Five 2021 players flying under the radar
We just took a look at the latest commitments in the Class of 2021 and the top players yet to commit to a college program. Now, we are looking at some players that are flying under the radar in the…
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Continue ReadingWe just took a look at the latest commitments in the Class of 2021 and the top players yet to commit to a college program. Now, we are looking at some players that are flying under the radar in the Class of 2021.
While not getting mentioned with the top names in the class, these five players still show a lot of potential and could be valuable assets at the next level. They also could be in line for a real breakout 2020.
Milan Lee – OH/DS, Academy of the Sacred Heart/Team Detroit
Lee doesn’t have the size of many of the other outsides in this class, standing just 5’9”, but she still packs quite a punch and has put in a lot of work on her passing to give her an edge on some of her peers in other areas of the game. With continued improvement with her footwork, passing and serving, Lee can really turn into a complete player, capable of playing well over her size.
Lauren PealLauren Peal – L/DS, Grand Rapids Christian/FaR Out
Peal isn’t flying under the radar as much as she just is a bit under appreciated. As part of the Division 2 power, Grand Rapids Christian, Peal has been the squad’s libero for a pair of state championships. With the dynamic offense that GRC has, it’s been easy for Peal to be overlooked, but her consistent play in the back row has allowed the offense to stay in-system. Belmont has noticed her skills, as she is committed to be a Bruin in the fall of 2021. Peal could make a real push to be the top libero in the state for this class over the next 12 months.
Sophia Powell – S, Lowell/FaR Out
The state of Michigan has been blessed with some tremendous setters over recent years and the Class of 2021 is no different. One setter that should be mentioned more in this class is Powell. Powell helped Lowell reach the Division 1 state finals this past fall while racking up over 1,550 assists. Her ability to connect with Jenna Reitsma has propelled Reitsma into one of the top players in the state. Powell displayed the decision-making and temperament you want to see out of your floor general this past year. Expect more of the same in 2020.
Sydney Reed – MH, Northville/Michigan Elite
Reed is a player that is having a strong club year in 2020 and improving her stock a great deal. Reed was a go-to middle for Northville during the fall and has now been able to build off that with Michigan Elite. Reed is improving on her blocking and has shown good footwork to put herself in good position to finish points. Reed has also shown an ability to move to the outside, so her expanding game should see her draw a lot more attention from opponents and college coaches in the next 12 months.
Alana Watlington (11)Alana Watlington – MB, Clarkston/Legacy
Watlington could be talked about amongst the best middles in her class if not for being plagued by the injury bug the last two years. A late-season knee injury in the fall of 2018 was followed up by a preseason knee injury in 2019. Watlington showed tremendous potential as a sophomore at Clarkston, hitting over .370. A pair of knee injuries will be tough to overcome, but Watlington could be a really great story in 2020. She’s already had to display the mental toughness and drive you look for in a next-level athlete.