2026 Watch List Prospects Making Gains

[player_tooltip player_id='733599' first='Lauren' last='White'] - S/OH | [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] (*pictured) White has been leading the TSE 17 Blue team this season from the setting position helping to create good success for this group. I have not seen this team play much this club cycle as their tournament schedule is unique compared to where most Ohio clubs compete. However, White is a great floor leader and distributor with simple but effective tools. The IU Indy commit guided her team to a 17 Open 5th place finish at the JVA World Challenge. Expect White and her team to put up a good showing at the upcoming events in Indy Cup and The Players Challenge.   [player_tooltip player_id='772279' first='Kayden' last='McKinney'] - OH | Force VB Having seen McKinney recently, she is a gamer offensively. With six-rotation tools as a primary left side attacker, she can pass and bring a big arm at the net. She moves well in her footwork patterns but what is more impressive is her arm control at the top of her jump. Playing for Force this club season, she contributes well from the right side when needed, as the terminal quality of her arm includes creating pace through space, aggressively challenging the block, or showing control and movement to make something out of a more challenging opportunity.   [player_tooltip player_id='772259' first='Journey' last='Nicola'] - DS/L | [program_tooltip program_id='431555' first='Mintonette' last=''] Nicola is a 2026 competing for [program_tooltip program_id='431555' first='Mintonette' last='']'s top 16U team. This is a group that competes well through the well-rounded balance they have in their overall effort. Nicola is steady in what she does with her ball control and defense. She tracks the ball well in serve receive to be able to control her angle development well. Defensively, I like her ability to read and prepare with good patience that leads to an efficient first step to pursue the ball. Additionally, the 5'2 Nicola understands well how to develop the right type of force and movement of her platform based upon the pace of the ball coming over the net.   [player_tooltip player_id='772254' first='Etellina' last='Jackson'] - OH | [program_tooltip program_id='432192' first='Cincy' last='Classics'] The 5'10 Jackson has been a steady contributor for Roger Bacon the past two high school seasons, including stepping up in the final rounds of the state tournament this past fall following the absence of the Spartans' biggest arm. Jackson's offensive effort, including some good power off her arm, helped propel her team to the DIV state title in the face of roster adversity. Competing for [program_tooltip program_id='432192' first='Cincy' last='Classics'] this club season, she continues to develop experience and success through similar offensive volume, especially from the power side of the court, where she may see more time next fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='772262' first='Lila' last='Baker'] - DS/L | OPVC The 5'7 Baker does good work as the libero for OPVC's top 17U team. Overall, her court presence is improving in this key role as is her ability to create more quality touches defensively. She reads and reacts well to make plays and the more vocal and connected she is to play action she increases her quality and impact through that elevated engagement, which is key for this team to be able to use their varied offensive options. What is noticeable about her effort is that she has good quickness defensively and will do what is needed to keep the ball alive.   Contributor Bio   Mike Bryant is in his 6th cycle as the lead scout for Prep Dig Ohio, helping grow the visibility and support for prospects from all areas of the state. With multiple years leading the Minnesota site prior to arriving in Ohio, he has decades of experience developing and evaluating talent as a recruiting coordinator and coach through high school, elite club, and Division I college levels that include multiple appearances in DI postseason play, medals at the GJNC as well as a 2023 Triple Crown NIT 17U gold title. You can email Mike at ohioprepdig@gmail.com.

Lauren White Lauren White 5'9" | S/OH Colerain | 2026 State OH - S/OH | Tri-State Elite (*pictured)
White has been leading the TSE 17 Blue team this season from the setting position helping to create good success for this group. I have not seen this team play much this club cycle as their tournament schedule is unique compared to where most Ohio clubs compete. However, White is a great floor leader and distributor with simple but effective tools. The IU Indy commit guided her team to a 17 Open 5th place finish at the JVA World Challenge. Expect White and her team to put up a good showing at the upcoming events in Indy Cup and The Players Challenge.