Standout Pin Hitters from the 2023 Lincoln Pius X Invite
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What a showcase of hitting talent. This year’s Lincoln Pius X Invitational had a little bit of everything, so we’ll need to break up our post-event features into a few segments. Our first spotlight is on the pin hitters, a…
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Continue ReadingWhat a showcase of hitting talent.
This year’s Lincoln Pius X Invitational had a little bit of everything, so we’ll need to break up our post-event features into a few segments. Our first spotlight is on the pin hitters, a position group that had no problem lighting up the scoreboard Saturday morning.
These are Nebraska’s prep stars of the present and future, and they were all in one spot for a star-studded event.
Jelinek’s well-rounded onslaught has always made for must-watch volleyball. Nothing changed this weekend. Her most effective frontcourt production came on blazing fast ‘go’ sets that have become a staple in the Norris offense. Jelinek gets on top of the ball quickly and scores with authority, making her one of Nebraska’s leading scorers in any class.
Highlights
Cose showed us more wrinkles than you’d expect from a traditional opposite. Sure, she can still take her share of standard swings on the right pin. But Cose is also a great fit for all the Titans’ combination plays and crossing patterns, some of which allow Cose to act more like a middle blocker. Her termination off one foot was a big factor in a Norris march to the tournament title.
It’s been a good week for Spies. She just announced her commitment to Wayne State at the next level, and the Elkhorn North veteran is also backing up that pledge with stellar play. It’s been a fascinating career arc for Spies, who has stepped in at whatever position she’s been needed most. This year, the high-flying pin hitter has established herself on Elkhorn North’s left pin and looks formidable in this expanded role.
Heaney has developed so much since she entered the fray as a freshman. That growth has warranted an all-around role in the backcourt, where Heaney is not afraid to carry the load in serve receive. Along the net, the savvy junior was comfortable with a variety of tempos and also varied her shots effectively. The Wolves will need those contributions in their pursuit of another championship match appearance.
Keeleigh Knobbe
Keeleigh Knobbe
Lincoln Pius X wielded a lot more offensive balance than I was anticipating. Much of that distribution was bolstered by Knobbe’s emergence as a serious scoring threat. Her fluid approach allows for some efficient scoring, even if the Thunderbolts are pulled off the net. Keep an eye on this rising junior as Pius X participates in the ultra-competitive Class A gauntlet.
The Markowski name will evoke plenty of memories of past stars, but Ava is forging her own path into the spotlight. The sophomore left-side hitter slugged through opposing blocks with some wicked heat. Better yet, Markowski’s ball control skills are allowing her to evolve into a six-rotation mainstay for the Thunderbolts. It wouldn’t be the first time a Markowski made a far-reaching impact at Pius.
Fry is making moves in her junior year. Like several of the players on this feature, Fry has made her mark at a couple of different positions throughout her prep career. Last weekend, however, it was hard to miss Fry’s adaptability as a pin hitter. She took strong in-system swings and had a knack for using the block to her advantage. The Mustangs are building a serious foundation.
Converted middles seems to be a trend with Millard North. Gish spent plenty of time in the middle and on the outside, but it appears here pin-hitting role is here to stay. You can’t blame the Mustangs for taking advantage of Gish’s outstanding reach and contact point on the left side. The junior is taking tons of attacking volume this year and looks very sharp in doing so.
Anderson is undoubtedly the big trendsetter for Lincoln High. She recently eclipsed triple-digit kills for the Links this season and does a lot more than just put the ball away. We’ve seen Anderson take a step forward in a lot of other skills, including her passing and positive block touches. The Lincoln Pius X Invite was another venue to enhance those traits further.