2023 Breakdown: Top Hitters in Kansas and Missouri
Yesterday, we began to look at some of the top 2023s to know in Kansas and Missouri. Our first position of focus was setter. Now, we shift our aim toward finding the region’s top pin hitters. While I mentioned before…
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Continue ReadingYesterday, we began to look at some of the top 2023s to know in Kansas and Missouri. Our first position of focus was setter. Now, we shift our aim toward finding the region’s top pin hitters.
While I mentioned before that the setting talent in this area was almost unparalleled, the collection of hitters from these states is not far behind. A club team cannot find success on setting alone. Thankfully, Kansas and Missouri have plenty of pin hitters who have helped propel these midwestern teams into the national spotlight.
So, let’s get into the breakdown.
The Breakdown
I’ve seen plenty from KC Power’s 16s team lately, and there’s always from that squad that impresses. That shouldn’t be too surprising given the team’s proven record of wins against high-caliber opposition. Players like Reagan Fox Reagan Fox 6'2" | OH St. Teresa's Academy | 2023 State #104 Nation MO and Ava TeStrake Ava TeStrake 6'4" | OH Olathe Northwest | 2023 State #65 Nation KS have been major contributors all year. I remember first seeing Fox playing for St. Teresa’s Academy at a high school invitational in Omaha last fall. She has been on my radar ever since. TeStrake, meanwhile, is a long, physical opposite whose incredible reach would be an asset to any college program. Rachel Bingham is another player on this team that brings an intimidating presence that has proven difficult for many teams to stop.
Let’s move closer to the St. Louis area for a moment. Jordyn Lochmann Jordyn Lochmann 6'0" | OH Lafayette | 2023 State MO is another left-side hitter with an impressive jump touch and whippy arm. This Rockwood Thunder product can hammer the ball down the line, crosscourt, and everywhere in between. Lochmann forms a “thunder and lightning” combination with her high school and club teammate, Caitlyn Little Caitlyn Little 5'10" | OH Lafayette | 2023 State MO . The way Little can elevate and drive a ball to the floor is incredible to watch. Rockwood Thunder’s 16s team earned every bit of its Open bid to nationals.
I can’t omit Dynasty from this feature, of course, given that they have talent across multiple teams and age groups. Chapel Dobbs Chapel Dobbs 6'1" | OH Helias | 2023 State MO has impressed lately, particularly with her ability to be a primary passer. She has no problem taking the first contact, going through her approach, and crushing a ball through the block. Her development will only continue.
As you venture into Kansas, the representative atop our 2023 rankings is Brooklyn DeLeye Brooklyn DeLeye 6'2" | OH Washburn Rural | 2023 State #30 Nation KS . She is simply one of the most exciting six-rotation hitters in the country. DeLeye can hammer it on the left side, come inside for a 2-ball, or even attack off one foot just to keep opposing blockers guessing. Her performances have helped put Topeka Impact on the map, and that team should be a force in the years to come.
Then there’s MAVS. I’ve already talked about Betsy Goodenow in a previous feature, but she was an absolute can’t-miss prospect at NLQ last month. She gets off the floor so quickly, and her fast arm swing brings an ever-present spark to her team’s offense.
Other Names to Know
I’ll be gathering more looks at these players moving forward.
Heather Schemper Heather Schemper 5'11" | OH Phillipsburg | 2023 State KS – 5’11 OH – Phillipsburg HS
Lily Dudley Lily Dudley 5'10" | OH Rock Bridge | 2023 State #192 Nation MO – 5’10 OH – MAVS KC
Brianna Wortman Brianna Wortman 5'10" | OH Francis Howell | 2023 State MO – 5’10 OH – High Performance STL
Grace O’Reilly Grace O’Reilly 6'0" | RS Springfield Catholic | 2023 State MO – 6’0 RS – 417 Juniors