2023 H.S. Preview: Five Columbus Area Middles to See

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139280' first='Alec' last='Rothe']</strong> - Dublin Scioto (*pictured)<br>Our #1 ranked prospect in the class of 2024, and one of the most highly coveted recruits nationally in this class, Rothe enters her final season for the Irish with a career total of 1,016 kills over three seasons. As her career average offensively is at 4.1 k/s, she also boasts a terrific .347 efficiency over that span. The Florida commit is one of the most physically talented prospects with ability to play well above the net on both sides of the ball. The all-Ohio selection also averaged a career high 3.2 blocks per match in 2022 to increase the level of impact she makes on the floor for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196346' first='Taylor' last='Bahnub']</strong> - Dublin Jerome<br>Bahnub is long and rangy with her frame which allows her to score in a variety of ways. Her contact point is noticeable when she gets up to swing at a higher tempo ball on the pin as she can attack over the top of a the block. In the middle, she uses her elevation and high elbow contact and range well to score through quicker options and with good pace on the ball. Her 238 kills in 2022 were a career high, landing her just ahead of 450 career kills with a .284 efficiency after three seasons. On the defensive side, she has a career average of 2.4 b/m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139284' first='Grace' last='Thomas']</strong> - Dublin Coffman<br>The Central Michigan commit returns for her senior season after averaging a career high 3.3 k/s for the Shamrocks in 2022. With 273 total kills last season she is just shy of the 400 total kills mark for her high school career with a varsity-level efficiency of .224 over her first three seasons. At 6'1, she can create advantages for herself offensively with the improved quality of her movement patterns around the setter. She has good range with her arm and can put some good pace on the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232147' first='Isabelle' last='Thomas']</strong> - Bishop Watterson<br>Playing in a reserved role for the Eagles in 2022, Thomas is poised to assume bigger opportunities this fall following the graduation of some key point scorers. Additionally, her stock rising improvements from the club season should be good dividends for her and her team. At 5'11, she has good momentum build and flow through her approach work and creates good space to be able to take aggressive swings, including improving the timing and quality of her availability off of one foot. She has potential to be a good blocker as well with efficient lateral movement to get up in front of attackers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='445119' first='Viola' last='Syverson'] - Upper Arlington<br>Syverson is one we are very excited to see this high school season following the attention she garnered throughout her recent club experience. Although still raw in her skills a bit, she has the physical tools to be really good as she elevates extremely well while continuing to develop the quality of her arm control and power. At 6'4, with a 10'3 attack touch and 9'10 block lift, she has the ability to create havoc at the net. In 2022, she averaged 1.3 k/s for the Golden Bears but excelled defensively in leading them with 3.1 b/m although they struggled to find wins finishing 4-19 overall. Her increased effectiveness should help improve their success rate in 2023.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->