Nike Classic Day One Morning Session Notables

A number of teams shook off the morning jitters and earned big wins on the first day of the Nike Classic at the Columbus Convention Center. A total of 586 teams are participating in the event.    Barntsen (pictured) came over from another club but is making just as huge of an impact on the 17 Select team as she did in the fall with Sayre. Barntsen simply makes magic happen when balls touch her hands in every way possible. Barntsen dominates the net with her size and displays outstanding leadership. Barntsen is really effective running quicks and ones on jump sets. She can hit balls toward the net or guide them away from the net. Barntsen takes huge swings in the middle and the outside. Barntsen wins jousts at the net and has a tough line drive jump serve. She also does a great job encouraging teammates on the court. She helped make sure 17 Select left the first day with a win. Barntsen said the transition to the new club team has gone pretty smooth. Barntsen said the coaches are really talented and the players have been really welcoming.     Sieg is quicker on her legs and that's helped improve her already stout range. Sieg is not afraid to dive after balls even if she does not get to them. Sieg often makes digs under control. She also makes nice out of system passes. Sieg served a number of darts Saturday. Sieg stays on an even keel despite the score and is an outstanding communicator. Sieg is also playing basketball so she is using other muscles to help develop her game. Sieg said every play is for her team. Sieg added she wants to get the team into a good flow on every single ball.     Clark does a great job finding holes in blocks. The lefty takes strong swings in the middle and the pins. Clark is especially tough sending balls downline. Clark is coachable and is a strong blocker.     Hiser delivers powerful swings after powerful swings at all three spots in the front row. She takes nice steps then puts nice pop into balls. Hiser said the key to deliver power into balls is staying behind then putting hands on top of balls. Hiser said she also uses her core to put strength into balls.     Basham has a great vertical jump with her size forcing opponents to make mistakes if she does not block or at least get hands on balls. Basham partners with teammates well for double blocks. Basham displays great enthusiasm on the court. She can power balls off blocks after faking a move another direction. Basham runs nice fakes to draw blockers away from teammates. She can also execute soft twos.     Brannon makes a lot of things happen at the net with her aggressive play. Brannon is a fundamentally sound blocker. Brannon pounds down ones to different parts of the court. She calls for balls and runs good fakes to steer blockers away from teammates. Brannon said one key to success is to not be hesitant when trailing.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.

A number of teams shook off the morning jitters and earned big wins on the first day of the Nike Classic at the Columbus Convention Center. A total of 586 teams are participating in the event.