Running the Show: Setters Who Stood Out at Stock Up

Setters have a lot on their plate. They have to make decisions, locate the ball, communicate, and ultimately run the show offensively. Then there are those setters who step up with digs in the back row or blocks at the net. And let's not forget the sneaky ones, who like to catch the defense by surprise going over on two. All of this was on display, and here are some setters who caught my eye.    Avery will be a senior this year and showed she has the skills to compete beyond the high school level. I thought she delivered quality sets throughout the morning and did a good job of giving her hitters opportunities to be successful. She communicated well with hitters she wasn't accustomed to playing with and seemed to quickly find a rhythm with them throughout drills and competition play. That's something I appreciate in a setter, especially in a showcase setting where you're asked to build connections on the fly. Avery looked comfortable running the offense and showed the ability to adjust to the different hitters around her.     I don't work with the rankings in Kansas anymore, but if I did, Ingersoll's stock certainly rose after her performance at the showcase. She was poised throughout the morning and did a good job of delivering the ball to location. Some of the best sets I saw from her were the blind backsets to her opposite. Ingersoll consistently put the ball in a spot where her hitters could stay aggressive and find kill after kill. The timing and accuracy on those sets stood out, especially considering she was working with hitters she doesn't regularly play with. She looked comfortable running the offense and showed the ability to put her attackers in positions to be successful.     Hargrove had a strong day, in my opinion, both as a setter and an attacker on the right side, but we'll focus on her setting duties for now. She was another young player who never looked rushed or uncomfortable running the offense. Hargrove showed good hands and consistently delivered hittable balls to different areas of the court. I also like the size she brings to the position, which gives her the ability to be aggressive on two and adds another dimension offensively. That size can also make her an asset at the net in the blocking game. Her combination of setting ability, size, and versatility gives her plenty of tools to continue developing at the position.     Sparks brings good intensity to the floor and looks like a player who could definitely flourish in a 6-2 system. When running the offense, I was impressed with her decision-making and set selection. She did a good job of recognizing the matchups in front of her and finding the right hitter time after time. That ability to make good choices and put hitters in favorable situations is something you want to see from a setter.   Sparks also showed value defensively. When balls came her way, she did a good job of controlling the first contact and getting the ball up for a teammate to take the second ball. Her combination of intensity, decision-making, and willingness to contribute defensively made for a strong showing throughout the morning.     I thought Lickteig was one of the more consistent setters throughout the day. Her location was solid, and it wasn't often that I saw a ball too tight to the net or pushed too wide for her attackers to get a good swing on. She consistently gave her hitters a hittable ball and allowed them to stay aggressive offensively. Her tempo with the middles also stood out, as she delivered the ball with good speed and gave them opportunities to get up quickly and attack before the defense could fully react. Overall, Lickteig showed good command and consistency running the offense.     The Manhattan Mayhem setter and right-side hitter came ready to play. Overall, I thought the 2029 class had a phenomenal showing at the showcase, and Hiltgen was one of the players who helped elevate that group. You noticed immediately her feel for the game and her ability to take command on the court, even while playing alongside teammates she was working with for the first time. She looked comfortable directing the offense, communicating with those around her, and settling into the flow of play. Hiltgen already has a strong skill set for a young player, and as she continues to develop, she will definitely be one to watch over the next few years.     Liby is another setter who showed she can bring plenty of defensive value to the floor as well. At her size, she looks like a natural fit in a 6-2 system and delivered quality sets throughout the showcase. What stood out to me, though, was her versatility. With her defensive skill set, I could also see Liby anchoring a back row in a libero role. She moves well, handles the ball with confidence, and could easily step in to take the second ball while still giving her hitters quality opportunities to attack. Having a player who can contribute as both a setter and a high-level defender gives a team plenty of options, and Liby showed that type of value throughout the day.     Morse and Liby have similar skill sets, and I could echo many of the same things I said above. Morse showed good quickness and floor awareness, two qualities that stood out as I watched her in action. She moved well, stayed engaged in the play, and showed the ability to contribute beyond simply delivering the second ball. What impressed me most, though, was her connection with the middles. Some of her best sets of the day came in the middle, where she found a good rhythm and consistently gave her attackers quality balls to work with. That connection and timing stood out as one of the stronger parts of her performance.     When I highlighted two setters in my “Eight Is Enough” article, Muich would have been my third if I had added another to the list. As a rising freshman, she was one of the top players in the gym in my eyes, regardless of class. She looked controlled and effective throughout the morning, showing a poise at the setter position that stood out for a player her age. Muich never seemed overwhelmed by the moment and did a good job of consistently putting her hitters in position to be successful. She may still have some physical growth ahead of her, and if that comes, it could add another dimension to an already impressive skill set at the setter position. There is plenty to like about her game now, with even more potential for the years ahead.     Rounding out the setters I have notes on is Nowlin, another member of the 2030 class who stood out during the showcase. Like several of the young setters in the gym, she showed she can contribute in more ways than simply running the offense. Nowlin impressed with her ability to defend and step into serve receive when necessary, showing good all-around ball control for a young setter. Offensively, I thought some of her best work came on sets to the outside, where she consistently gave her hitters quality balls they could attack. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game gives her a nice foundation to build on as she continues to develop.

Setters have a lot on their plate. They have to make decisions, locate the ball, communicate, and ultimately run the show offensively. Then there are those setters who step up with digs in the back row or blocks at the net. And let's not forget the sneaky ones, who like to catch the defense by surprise going over on two. All of this was on display, and here are some setters who caught my eye.