June 15th Primer: Iowa’s Under-the-Radar Hitters
I promised that there would be an extension to my initial discussion of Iowa’s top hitters in the Class of 2023. Here it is. It’s time to explore some hidden gems and rising talents among Iowa’s many talented pin hitters.…
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Continue ReadingI promised that there would be an extension to my initial discussion of Iowa’s top hitters in the Class of 2023. Here it is.
It’s time to explore some hidden gems and rising talents among Iowa’s many talented pin hitters. 2023s still have plenty of prep volleyball ahead of them, so there’s plenty of time to mix things up and shuffle the rankings. This also means there is ample opportunity for more athletes to make themselves known.
So, we’re diving deeper into some of Iowa’s outside hitters today.
Ellie Anderson Ellie Anderson 5'11" | OH South Hardin | 2023 State IA – 5’10 OH – Club Ignit Select
This South Hardin product made waves at one of our Prep Dig showcase events in Omaha. When she’s not tearing it up in a camp setting, Anderson can usually be found putting away plenty of balls in high school and club competitions. She’s a hitter you can rely on, plain and simple. You can run her on an inside-2, and Anderson will still find a way to terminate. This is also an outside hitter with plenty of strong backcourt skills, so her future looks promising regardless of where she ends up.
Shelby Kimm Shelby Kimm 6'0" | OH Iowa City Liberty | 2023 State IA – 5’10 OH/MB – Iowa Rockets
Kimm is an incredibly unique hybrid between an outside hitter and a middle blocker, and she put this on full display in last year’s high school postseason. She runs a traditional three-step approach that you’re accustomed to seeing on the left pin, but Kimm also takes most of her swings in the 31 gap or inside on a 2-ball. Defensively, she’ll block out of the middle. Oh, and Kimm is usually in the serve receive pattern, too. Watching the metamorphosis of Liberty’s offense around Kimm’s unusual skills has been fascinating.
Jessie Julius Jessie Julius 5'7" | OH Williamsburg | 2023 State IA – 5’9 OH/DS – Iowa Rockets [Title Photo]
There are few things in volleyball more exciting than watching a springy outside hitter with sharp all-around skills. That’s exactly what Julius brings. Her contributions to the passing phase allow her teammates to have success. When Julius gets a set, though, she can put the ball away herself. Her ability to hit from either the left pin or the pipe with equal confidence is one of the biggest things you look for from a six-rotation hitter.
Kailey Peters Kailey Peters 5'10" | RS Indianola | 2023 State IA – 5’10 MB/RS – PowerPlex
Here’s another player on this feature who could play in the middle in addition to being proficient on either pin. Peters has the length, physicality, and confidence to make it all happen. Having a quick arm swing doesn’t hurt, either. Even if Peters’ future in the middle, her solid footwork should make it a fairly easy transition.
Caylee Brandes Caylee Brandes 6'0" | OH Moline (IL) | 2023 State IA – 6’0 OH – Iowa Select
Brandes is not the first “crossover” player that I’ve covered today. She plays her high school ball for Moline in Illinois before hopping over to Iowa Select for club. All told, this is not the only shuffling that Brandes can do. She also has experience playing up in 18s during some of our Prep Dig events. It’s a testament to this hitters’ ability to score no matter the competition. Brandes should continue to make headlines regardless of state or venue.
Caylee Brandes Caylee Brandes 6'0" | OH Moline (IL) | 2023 State IA continuing to score points for @iowaselectvbc 18 Mizuno. Heavy swing, tough to defend. Select closing in on a set one win. pic.twitter.com/HDQhmfFpaC
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) May 2, 2021