Twenty-One ‘23s To Watch In 2022 – Part 1

<p>The ‘22s are getting ready to check out of high school, while the ‘23s are prepping for their final high school hurrah.  College prep courses are on the brain and if they haven’t decided on a college, they are likely narrowing down their list of target schools.  The ‘23s have a good idea of what level they might fit in and their potential area of study.  I’m suddenly struggling with how quickly this year has gone, and before we know it, the ‘23s will have their signing days and be planning their grad parties.   </p> <p>I always like to reiterate that it may feel as though you need to have your entire adult life planned out before you leave high school; please know that you don’t.  This idea and unrealistic expectation causes more seniors’ anxiety, and in reality, the plans will change.  They will change over and over again.  If the age of covid has taught us anything, it is to be ready to go with the flow, be adaptable, and look for the little things that make you smile each day.</p> <p>Now let’s take a look at twenty-one players from the Class of 2023 who would be great at the next level.  </p> <p><strong>Devon Van Dyke – 2023 – Right Side Hitter – Cedar Falls (IA) – CIA 17 Silver</strong><em><strong> </strong></em></p> <p>Not only is Van Dyke a lefty, but she is also a quick thinker.  She has the ability to swing from either pin and to use a number of tools at a moment’s notice or even mid-swing.  Van Dyke puts up a strong block and can always be depended on to be an active off-blocker.   </p> [caption id="attachment_117148" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-117148" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/Evinae-Jordee.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="91952" first="Evinae" last="Jordee"], 2023, S.[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91952" first="Evinae" last="Jordee"] – 2023 – 5’9 – Setter – Middleton (WI) – Capital 17 Adidas</strong><em><strong> </strong></em></p> <p>Jordee is one of the setters for Capital 17 Adidas, and she plays some seriously scrappy defense.  She stood out at the Mizuno Showcase in early March and just gets better every time I see her play.  Jordee took on the task as Middleton’s main distributor in 2021 and led them to a 37-5 season. Middleton could be a huge force in the Big Eight Conference again this season if Jordee has anything to say about it. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="119403" first="Jenna" last="Pistono"] – 2023 – 5’7 - Setter – Sauk Prairie (WI) – Madtown 171 National </strong></p> <p>Pistono has been gaining experience and confidence each time she steps on the floor.  She can move the ball around the court really well, and there is just something about trying to defend a smart setter.  Pistono is an effective setter who can find ways for her team to score, as well as go on her own runs from the service line.  Her defense has improved exponentially right along with her decision-making speed.<strong><span style="font-style: inherit;"> </span></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="187610" first="Tatum" last="Kjellberg"] – 2023 – 5’10 – Outside Hitter – Buffalo (MN) – Kokoro 17-1s</strong> </p> <p>Kjellberg has a real physical presence at the net, and then when you pair it with a high contact point and smart shot selection, you get a lot of points.  She has a terminal swing, solid block, and a really high ceiling.</p> <p>Looking for more information on: Brooke Ellingson – Setter – Madison Elite 17 Teal </p> <p>I am looking for grad year, height, and high school for Brooke Ellingson.  If you have this information or know of a 2023 that should be included, please shoot me an email at: spikeitdown@hotmail.com </p>