2027 Watch List Profiles, O’Connell-Risdon

<p><em>The </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1124/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1136/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em> are coming to Pontiac on Aug. 4. You can get $10 off your registration when you sign up by using code “EllisDig2024.” Be sure to register today.</em></p>   <p>The Class of 2027 has a lot of talent that have been doing big things on the national scene during the club season.</p>   <p>While some of them still have yet to get a chance to shine on the prep level, those days are soon approaching with the 2024 season not far off.</p>   <p>We have 20 players ranked in the Class of 2027, but the Watch List is full of players that could go on to reach the next level.</p>   <p>Here's a look at a handful of those Watch List players and what they are bringing to the court.</p>   <p><em>Players listed alphabetically</em></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523847' first='Rory' last='O'Connell'], OH Howell/Legacy</strong></h2>   <p>O'Connell looks really comfortable on the floor right now as she has grown into a solid pin attacker. She is making a lot of good decisions and showing a nice mixture of shot selections and speeds. Her follow through on her power swings looks very smooth, which allows her to challenge the back-row defenders. O'Connell looks like she will be a real threat for Howell this fall season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523846' first='Dakota' last='Parnell'], MH Plymouth/Legacy</strong></h2>   <p>Parnell can really spring off the floor. She's listed at 5'8”, but she seems to be much longer than that at the net. Her ability to play above the net is going to lead to a lot of highlight-reel kills in the future. Right now, her setters are sometimes struggling to get the ball high enough for her to unload on it, but Parnell does a good job of adjusting mid-flight to still score her attacks.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454393' first='Ryley' last='Pastuschyn'], MH Richmond/Michigan Elite</strong></h2>   <p>This 5'10” middle shows a lot of aggression at the net. She can deliver a lot of power on her swings with a compact swing that doesn't use a lot of time or energy. That will allow Pastuschyn to be a consistent player throughout the long match. Her footwork is getting better and she remains committed to becoming a dominant blocker.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442998' first='Natalie' last='Patterson'], DS/L St. Clair</strong></h2>   <p>Patterson was used as a do-everything last fall in St. Clair, but her strengths look to be in the back row. She shows a lot of composure on the floor, but still is fighting some hesitation, which is understandable when asked to be a hitter when you're more comfortable as a defender. Still, Patterson makes smart plays and does the best she can with what comes her way.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523867' first='Miranda' last='Polley'], MH/OH Frankenmuth/Five:1</strong></h2>   <p>Polley is showing a lot of promise for being a threat anywhere along the net. She adds another gear to her swing at the last minute to generate extra force and power. Her back-row swings can be just as challenging as her swings at the net, which is impressive. Consistency will be a big key going forward, but Polley looks like someone that is going to put the work in.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523839' first='Adrienne' last='Pouch'], MH Jenison/FaR Out</strong></h2>   <p>Pouch is another promising young talent from the Jenison program. She looks poised to start making a bigger name for herself in the year ahead. Her timing and awareness are already at a pretty high level. During club season, she put down balls at an impressive rate. She's got a lot of velocity on her swings and brings the ball down at a sharp angle. Her speed and quickness should only get better.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='459740' first='Aubrey' last='Reynolds'], OH Caledonia/MVA</strong></h2>   <p>Reynolds was an immediate impact player for Caledonia as a freshman and that allowed her to grow in confidence. This fall, she should step into her sophomore season ready to break out. Reynolds moves around the floor really well and her court IQ is high. She does a good job of mixing up her speeds and locations offensively, while her defensive play is already at a high level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490374' first='Elizabeth' last='Risdon'], OH Zeeland East/FaR Out</strong></h2>   <p>Risdon looks like a well-balanced talent that is growing into a reliable six-rotation outside. She is able to switch gears smoothly and transition from defense to offense without any hesitation. Risdon also does a good job of taking what comes to her. She makes smart plays on out-of-system balls and then can dial up a fastball when she gets a clean look at the net.</p>

The Michigan Freshman Showcase and Michigan Stock Up Showcase are coming to Pontiac on Aug. 4. You can get $10 off your registration when you sign up by using code “EllisDig2024.” Be sure to register today.