Rankings Update: ’24s On The Pins

<p>We have officially released our first true class of 2024 rankings for the state of Indiana! As a reminder, this is not a be-all, end-all list. It's very subjective to whom I see play and recommendations from folks like you, our committed readers. In the coming days, I'll highlight five players in each position group (Pin, middle, setter and DS), and give a brief review of what I like.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110501" first="Lauren" last="Harden"], 6-2, OH, Team Indiana Elite 15</strong></p> <p>As a freshman, Lauren started as the primary attacker for a perennial top five high school program this past fall. In club, she really gets to show off her abilities, and they are numerous. She moves with a fluidity not seen in kids this age. Her ball control is improving, as is her volleyball smarts. Her jump is quick, and getting off the ground is not an issue for Lauren. Finally, bring a helmet. Miss Harden hits a heavy ball, and hits all of the shots to go with it.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110486" first="Morgan" last="Gaerte"], 6-4, OH/RS, [program_tooltip program_id='430155' first='Team' last='Pineapple'] 15 Black</strong></p> <p>There is no substitute for size. Additionally, there is no substitute for WELL-TRAINED size. Morgan is listed as an outside here, but can also play on the right. She hits high and hard, has all of the shots in the book, and is getting stronger. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110494" first="Lauren" last="Evans"], 6-0, OH, [program_tooltip program_id='431513' first='Munciana' last='Indy'] 16 Moana</strong></p> <p>Our first true six-rotation outside on this list comes from Carmel, while training with Tucker Bitting at [program_tooltip program_id='431513' first='Munciana' last='Indy'], a former assistant at Notre Dame. Lauren hits high and hard, has all of the shots needed for an outside that's set a ton, and can pass with some of the best outsides this class has to offer. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110499" first="Melaina" last="Hawblitzel"], 5-10, RS/OH, [program_tooltip program_id='430155' first='Team' last='Pineapple'] 15 Black</strong></p> <p>I'm listing both positions because of Melaina's versatility. In my brief time viewing her skills, she's about equal on both pins, and has the size to play both without difficulty. I have not seen her in a full-time serve receive capacity, so stay tuned for that development as the club season continues. As of this writing, consider her a three-rotation pin attacker, with a ceiling of becoming a six-rotation option.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="110502" first="Brooklyn" last="Edmonds"], 5-9, OH, Boiler Juniors 15 Elite Gold</strong></p> <p>I know, I know, she's listed as, and mostly plays, middle. But hear me out. Unless she plans on growing a few more inches, or her parents have installed a rack for her to be stretched out in their basement, I do not see her there at the next level. Don't get me wrong---she's fully capable of attacking and blocking from the middle, covers pin to pin with speed, and gets up in a hurry. However, in this humble author's opinion, her attacking and jumping abilities will suit her well on the left pin, as she's more athletic and faster than most of the blockers she goes against. Plus, Brooklyn is the only national champion on this list; her 14 Elite Gold team won it all at AAU's last year. Can't go wrong with a natural winner.</p>