Academy Summer League Week 6 Wrap-Up: Speedway and Brown County
We’ve finally reached the end of summer leagues in Indiana, and after six weeks of play, the Saturday tournament is set (More on that later.). Although Bishop Chatard pulled out of this week’s play suddenly, I still got a chance…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve finally reached the end of summer leagues in Indiana, and after six weeks of play, the Saturday tournament is set (More on that later.). Although Bishop Chatard pulled out of this week’s play suddenly, I still got a chance to watch the future for both Speedway and Brown County, two teams I rarely see on the high school circuit. Here’s what I saw.
Speedway (12-14 in ’20, graduated 4)
Speedway has athletes. Of this, there is no doubt. But can they compete on the volleyball stage? That statement can be answered by one player, Taylor Ridge (’23, 5-9 OH). Even though she’s listed at 5-9 and as a MB/RS, Taylor projects to be a primary-passing, six-rotation outside that plays higher than her height. She has all of the shots in the book, can receive serve and defend with the best at the position, and is deadly from behind the baseline. The Sparkplugs also have a good portion of youth coming up, as Lainey Jarrett (’25, 5-2 S) looks to run the show in the fall. Despite her size, her athleticism allows her to get to passes that bigger and slower setters can’t get to. Her hands are very consistent as well, with the ability to put balls in the same spot for the same hitters every time. Taylor’s younger sister, Peyton Ridge (’25, 5-5 DS/L) had a few reps at OH last night, and put a few balls away against Warren. The real x-factor for this squad might be Malinda Bryant (’22, 5-2 DS/L). She seems to be the heir apparent for the special jersey, so we’ll see how this pans out before I overreach on predictions.
Brown County (12-13 in ’20, graduated 3)
If there’s something the Eagles have a ton of, it’s passers. Coaches should covet the amount of ball-control specialists at BC. Milly Patrick (’23, 5-5 DS/L) was the libero for some of last night, and was just fine in the special jersey. Her serve receive is accurate and consistent, and her defense makes every second ball settable. Some of the future setters and outsides got a chance to play different positions too, like Maddi Hawley (’25, 5-7 DS/S), Mary Rygiel (’23, 5-6 OH/DS) and Abigail Watson (’23, 5-10 OH). Miss Watson was the #2 returner in kills and the top blocker for the Eagles last fall, but is moving to the outside this fall with seemingly immediate success. Although the footwork isn’t quite there yet, her high and heavy attack will give her opponents fits this fall. The crazy part is that the top defender, Londyn Koester (’23, 5-5 DS/L) wasn’t even there last night. Passing and defense won’t be a problem for the Eagles. That aspect trickles down to a surprise addition to last night’s play, Morgan Osborn (’26, 4-11 DS/L). Yes, you read that correctly. A rising eighth grader, Morgan held her own with the big girls on varsity and even played libero for two of the three sets against Knightstown last night. Her pursuit is relentless, she defends and receives serve well, and is aggressive in her play—a rare commodity for a kid this young.