The 2023s Are Here! Here’s Our Recent Up-And-Comers
We’ve finally released our 2023 updated player rankings, and boy, do we have some adjustments. Lots of new kids to the rankings, sectionals this week, and a ton of sophomores around the state showing us that they’re no longer acting…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve finally released our 2023 updated player rankings, and boy, do we have some adjustments. Lots of new kids to the rankings, sectionals this week, and a ton of sophomores around the state showing us that they’re no longer acting like sophomores. Here’s who’s caught our eye since the last update.
#8: Olivia Fish Olivia Fish 6'2" | OH Seymour | 2023 State #195 Nation IN , 6-3, OH, Seymour
A big kid that plays fast. Currently only playing three rotations for the Owls, her season just ended moments ago in the sectionals. She can now bring herself down to Louisville and continue that KIVA training that has, in this author’s opinion, made her a big target for recruiting attention. She hits a heavy ball, is smart on net defense, and was a major reason for Seymour’s success this fall. I’m really looking forward to seeing Miss Fish play in various JVA tournaments in the spring.
#9: Naija Gadis Naija Gadis 5'8" | S Brebeuf | 2023 State #196 Nation IN , 5-8, S, Brebeuf
Full disclosure—I got an email a while back about Miss Gadis, and didn’t think much of it. Yeah, yeah, she’s got a lot of recruiting attention. This is INDIANA, a lot of setters get a lot of attention. And then I saw her play. The volleyball IQ is through the roof, her hands are high, fast and controlled, and she gets to balls that a lot of taller or slower setters simply can’t get to. Her athleticism has saved the iffy passing that Brebeuf has, and will probably continue her amazing run into the top ten while being trained at Team Indiana in the spring. And her high school season isn’t over just yet.
#45: Madison McCubbins Madison McCubbins 5'7" | OH Monrovia | 2023 State IN , 5-7, OH, Monrovia
I had the pleasure of watching Madison play recently at Beech Grove and at Lutheran. What she brings to the table in such a small package had me do a double-take on her actual height. Her jump touch is over 9-6, every ball is a hammer, and (oh by the way) she sets for them in the back row. This Circle City-trained kid is on the rise. Let’s hope she gets a bit more playing time in club in her primary position than her secondary.
#65: Kendall Hickey Kendall Hickey 5'3" | DS/L Heritage Christian | 2023 State IN , 5-1, DS, Heritage Christian
Yes, I know, she’s only playing three rotations as a DS for now. In this author’s opinion, she’s the heir apparent to the special jersey, which she’ll probably never take off starting next fall until her career is over. Controlled, accurate and positive, she plays well beyond her age and size, and is quickly gaining attention. Kinda hard to crack the lineup for a defending state champion, but here we are, watching Kendall dig almost as many balls as the Eagles’ ACTUAL libero, while playing three less rotations. Munciana has a steal in this one.
#68: Ella Chapman Ella Chapman 6'3" | MB Greensburg | 2023 State IN , 6-3, MB, Greensburg
New to the game, and (hopefully not) a basketball person, Ella has shown over her shortened season that it is possible to get better in a hurry in these trying times. The transition work is there, she goes over everyone she hits against, and is smart to boot. I asked an opposing coach this fall what it is like playing against her. Her response? “It’s like trying to hit in a phone booth. And good luck blocking someone that swings that high.” That’s good enough for me. The Pirates’ undefeated season rolls on as of the posting of this article. I hope to see more of Miss Chapman before the fall ends.