Academy Summer League Week 2, Part 2
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As much as possible, each week I will feature four teams from four different parts of the state that are in multiple areas of development. The seventh and eighth teams I have viewed this summer so far at Academy have…
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Continue ReadingAs much as possible, each week I will feature four teams from four different parts of the state that are in multiple areas of development. The seventh and eighth teams I have viewed this summer so far at Academy have a ton of players, a ton of young talent, but an unknown future. Here’s my breakdown.
Franklin Central
There are so many things I could focus on with this group. I felt it necessary to note that new coach Emily Sellers is excited for the fall, and has a bunch of young talent to work with. Headlining the Flashes this fall will be Olivia Tarter Olivia Tarter 5'7" | OH Franklin Central | 2023 State IN (’23, 5-7 OH), the only returning two-year starter. Her volleyball savvy, ability to play multiple positions and willingness to do whatever it takes showed this past Thursday, and I look forward to her success. I’m also a fan of Abby Graves Abby Graves 5'7" | S Franklin Central | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-7 S), who might be a work in progress, but it’s obvious that the basics are there; it’s just a matter of putting it all together with passing. That being said, Natalie Millar (’22, 5-4 DS) should be the person the Flashes rely upon to anchor that serve receive and defense. With club season almost done, one notable absence from the summer league was thumper Zyon Francis Zyon Francis 5'10" | MB Franklin Central | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-10 MB), who is fully recovered from her knee issues and is prepping to finish her club season at AAUs in Florida.
Triton Central
What a season last fall was for the Tigers. A sectional title, an Indiana Crossroads Conference trophy, and a regional final appearance. 26 wins is hard to come by at any level of volleyball in any state, let alone in a Covid year. I’m concerned chiefly about their size, yet a surprisingly positive performance from Riley Ross (’23, 6-0 MB) should keep their opponents honest. Maddy Brown (’23, 5-6 RS/OH) is a six-rotation pin, and plays primarily right side for the Tigers. On this night, Maddy was springy, had a hard jump float, and a very smart attack. Look for her to be the primary attacker in the fall. I liked watching the play of Jadyn Capps Jadyn Capps 5'0" | DS/L Triton Central | 2024 State IN (’24, 5-0 DS), who was the clear anchor to both serve receive and team defense. Her smooth approach to the craft will be much needed now and in the future.