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crystal Lake Central was a really gritty squad and one of the key catalysts out of the middle was [player_tooltip player_id='311372' first='Mykaela' last='Wallen'].&nbsp; Wallen was a big presence offensively and defensively where she was able to quickly transition from blocking to attacking hitting a high efficiency.&nbsp; Only a sophomore, her ability to attack off one foot and score points gave the other side of the net plenty of problems.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laci Neece - Sycamore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Extremely athletic.&nbsp; Neece is an outside for Sycamore where I saw them play at the&nbsp; Huntley Tournament on Friday night.&nbsp; She has an extremely aggressive approach and a violent arm swing.&nbsp; She seems like the type of athlete who can step on any court or field and she is going to be one of the top players out there.&nbsp; There is a foundation to her game where she could really elevate to be a great player to go along with her athleticism.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alyssa Jones - Neuqua Valley&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I noticed Jones right away for Neuqua Valley who was on fire Saturday at the Scholastic Cup.&nbsp; And then, I didn't notice her much because she continued to make everything look so routine.&nbsp; Great liberos aren't always the ones diving into the second row of bleachers, but the ones who make the tough plays look relatively routine and that's what Jones was able to do for NV who finished fourth overall in a very loaded field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320126' first='Ellie' last='Rink'] - Normal West&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normal West ran into a bit of a gauntlet of teams on Saturday in gold pool play, but they showed they are capable of hanging with some of the top teams in the state.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='320126' first='Ellie' last='Rink'] caught my eye at the Scholastic Cup with her athleticism and ability to put a hurt on the ball.&nbsp; Seeing her play, I knew I had seen her play before and that was for her [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] 15 Cardinal team in the 2022 club season.&nbsp; She is definitely a six rotation player to watch and as she continues to gain physicality she is going to score a ton of points from anywhere on the court.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Natalie Corcoran - Naperville North&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a team that has the likes of Wyoming commit [player_tooltip player_id='225947' first='Paige' last='Lauterwasser'] on it with the ability to score points on the pin and really from anywhere, it would be easy for a setter to rely solely on that option.&nbsp; Not Corcoran.&nbsp; Before Lauterwasser took over against Neuqua and Benet, Natalie Corcoran established her middles.&nbsp; When Naperville North was in system, their middles got a lot of love.&nbsp; Shelby Erickson was money with her connections with Corcoran.&nbsp; Erickson the middle blocker was able to cause a lot of havoc.&nbsp; This opened everything up on the pins.&nbsp; Corcoran doesn't do anything flashy, she just gets the ball to the best matchup and is able to run different routes as well to find the open spots.&nbsp; A great example of showing younger setters that when you establish the middle of the court and keep the offense balanced, this opens everything up as the game progresses.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->