The Next Five: ’22s On The Pins

Kyp Harasymowycz March 3, 2021 @ 08:42 AM

By now, we’re rather familiar who the top couple of prospects are in each position group for each class. Let’s dig a little deeper. Starting today, my goal is to touch on the "next five" in each position group for each class, starting with this year’s juniors. Today, we take a look at outsides in that class. [player_tooltip player_id="85834" first="Ella" last="Brooks"], 5-9, OH, Team Indiana Elite 17 Playing bigger than her frame is a hard-hitting, six-rotation outside that shouldn’t ever come out for TI’s 17-1s. Ella’s long arms, good volleyball instincts and heavy arm bring a much-needed spark to the squad when things go south. I especially love her blocking ability; this class has a ton of pins that can bang and pass, but not too many block with Ella’s ability. [player_tooltip player_id="108601" first="Josie" last="Hanas"], 5-8, OH, Boiler Juniors 17 Elite Gold Although Josie is most likely to play as a three-rotation DS or a libero for larger schools, I’m becoming more and more fond of her six-rotation outside hitting abilities. She plays bigger than her frame, is always accurate with her first contact, and knows her size limitations---she tools blocks with the best of them. [player_tooltip player_id="85847" first="Maddie" last="Siegel"], 5-11, OH, Rev 17-1 Jump touch ten feet? Check. Hit high and hard? Check. State championship match experience? Check. Maddie checks all of the boxes when it comes to an OH1 that can hammer on anyone and everyone from every set location on the floor. The physicality Miss Siegel brings is unmatched on this list, and it isn’t close. [player_tooltip player_id="85835" first="Emily" last="Badgley"], 5-5, OH, Grand Park 17 Elite Tornados It seems fitting that a whirlwind of energy such as Emily is on a team called Tornados. She’s fast, jumps well, and plays fearlessly. She’s also a primary passing option, for those that might shy away from her size. Smaller schools will love her work ethic, her constant energy regardless of the score and her relentlessness. Larger schools will see her for her solid defense, serve receive and overall anticipation. [player_tooltip player_id="102466" first="Lizzie" last="Bailey"], 6-0, OH, Evansville United 17 Navy Lizzie is a big, physical pin attacker that can do well from both sides of the court. I prefer her on the left, simply because of how natural it looks for her and her consistency on both offense and defense from the left. At current, Miss Bailey is a three-rotation option in the front row, with developing back row skills that should improve with training and time.