Prez Day StL 16 Open Final, the CHAMPS!
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This is the first of a two-part story involving a well-played and exciting championship match between Circle City 16 Purple and Team Pineapple 16 Black at the President’s Day Classic in Saint Louis. Circle’s scrappy and persevering play drove them…
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Continue ReadingThis is the first of a two-part story involving a well-played and exciting championship match between Circle City 16 Purple and Team Pineapple 16 Black at the President’s Day Classic in Saint Louis. Circle’s scrappy and persevering play drove them to victory in straight sets. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes them tick.
’25, Logan Bell Logan Bell 5'11" | OH Roncalli | 2025 State #24 Nation IN , 5-11 OH, Roncalli
The most well-rounded player on the squad, Logan is a six-rotation primary passer that scored when the team needed it and led the squad with her voice and her play. Her ability to hit multiple shots from anywhere on the court, added with her smooth defense and serve receive, makes her a no-doubt prospect for the class of ’25.
’25, Keira Lucas Keira Lucas 5'10" | OH Northview | 2025 State IN , 5-10 OH, Northview
With a heavier arm than Logan, Keira powered through a ton of blocks and defenders, as the ball just sounds different when she’s attacking. I like her shot selection as well, and her pace on the ball gave fits to opposing defenses all weekend.
’25, Raegan Durbin Raegan Durbin 5'10" | OH Western Boone | 2025 State #89 Nation IN , 5-11 RS/OH, Western Boone
An absolute stud at her high school for two years now, Miss Durbin is a smart and crafty player that does more than fill a hole at right side. She can hit with pace and with touch, defends her position well and has adjusted to this new group of club teammates seamlessly this spring.
’25, Ellen Zapp Ellen Zapp 6'0" | MB Center Grove | 2025 State IN , 5-11 MB, Center Grove
The first of two middles from CG, Ellen is a smart attacker that plays much bigger than her 5-11 frame dictates on defense. She slowed numerous attacks down to make things easier for the defenders behind her, hits well in front of the setter, and finished points with hard and sharp angles throughout the final.
’25, Reese Dunkle Reese Dunkle 6'3" | MB Center Grove | 2025 State #31 Nation IN , 6-3 MB, Center Grove
The only player listed over 6′ on Circle’s 16-1 roster page is long, lean and fast. She’s a prototypical M1, and uses her length and fast arm to go over and tool all block types. Rarely was she blocked in the final against equally huge blockers. Her length also maximizes her pin-to-pin defensive coverage.
’25, Avery Freeman Avery Freeman 5'4" | DS/L Bloomington North | 2025 State #68 Nation IN , 5-1 DS/L, Bloomington North
The little engine that could, Avery has been on my radar for two full seasons now, and is an exceptional difference maker on defense and in serve receive. Active and vocal, she’s the floor general and a literal coach on the floor. She can wear the special jersey for my team any time.
’25, Bradee Mcdonald Bradee Mcdonald 5'4" | DS/L Northview | 2025 State IN , 5-4 DS/L, Northview
On any other team, Bradee would be the libero. Her footwork, anticipation and relentlessness on defense and serve receive are second to none. On multiple occasions, she made plays that directly resulted in points, whether it was a clutch dig, a tough serve or a nails pass out of serve receive.
’25, Eva Hurrle Eva Hurrle 5'8" | DS/L Roncalli | 2025 State IN , 5-8 DS/L, Roncalli
A rare “tall” DS on a Circle roster, Eva made plays when they needed to be made and did a bunch of dirty work on defense that regularly goes unnoticed by the untrained eye. I like how she uses her length and volleyball IQ to anticipate off-speed shots, and, like Bradee above, had clutch plays exactly when they were needed.
’25, Ava Hunter Ava Hunter 5'11" | S Hamilton Southeastern | 2025 State IN , 5-11 S, Hamilton Southeastern
Already a state champ this past fall, Ava has improved so much in the two years I’ve watched her play. She locates well, knows exactly whom to set in what situation, receives coaching positively and can defend her position better than most in this class. Need a 5-1 setter in the class of ’25? Ava is your girl.