Central Zone Invite Preview: 16 Premier Blue

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a weekend of soaking in more volleyball in person, we're continuing our massive preview of the Central Zone Invitational at the Indiana Convention Center and various other locations around central Indiana. Here are seven players from four rosters that hope to propel their respective squads to success over this large two-day event this coming weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dunes 16 Teal</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of the teams listed here today, this roster might be the biggest, top to bottom. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='234797' first='Evelyn' last='Kipp'] ('26, 6-0 OH/MB, South Bend Washington)</strong> is long and lean for days, has a high volleyball IQ and can play multiple positions along the front row. She's already done well in the South Bend area, but when she started coming to our showcases, she really showed out against some of the best in the state and beyond. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504731' first='Rylie' last='Albright'] ('27, 6-1 MB, John Glenn)</strong> is also from northern Indiana, and shows some solid upper body strength to go with that height of hers. She's hard to put balls away against, as she takes up space on the block. Projecting to be an M2 at the next level, her development recently has been rapidly rising.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">KeAloha 161 Cape Fear</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top 16s team at KeAloha, centered in Valparaiso (also northern Indiana), has a banger that is worth the watch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272380' first='Aubrey' last='Hreha'] ('26, 5-8 RS, Washington Township)</strong> is a springy and quick right side that makes up for her lack of size with athleticism and jumping ability. Along with her whip of a left arm, Aubrey can do a little of everything on the court, and should be a main piece of the offense once this weekend rolls around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NIVA 16 Purple</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top 16s team at NIVA is ALSO from the northern reaches of the state, and has its strength in its ball control. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504726' first='Abby' last='Lane'] ('26, 5-5 DS/L, Penn)</strong> comes from a volleyball powerhouse in high school, and is a shoo-in for left back work at the next level. Calm and cool, Abby uses her footwork to get to every ball coming her way. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504724' first='Teressa' last='Campanello'] ('26, 5-6 OH/D, Elkhart)</strong> will probably project to being a back-row specialist at the next level, but for now can show her springy nature and variety of smart shots on offense to score points for her squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Indiana 16.2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back in central Indiana, TI's 2s team has plenty of talent in their own right. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504728' first='Josey' last='Whitehead'] ('26, 5-10 Pin, Center Grove)</strong> is a strong-armed pin attacker that looks to be a solid left-side addition at the next level. She hits a heavy ball, which is tough to defend against if you're not ready for it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='366446' first='Hanna' last='Stewart'] ('26, 5-4 DS/L, Franklin Community)</strong> is another in a long line of exceptional defenders from Franklin. She's quick, anticipates well, and is always around the ball. Although I've only seen her play left back on defense, her high level of knowledge convinces me that she's fully capable of playing any of the back row positions, with or without the libero jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->