2027 First Look: Pins and Middles
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The class of 2027 has been making its mark, several pins and middles have stood out this club season. This is a first look at prospects that will impact the upcoming 2023 high school season, with pins and middles who…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2027 has been making its mark, several pins and middles have stood out this club season. This is a first look at prospects that will impact the upcoming 2023 high school season, with pins and middles who have played extensively and proven to be a force for their club.
Mara Sandberg Mara Sandberg 5'11" | OH Gonzaga Prep | 2027 State WA [2027] 5-10 Outside (Club: College Prep Academy) Sandberg will be a freshman at Gonzaga Prep next season, joining her sister Emma Sandberg Emma Sandberg 5'8" | DS/L Gonzaga Prep | 2025 State WA on the court for the Bullpups. She plays as a six rotation outside for CPA 15 Benson and can be counted on to be low error as an attacker and fundamentally sound as a passer and defender. Sandberg has shown the power to hammer a ball off the block or drop in a soft tip to score, she should provide added firepower for a G-Prep team looking for a third consecutive state appearance.
Kinley Smith Kinley Smith 5'10" | OH Timberline | 2027 State WA [2027] 5-10 Outside (Club: Oly Reign) The 2027 prospect is advanced defensively, covering the middle back for her Oly Reign 15 team. As an attacker, she has a heavy arm swing and is not afraid to keep bringing the heat in big situations or after an error. Starting with that mentality as a young player will only make Smith a better attacker as her tool kit of shots grows.
Sophia Gourley [2027] 6-0 Outside (Club: Athena Volleyball Academy) Gourley has a live arm, she can terminate from the pin or the pipe. She will chip and push to the corner when a set is tight or in a tough location and will swing right through the opponent’s hands if the block is late. Gourley sticks with her strength when it matters most, she does not shy away from having to take the swing in a big moment during a match.
Shannara Peebles [2027] 6-0 Outside (Club: Washington Volleyball Academy) The six-rotation outside for WVBA 15 has a well-rounded overall game, her primary calling card is an explosive approach and fast arm that generates a tremendous amount of power. Her length and quickness allow her to cover serious ground out of the middle back and she can be a force attacking from the back row. Peebles looks ready to make an immediate impact at the high school level.
Avery McIntosh [2027] 5-8 Right Side (Club: Sudden Impact) The SIVBC 15 Typhoon’s right side is not overly imposing in height, she terminates using a well-timed approach, good explosiveness, and a textbook arm swing. McIntosh is patient on the right side, waiting and using a fast close on her approach to adjust to sets. She can swing with power and hammer off the block, or drop in a tip when the defense is on its heels.