Six more 17U Outside Hitters to know

Just like, “The Fast and The Furious”, movie franchise, the responsibilities of an Outside Hitter can sometimes feel never-ending. While for the former that fact was stamped for approval by the launch of the spinoff, “Hobbs and Shaw”, the latter’s burden comes with a much less visible cross to bear. Be it opening an offensive rally or bringing one to a close, often times it’s the Outside Hitter that people tend to remember because of the nature of what they do, placing all eyes on them. It’s true the position can be a glamorous one, but, without the dedication, love for the game and willingness to put in the necessary work that’s a flight that’s never going to take off. Never has this been more concise than at the 17U level. This is where players who haven’t reached their potential yet finally find out what they can and can’t do. It’s a place where dreams are launched and lost, and here in Michigan some of the up and coming players in 17U action at Outside Hitter include…   Kennedy Jones An Outside Hitter and Opposite by trade, Maxpreps.com shows this junior played an exciting 88 sets for Adams High School in Rochester in 2019-20. Among the highlights for Jones were 205 kills, 132 digs, 23 aces and 21 triple-blocks. Taking the court in club competition for Unified Volleyball 17-1, in prep action she contributed to a finish for the Highlanders that included rankings of 66th in the state and 2,179th nationally with a record of 28-17 overall, 3-4 league.   Annaliese Rottman Because she plays both Outside Hitter and Middle Blocker this five-foot-9 member of the class of 2022 brings quite the skill set to Attack Volleyball 17U National Black. Included in those tools according to Michigangirlssportsreport.com is a Standing Reach of seven-foot-three, a Wingspan of nearly five-foot-10 and 209 kills on 522 attempts with Lansing Christian. All of that is in addition to a 20 inch Vertical, a Vertical Touch of eight-foot-11 and 305 Aces on 582 attempts.   [player_tooltip player_id="89373" first="Paige" last="Weeder"] The ability to place her spike just inside the side and back lines is a task this junior with United Volleyball 17-2 does with true consistency. In high school competition with Holly Weeder proved her worth in 116 sets played by clocking 325 digs, 218 kills and 68 aces. When in the back row her penchant for receiving serves and keeping rallies alive with her well-rounded skill-set are exactly why she’s also listed as lining up at Right Side.   [player_tooltip player_id="89343" first="Molly" last="Miller"] Being six-feet tall definitely lends itself to what this junior at Oxford High School does on the court. Not only can she send downward spiraling shots into the heart of the opposition when the opportunity arises, but Miller can also put the ball over a wall of defenders when she has to. Staying with the play even if her shot gets blocked, handling long and short passes with equal ability and also playing Right Side for United Volleyball 17-1are just three more reasons this individuals abilities are ever-increasing.   SARAH JEWELL Spiking is this player’s specialty, and it’s a talent she can employ regardless of how far away from the net she is. Strongest when lining up to the left, Jewell sends the ball to the right with authority. Combine all of those ingredients and you end up with a recipe from the serving line that is as effective as it is efficient. A five-foot-11 junior at Holly High School, during the club campaign she plays for Unified Volleyball 17-2, but in prep action her statistics included 311 digs, 184 kills and 51 aces in106 sets played.   MIKI QUAN The future is bright for this Team Captain, even if the 2019-20 prep season with Salem High School in Canton didn’t pay the dividends she thought it would. That’s because she only got only the court for three sets for the Rocks. But, the good news was this junior still managed to slide in and grab 17 kills and one ace in that time. At a height of six-feet, Quan currently plays for United Volleyball 17-1.   Some of the other 17U talent across the state includes Outside Hitter [player_tooltip player_id="89347" first="Lauren" last="Staruch"] of United Volleyball 17-1 and Callie Smith, Audrey Bunnell, Melissa Beachnau and Rylee Van Patten from Attack Volleyball 17U Black. Jenna Connors, Marissa Sharpe, Sydney Shaft and Mackenzie Murray are on the roster with Attack 17U Black, as well.