GJNC American Preview: Empowered 15 Elite Red
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Our new series talks up all of the teams that have earned their way into a post-season national tournament. Specifically, I will only discuss the teams that have qualified for GJNC’s in late June and early July. Empowered, an indoor…
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Continue ReadingOur new series talks up all of the teams that have earned their way into a post-season national tournament. Specifically, I will only discuss the teams that have qualified for GJNC’s in late June and early July. Empowered, an indoor and outdoor volleyball club, is located in the Fort Wayne area, so naturally most of the players are from that neck of the woods.
’24, MaKenzie Chivington MaKenzie Chivington 5'8" | RS Warsaw | 2024 State IN , 5-8 RS/S, Warsaw
We start with the most versatile of players in Miss Chivington. She can run an offense and, in this case, attacks from the right when in the front row. Her ability to play multiple positions at a high level will make her all-around game better and more marketable at the next level. When attacking, she hits a heavy ball, and has a natural arm swing to hit everything from high seam to sharp angle. MaKenzie can also bomb away from the baseline, yet another part of her arsenal.
’24, Isabel Lubia Isabel Lubia 5'10" | MB Homestead | 2024 State IN , 5-10 MB, Homestead
Part of Empowered for a few years now, the tallest and highest jumping member of this squad is a physical defensive force. Her length has her go over blocks on the attack, and her broad shoulders help in closing holes in the block and take up space at the net. I’m looking forward to her development once the fall comes around.
’24, Jael Namfukwe Jael Namfukwe 5'6" | OH Warsaw | 2024 State IN , 5-6 OH/DS, Warsaw
Another kid from Warsaw, this time in the form of a spitfire that’s the quickest on this list. She’s has six-rotation potential for a small school at the next level, and, like MaKenzie above, play multiple positions. For a kid in a fun-sized package, she definitely brings it. Her relentlessness is also seen from behind the baseline, and is just as terminal in the front row. I like her ability to be quick, always around the ball, and willing to do the dirty work to get the job done.
’24, Aryssa George Aryssa George 5'4" | S Churubusco | 2024 State IN , 5-4 S, Churubusco
Aryssa is currently projected as a three-rotation setter at the next level, but can easily run the entire show in a 5-1 depending on matchups. I like her consistent hands, set placement, and her ability to always find the right attackers in the right situations. Miss George’s hands are high, quick, and she can get to just about any ball passed, whether in system or out of system.