Updated ’23 Rankings: New Kids That Caught Our Attention
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Being the only writer/scout in the state of Indiana, it is nearly impossible for me to see everyone from every corner of the Hoosier volleyball universe. With every new ranking, we have updated positions, heights, clubs, high schools and ranks…
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Continue ReadingBeing the only writer/scout in the state of Indiana, it is nearly impossible for me to see everyone from every corner of the Hoosier volleyball universe. With every new ranking, we have updated positions, heights, clubs, high schools and ranks themselves. We even have a ton of athletes that aren’t new to the game, but new to us. Here are five kids that showed out since the last update to catch our attention at PrepDig.
Mandy Hess Mandy Hess 5'7" | DS/L Floyd Central | 2023 State IN , 5-7 DS/L, Floyd Central, KIVA
A first-team All-State honoree, Mandy is a left-back genius that makes the difficult look easy and has body control as good as her ball control. She quietly leads the floor defense, stays on her feet more than most, and doesn’t have to be flashy because she anticipates so well. Her upper-level skill is paired perfectly with her upper-level training, since she goes across the Ohio River to play. Mandy will find a home somewhere for the fall, it’s just a matter of time.
Mandee Weisenburger Mandee Weisenburger 5'11" | OH Pioneer | 2023 State IN , 5-11 OH, Pioneer, Boiler Juniors
Mandee has spent the past few years tearing up all competition and terrorizing small schools in the postseason. With her commitment to play club at Boiler Juniors, she’s showing that she can (and will) play at an elite level. Fast and springy, Mandee breaks the mold of the standard Pioneer volleyball player by being sport-specific; her all-around game, ability to attack from anywhere, and high-level training proves as such. In her only season playing all six rotations, all she did was average three kills per set, over two digs per set, and taking the lions’ share of passing responsibilities in serve receive. In her four years, Pioneer earned over 100 wins, and she earned second-team All-State honors this fall.
Audrey Nohos Audrey Nohos 6'1" | MB Andrean | 2023 State IN , 6-1 MB, Andrean, Epic United
The first of two EU players on this list, Audrey is an M2 with size and length. She has a career hitting percentage over .300, and owns a state title trophy (’21). Playing high-level volleyball is something she’s been doing since 5th grade, and her first-team All-State honors prove it. Audrey’s heavy swing is tough to defend, and with her attack touch high, she makes some blocks irrelevant.
Maddie Cline Maddie Cline 6'0" | RS Columbus East | 2023 State IN , 6-0 RS/OH, Columbus East, club TBA
A big and strong pin attacker, Maddie finally got to show her all-around skills in her senior season this past fall. She hits high and hard, can hit from both pins, and can hit any angle from both of those pins. I like the space she takes up on the block, as most class of ’23 pin players still available are a bit narrow. Of the kids on this list, Maddie has played the toughest schedule against the best competition year-in and year-out, so she’s ready for the speed of big-girl ball next fall.
Katia Nikolic Katia Nikolic 6'0" | OH Lake Central | 2023 State IN , 6-0 RS/OH, Lake Central, Epic United
Speaking of hitting a heavy ball, Katia is another big and strong pin attacker that might be best suited for a three-rotation gig on either pin at the next level. Her first full-time playing opportunity in high school was this season, as she racked up over 300 kills this past fall. I like her strength, her length, and her willingness to go for it no matter where the ball is set. She can even adjust to faster offenses, as evidenced by her club play from last spring.