Season Preview: Maize Eagles Start Potential Rebound Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perennial power Maize is coming off a down season and has a solid chest of tools to create a rebound season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I scouted the Eagles at the Butler CC summer tournament on June 12 in a two-set win over a split-squad from McPherson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at five uncommitted prospects on a team with a couple of seniors already committed to play for college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493591' first='Olivia' last='Hughes']</strong>, 5'7”, OH, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes is ranked No. 108 overall in the class of 2025 by Prep Dig Kansas. She is an unassuming prospect who does what her team needs her to. She plays with poise and composure and is a solid passer, as well as a hitting threat. Hughes was fourth on the team last season with 115 kills and second with 211 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445549' first='Bethanie' last='Haag']</strong>, 5'4”, DS/L, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked No. 139 overall by Prep Dig, Haag is a salty defensive specialist. She could also play libero, but that spot is currently being filled by ranked and committed talent [player_tooltip player_id='219724' first='Lauren' last='Welch']. Haag as quick feet, a low center of gravity, and a soft pass. She finished with 176 digs in 79 sets as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='551328' first='Tinley' last='Travis']</strong>, 5'7”, S, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Travis is an impressive talent. She played with Starbucks Triple-Shot Energy. She was bouncing all over the place in a match that started at 8:00 a.m. She hits the ball hard and can jump. She has plus defensive skills, but Maize has a shortage of outsides and she fills that role well.  Travis competed in just 46 varsity sets as a sophomore but should play a larger role this season. She did collect 96 digs and 35 kills. She is a prospect that NAIA and JUCO coaches should complete a long hard study of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='524698' first='Brylee' last='Lindgren']</strong>, 5'8”, MB/OH, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I like Lindgren's game a bunch. I suggest that the youngster work on her confidence and look to be more aggressive. She has a physical frame and might not be done growing. She moves well for her size. She has an accurate serve and consistently hit her called serving zones in the morning match. She finished fourth on the team in kills last season with 115. If Maize is to be a winning team in 2024 that total needs to double or triple.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ellie  Wisdom</strong>, 5'7”, S, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wisdom is one of three sisters who play for Maize. I featured freshman Addi yesterday in a scouting report and older sister Zoe is ranked and verbally committed to Oklahoma Christian. Not to start a family feud, but Ellie might have the high ceiling of the three. She has “Go-Go Gadget Arms” and gets great extension on her sets. She is not a defensive liability, has a nice serve, and can block if needed. She played in just eight varsity sets as a freshman, but she will be leaned on heavily starting this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->