Setters Who Shined at SoCal Up Next Showcase Vol 5

Prep Dig Up Next Showcases have been sweeping the nation. These events are aimed at helping middle school players understand what it takes to attend a showcase for the first time and also learn new skills in their respective positions.  We held our SoCal Up Next Showcase at the Momentous Sports Center on August 29th and it did not disappoint. These events always bring together athletes from across the state looking to compete in front of college coaches while being evaluated by Prep Dig scouts and court coaches. There were tons of awesome players that we evaluated from their awesome production. Showcases like this continue to provide a valuable platform for athletes to be seen, tested, and recognized for their individual performance and intangibles. Let's take a closer look at three setters who shined bright at the SoCal Up Next showcase.    The block never had a good read on [player_tooltip player_id='778750' first='Emmie' last='Cole'] throughout the Prep Dig Up Next SoCal Showcase and that is one of the more honest compliments you can pay a setter at any level. The release point she generates from her height creates a problem that technique alone cannot fully solve for a defense and she used it throughout the entire session with an intentionality that went well beyond just being tall. Her location calls showed real variety and the bulleyes she hit were consistent enough that her hitters approached with confidence every time. She was vocal and engaged throughout the entire event and led with a presence on the floor that was felt well beyond the players directly in her system.     The class of 2032 label next to her name was irrelevant by the time the first scrimmage segment of the Prep Dig Up Next SoCal Showcase was finished. The setting was very intelligent, the footwork was efficient, and the communication she provided her hitters throughout the event reflected a player who already understands that running an offense requires building trust as much as delivering the ball accurately. She stopped her feet before release consistently and the sets came out smoothly and that gave her attackers real looks rather than balls they had to adjust to. As I was watching the setter group throughout the day my evaluation of her was exactly what she proved to be…a legitimate prospect regardless of graduation year. She will be fun to watch over the next few years.     The efficiency Olivia showed getting to the ball at the Prep Dig Up Next SoCal Showcase was the first thing I noticed and it remained a talking point throughout the day. Her footwork was purposeful and she arrived at difficult passes in a position to make a real decision quickly. Once she got there the hands were soft and the release was clean and the consistency she maintained across the full day of competition never wavered. She led with a quiet presence that showed up most clearly in how the offense around her functioned. The players she shared the floor with from different clubs and cities across the region settled into a rhythm with her quickly because the setting was dependable and the communication was constant. There is no doubt in my mind that she could be on a lot of coach's radars in the next few years.    As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes. If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>. You can also DM me in Instagram and X by searching @CoachMikeDZ. Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends. Help us help them by simply retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook. Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Family! Don't be afraid to interact with us. We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments. Keep them coming!

Prep Dig Up Next Showcases have been sweeping the nation. These events are aimed at helping middle school players understand what it takes to attend a showcase for the first time and also learn new skills in their respective positions. We held our SoCal Up Next Showcase at the Momentous Sports Center on August 29^th and it did not disappoint. These events always bring together athletes from across the state looking to compete in front of college coaches while being evaluated by Prep Dig scouts and court coaches. There were tons of awesome players that we evaluated from their awesome production. Showcases like this continue to provide a valuable platform for athletes to be seen, tested, and recognized for their individual performance and intangibles. Let's take a closer look at three setters who shined bright at the SoCal Up Next showcase.