Out of Preseason and into Regular Season: ’24 Powerhouse Pins
Following a successful club season for many players in the Chicagoland area, it is a very quick turnaround for players now heading into high school season. For athletes in this 2024 class, it seems like they can’t get enough of…
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Continue ReadingFollowing a successful club season for many players in the Chicagoland area, it is a very quick turnaround for players now heading into high school season. For athletes in this 2024 class, it seems like they can’t get enough of being on the court which is what will make this high school season one you don’t want to miss. There are many incredible uncommitted pins in this class and area, but here are the top six 2024 pin hitters you are going to want to follow out of the preseason and into the beginning of their high school seasons:
Grace Nelson Grace Nelson 6'1" | OH Oak Park River Forest | 2024 State #37 Nation IL (OH) 6’1″- Oak Park River Forest High School
It might not come as a surprise to see Grace’s name again, but after the success of her club season with a 5th place finish at GJNCs, it’s going to be exciting to see where she leads Oak Park River Forest this season. As an outside hitter ranked among the top recruits in the nation, Grace competes with flawless athleticism and always looking to grow her game. She puts a fast pace on the ball with her whip of an arm swing from both the front and backcourt, making her a threat no matter where she is attacking from. Even though she is known for her heavy and aggressive swings at the net, her defense does not get enough credit for her willingness to fill holes and keep balls off the ground.
Marin Johnson Marin Johnson 6'2" | MB Glenbard West | 2024 State IL (OH) 6’2″- Glenbard West High School
Marin is a natural athlete that is willing to work and compete for every point. Her height puts her at an advantage certainly, but her work ethic, hitting range, and ability to lead her team are what bring her into this category of Chicagoland standouts. In rallies, she works hard in transition which always allows her to be an offensive option, but on top of that, she tracks sets very well, ultimately putting herself in the best position to produce. She has a great understanding of the sets she can bury and sets where her job is to just better the ball for her team, which shows her understanding of the sport and her hitting vision.
Camille Morrison Camille Morrison MB Harvest Christian | 2024 State IL (OH) 6’0″- Metea Valley High School
Morrison is a very impressive all-around player and you will notice that even if you watched her for just a single rally. She has a quick arm swing which is coming around the second her feet come off the ground. Not only does her arm swing lead her to be so productive as a hitter, the height at which she contacts make it all the more difficult to defend if you catch yourself in front of one of her swing. Touching 10’2″ and having solid hand contact and control, she can hit the ball anywhere on the court. If you ever find yourself blocking against her, you have to keep an eye on her because she is comfortable taking swings from almost every position.
Brynn Smith (OH/OPP) 6’0″- Stevenson High School
Talk about a go-getter. Brynn’s slow to fast, big-time approach gives her every opportunity to bury the ball. Her great vision allows her to cut the ball off into the hole or utilize her many shots and phenomenal wrist control to maneuver the ball around the block. As a defender playing against Smith, she is a hard hitter to read because of the consistently aggressive way she approaches as if she is going to crank on the ball, but then hits an offspeed shot, catching defenders on their heels. She is also very quick-twitch as a blocker, so she can almost always get her hands in the face of any hitter she is up against.
Elizabeth Sessa Elizabeth Sessa 6'2" | RS Hinsdale Central | 2024 State IL (OPP) 6’2″- Hinsdale Central High School
Sessa is a key player no matter the team she is on. As a left-handed hitter, she has natural success on the right side by beating the block with a heavy yet very quick arm swing. She is able to get her feet to sets that die inside so she can be in the best position and make contact at the highest point to put the ball away. More importantly, she is lined up against the most active hitter on the other side of the court, and she takes full advantage of that and does a great job slowing down some heavy hitters. She understands her role as a right-side blocker and is not afraid to be big at the net and get in the space of the opposing attacker.
Ava Novak Ava Novak 6'3" | OH Benet | 2024 State IL (OH/OPP) 6’2″- Benet Academy
Ava is a solid 6-rotation pin who takes advantage of bettering the play every opportunity she gets to get a touch on the ball. Her backcourt defense is nothing but disciplined and is always willing to make an aggressive defensive move to keep the ball alive for her team. As a serve receive the option, she holds pride in controlling the pass she is giving to her setter and at the net, Novak puts nothing but power behind her swing making her almost unstoppable for defenders to read and get behind.