’23s That Run The Show In Indiana
Indiana’s class of 2023 has a ton of athleticism. We’ve touched on 12 kids over six feet, we’ve talked about primary passing outsides that can do it all, and we’ve chatted about middles that are already making a difference even…
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Continue ReadingIndiana’s class of 2023 has a ton of athleticism. We’ve touched on 12 kids over six feet, we’ve talked about primary passing outsides that can do it all, and we’ve chatted about middles that are already making a difference even though they’re under six feet. Now we talk about the girls that get those players the pub. Here are five setters you should know for the class of ’23.
Grace Purichia Grace Purichia 5'7" | S Providence | 2023 State #149 Nation IN , 5-7, Union, Providence
Already seeing a bunch of playing time on varsity, Grace is also exemplary on the outdoor courts as well, placing regularly in the USA Junior Beach pipeline. Now that the show will completely revolve around her this fall, she’s spent the spring (and part of the spring of ’20) being the 5-1 setter she’s capable of being. She has the talent, the IQ, the athleticism, and the vision to run the show at the next level, which is why she’s our top-rated setter in this class.
Naija Gadis Naija Gadis 5'8" | S Brebeuf | 2023 State #196 Nation IN , 5-9, Rev, Brebeuf
Probably the most athletic on this list, Naija can get to every ball, in- or out-of-system, and make it better. She also deadly from behind the baseline, and can terminate on two if needed. Her speed gets her to balls off the net, and her jumping ability gets her to the tight passes some just can’t get. I would not be surprised if Miss Gadis is the more highly recruited setter once fall comes around.
Avery Hales Avery Hales 5'11" | S Warsaw | 2023 State IN , 5-10, Dunes, Warsaw
Already a medalist on the EVP outdoor circuit, Avery has also received a nomination for an Under Armour All-American award. Avery is an absolute gym rat, and is even doing extra strength and conditioning to be faster, stronger and, frankly, more for Warsaw and Dunes. I love the work ethic, her ability to “reverse flow”, and full-go for every point, every time. Not only will you get work ethic, you’re also going to get high character.
Alexis Thatcher Alexis Thatcher 5'11" | S Bishop Chatard | 2023 State #194 Nation IN , 5-11, Academy, Bishop Chatard
My apologies to those who questioned my abilities by leaving this young setter off of my initial list. Alexis makes this game look WAY too easy, and is smooth to the ball consistently for the 16-1s at Academy. Her size gets tight passes the other four on this list can’t get to, and her defense is above average for setters in this class. Oh, and by the way, she runs a fast offense. What more can you ask?
Mallory Dills Mallory Dills 5'9" | S Cathedral | 2023 State IN , 5-9, Munciana, Cathedral
A no-nonsense, accurate, athletic leader is what you get from Miss Dills. She turns bad passes into hittable sets, and knows whom to set in what situation. It also helps that she’s getting Munciana training from one of the top ball control coaches in the state. I would like to see more of her running a 5-1, as there have been recent matches where she’s been a right side attacker. I definitely project her to be a 5-1 setter at the next level, but there’s more to come with that development. Stay tuned.