Setting the Standard: Setters Shine at Prep Dig x USAV Showcase!
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Setters are impressive at showcases like the Prep Dig x USAV Showcase Session 2. They are expected to be leaders, play well, and make connections with hitters they have never played with before. But time and time again, I am…
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Continue ReadingSetters are impressive at showcases like the Prep Dig x USAV Showcase Session 2. They are expected to be leaders, play well, and make connections with hitters they have never played with before. But time and time again, I am impressed with the maturity and mental toughness these setters show. These are some of the many talented setters who caught my eye at the showcase.
Gianna stood out to me because of her huge hustle. From the moment she stepped on the court, she was giving maximum effort on every ball. She was solid in all of her fundamentals and really excelled in the 6v6 competition play. Gianna is an athlete who adjusts well on the court and thrives in chaos situations.
Cassandra Bellmore
Cassandra Bellmore
Cassandra’s placement was some of the best at the showcase. She had quick contact with the ball and precise form and footwork. Cassandra’s form was nearly book perfect, and it translated to well-placed balls and a consistently high level of play. She was reliable and consistent while still pushing her hitters with fast-tempo balls.
Charlette is an athlete I have had the opportunity to cover over the past few years, and every time I have seen her play, she elevates her game. At the showcase, she was moving the ball around with great tempo. Charlette is defensively strong as well and plays scrappy against tips and in coverage. She is very well-rounded and showed how dynamic she can be throughout the showcase.
Highlights
Eileen Chavez Eileen Chavez 5'10" | S John Hersey | 2024 IL
Eileen Chavez Eileen Chavez 5'10" | S John Hersey | 2024 IL
Eileen first caught my eye in warm-ups when during a ball control and conditioning drill, she was jump-setting every single ball. Her footwork was superb, and she was always setting herself up for success. Her play in the transition drills and 6v6 competition was high level and she never stopped pushing herself on the court.
Speed was the name of the game for Chanelle. She was quick to run down balls. She kept her body neutral and had a consistent contact point with the ball. Chanelle had a quick release on the ball and moved her sets around with speed and precision. She was a fun setter to watch because she read opposing blockers well and played a very clean and strategic game of volleyball.
Highlights
Azteca Crawford
Azteca Crawford
Azteca is simply a great setter. She does all of the little things right. From her footwork to her hands to her decision-making, Azteca does it all. She is athletic and dynamic and was an athlete that kept catching my eye during the showcase. She ran the court like it was her job and kept every hitter involved.
Kathryn impressed me with how well she spread the offense. She kept every hitter involved, and you never knew who she was going to set next. She hid her choices very well and would hold blockers consistently. She has a soft touch on the ball and has clean pushes from pin to pin.
Emma is an offensive setter who caught my eye when she volunteered to demonstrate the very first drill of the night. It was a defensive drill, and she was scrappy and fast. When she was setting, she was always looking to who would earn the next kill. She had a lethal tip that was hard to read and stumped a lot of defenders.
Rhyan Miciotto
Rhyan Miciotto
Rhyan was an athlete who exploded onto my radar at the showcase. She excelled when she was on the move. Her placement and consistency when she was behind the 10-foot line were impressive. No matter where the ball was, she found a way to put up a playable ball for her hitters. Rhyan had great endurance throughout the event and was gritty in her play.
Juliana Rivera
Juliana Rivera
Juliana runs her offense FAST. Yet, despite the amazing speed she puts on her sets, she is very consistent. She pushes the tempo on her sets across the net and really pushed her hitters to explode into the ball on their attack. She is a powerful setter who can set pin to pin from nearly anywhere on the court.
Hana did a little bit of everything at the showcase. She initially caught my eye with her consistent and impenetrable block. She also was impactful swinging on the right side. Her setting was clean, and she was always elevating her game no matter where she was playing on the court.
Highlights
Madison is another athlete I have had the opportunity to see play numerous times over several years. This time around did not disappoint. Madison has a confident presence on the court and runs her offense with swift efficiency. She has soft hands and great court awareness. She is so smooth in her movement and decision-making that she tricks many opposing blockers.
Highlights
Morgan was one of the setters that wowed me the most at the showcase. She caught my eye time and time again. Her level of play is incredibly high, and every aspect of her game, from her fundamentals to her decision-making, is impressive. Her intangibles added a lot of value to her game.