GJNC Preview: Circle City 15 Purple
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Moving on from the class of ’24 to the class of ’25, we talk about the first of five 15s teams to qualify for GJNCs next month. Circle’s 1s team in the 15s division has it all; size, speed, athleticism,…
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Continue ReadingMoving on from the class of ’24 to the class of ’25, we talk about the first of five 15s teams to qualify for GJNCs next month. Circle’s 1s team in the 15s division has it all; size, speed, athleticism, volleyball acuity. This is a group that, if they stay together, could be a force for years to come. Look at what they’ve done THIS season: 3rd in open at the Mideast Qualifier, 3rd in open at the Show-Me, and won the Windy City, also in open. Here they are, by predicted position at the next level.
THE MIDDLES
The one thing Reese Dunkle Reese Dunkle 6'3" | MB Center Grove | 2025 State #31 Nation IN (’25, 6-2 MB, Center Grove), Aubrey Runyon Aubrey Runyon 5'9" | MB Franklin Community | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-9 MB, Franklin Community) and Ellen Zapp Ellen Zapp 6'0" | MB Center Grove | 2025 State IN (’25, 6-0 MB/RS, Center Grove) have in common is that all three live in Johnson County, south of Indianapolis. Beyond that, there are so many different things to like in these three. Reese is long and lean, fast and athletic, and is well beyond her years in net defense and court vision. At this age, she should not be able to do the things she can do, simply because of a lack of experience. No matter—Miss Dunkle combines her athleticism with her volleyball IQ and is the prototypical middle for this class. Aubrey, on the other hand, is fast, dynamic, relentless, and a beast of an athlete. There is one speed for Miss Runyon, and that speed is GO. Since she jumps so high (9’6″) on her attack, she would probably make a great middle for smaller schools, or be moved to one of the pins to go over some unsuspecting blockers. Oh, and did I mention that she qualified for the state track meet in the 100 hurdles? As a freshman??? Finally Ellen is the mold for being an M2. She excels off of two feet and always seems to find the floor since she’s up so quickly. Her positive energy is contagious, and her terminability keeps blockers honest.
THE PINS
I combined all of the potential pin attackers on this list because they all have a similar size range. Logan Bell Logan Bell 5'11" | OH Roncalli | 2025 State #24 Nation IN (’25, 5-11 OH, Roncalli) has constructed an outstanding all-around game, and is just as adept attacking from the back row as she is from the front. Perfecting her serve receive might be the only thing left for her to work on. Taylor Woods Taylor Woods 5'11" | OH West Lafayette | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-11 OH/RS, West Lafayette), like Logan, already has solid varsity starting experience, and jumps just as high (at last measure, 9’5″). Miss Woods has all of the shots in the book, incredible range on defense, and does everything well. Keira Lucas Keira Lucas 5'10" | OH Northview | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-10 OH/DS, North View) also has starting varsity experience, and is developing into an excellent O2/primary passer. Her serve receive, shot selection and whip of an arm will carry her far in her recruitment.
THE FLOOR GENERAL
There seems to be a running theme with this squad, and that is “full speed”. None on this roster emulate that thought more than Isabelle Brown Isabelle Brown 5'9" | S Avon | 2025 State #101 Nation IN (’25, 5-9 S, Danville). She gets to every ball. No, really. Full go, no quit, always locating the ball well and plays defense at an upper level for not only her class and position, but for all classes of setters. A leader both on and off the court, she’s very coachable, hyper athletic, and would be a great 5-1 option at the next level for just about anyone. I can’t say enough about this kid. Yes, the above listed attackers are great and all, but someone has to get them the ball. Miss Brown is more than willing and able.
THE LITTLES
There is a variety of skills and sizes among the defenders for this squad, and all can be relied upon to be the special jersey wearer. Eva Hurrle Eva Hurrle 5'8" | DS/L Roncalli | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-8 DS/L, Roncalli) is the biggest and most experienced of the bunch, and she uses her size to her advantage when pursuing out-of-system balls. Bradee Mcdonald Bradee Mcdonald 5'4" | DS/L Northview | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-4 DS/L, North View) can play any of the three back row positions, and shows a quiet upper body to go with her constantly-moving feet to touch a bunch more contacts than the average defender. Finally, my favorite player on this roster is Avery Freeman Avery Freeman 5'4" | DS/L Bloomington North | 2025 State #68 Nation IN (’25, 5-2 DS/L, Bloomington North). Willing to do the tough work to earn the libero jersey seems just about right to fit in on this roster, and after what I’ve seen this spring, there isn’t another libero I’d rather have in this class. Serve receive is spot on, she’s always in the right spot on defense, and makes her team that much better just by being on the court.