Central Zone Invite Preview: 16 Premier Red
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For the teams that are almost at an open level, the next best division you could play in at the CZI is 16 Premier Red. There are numerous 1s teams dotting this division, and a ton of talent will be…
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Continue ReadingFor the teams that are almost at an open level, the next best division you could play in at the CZI is 16 Premier Red. There are numerous 1s teams dotting this division, and a ton of talent will be showcased on the first weekend of February. Here are ten athletes from five rosters from around Indiana that should make an impact for both their squad and their recruiting journeys.
Academy 16E Phoenix
The equivalent of the 16-2 at any other club, this particular roster has 1s potential. The potential starts with setter Aiva Kresge Aiva Kresge 5'9" | S Greenwood Christian | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-9 S, Greenwood Christian), who has super soft hands and locates the ball well. Her length allows her to get to most passes, both in-and out-of-system. Hayden Ramsey Hayden Ramsey 6'0" | MB New Palestine | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-0 MB, New Palestine) is probably the biggest and strongest attacker on this squad, and looks to be an M2 at the next level. Her transition is quick and her armswing is heavy.
Boiler Juniors 162E Black
Another 2s team that can act as a possible 1A roster, this particular group pulls from more local teams to fill their roster. Audrey Alexander Audrey Alexander 5'11" | RS West Lafayette | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-11 RS, West Lafayette) doesn’t have to go far to put balls away and be a thorn in the side of opposing attackers. Her length makes her look taller than she is, and she uses it to her advantage. Caya Stillings Caya Stillings 5'4" | DS/L Faith Christian | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-4 DS/L, Faith Christian) has a cool and calm demeanor about her in serve receive, and has that “it” factor when it comes to possibly wearing the special jersey at the next level.
Circle City 16 Black
I realize that this is a broken record by now, but it goes without saying that this is another 2s roster that has high-end talent on it that would probably play on a 1s team in any other club. Ella Vandermark Ella Vandermark 6'0" | MB Danville | 2026 State IN (’26, 6-1 MB, Danville) is a big and physical middle that hits angles better than most at this age and in this position. She’s also a bear to deal with on defense—her pin-to-pin coverage is some of the best in this class. Kate Vrabel Kate Vrabel 5'9" | DS/L Brownsburg | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-8 OH, Brownsburg) is a six-rotation, primary-passing outside that has already earned all-conference nods during the high school season. Playing at a more mature level than other outsides in the class of ’26, Kate is perfecting the art of the pass-to-attack skill that is so important to master at her size.
Empowered 16 Elite Black
The 1s team for the 16s at Empowered is a who’s who of size and skill. Probably the biggest of the rosters listed here, two that catch my attention are Annika Koepke Annika Koepke 5'11" | MB New Haven | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-11 Pin, New Haven) and McKayla Reuter McKayla Reuter 5'11" | S Churubusco | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-11 RS/S, Churubusco). Both have size and skill for days, and both have length to defend at the net and make things easier for the floor defenders behind them. Both also have a unique skill that sets them apart. Annika can put balls away from either pin, and will probably do so at CZI. McKayla can step in and set if needed, making her that much more recruitable.
Rev 16-2 Lions
Lesser known kids dot this roster, including one from a typically basketball-favored school. Adriana Williams Adriana Williams 5'10" | OH Indian Creek | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-10 OH, Indian Creek) comes from south of Indianapolis and has left side skills that are above-average. I like her high attack point and her athleticism. Both will serve her well going forward. Miranda Bledsoe Miranda Bledsoe 5'5" | DS/L Noblesville | 2026 State IN (’26, 5-6 DS/L, Noblesville) comes from a more traditional volleyball program in school, and can be either a three-rotation DS or wear the special jersey at the next level. Her platform is calm while her feet get her to her spot, and contacts from her are always settable.