Indy Cup Preview: 16 Elite

<p>In our final edition of the Indy Cup preview, we will talk about seven players from seven different squads that are a mixture of 1s and 2s teams from throughout the Hoosier State. There's also a surprise class of '27 kid at the end that is a can't-miss athLETE. Here we go!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Academy 16E Phoenix</h2>   <p>The 2s team in the 16s division at Academy has a ton of volleyball talent up and down their roster. With time comes consistency, and none has been a more consistent factor on this roster than <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301138' first='Hayden' last='Ramsey'] ('26, 6-0 MB, New Palestine).</strong> Long, lean and explosive, Hayden's natural ability to transition and get up quick has been her main catalyst behind her stock rising this spring. Able to hit in front of and behind the setter with equal ease, Hayden can play either middle position at the next level, and still has two full seasons of training to get that much better.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boiler Juniors 162E Black</h2>   <p>From the two-time defending state champ comes yet another primary-passing outside named <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210188' first='Raegan' last='Miles'] ('26, 5-10 OH, Hamilton Southeastern)</strong>. With a whip of an arm and a look of being constantly ready to receive the ball in any situation, Miss Miles has that "gym rat" look about her, and will be tough to defend against with her relentless attitude.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Circle City 16 Black</h2>   <p>From WAY down south comes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210333' first='Kenlee' last='Barnard'] ('26, 6-1 S/RS, Evansville North).</strong> With high, deceptive hands and solid footwork, Kenlee gets to every ball and makes every pass better for her hitters to attack. I like her pin-to-pin placement, which is highly accurate. She can also attack if needed, but her setting is what will earn that next-level commitment. Watching her play from beyond a baseline, you can see that she takes most balls above the height of the net---a trait not normally seen from setters in this (or any) class.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dunes 16 Black</h2>   <p>From way down south to way up north, we look to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='505729' first='Maggie' last='Duszynski'] ('26, 5-11 MB, New Prairie)</strong> to anchor the middle for this squad. Broad-shouldered and long-armed, Maggie defends well from pin to pin and can attack as the M1 or the M2 in any situation. I've even seen her adjust her approach depending on where the ball is passed. That's not exactly an easy thing to learn, let alone DO, at this age group.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ignite 16 Elite</h2>   <p>Let's stay up north and talk about the skills of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514784' first='Abigail' last='Parrish'] ('26, 6-0 S, Chesterton).</strong> She's yet another tall and strong setter from northern Indiana that takes every ball high and places it where the hitters can take their best swing. She also defends her position at an above-average level---I don't get to say that too often with either this age group or someone Miss Parrish's size. She's the full package <em>now</em>, and she's only going to get better.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monon Select 16E Pegasus</h2>   <p>From the regional brach of The Academy, we have a collection of athletes on this 1s team that can play multiple positions regularly. One of those to keep an eye on is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385195' first='Lydia' last='Sulfridge'] ('26, 5-7 OH, Noblesville).</strong> I know she's listed as an outside on every roster page, but I've also seen her put balls away when forced to play middle. Yes, you read that correctly. Just by watching her play, she just, well, WANTS TO PLAY. This leads me to believe that she's highly coachable, a great teammate and just finds ways to score points for her squad.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summit 16 Royal Elite</h2>   <p>From the Fort Wayne area, I found a diamond in the rough in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540900' first='KaVeaya' last='Turner'] ('27, 6-0 MB, Concordia Lutheran).</strong> It took me a second to realize what I was watching, but know this to be true---she can get head and shoulders above the height of the net. Full stop. This athletic marvel is also a track stud as well, so there will be no shortage of athleticism or work ethic. She plays on a highly successful high school team, and is seeing regular reps in high end club action. Her jumping ability allows her to see the court well, placing the ball on a controlled shot when needed and hammering away when the block isn't disciplined. Long, lean and physical, I look forward to seeing her this weekend and what her capabilities are after a few months of not seeing her play in person.</p>

In our final edition of the Indy Cup preview, we will talk about seven players from seven different squads that are a mixture of 1s and 2s teams from throughout the Hoosier State. There's also a surprise class of '27 kid at the end that is a can't-miss athLETE. Here we go!