2025 Rankings-Hidden Gems-Part 1
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With the 2025 players list coming together, I wanted to peek at players who impacted their teams. A couple on the list were main contributors in some form, and a couple is hidden gems that will eventually make significant contributions…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2025 players list coming together, I wanted to peek at players who impacted their teams. A couple on the list were main contributors in some form, and a couple is hidden gems that will eventually make significant contributions in the correct positions. Part 1 of 2-part series looks at players outside the top 10.
16. Kate Nichols Kate Nichols 5'8" | OH Dexter | 2025 State MO -OH-Dexter
With 180 kills on the year, the 5’8” outside hitter for the Bearcats was one of the top three offensive players in her varsity debut, with an excellent powerful swing and an intelligent hitter that used the outside blocker to score a lot of her kills. Look for her kill total to skyrocket next year.
18. PJ Reutzel PJ Reutzel 5'7" | S Fredericktown | 2025 State MO -Setter-Fredericktown
The Blackcats had one of their best seasons in years, and part of that was the play of PJ. The 5’7” setter/outside hitter has a considerable upside to her game, and her aggressive nature will be a major plus for Fredericktown. The stat stuffer would end the year 4th in kills with 172, 2nd in digs with 240, and 1st in assists with 423. Keep an eye on this one.
20. Halle Forester Halle Forester 5'4" | OH Strafford | 2025 State MO -OH-Strafford
She might only be 5’4,” but the motor on this kid does not quit. Part of a runner-up team this year, Forester fit perfectly for the Indians and was a colossal defender. After her first year, she contributed 119 kills and dug 362 balls. I look for her to move to the libero position in the coming years and watch out for her.
26. Addison Carlton Addison Carlton 5'5" | OH Advance | 2025 State MO -OH-Advance
The 5’5” outside hitter asked to fill in an enormous void for the three-time defending state champions this year, and Carlton produced. Undersized outside hitter produced 81 kills on the year but, more importantly, was crucial defender for the Hornets. She would finish third on the team in digs with 275 but was the primary passer. Moving her to the libero position might pay huge dividends in a couple of years.
27. Sidney Hawkins Sidney Hawkins 5'10" | OH Lesterville | 2025 State MO -OH-Lesterville
The 5’8” outside hitter for the Bearcats had to play out of position this year as a middle. She would finish her first-year varsity with 37 kills, 24 blocks, 67 digs, and one of the primary passers. She’s behind two outside hitters but will make significant progress over club season.