This is a middle blocker who I think could be a steal at the next level.  Ruby Clooten Ruby Clooten 5'11" | MB Middleton Cross Plains | 2028 State WI was a big part of the success of Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold this past club season.  She has a certain spring in her jump that allows her to get up quickly and use a fast arm to score points. She can run multiple routes, tempos, and can close the block.  She knows how to score points at a high level and knows how to position herself to block the ball on the other side.  

I have been doing this long enough where I know when players have statement type of moments.  I remember watching the Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold team at nationals play against Team Pineapple where if they won, they advanced. Ruby Clooten Ruby Clooten 5'11" | MB Middleton Cross Plains | 2028 State WI came in and was such a force at the net out of the middle.  She is the fast twitch, dynamic, speedy type of middle who knows how to close the block, get to her setter, and terminate.  She is one of the top uncommitted players in this class and will be a key catch for the next level.  She will be a junior at Middleton where it will be fun to track her progress at the high school leve.. 

I was able to watch a whole set between MKE Sting 16 Gold and Pineapple where Sting dominated set two in the sweep.  Ruby Clooten out of the middle was on fire with her block and her swing where she just continued to score points and shut down opposing attackers. She is real quick, she knows how to move along the front line with efficiency.  Sting came in as the last seed in their pool, the 42nd seed overall and will upgrade to the 11 seed overall after finishing second in the pool. 

Ruby was super dynamic in the front row and constantly created problems for opposing blockers with her fast footwork and quick movements. She played with a high motor, staying active in transition and finding ways to be effective offensively throughout matches. Her athleticism and ability to move quickly along the net helped her stand out all weekend long.

There are still some 16s from Wisconsin I’m seeing for the first time.  Ruby Clooten Ruby Clooten 5'11" | MB Middleton Cross Plains | 2028 State WI is one who really jumped on to the radar for me playing for MKE Sting 16 Gold. She can attack off one foot and knows how to use her angles out of the middle.  She has a heavy swing which makes her tough to defend when she is one on one.  There is an overall presence about her being in the match where you know she has the potential to make something exciting happen.

Middleton is another team from the Madison area that seems to be peaking at the right time.  They are the five seed in their section, but are coming off a title at the Luxemburg-Casco tournament where they collected big wins over Luxemburg-Casco and Waukesha West.  Ruby Clooten Ruby Clooten 5'11" | MB Middleton Cross Plains | 2028 State WI is an athletic and dynamic middle blocker who is just a sophomore.  She is averaging over two kills per set, hitting .282, and has nearly 70 blocks. 

Ruby will be a rising star in this class. She is dynamic yet disciplined and very powerful. She has a high volleyball IQ and is incredibly athletic. She really impressed throughout the Showcase and never missed a beat on the court.