Must-See Athletes “Playing Up” in 2022: Setters
One position to go. Throughout this series, we’ve covered pin hitters, middle blockers, and defensive specialists who have managed to stand out while also playing up. Finally, we’ve reached the setters. It certainly takes a savvy setter to be able…
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Continue ReadingOne position to go.
Throughout this series, we’ve covered pin hitters, middle blockers, and defensive specialists who have managed to stand out while also playing up. Finally, we’ve reached the setters.
It certainly takes a savvy setter to be able to run an offense at a higher age group. Setters playing up is not particularly common, but the ones who do are usually worth keeping an eye on. So, while the sample size at this position may not be large, we’re not missing out on quality here.
Alex Bower – 5’10 S – Idaho Crush 17 Bower – Class of 2024
We’re completing the series-wide trifecta from this Idaho Crush team. I told you there were a few 2024s on the roster, after all. The Bower lineage has given so much to the Idaho prep scene lately, and this latest Bower setter ought to be on your radar as we hit June. It’s hard to find another 2024 setter with an attacking mindset like Bower. Her whippy left arm is responsible for so much scoring, and that’s a lot to deal with for any opposing middle blocker.
Macy Hinshaw Macy Hinshaw 5'9" | S Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State #75 Nation IN – 5’9 S – Circle City 17 Purple – Class of 2024
What a year for 17 Purple. Hinshaw has set her Circle City squad to numerous tournament titles, making this 2024 prospect a clear frontrunner to hoist the 17s national championship trophy this summer. Playing up with one of the country’s top teams is not too daunting for Hinshaw, as she shows the poise and leadership needed to run a high-level offense. Mark this down as another name to follow in a long line of elite prep setters from Indiana.
Stella Swenson Stella Swenson 6'1" | S Wayzata | 2024 State #8 Nation MN – 6’1 S – MN Select 17-1 – Class of 2024
It’s only right to include the other Swenson twin in this feature series. And, like Bower, we have a name that’s already associated with a big-time setter star from the past. Swenson and MN Select 17-1 saved their best volleyball for the end of the season, which is usually as good of a time as ever to reach your peak. Select can always be assured that they have a setter who can hold down the blocking phase and do some defensive work in the backcourt. Players with Swenson’s skillset don’t come around often.
More sweet slide hitting on display.
Kate Simington does the honors here for @MNSelect 17-1. Awesome connection with Stella Swenson Stella Swenson 6'1" | S Wayzata | 2024 State #8 Nation MN . pic.twitter.com/cmMosD5gOM
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) April 9, 2022
Maya Baker – 5’9 S – Vision 16 Gold – Class of 2025
Watch out for these California 2025s. We talked about a good one yesterday in the defensive specialist feature, and now Baker is representing the West Coast among this talented group of setters. Vision 16 Gold has put together some impressive tournament showings behind its talented young setter. Aside from Baker’s good hands and brilliant delivery, this signal-caller is also a reliable contributor in right-back floor defense.
Belle Groomes Belle Groomes 6'0" | S St. Joseph Academy | 2025 State #38 Nation OH – 6’0 S/RS – AVC CLE Rox 16 Red – Class of 2025
Groomes recently caught our attention at the Prep Dig Open in Cleveland last month, where she put her all-around skills on display with AVC. She’s physical enough to attack on the right pin–something she’s done a lot on the high school side–but her prowess at the setter spot was on display at our circuit event. Despite being a tall setter, Groomes still manages to get her feet to the ball and deliver consistent sets that keep her 16 Red attackers in rhythm.
Mia Hunt Mia Hunt 5'9" | S Central Catholic | 2025 State OR – 5’9 S – Athena VBC 16 Gold – Class of 2025
It’s about time I revisited the 16 Open champs from Omaha’s President’s Day Classic. Hunt’s sharp setting and competitive fire have ensured that you can no longer overlook this Oregon club. 16 Gold runs a mixture of one- and two-setter systems, but Hunt finds a way to make a big impact in either case. Her jump setting is incredibly smooth for someone her age and will only keep improving for years to come.