2026 Prospects to See at Nike Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbus plays host to the Nike Classic this weekend. Here are a collection of 2026 prospects to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Setters</em></strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='227802' first='Mallory' last='Matheny'] may be the best setter in this age group at this event. She his highly skilled and efficient in her movement and brings a lot of high performance success from previous seasons with this team on the national stage. [player_tooltip player_id='368391' first='Kirsten' last='Kemper'] (*pictured) and [player_tooltip player_id='339082' first='Addy' last='Bianchini'] both return for a solid and experienced NKYVC squad. Kemper is a Seton product that has grown in her accuracy and decision-making that should help elevate the depth of this team's offense. Bianchini is a versatile athlete from Mason with good athleticism to contribute as a primary distributor as well as take big swings on the right pin if needed. [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']'s [player_tooltip player_id='227619' first='Makenna' last='Kirlin'] has a big arsenal of offensive tools once again as she is the primary setter for a squad that has big opportunities. She has a simple style to her contact and delivery that is fluid and can be deceptive to read on the defensive side. AVC's <strong>Isabelle Hoppe</strong> has been recognized as a top prospect in this class. A Pennsylvania product, she moves over to AVC from her previous home state club and will add great floor leadership to this squad. She is athletic, quick, and can distribute consistently with her hands, even in tough situations on the move. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Pins</em></strong><br>[program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] features two of the premier Cincy area left pin arms in [player_tooltip player_id='227617' first='Cara' last='Richter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='227628' first='Sidney' last='Sprada']. Richter had a great season for MND this past fall and returns to lead this squad with her power and what may be a high volume of opportunity. Sprada sees the court well as she can elevate and deliver big pace at a high contact point. [player_tooltip player_id='227615' first='Callie' last='Combs'] from NKYVC may be the most complete pin with her arm at the net and service line, along with her ball control and defensive prowess that is a strength for this team. She was great for Seton this recent high school season earning all-league honors. [player_tooltip player_id='227803' first='Layla' last='Hoying'] had a terrific high school season and is back to lead some big offensive fire power for Mintonette. She will get a lot of support from 1st team all-Ohio selection [player_tooltip player_id='192132' first='Sara' last='Snowbarger'] who brings good range and length at 6'1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Middles</em></strong><br>One of the middles we are anticipating big things from and are excited to update our evaluation is [player_tooltip player_id='403522' first='Kendall' last='Northern'] from [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']. She is physical and athletic and made big gains during her high school season in her offensive assertiveness. She led the [program_tooltip program_id='431851' first='MVC' last=''] offensively with over 400 kills in 2023 while swinging mostly at the pins. Her quickness, ability to hit over the block, and big power off her arm make her very dangerous when playing from the middle role which we are expecting to see again this club season. She some of the best physical tools at 6'1 and touching 10'3. Other middles we are looking forward to updating our evaluations in the class include NKYVC's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='312234' first='Audrey' last='Dyas']</strong>, who helped lead Kentucky's Notre Dame Academy to a 2023 state runner-up finish, [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']'s [player_tooltip player_id='392780' first='Sydney' last='Geselbracht'] with her length and increased movement and arm efficiency, and Mintonette's [player_tooltip player_id='227629' first='Alia' last='Schoonover'], who is an athletic 6'0 prospect with great foot and arm speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DS/L</em></strong><br>Mintonette's [player_tooltip player_id='227636' first='Emma' last='Cugino'] has averaged 18 digs per match in two varsity season for Oletangy Orange. She reads the game very well and is a key catalyst to help this team capitalize on all the offensive weapons they have in serve receive and transition. [player_tooltip player_id='204230' first='Emma' last='Frietch'] is one of the best prospects in this position out of the Cincy area and will be relied upon to anchor this team's passing and defense that can be stellar given her ability to patrol the back court with range and efficiency in her angles. [player_tooltip player_id='227623' first='Ella' last='Grimes'] from [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last=''] potentially has the best range of any of the liberos competing this weekend. At 5'10, she can cover a lot of court with her quickness and length that combines well with her lethal topspin jump serve that can apply a ton of pressure on opposing teams when she is in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->