Three Fresh Faces to Keep an Eye On
My favorite part of sports writing is helping college coaches identify the athletes that will become great. The ones who are in their prime are likely already talking to a number of schools, if not already recruited. I’m here to…
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Continue ReadingMy favorite part of sports writing is helping college coaches identify the athletes that will become great. The ones who are in their prime are likely already talking to a number of schools, if not already recruited. I’m here to give you a competitive edge when searching for the right athletes to fit your roster. These three players have already begun to impress, and they’re all 15 or under!
Samantha Wong, S/L/DS, Paterson Charter, Class of 2023
Wong joined the Paterson Charter varsity squad as a freshman last year. She spent this season and the following club season as a setter, but this summer has started the transition to libero.
Just from what I’ve seen in her game footage, I can tell this is a seamless transition. At first glance, it’s clear that she’s a physically strong player. Especially behind the service line, Wong is a force to be reckoned with. Her jump serve is already more consistent and more powerful than many high school sophomores and juniors in the area. This athlete is light on her feet, moves quickly to the ball, and stands her ground in the back row. I’m excited to see what future seasons hold for her.
Elexa Bragarnik, L, Livingston, Class of 2024
Sometimes players choose to become liberos, and sometimes being a libero chooses them. Elexa Bragarnik is true-to-form, textbook definition libero. Even in a crowded gym, you can still hear Bragarnik talking to her teammates during a match. She narrates the whole game from her spot on the court, and always has an encouraging word.
Though she’s young, she’s a polished passer. Favorite her platform, she’s accountable for perfect passes, no matter what the other team throws her way. She’s chased down impossible balls and still made the play, barely breaking a sweat. If that doesn’t say enough, her powerful jump float serves usually racks up a few aces at least before the other team is able to keep the ball in play.
Lindsey Millis, OH/L/DS, Kinnelon, Class of 2024
This former cheerleader came to volleyball fairly recently, but she made an instant attachment to the sport. Though she’s petite, she plays with fire and jumps out of the building. This incoming freshman hasn’t seen a day of high school ball yet, but we can expect big things from her this February season. She’s coming from a 14 Nationals team where she spent equal playing time as an outside hitter and a libero.
She’s the kind of hitter that can make any last-minute adjustment necessary and can reach to turn any ball into a kill. She also glides to the ball effortlessly to make a perfect pass with over 90 percent of the time. With her formidable jump serve and quick hands, this athlete is ready for anything high school ball has to throw at her.