Next Five: Fantastic First Contacts In 2023
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The first—and last—line of defense seems to be the last group of kids that are recruited these days. Yes, there are a ton of passers. But are they elite-level? The five listed below are the next five DS options that…
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Continue ReadingThe first—and last—line of defense seems to be the last group of kids that are recruited these days. Yes, there are a ton of passers. But are they elite-level? The five listed below are the next five DS options that you should already be talking about to make a difference in a special jersey at the next level.
Cadence McGlothlen Cadence McGlothlen 5'6" | DS/L Penn | 2023 State IN , 5-6, NIVA 16 Rampage
Already with high-level libero experience for a top-5 high school program, Cadence is a left-back wizard who is just as accurate with her hands as she is with her platform. She covers a ton of ground on coverage and off-speed shots, and can be relied on in a pinch if your other passers choose to take a day off.
Elizabeth Gee-Weiler Elizabeth Gee-Weiler 5'5" | DS/L Mt. Vernon (Fortville) | 2023 State IN , 5-4, Academy 16 Elite Yeti
Another master of the left-back, Elizabeth can receive serve in all three spots and stays on her feet longer than most. Her anticipation and foot speed help her a ton in off-speed situations, and is instrumental on defense for Academy’s 16-1. I’m especially fond of her duck-on-a-pond form; upper body is nice and calm, feet are constantly in an athletic stance.
Molly Urban Molly Urban 5'4" | DS/L Martinsville | 2023 State #122 Nation IN , 5-4, Circle City 16 Purple
Already the ’bro at Martinsville High School, Molly is also donning the special jersey for Circle’s 16-1. Her understanding of angles and hitter’s tendencies make her an ideal middle-back, but can play any of the defensive positions with ease. I like that seemingly every contact she makes can be settable. Hard-driven shots, off-speed junk, serve receive—it just doesn’t change her relentlessness and skill.
Kyleigh Courter Kyleigh Courter 5'4" | DS/L Loogootee | 2023 State IN , 5-4, Metro 16 Allford
Kyleigh is the example for staying on your feet as a DS. Her strides and foot speed make it seem she’s taller than her 5-4 frame suggests. Also playing at a small high school, Miss Courter is already familiar with high-level ball in both late post season runs and large convention center tournaments. I have seen her play left-back and middle-back with equal ease, and I’m especially impressed with her athleticism. This is a high-level DS that’s playing at a small, regional club. In other words, a steal, if you can sign her.
Ella Hemmings Ella Hemmings 5'6" | DS/L Brownsburg | 2023 State IN , 5-6, Circle City 16 Purple
Splitting time as a libero and a DS for Circle’s 1s team, Ella is an exemplary option for playing any of the back row positions. Always in the right spot, and always an accurate pass, the combination of Molly, listed above, and Ella have made this team stay on the winning path throughout the club season thus far, and was part of a Brownsburg squad that won their first sectional title in forever. Miss Hemmings is a winning passer with winning skills. ’Nuff said.