Next Five: First Contact Wizards Of ’22
Wrapping up our “Next Five” series for the class of 2022 are five kids you want to have as, at the very least, a DS option. As far as I’m concerned, there are never enough solid passers and defenders at…
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Continue ReadingWrapping up our “Next Five” series for the class of 2022 are five kids you want to have as, at the very least, a DS option. As far as I’m concerned, there are never enough solid passers and defenders at the next level for any number of local and regional colleges.
Emma Mills Emma Mills 5'5" | DS/L Bellmont | 2022 State IN , 5-5, Team Pineapple 17 Black
Paige Busick Paige Busick 5'4" | DS/L Bellmont | 2022 State IN , 5-4, Team Pineapple 17 Black
I list both of these athletes together because, well, they go together so well. Both are DS options at 3A Bellmont, a perennial top five high school program east of Fort Wayne, both can wear the special jersey for TP’s 17-1s, and both are exceptional on their feet in multiple positions. Paige is probably the tougher server of the two, as she led the Braves in aces last fall.
Kamzi Gross Kamzi Gross 5'6" | DS/L Trinity Lutheran | 2022 State IN , 5-6, Cougar 18-1
As the libero for perennial top five 1A school Trinity Lutheran, Kamzi is fully capable of playing as such at the next level, and already does so for her club team. She leads by example, and is a reliable option in both serve receive and defense. I’m more partial to her abilities in middle back, but she’s definitely capable of being any of the three back row positions at the next level.
Jocelyn Strange Jocelyn Strange 5'1" | DS/L Loogootee | 2022 State IN , 5-1, Metro 17 Macaulay
As the ‘bro for Loogootee (pronounced: luh-GO-tee), Jocelyn has already worn the different jersey at a state championship, where she set a career high in digs on the biggest stage. Now, for Metro, she’s at it again, using her athleticism and speed to pick up all kinds of shots and coverage responsibilities. Watching them play recently, you can tell that the other five on the court with her depend on her abilities to do the dirty work—whether it’s serve receive, block coverage or taking the second ball when the setter takes the first. She’s always there; a skill that will carry over well in the fall of ’22.
Emma O’Connor Emma O’Connor 5'6" | DS/L Mooresville | 2022 State IN , 5-6, Circle City 17 White
Emma is a Circle kid through and through, and although she comes from a high school not known for their solid volleyball program, she continues to impress and do the unsung dirty work as either a three-rotation DS or a libero. She does the job, wherever you put her, and does it well enough that you don’t have to worry. I like her laid-back attitude and her willingness to do what others won’t defensively.