GJNC Preview: Team Pineapple 16 Black
Winners of the National bid at the Hoosier regionals, Team Pineapple ‘s 16-1 showed who was boss on May 1 by not dropping a set in five matches. The clear class of the regional tournament, this squad actually represents three…
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Continue ReadingWinners of the National bid at the Hoosier regionals, Team Pineapple ‘s 16-1 showed who was boss on May 1 by not dropping a set in five matches. The clear class of the regional tournament, this squad actually represents three states (one player each from Michigan and Ohio), but our focus will be on the Indiana-based athletes. Here are kids you should watch at GJNCs next month.
THE BIGS
Normally, I refer to “the bigs” as being middles. This team is unique, in that the biggest on this roster is a primary-passing, six-rotation outside named Morgan Gaerte Morgan Gaerte 6'4" | OH Angola | 2024 State #26 Nation IN (’24, 6-4 OH, Angola). Her ability to receive serve, defend on the floor and at the net, and put balls away from pretty much anywhere make her a can’t-miss prospect for the class of ’24. She’s not alone, though, as Ella Boersema Ella Boersema 6'2" | MB Churubusco | 2024 State #178 Nation IN (’24, 6-2 MB, Churubusco) uses her length and strength to intimidate most opposing middles of lesser stature. Mya Ball Mya Ball 6'2" | RS Angola | 2024 State #124 Nation IN (’24, 6-1 S/RS, Angola) rounds out the Hoosiers on this list over six feet, as her lineage alone makes her a prime recruit. She locates the ball well, can get to just about any tight pass and can put balls away in a pinch if you need it.
THE REST
Of the remaining players from Indiana, there’s a mixture of talent in multiple positions. When Mya attacks, it’s from setter Ava Harris Ava Harris 5'11" | S Angola | 2025 State IN (’25, 5-9 S, Angola), both in high school and on this club team. She’s a double-double machine, as she defends well for both her position and her graduating class. Brenna Ginder Brenna Ginder 5'5" | DS/L Carroll Fort Wayne | 2024 State #137 Nation IN (’24, 5-5 DS/L, Carroll) is a left-back genius of a defender who can easily take half the court in serve receive. Ashley Zent (’24, 5-9 DS/L, Bishop Dwenger) is another reliable, first contact champion who is accustomed to high-pressure matches and uses her length to pursue balls better than most. Lainey Simmons (’24, 5-10 OH, Heritage) is another primary-passing outside that has more length and plays bigger than her 5-10 frame might dictate. Melania Hawblitzel (’24, 5-10 OH, Warsaw) has a whip of an arm, and has the jumping ability to play either pin at any time. I like her shot selection as well, as she’s always available to hit any shot at any time.