H.S. Preview: Top DII Teams to Open 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Gilmour Academy Lancers</em></strong><br>The 2022 DII state runner-up returns a solid group of athletes that should have them as a frontrunner for this year's title. Many of them are coming off of high level club experiences and combine that with significant opportunities gained during their deep run last year. Back at the setting role for her third season as the Lancers' floor leader is [player_tooltip player_id='151988' first='Ella' last='Jackson']. In 2022, the junior surpasses 1,700 total assists for her career. She has a host of highly capable point scoring arms that will significantly help her add to this total. Where this team has a ton of strength is in the middle. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='152049' first='Kayla' last='Channell'] (*pictured) is long and rangy. Closing in on 500 total career kills over her first two seasons, the junior will once again get a lot of opportunities. She also added 2.7 blocks per match last year. Her counterpart, [player_tooltip player_id='227796' first='D'Aira' last='Whitner'] had 247 kills as a freshman in 2022 and returns in even better form. She is dynamic and has athleticism that is difficult to track and slow down defensively for opponents. She also contributed 79 total blocks in her first season. Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='152066' first='Marlie' last='Davis'] was the team's offensive leader at 3.3 k/s last year. At 5'10, she has good mechanics along with court sense and arm control that help her challenge defenses in a variety of ways. With six-rotation ability, the junior also averaged nearly eight digs per match last season. [player_tooltip player_id='139301' first='Maria' last='Flynn'] is the fourth point scoring veteran back for her senior season. At 6'1, she has length and an aggressive arm to provide a quality presence at the right pin. She earned 179 total kills in 2022. The Lancers did graduate some key contributors, including at the libero position. Overall, look for the junior pin tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='152047' first='Kelsie' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='152050' first='Aubrey' last='Anders'] to see increased opportunities. Both have great tools to contribute to this already deep offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Roger Bacon Spartans</em></strong><br>The Spartans one their league division title last season and return their floor leader and two best point scorers. They fell just shy of the state semifinals in 2022 and should contend well for another deep run. [player_tooltip player_id='114590' first='Kelsey' last='Niesen'] is one of the best all-around prospects in the greater Cincinnati area. The senior is committed to Xavier and was responsible for 3.0 k/s, 3.9 d/s, and 57 total aces. She was the primary libero for her club team and has great range for the first contact phase of the game. Leading the Spartans offensively in 2022 was junior [player_tooltip player_id='179022' first='Mariah' last='Gaines']. At 3.4 k/s last fall, the junior now has 552 total kills for her high school career with a .247 efficiency. She is athletic, can elevate well and has continued to grow her power and range. The returning setter is [player_tooltip player_id='152056' first='Ally' last='Hughes']. The junior delivered 966 assists in 2022 for a 10.3 a/s average. With good ball control and some of the best left-side pin action from both 1st team all-league selections above, the Spartans hope to find an answer in the middle following the graduation of the third piece to their offense. Put a circle on 8/29 as they are scheduled to take on a tough Mount Notre Dame squad in an early-season non-league contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Mercy McAuley Wolves</em></strong><br>The Wolves were 17-6 overall in 2022 and advanced to the regional semifinals in 2022. They return several key pieces around the floor, including a corps of seniors that should have this team competing well once again in the tough GGCL. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='114574' first='Maria' last='Drapp'], a Bradley commit and 1st team all-GGCL pick in 2022, is approaching 2,500 total assists for her career. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='114582' first='Ruby' last='Klusman'] was a 2nd team all-league selection after earning 239 total kills to finish top-five in the conference. Her counterpart, senior [player_tooltip player_id='139276' first='Sophia' last='Adkins'], was limited last season but over her 54 sets she averaged 3.9 k/s. If they are available the duration of the season, they should be among the best 1-2 points scoring duos in the GGCL. At 2.6 k/s last season, junior opposite [player_tooltip player_id='152058' first='Caroline' last='Moore'] provided a good option on the right side of the floor. She has elevated her skills coming off the club season and should increase her output and efficiency this fall. Fellow junior and middle [player_tooltip player_id='152053' first='Ashley' last='Sess'] is also returning with improved skills and will likely see her numbers improve from her 122 kills and 32 blocks from last year. As a freshman last year, [player_tooltip player_id='403525' first='Emma' last='Adkins'] contributed 1.7 k/s and could see some increased opportunities as well. Their biggest question mark entering 2023 will be replacing their 1st team all-GGCL libero following graduation. They open their season versus a good Loveland team on 8/19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->