STL President's Day -More Players to Know in 16 Premier Blue

During my downtime, I caught up with some of the 16 Premier Blue Division teams and was glad to see the development of some players I watched during high school ball. The cool part is seeing the improvements in just a short time. All seven on the list can play at the next level with so much unreached potential. Here's a list of 7 players I enjoyed watching play last weekend.   Annabelle Swaykus – Outside – 314 VBC 16 Navy   Annabelle is key to 314 VBC's success as a six-rotation outside capable of attacking from anywhere on the court. Her experience at Cor Jesu and now with 314 is helping her become a complete player. She possesses a lot of power, plays excellent defense, is one of the top passers, and terminates out-of-system balls.   Diana Ivanova – Middle – HPSTL 16 Premier   I've already noticed a big jump in Diana's game from high school ball at Ladue to this club season. Diana is more aggressive at the net with her blocking. At 6'0”, she gives HPSTL 16 Premier a solid middle who gets to pins quickly for blocking and transition footwork there, allowing herself to be more available to attack than she was four months ago. Diana came up with some key blocks to help her team almost pull off the win in the quarterfinals of the 16 Premier division.   Jordan Krinninger – Setter – HPSTL 16 Premier   If Jordan weren't running the show for HPSTL 16 Premier, she would have a great chance at playing libero. Jordan has excellent hands and can play great defense. She is quick to the ball, has a significant push to her pins, and runs a fast tempo. One aspect of her game I liked was her bump sets to the pins on out-of-system passes. Jordan could be fighting for a St. Joseph's Academy setter position next season.   Londyn Rowlett – Opposite – HPSTL 16 Premier   At 6'2”, Londyn is a formidable player to hit around on the right side. Her attacking has improved since high school season, and she should return to Pattonville as a more complete player. She has a great line shot and will be a force as she gets more reps. I'm watching her as she develops more in the next few years.   Kendall Holland – Middle – 314 VBC 16 Red   Kendall is an undersized middle at 5'8”, but when watching her play, you would think she's a couple of inches taller. She is quick off the floor and has excellent hangtime, which allows her to watch the defense adjust. She loves to drop the ball in the two spot. I can tell the hard work she has done during club to gain strength and more power in her swing. I can see her improvement and confidence in her game in just a few months.   Lexie Nieman – Middle – 314 VBC 16 Red   She is raw, but there is the potential to become a monster in the middle. At 6'0” with a huge wingspan, a solid vertical and footwork will give Lexie plenty of options. Lexie will be a valuable asset to Kirkwood next season as she can already get high above the net and become a shutdown blocker in the middle or right.   Gwenyth Marn – Outside – PVA – BC 16 Navy   I just caught Gwenyth flying in the air and slamming one down crosscourt. After that, I had to stick around and watch her play more. She's tiny but mighty. At only 5'6”, she has a tremendous vertical and can flat-out pound the ball when on top of it. She is a great six-rotation outside who plays tough defense and has a massive upside to her game. She is one to watch as more experience and reps could become a killer for Ray-Pec.

During my downtime, I caught up with some of the 16 Premier Blue Division teams and was glad to see the development of some players I watched during high school ball. The cool part is seeing the improvements in just a short time. All seven on the list can play at the next level with so much unreached potential. Here's a list of 7 players I enjoyed watching play last weekend.