My Fave Outsides From The Class Of ’24
We released our updated class of 2024 rankings on Monday. With that come the positional breakdown articles, and today’s edition is full of high-end talent. Here are five outside hitters I like from around Indiana for the class of ’24.…
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Continue ReadingWe released our updated class of 2024 rankings on Monday. With that come the positional breakdown articles, and today’s edition is full of high-end talent. Here are five outside hitters I like from around Indiana for the class of ’24.
Lauren Harden Lauren Harden 6'3" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State #36 Nation IN , 6-3, Rev, Hamilton Southeastern
With the ability to take over a match at a moment’s notice, Lauren has been playing at a high level since I first saw her play almost two years ago. She attacks north of ten feet, her smooth footwork belies her calm demeanor, and her physicality does the job for any school looking for that hammer on the left pin. She’s now taking a bigger stock in her defense and ball control, making her an even more well-rounded player than she already is.
Morgan Gaerte Morgan Gaerte 6'4" | OH Angola | 2024 State #26 Nation IN , 6-4, Team Pineapple , Angola
If a plug-and-play six-rotation outside is what you’re looking for, look no further than Morgan. Yes, the size is a huge draw. But she’s no newborn giraffe—this girl can move. Miss Gaerte attacks at an even higher point than Lauren, and can hit from anywhere at any angle. Again, this is another of the generation of smooth and big kids that can make this game look so easy. Add Morgan to that list immediately.
Ava Utterback Ava Utterback 5'10" | OH Plainfield | 2024 State #24 Nation IN , 5-10, Circle City, Plainfield
Also attacking over ten feet is a spitfire of an attacker. Ava, like the ladies listed above, can take over a match at any time, and I’ve watched her do just that over the last two years. Her whip of an arm makes her a terminal hitter from anywhere, front or back row. She can pass and defend at a plus level. Her serve can even score points. I’d like to see a little more back row attacking from Miss Utterback, but for now, I’ll take the four-point-per-set scoring machine any day.
Lauren Evans Lauren Evans 6'0" | OH Carmel | 2024 State #136 Nation IN , 6-0, Munciana, Carmel
From relative obscurity on the club scene at Munciana’s regional club ( Munciana Indy ) last year to the top 16s team at the parent club this year, Lauren has proven that she can compete at all levels and carry a team regularly. Miss Evans is the six-rotation, primary-passing outside colleges covet, and is super smooth and balanced. She hits a heavy ball in system, and can hit any shot from anywhere on the court at any time to score points. Lauren’s been doing this since her freshman year at Carmel. She’s already racked up nearly 500 kills and 400 digs, and is only halfway done with her high school career.
Marin Sanchez Marin Sanchez 5'10" | OH Andrean | 2024 State IN , 5-10, Epic United, Andrean
With a state title under her belt, Marin is another six-rotation passer that can hit from anywhere. Another member of the 500k/400d club, Miss Sanchez is even more efficient than Miss Evans listed above, with a career attack percentage of well north of .300 in her short time as a 59er. Quick, accurate, and intelligent, her play is more mature than her age implies. And she’s only getting stronger.