NJC: Top 15/16 Uncommitted Prospects from Illinois
Here is a sample of what a Prep Dig article would look like in Illinois. For the state of Illinois, the pool of talent prospects is extremely deep of prospects that are talented for the collegiate level, worthy of a multipart series on the power clubs and high schools in the Chicago and surrounding area on athletes who are helping their teams win big time tournaments. Here are a few who made an impact for their teams this past weekend at the National Junior Classic 15 and 16s Division held at the Sports Dome in Rosemont.
Emily Wilson – Sports Performance 15 Elite – Joliet Catholic – Outside Hitter
Class of 2021
Wilson, like most Sports Performance athletes has all the tools and training to be an elite Division 1 player. 15 Elite was playing with absolute power and focus against Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold which led to a sweep. Wilson is touching just under 10 feet and has the ability to mix up any shot against what the defense gives her. With a solid high school and club program, Wilson will only be getting better and fine tuning her all around game for the next level.
Camryn Hannah – Michio Chicago 16 National – Marist – Setter
Class of 2020
Hannah was by far one of the most athletic setters in the 16s division at NJC playing for Michio Chicago 16 National. With solid footwork, smooth release, and hands that can put her hitters in a spot to terminate, that is only one part of her game that gives her team to compete against the best. Hannah is 6’0, block touches just under 10 feet and approaches at 10’1. There were times in pool play on Saturday where she would go to jump set and power over on two within the ten foot line. Hannah is a prospect that is high on the radar as a setter, but would also be a rightside or pin as well.
Faith Johnson – Sports Performance 16 C-Fed – Nequa Valley – Outside Hitter
Class of 2020
Johnson is pure power. A pin hitter on the left side, Johnson takes a large bulk of the swings for C-Fed. With the ability to hit a sharp angle or tool the block, she is a big time point scorer who can also find ways to get the ball to the floor in the backcourt.
Amia Owolabi – Ultimate 16 Gold – Mother McCauley – Right Side
Class of 2020
Owolabi is part of the Mother McCauley tradition where she will start the Fall as an underclassmen for one of the nations top programs. Owolabi has a touch that is extremely high for the left handed right side. She can fly and she can score, not to mention put up a solid block. Owolabi creates such a mismatch for the defense with her deceptive power and is an eraser of a play that is out of system. Her jumping ability is one that makes you look twice and can be seen from courts away!
Isabel Schaefbauer – Illini Elite 16 Cardinal – U High – Setter
Class of 2020
Schaefbauer has plenty of options to go to for Illini Elite, especially with Alabama recruit Allie Trame and 2021 propsect Mira Chopra. There isn’t a ball on the court that Schaefbauer doesn’t think she can get to. She may not be the tallest or most physical setter at the net, but her grit, intensity, and pursuit to the ball can give her team a chance in any situation.
Lions Jrs were champions of NJC for 15 OpenRachel Muisenga – Lions 15-1 – Benet Academy – Setter
Class of 2021
Great teams have great setters, there really is no way around that statement. Lions 15-1 has been on a tear this whole season and that continued with a championship at NJC. Muisenga has the physical tools and volleyball training and IQ to land her at the Division 1 level. She is 6’0, puts up a solid block, physical at the net, and can hold her own in right back. With her success at the club level, playing (and winning) at the open level will give her plenty of exposure. With her quick release and ability to command an offense, it will be fun to see where she lands in the future.
Natalie Chizzo – 1st Alliance 16 Silver – Oak Park/River Forest – Right Side/Outside
Class of 2020
1st Alliance is loaded with talent and plenty of hardware throughout the season. After a playing a challenging schedule with the Great Lakes Power League Super Open for 18s they will be playing the rest of the season against 16s. With a front line of of athletes who are all touching near 10 feet it makes for difficult time for opponents to attack out of system as well as defend against the high flyers. At the 16s level, the right side can be an X factor for a lot of teams and that was Chizzo is for 1st Alliance. At 6’2, Chizzo puts up a solid block, but is very versatile in how she can attack. She can hit the split, tool the block and hit it hard down the line or place it perfectly in the corner. Chizzo and the rest of her teammates will be looking for a deep run at the national tournament.
Brooklyn Borum – Sports Performance 16 Elite – Sterling – Outside Hitter
Class of 2021
Borum is definitely a Power 5 recruit who is fundamentally sound in all six rotations. Her jump approach is just under ten feet, but is so powerful with a dash of finesse behind her game. The body language she plays with is contagious where she is always calm and under composure. Borum also has a twin who is a setter on 15 C-Fed (Breelyn Borum) and high school teammate and Nebraska recruit Alexis Rodriguez is alongside her for SP 15 Elite as well. Borum was an AAU All American last year and her and the rest of the 15 Elite squad will have repeat on their mind for another AAU National Title come late June in Orlando.