Rankings Update: 23s That Set

Our rankings update continues with a look at the class of ’23 setters from Indiana. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to see four of the five kids on this list play in the early part of this season, and there will be additions and adjustments upcoming. For now, we talk about these five, with a bonus pick at the bottom. #6: Grace PurichiaGracePurichia5'7" | SProvidence | 2023StateIN, 5-7, Providence Still my top setter in this class, Grace is setting a 6-2 with class of 2021 Indiana State commit Emma KaelinEmmaKaelin5'10" | SProvidence | 2021StateIN for the Pioneers. But she doesn’t come out. Both Emma and Grace stay in to hit in the front while setting in the back. From time to time, Emma will take the reins from the front on serve receive, and with Ali HornungAliHornung5'9" | OHProvidence | 2021StateIN (’21, Purdue commit) as one of your outsides, you can afford to more serve receive around to get the best matchups. Grace is rolling with whatever is thrown her way, a sure sign to come of a very coachable, high-level kid. #13: Mallory DillsMalloryDills5'9" | SCathedral | 2023StateIN, 5-9, Cathedral In a four-set loss to Brownsburg, Mallory was one of the setters in a modified 6-2, in that she stayed in front to hit, while the other setter came out for an attacker. She’s wiry, fast, and can locate hittable balls in any situation. Cathedral’s passing isn’t as good as past teams, but that doesn’t change Miss Dills’ work ethic. She’s fully capable of running the show on her own. #18: Naija GadisNaijaGadis5'8" | SBrebeuf | 2023StateIN, 5-8, Brebeuf Preparatory Running a 5-1 is a tall task. Running a 5-1 on a varsity team ranked in the top 15 in the state is completely another thing. Naija does it as if she’s been there the whole time. She plays with confidence, sets perfect balls to all positions, and is even starting to learn how to take it herself on two when needed. Naija, if you’re reading this, I was VERY impressed with your play today against Providence. You should expect a smaller number next to your name at the next rankings update. #21: Monica JonesMonicaJones5'8" | SRoncalli | 2023StateIN, 5-8, Roncalli First time on varsity, check. Running a 6-2, check. Seems to be the going theme in this article. Playing taller than her 5-8 frame, Monica has the ability to get to a lot of balls that most kids can’t, simply because of her long stride and long arms. Notching her first career double-double in her second career varsity match, Miss Jones can definitely hang with the big girls in the fall.  #24: Olivia NelsonOliviaNelson5'8" | SWestfield | 2023StateIN, 5-8, Westfield Although Olivia is the only JV player on this list, she can easily run the show on varsity if she was almost anywhere else but Westfield. With class of ’21 Sarah WeglarzSarahWeglarz5'9" | SWestfield | 2021StateIN and class of ’22 Logan Mapes in front of her on the depth chart, this was an easy decision for Miss Nelson. She’s getting a ton of great, high-level playing time with quality hitters against quality competition. I look forward to the fall of ’21 when the battle REALLY begins for the setting spot. BONUS SETTER: Avery HalesAveryHales5'10" | SWarsaw | 2023IN, 5-10, Warsaw Yes, yes, you’re right, I’m cheating by not sticking to five setters or giving her a rank. But I’m not wrong in my placement of Avery here. This Dunes player hung with the best setters at the almost-round-robin today at Carmel, Despite Warsaw’s struggle to pass or attack at the same level as Carmel, Providence or Brebeuf. She’s also the tallest among the five others, and has exceptional hands. She runs a 5-1 with ease, and will be the heart and soul of Warsaw’s success come tournament time. Expect a number, a GOOD number, to be next to Miss Hales’ name at the next update.