Juniors Under The Radar In The 17 Premier Blue Division Of CZ

In our last review of available athletes in the class of '26, we cover the kids that (1) have a ton of potential, (2) might have been overlooked, but shouldn't have, and (3) have some size and strength to their game. We all know that you can't teach size, much less the speed and acuity that should go with that size. Here are nine athletes that are this close to earning a commitment, but haven't had enough attention going their way.    I've been high on Hayden's stock for some time now, and I paint her as the "glue" for any team she plays for. Found on Academy's 17-2 squad, Miss Ramsey can play either middle position, as she attacks just as efficiently in front of or behind the setter. On defense, her length is her strength, and more often than not she's in the right place at the right time with the right level of "press" when blocking. As for being the "glue", this kid is eternally positive and encouraging in every point, no matter what happens. You could do a lot worsen in the middle, but why? Hayden's available right NOW.     Useful as a three-rotation hitter on either pin, Elaina is long and lean and can reach better than most available pin hitters in this class. Located on a small upstart club centered in Bloomington, Miss Penrod is a difference maker on the attack, and has every shot in the book. She can score adeptly in-system, and finds ways to hit a positive shot even in the out-of-system situations. I'd like to see a little more net defense from her, but at her size, there isn't much to worry about as far as length is concerned.     The only state champ on this list, Bailey is a big, tough and physical middle that is a multi sport stud. A second-team All-State honoree last fall, Bailey's size and athleticism alone make her an intimidating presence at the net on defense. On offense, her reach and ability to hit over and around blocks earned her that All-State honor. Being a multi sport kid, it's unclear which way she's leaning for her future. After watching her this past fall, here's to hoping it's volleyball, because she has the tools to play at the next level.     Even though she's an adept middle already, Annika is more than capable of playing as a three rotation right side, and can be found on the GRV 17 Black squad this weekend. Her wingspan makes her look taller than her 5'11" frame might allow, and her volleyball acuity is much higher than at first glance. This kid knows the sport, how to play it, and how to train for it. All she needs is the right training and a little time, and she'll earn the attention she deserves.     This lefty banger can play wherever she wants on the court. Primary passing outside? Sure. Right side? Duh, she's a lefty. Hit some 2-balls out of the middle? Yep, really good at that. Springy and lithe, Aubrey more than makes up for her stature by using her speed and athleticism. I'm thinking folks have shied away from offering Miss Hreha because of her size. What a mistake those folks are making, as Aubrey is ready for the next level and has all of the tools in her volleyball tool box to prove it.     Found on Monon Select's 17-1 squad (Grand Park's current name), Ella is an M2 through and through, as her attack in front of the setter in multiple tempi is quick and terminal. On defense, she can block from pin to pin, and takes long strides to get where she's going. From a solid 4A program north of Indy, Ella is used to playing a tough schedule regularly, so I imagine collegiate scheduling with the training and the practice and the consistent grind will not faze her.     Addyson is a tall and athletic kid that is new to me this year. Raw with athleticism and new(ish) to club training, Miss Stover uses her size to beat blocks regularly, and can attack at a high reach to make some blocks look obsolete. Found on NIVA's 17 Black squad, it is easy to conceptualize Addyson being a three-rotation player at the next level on either pin. With kids this day and age getting bigger and stronger, having Miss Stover on your roster is a nice piece to have.     Switching our attention to the top squad at NIVA (17 Purple), Adele is a quick and talented right side that is a bear to hit against and a tough one to defend. Her footwork for transition is elite, she has more than enough length and strength to block even the toughest of outsides, and has the volleyball IQ to know when and where to attack at all times. It's hard to think of Miss Macer as "under the radar", as she's big and REALLY good. That being said, this is yet another big kid from northern Indiana well worth the watch this weekend.     Change the club to Team Indiana 17.2, and you'll find a big and physical outside that hits a heavy ball that's hard to dig. From a non-traditional volleyball school, Miss Williams has come to multiple showcases of ours and has held her own in both the positionals AND the team-related activities. At this time, she projects to being a three-rotation pin player, but with time and training, can be a spot passer as well. Again, Adriana is part of a whole host of big, athletic kids from a smaller school, yet in her case, she hits HARD. That's a nice problem to have if you're trying to score points.

In our last review of available athletes in the class of '26, we cover the kids that (1) have a ton of potential, (2) might have been overlooked, but shouldn't have, and (3) have some size and strength to their game. We all know that you can't teach size, much less the speed and acuity that should go with that size. Here are nine athletes that are this close to earning a commitment, but haven't had enough attention going their way.