2029 Watch List Spotlight: Setters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early signs on the Class of 2029 are that it could go down as one of the all-time greatest in Michigan history when all is said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of that, there's some talented players still looking to get more of the spotlight. There are a lot of setters, especially combo setters/hitters that are turning heads in the last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the Watch List setters in the Class of 2029 that have earned some added attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741882' first='Georgia' last='Addleman'] S/RS Parma Western/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-footer that can look elite at both setter and on the outside, Addleman provides a lot of options for her teams. She's proven to be a strong setter at the high school level, but her hitting is what has shined as of late. She's got big power on a really smooth swing, while also being a high-level blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='787909' first='Olivia' last='Babcock'] S/RS Jonesville/Team Pineapple</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Babcock looks very comfortable being a leader in any role she's needed. She communicates well and runs a fast offense, but also can be a dominant defender and hitter when on the outside or right side. The game seems to come very naturally for her, which should lead to some impressive highlights in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782946' first='Catie' last='Jilek'] S/RS Portage Central/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another long player, Jilek uses her 5'10” frame to confuse and disrupt opponents consistently. She sees the court really well and often makes the smart play, even if that means her turning on the ball. She's got the swing mechanics to put the ball away at a high rate, which helps her know where to get the ball to her hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782372' first='Lindsey' last='Nagel'] S/RS Saline/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another promising combo player, Nagel also stands 5'10” and shows a lot of agility along the net, which helps her make some very hittable sets. Her touch and accuracy show a lot of consistency, and Nagel always looks composed and in control during her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755280' first='Isabella' last='O'Malley'] S/RS Imlay City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Malley has had the chance to study under some great setters at Imlay City and she's been able to take that experience and turn it into a really sound setting skillset. The ball jumps off her hands nicely and she's able to make all the difficult sets in a seamless manner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888971' first='Hayden' last='Rogers'] S Dexter/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers brings a lot of competitive fire to the court and it shows in her play and leadership for her teams. She's consistently able to come through with a momentum-swinging play on her sets, her defense, or her serving. Her confidence has always been high, but keeps getting higher with more time on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='846488' first='Korwyn' last='Stowell'] S/DS South Lyon East/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stowell is a player that is going to find ways to make an impact. Her setting is in a good place right now, with a lot of high-quality attacks coming off her ball. However, it's her effort on defense that helps her stand out. Stowell is a determined player and she's going to leave it all on the court each set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888944' first='Stella' last='Whirley'] S/RS Salem/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whirley gets a good sense of timing for her hitters in a quick fashion and she also feels out the defense quickly to know where to get the ball. At 5'10”, Whirley has some intangibles you can't teach and is able to make some quick connections for highlight-reel kills. Whirley can also unload on the ball and shows a lot of promise as a hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->