2029/30 Standouts at the Exposure Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902268' first='Kennedy' last='Roecker']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already making a name for herself as a 6 rotation starting outside for the Bishop Kelley Comets this season, despite being a freshman, Roecker appears to be continuing her ascension as we go into this club season.&nbsp; Despite being on the younger end of the spectrum of players at the Showcase, Kennedy was a finalist for the Avoli Award, due to the energy and vocal leadership she brought to her court.&nbsp; She excelled in everything you want from an outside- serve receive, out of system attacking, and defense.&nbsp; She also showed a very effective back row attack- yet another reason to keep her on the court for all 6 rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='761783' first='Jaida' last='Richardson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaida is a player who is doing all the right things to ensure that she maximizes her recruiting opportunities.&nbsp; The Exposure Showcase is just the tip of the iceberg, as she never misses an opportunity to work on her skills and athleticism- as well as her robust social media presence.&nbsp; After playing as the libero for Oklahoma Peak's top 14s team last season- she will be taking her talents to Charge this season for their 15 UA team under head coach Santiago Restrepo.&nbsp; Another season of top level club tournament competition will undoubtedly further prepare her to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='899739' first='Brooklyn' last='Pumphrey']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player to watch from an incredibly deep group of 2029 defensive players is Oklahoma Christian School's [player_tooltip player_id='899739' first='Brooklyn' last='Pumphrey'].&nbsp; Brooklyn did not look out of place at all, despite often playing defense against hitters 2-3 years older.&nbsp; The thing that stood out most about her, is her ability to read opposing hitters- especially from the middle back position.&nbsp; It seemed as if every time the opposing team took a big swing, Pumphrey appeared right where the attack was headed.&nbsp; She made tough digs look easy.&nbsp; Her defensive ability will serve her well as she moves up to Oklahoma Peaks's 15 Elite team, after playing for 14-2 the previous season.&nbsp; The competition will be stiff for the libero jersey on this team- but Brooklyn looks ready to take on the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904381' first='Lillian' last='Reimer']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watching Reimer on Sunday, my first thought was- I bet the Owasso Rams wish they could have played the 8^th grader up on varsity this season (OSSAA rules prevent players younger than freshmen from playing on varsity).&nbsp; The Rams struggled at times this year to find a consistent offense threat at the pin hitter position opposite [player_tooltip player_id='297152' first='Madi' last='Hill'].&nbsp; Lillian looks more than ready to take over that role next season as she transitions to high school volleyball.&nbsp; Her game has a very blue collar like feel to it- she simply enters the court and performs- no extra flair, no self-promotion- just execution.&nbsp; On Sunday she showed she is ready to contribute as a hitter, passer, and server for her loaded club team:&nbsp; [program_tooltip program_id='776295' first='Tulsa' last='Power']'s 15-1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752787' first='Aven' last='Payne']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard to believe that Payne just completed her freshman season at Oklahoma Christian School.&nbsp; I found myself double-checking several times to make sure I had the correct graduating class listed for her- sure enough, she is indeed a 2029.&nbsp; Aven possesses elite size and athleticism- even compared to other middle blockers at the Showcase.&nbsp; As she gains more experience, she will develop the finesse and understanding that some of the upperclassmen middles displayed at the Showcase- but no one on Sunday, regardless of position, buried the ball when given the opportunity like Payne.&nbsp; Playing middle at an event like this can be tough- having to try to develop instant chemistry with a variety of setters, but when Aven and her setter were able to connect on tempo, giving her an open swing- it was over.&nbsp;&nbsp; The ball bounced into the rafters before anyone on the opposing team could even react.&nbsp; Aven will have plenty of opportunity for these crowd igniting swings playing for Oklahoma Peak's 16 Elite team this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->