2026 Watch: Five Columbus Area Arms to See

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='536682' first='Charlotte' last='Routh']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Routh (*pictured) is an athletic fast-twitch athlete that poses a big challenge for opponents when their offense is in system. She has good footwork and point flow awareness to step-close and get herself up fast and available to swing. With good location and timing of the ball along with Routh getting open to her setter, she can develop pace that can beat net defenders due to her work and the very fast tempo and variation of their offense in the middle phase. She also moves well laterally and gets vertical fast to put up a solid block at both pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='502144' first='Kaela' last='Jenkins']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2 middle has emerged as a nice offensive option for Mintonette's top 16U team, one that features several of the best arms in this Ohio class. She has good physicality and has continued to show that when on time she can develop some big heat through quick options from her setter. Her movement patterns are becoming more fluid and her transition work is creating more opportunities as she is finding the ball well to be up on time with good space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='227630' first='Ava' last='Brown']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rangy pin attacker, Brown has provided some very capable point scoring for Mintonette's first 16U squad. At 6'3, she has some of the best length on this team that contributes to her terminal ability of which we saw a lot of during the most recent high school season at Lexington. Her ability to hit over or find high seam space creates a lot of advantages for her while she also has good arm control to swing through the full scope of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='759651' first='Lyla' last='Scott']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott is a 6'0 outside hitter and primary offensive option for GCVC's top 16U team. Her length is a big asset as she can create a high contact point at the end of her approach work. She has a good foundation in her hitting mechanics and movement patterns and will increase her effectiveness with more power and range as she develops foot speed and more torque in the air. It will be fun to watch her development through the upcoming high school season </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='502155' first='Haley' last='Balo']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In watching Balo this club season she has shown improvement in her command of the ball when swinging. Her court awareness and arm control increase her ability to move the ball around with more purpose and authority. She has a big approach with good momentum and lift that help her max her 6'1 frame and length upon contact when on time at the peak of her jump. Her power and accuracy through space down the line or with a wrist-away shot are among her point scoring tools.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->