Next Five: ’23s On The Pins
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There have been some changes to all classes in all positions, but none more than this group of five. Three of the five mentioned here have changed clubs from last year to this one, so the jury’s still out on…
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Continue ReadingThere have been some changes to all classes in all positions, but none more than this group of five. Three of the five mentioned here have changed clubs from last year to this one, so the jury’s still out on some of their development. That being said, they’re being written about here for a reason, as described below. Here are five more pin attackers from the class of 2023 we really like.
Avery Hobson Avery Hobson 6'1" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2023 State IN , 5-11, OH, Munciana 16 Ninjas
When you get a chance to train with Randy Gardner at Munciana, you take it. The 16-1s are stacked with a ton of solid players, and Avery is no exception. She makes jumping look easy, and her high and heavy attack point makes her hard to defend. I especially like seeing her defense improve; this was an element of her game that wasn’t as developed a year ago.
Caroline Hilbrich Caroline Hilbrich 5'9" | OH Floyd Central | 2023 State IN , 5-9, OH, Union 16-1 UA
Caroline is, put simply, a complete player, both indoor and outdoor. She’s got an outdoor qualifier championship on her mantle (OVR Beach Qualifier), and should never be removed from any ball control situation. Miss Hilbrich has all of the shots available, a trait seen with a ton of outdoor players. And again, you don’t make a 1s team at Union without an exemplary volleyball IQ.
Emma Dodson Emma Dodson 5'10" | OH Westfield | 2023 State IN , 5-10, Munciana 16 Banana Slugs
Emma is another six-rotation outside that looks like she’s still growing, which is scary. Someone with size that can jump, receive serve and defend with some of the best? Yes, please. The 16-2s at Munciana should not be viewed as a 2s team, since there are a bunch of 1s teams that would kill for their abilities to side out and transition. That being said, I look forward to Emma’s development, and hoping for more upper body strength between now and next fall, when she’ll be called upon to be a primary attacker at Westfield.
Gabby Gilbert Gabby Gilbert 5'10" | RS Pike | 2023 State IN , 5-9, RS, Rev 16-1
I am listing her as a right side because of the size she takes up on the block and her ability to just grip and rip any ball set her way. She’s exceptional at high attacks to her left, and has the shoulder strength to wrist-away anything to her right. Although listed as 5-10 on Rev’s website, this Academy convert has already shown that her size doesn’t matter because of her jumping ability and strength. I’m hoping that her ball control develops as she gets more experience. Until then, she’s looking good as a right-pin player at the next level.
Ava Lohman Ava Lohman 5'9" | OH Hamilton Southeastern | 2023 State IN , 5-7, OH, Rev 16-1
Another convert from another club, Ava is more of a six-rotation or DS option for the next level. Miss Lohman is a springy, primary-passing attacker that can hit from anywhere and defend from anywhere else. Her multiple abilities make her an ideal recruit; she could be a three-rotation attacker at a smaller school, a six-rotation primary passer at a mid-sized college, or even a three-rotation defender at a larger school. The possibilities are endless.