Available '25s Playing 18 Open At The Central Zone Invite

In a week from today, the ever-growing Central Zone Invitational begins its two-day event. There will be more courts than ever, covering the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Academy (east side of Indianapolis) and a facility in Lebanon (northwest of Indianapolis). According to tournament administration, this is the largest CZI ever. This might make being recruited tougher, as there are far more courts to walk around to see what needs to be seen. Here is a short-cut to all of that---five athletes on five different teams from the class of 2025 that have yet to find a home for next fall.    Long, lean and physical, Ryleigh topped off her exceptional high school career with multiple post-season accolades, all while helping build Southport back into volleyball relevance. She can be an M1 or an M2 at the next level, and her attacks both in front of and behind the setter prove it. Her length also helps defending the net from pin to pin, and that length makes her look taller than she is. I'm kind of surprised that she's made it this long without a commitment---you're getting a well-trained, speedy and springy athlete in the middle, the toughest position to recruit for.     Another kid that's still available is First Team All State honoree [player_tooltip player_id='173245' first='Isabelle' last='Brown'] from Avon. She's been the 5-1 setter for Avon for a couple of seasons now, and has received some looks, but no serious offers. Capable of running through walls to get to errant passing, she makes nearly every ball she touches become that much more hittable for her squad. Currently the lone setter for Circle City 18 Black, Miss Brown is a fine addition to a program that needs a 5-1 setter NOW, and probably the best option left in Indiana from this class.     New to me, but not to the game, Annika is an athletic and controlled setter whose strong hands and upper body allow her to set any tempo ball from pin to pin anywhere on the court. I like the footwork she uses---minimal steps for maximum distance is her calling card, as opposed to the tiptoeing a lot of setters this size show when things go south. Tucked away in northern Indiana, Annika can be a 5-1 setter for a smaller program or part of a 6-2 that can defend her position well.     I gravitate to setters because I used to be one, but this particular setter reminds me of me. Kyla is a hard-working coach's daughter who understands the thankless grind, effort and attitude one needs to fully embrace collegiate athletics. Miss Coolman will not wow you with a spectacular play like Miss Brown, nor will she amaze you with her ability to place an impossible pass to a hitter. Kyla is a no-nonsense, hard-working, technically sound setter that is unassuming and plays with the same intensity no matter what the score is. She is as consistent as a setter can get, which at this point of the recruiting process is hard to find.     An absolute diamond in the rough that is southern Indiana, Avynn is a full-go and no-quit high-energy middle that has flashes of brilliance on both offense and defense. Not only is she a physical leader for whatever roster she's on, but a vocal leader as well. She can play either middle position, works well with athletic setters that understand her speed and jumping ability, and is a multisport talent that's common in southern Indiana. In short, I like this kid a LOT, and I see her as a leader upon arrival at whatever program wants her. You can find her on CVBC Ballers (18-1) in the open division.

In a week from today, the ever-growing Central Zone Invitational begins its two-day event. There will be more courts than ever, covering the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Academy (east side of Indianapolis) and a facility in Lebanon (northwest of Indianapolis). According to tournament administration, this is the largest CZI ever. This might make being recruited tougher, as there are far more courts to walk around to see what needs to be seen. Here is a short-cut to all of that---five athletes on five different teams from the class of 2025 that have yet to find a home for next fall.