MEQ Littles Roundup: Academy 15 Elite Copperheads
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While reffing at all three MEQ weekends in Indianapolis, Louisville and Saint Louis, I observed a recurring pattern. Often, I would have one team who clearly was playing well below their expected division and trying to guarantee themselves a bid…
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Continue ReadingWhile reffing at all three MEQ weekends in Indianapolis, Louisville and Saint Louis, I observed a recurring pattern. Often, I would have one team who clearly was playing well below their expected division and trying to guarantee themselves a bid to nationals. Sometimes, the team they were playing was playing above and beyond their expected division. Often, the overachieving team was from Indiana, and the 15-3s from Academy were no exception. I loved this team, and their non-stop effort and positive attitude despite the scores.
’24, Sophia Damer Sophia Damer 6'1" | MB Mt. Vernon | 2024 State IN , 6-1, MB, Mount Vernon HS
The taller of the two middles on this roster, Sophia used her length and long strides to her advantage. Although she appears to be more defensive-minded, her offense was just as adequate. I like her in front of the setter as an M2, but she did hit some attacks behind the setter as well this weekend.
’24, Samantha Roberts Samantha Roberts 6'0" | MB North Central | 2024 State IN , 6-0, MB, North Central HS
Samantha, although the shorter of the two middles with her arms not as long as Sophia’s, was the faster of the two. She’s just as effective behind the setter as in front, and her springy natural jumping ability should have her past ten feet before her junior year. She blocks exceedingly well for someone that might be considered undersized at this position, and projects to a small school middle or a large school right side.
’24, Emma Leavitt Emma Leavitt 5'8" | S Center Grove | 2024 State IN , 5-8, S, Center Grove HS
Despite all of the rough passing and defending by her primary passing teammates, not once did Emma complain or give up. She got to every ball she could, set a hittable ball to both pins, and ran the 5-1 offense well. I like her defensive capabilities as well, which is above average for setters in this class.
’24, Madison Wilson Madison Wilson 5'0" | DS/L North Central | 2024 State IN , 4-11, DS/L, North Central HS
On the class list, Madison is listed at 5-0 because there isn’t a listing below that. That being said, height does not matter when Miss Wilson had to take the brunt of the attacks from larger and faster teams. Her serve receive was jumpy but good, and she stays on her feet well in run-throughs and pursuit. I like her willingness to take a hard-driven ball; there were moments where there was a solo block or no block at all, and Madison read the attack well enough to get a touch on the ball.