Taking Another Swing: More Pin Standouts from Stock Up

We are back with our final review of athletes from the Stock Up Showcase. We have the last of the pin players I was able to capture notes on! Also ICYMI, I shared yesterday; this will be my last focus on Kansas athletes for the near future.    Athleticism was the first thing that stood out about Triplett. While she wasn't the biggest player on the front line, she more than made up for it with her explosiveness and vertical leap. She took quality swings from the right side, attacking with confidence, and consistently got her hands on balls at the net. Her ability to elevate allowed her to compete effectively against bigger hitters and showed she has the tools to be a productive presence on both offense and defense.     The first adjective that came to mind while watching Hiner was "explosive." At 5-foot-8, that's a trait shared by many undersized pin hitters who have found success at the next level. She elevates quickly, attacks with power, and has the ability to swing through or over a block despite giving up height. That explosiveness was on full display throughout the day and is a big reason why the standout from Andale is such an effective attacker.     Rousseau has the versatility to attack from either pin, but it was her work on the right side that really caught my attention. She consistently took quality swings, showing the ability to generate offense from multiple set locations. Just as impressive was her footwork, as she transitioned efficiently off the net and put herself in position for balanced, explosive approaches. That combination of versatility and sound mechanics should make her a valuable option across the front row.     What stood out most about Baker, the 2029 prospect from Derby and Rise VBC, was her ability to generate power despite standing just 5-foot-7. She consistently showed she can swing through the block, an important trait for an undersized pin facing taller defenders. That ability to score with power forces opposing blockers and defenders to respect her attack, making it even more effective when she mixes in off-speed shots or tips. Keeping defenses guessing is a valuable skill, and Baker already shows a strong understanding of how to do it.     One of the biggest things I look for in pin hitters is how they handle out-of-system balls. Do they stay aggressive and take quality swings, or do they simply send a free ball over? Fagan answered that question throughout the day. She had no problem remaining aggressive, even when the set wasn't perfect, which was great to see. She also gets quality back-row reps, giving her another offensive dimension. Having the confidence and ability to attack balls that aren't ideal is a valuable trait, and Fagan consistently showed that mindset.     I mentioned this with another player, but it applies here as well: Griggs has an excellent contact point on her attacks. Her vertical ability allows her to elevate and get on top of the ball, creating better angles and giving her the ability to hit over or around the block. That athleticism is a real asset. She also had several strong moments in the back row, showing she can contribute defensively and isn't limited to making an impact only at the net.     "Big arm" was the first note I jotted down while watching the incoming freshman from Andover. She generated impressive power on a number of her swings, with the ball consistently jumping off her hand. The physical tools are already evident, and with several years of development ahead of her, there's plenty of upside. If she adds a few more inches through another growth spurt, she has the potential to become an even more imposing attacker.     Another incoming freshman and a representative of Shockwave, Baty looked like a player who could be a force for years to come. She was an effective scorer throughout the Showcase, using sound footwork to consistently put herself in good attacking positions. Her ability to get to the ball efficiently and finish plays stood out, making for an impressive overall performance and one that suggests a bright future at the high school level.

We are back with our final review of athletes from the Stock Up Showcase. We have the last of the pin players I was able to capture notes on! Also ICYMI, I shared yesterday; this will be my last focus on Kansas athletes for the near future.