Central Zone was packed with action, with the two days of play bringing incredible play and outstanding performances coming from everywhere. Below, we highlight those players we caught who stoodout the most to us.
SHOW STOPPERS
Gia Stokes MB Boiler Jrs 14 Gold: Stokes is a big-armed middle who owns the front row. Her powerful kills are a huge boost to the attack and can be deflating to teams on the other side of the net.
Kenzie Conner L/DS Boiler Jrs 14 Gold: Among the shining lights for Boiler Jrs was the back-row play from Conner. She plays with a ton of energy and hustle and was getting after it defensively.
Lexi Coleman OH Legacy 14-1 Adidas: Coleman is a force on offense. She has a very fast arm swing and generates plenty of pace with it. She can hit over, around or through blocks and it makes her a difficult matchup no matter the opponent.
Stella Smith L/DS Legacy 14-1 Adidas: Another standout defensively was Smith. She’s a smooth operator in the back row. She plays with a lot of poise and confidence and her first touches with on target consistently.
Mary Clayton MB AVC Cle 14 Red: Clayton is a difference maker in the front row. Her size and length impact both sides of the ball and changes the dynamic of the match. She proved to be an effective scorer.
Mallory Rosa MB AVC Cle 14 Red: Rosa is a quick middle. She showed off a nice arm and gave AVC another option in the middle for defenses to be concerned about.
Anna Smith OH Circle City 14 Purple: Smith was a key factor in the offense. She was able to give her team a reliable option on the outside and could score in a variety of ways.
Rebecca Turley OH Alliance 14 Ren: Turley displayed what she can do. She was the go-to hitter for Alliance. She has a strong arm and was scoring from sideline to sideline.
Alexandra Cannon RS Adidas KiVA 14 Red: Cannon stood out on the right side with a strong arm. She took aggressive swings and put pressure on the defense.
Emersyn Robinson L/DS Team Indiana 14.1 Elite: Robinson was flying around the court and helping to keep her team in rallies. She was also consistent out of serve receive.
Faith Benson OH MKE Sting 14 Gold: Benson took her share of swings for Sting. She’s a lanky outside with a nice arm who put balls away regularly.
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Natalie Tarkowski OH MKE Sting 14 Gold: Tarkowski was both fearless and relentless on the outside. She was taking big swings and going at blockers and not backing down.
Kinley Yoder MB Elevation 14 Case: When it came to middles, Yoder was one of the best in the 14s division. She moves well at the net, puts up a strong block and was an effective offensive weapon when set.
Laura Raines OH Elevation 14 Case: Raines brought a lot to the attack. She can swing it from the front or back row and has a strong arm to punish defenses with.
Chyla Jukes OH 1st Alliance 14-1: Jukes flashed plenty of potential on the left side. She moves and jumps well and was taking strong swings.
Audrey Utterback OH Circle City 15 Purple: A six-rotation contributor, Utterback played an integral role in Circle City winning the 15 Open division. She has a powerful arm that can be utilized front and back row and with it she brings a lot of firepower to the attack.
Finley Smith MB Circle City 15 Purple: Smith looks poised for a big season. She was a real factor at the net and making plays on both sides of the ball while giving Circle City a lift at middle.
Tegan Loechler S/RS MKE Sting 15 Gold: Loechler is another player who could be ready for a real breakout season. Taking on the role of setting and hitting this season, Loechler is a true impact player for her side. She has the length and reach to swing over blocks and a nice touch setting.
Lauren Sheldon MB Legacy 15-1 Adidas: Sheldon is a heavy-armed middle whose physicality gives Legacy a real weapon across the front. She finished plenty of points with powerful kills.
Isabella DeSensi L/DS Adidas KiVA 15 Red: KiVA’s run to the semifinals was boosted by the play of DeSensi. She showed to be a sharp defender with great first touches and effort plays.
Kayleigh Rogers OH Adidas KiVA 15 Red: Rogers provided her share of offense. Whether front or back row defenses needed to stay on their toes.
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Kelsey Green S Elevation 15 Tony: Green did well using all her hitters and spreading the attack around. She has nice hands and was locating well.
Eliana Ashley MB AVC Cle 15 Red: Count Ashley among the middles who left her mark in Indy. Ashley was pounding winners down with force and simply overpowering the defense at times.
Lucy Waleskowski S/RS NKYVC 15-1 Tsunami: Waleskowski’s two-way contributions are a big part of NKYVC does. She’s a smart player, both with her hitting and setting. She brings a lot to the court with her skill level.
Marlie Smith S Legacy 16-1 Adidas: Smith did a fantastic job directing the attack and making plays beyond setting up her hitters. She moves the ball around with ease and keeps the defense guessing as to where she’s going.
Cynthia Ockerman MB Legacy 16-1 Adidas: Ockerman is an impact middle. Her ability to get out and run the slide opens up the attack. She’s also a strong blocker who can give her team lift defensively.
Kyla Williams MB AVC Cle 16 Red: Another standout middle, Williams’ reach and length at the net is imposing on both sides of the ball. She can extend way up and swing over blocks while sending balls straight down.
Payton Beard OH AVC Cle 16 Red: Beard brings power to the lineup. She’s a hard-swinging, big-hitting outside who gives AVC a consistent, reliable scorer to lean on.
Kinley Young MB Boiler Jrs 16 Gold: Young provides value in the middle with her ability to score and block. She has size and takes up space in a hurry.
Kayla Nwabueze MB Legacy 17-1 Adidas: Nwabueze was a positive influence in the middle. She’s a highlight-producing scorer who hits high above the net and delivers awe-inspiring kills.
Eva Long S Legacy 17-1 Adidas: With smooth hands and on-point location, Long guides the attack effortlessly. She knows how to mix up her sets and spread the ball around.
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Rose Mahin OH Rev 17-1 Raptors: Mahin is an undersized attacker but she’s fearless and doesn’t back down. She’s a strong hitter who does well exploiting gaps in the block or tooling hands.
Jasmine Daniels S Rev 17-1 Raptors: Daniels is a fun setter to watch get after it. She brings a lot of energy to the position. She moves well and does a great job getting to the ball and delivering hittable balls.
Lily Bosworth MB Illini Elite 17 Cardinal: Bosworth brings lots of size to the middle. Her ability to go over the block makes her difficult to defend. She’s also a factor when she’s blocking, as she’s able to stop attackers with the big block she puts up.
Ellie Hepler L/DS Boiler Jrs 17 Gold: Hepler brought a defensive edge to the court. She injects lots of energy into the lineup. She’s a consistent passer and defender.
Bre Morgan MB Boiler Jrs 17 Gold: Morgan was a real threat in the middle. She carries a strong arm and can hammer shots down to the floor in a hurry.
Sidney Sprada OH Elevation 17 Chicas: Sprada is an explosive outside. She gets up quickly and takes aggressive, hard swings and just keeps coming at the defense.
Emma Cugino L/DS Mintonette Sports m.71: Cugino is a lights-out defender and passer. She makes playing defense look easily with her skill level and ability to read and react.
Cala Haffner L/DS PineappleHP 17-1: Haffner is another skilled libero who plays the position effortlessly. She’s calm, collected and has great first touches.
Avery Burdette L Alliance 16 Molten: Burdette is an incredibly versatile player, showcasing her wide range of skills against Athlete HQ 16-McGhee. During the match, she consistently found open spots on the court to secure points and delivered accurate passes on serve receive. Her aggression on the pin and seamless transitions on and off the net make her an indispensable asset to Alliance16 Molten.
Keenan Elizabeth MB Alliance 16 Molten: Keenan brings contagious energy to the court, fueling her team with enthusiasm and focus. She excels at getting on top of the ball and showcases a strong connection with her setter to run a faster-paced offense. Her ability to turn the ball down the line with precision and hit sharp angles was instrumental in securing the win over Athlete HQ 16-McGhee.
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Addison Burks L Rhythm 17-1: Burks showcased her well-controlled platform right from the start against RockCity 17 N1. Her smooth tempo on passes provided the setter with precise options to utilize all offensive players effectively. Dominating the defensive side of the court, she reads the ball exceptionally well and positions herself perfectly to make key plays. Burks is a standout player who brings reliability and consistency to the court.
Sadie Kroeger OH Rhythm 17-1: Kroeger is an incredibly versatile player, excelling both at the net and in the back row. Her ability to deliver smart shots, execute critical defensive saves, and orchestrate powerful plays highlights her adaptability and talent. These qualities made her capable of contributing effectively in any position against RockCity 17 N1.
Abbie Lyttle DS Rhythm 17-1: Lyttle Alexis’s ability to balance her defensive responsibilities with her setting duties makes her an invaluable leader for her team, especially in their match against RockCity 17 N1. Her leadership on the court is clear as she confidently directs plays and keeps communication strong with her teammates, ensuring smooth transitions and effective execution throughout the game.
Amanda Shanahan S Rhythm 17-1: Shanahan Enki’s setting stands out due to her speed and quick release, making it difficult for RockCity 17 N1 to anticipate her moves. She has built strong connections with her hitters, allowing her to deliver sets that play to their strengths. Her fast-paced setting style keeps the opposing team guessing, playing a key role in her team’s offensive success.
Abbi Sells L Legacy 17-2: Sells is a player you want on your side of the court and definitely don’t want to face across the net. She displayed outstanding determination throughout the game, leading her team to victory over SPVB 17 Marshall. Consistently passing difficult balls with precision, she also seamlessly took over for the setter when needed, delivering top-notch sets. Her versatility and dedication on the court were evident as she contributed significantly against Legacy 17-2 ADIDAS.
Morgan Parsley S Legacy 17-2: Right out of the gate, Parsley was in game mode, smartly delivering a well-timed dump to SPVB 17 Marshall’s defense, catching them completely off guard and securing her team the point. Her ability to perform at a high level in critical moments shows her skill, awareness, and determination on the court.
Kendall Hubbard S/RS Elevation 16: Hubbard’s speed and ability to square up to all of her sets make her a versatile and reliable player that her hitters can count on. Her agility and quick reactions allow her to effectively execute plays and contribute to her team’s success against Academy 16-1O Yeti. She constantly switches up the offense, unafraid to try new plays. A true leader on the court, Hubbard fosters momentum and inspires her team, playing a pivotal role in their performance.
Ali Strange L Elevation 16: Strange showcased exceptional awareness and adaptability against Academy 16-1O Yeti, carefully reading the game and positioning herself effectively to counter the opposition’s plays. Her hustle and determination to keep the ball alive were evident throughout the match. She excels at opening her body to create space for passing float serves, maintaining a precise angle to keep her passes on target. With her refined technique and control, Strange is also adept at digging powerful attacks, proving to be a crucial asset to her team.
Jillian Turvey MB Elevation 16: Turvey demonstrated exceptional adaptability against Academy 16-1O Yeti, with her quick approach and fast arm swing enabling her to thrive in a faster-paced offense. Her powerful follow-through adds an extra edge to her attacks. Turvey’s strong connection with her setter highlights their impeccable timing and chemistry, resulting in seamless plays and a highly effective offense.
Anja Nelson L CI Elite 16 Red: Right from the start, in set 1 against NKJV 16 White, Nelson made it clear she came to compete. Delivering an incredible one-arm overhead dig with ease, perfectly setting up her setter to initiate an offensive play. Her performance showcased immense heart and tenacity, driving her team’s determination to secure the win over NKJV 16 White.
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Rebecca Lopez OH CI Elite 16 Red: Lopez played a pivotal role in the match against NKJV 16 White, consistently delivering as a reliable force on the pin. She showcased her versatility by securing points with powerful cross-court swings and smartly switching up her offense with strategic shots when needed, keeping the opposing defense on their heels.
Bryn Williamson S/RS ESVBC 16 Thunder: Williamson is a dominant force on the right side, using her left-handed advantage to disrupt the blockers’ alignment and create scoring opportunities. Her strong connection with her setter enabled her to consistently find gaps and attack angles effectively against MKE Sting 16 Silver. Her exceptional agility allows her not only to get on top of the ball for powerful hits but also to deliver precise sets to her teammates.
Tabitha Vandeschraaf OH ESVBC 16 Thunder: Vandeschraaf, delivered a standout performance in the back row against MKE Sting 16 Silver. Her ability to pass dimes on serve receive and execute precise, accurate passes made her setter’s job significantly easier. Defensively, she was rock-solid, keeping plays alive with her sharp instincts. In the front row, Tabitha showcased her versatility by consistently putting the ball away. A well-rounded player, she proves she can confidently handle any challenge on the court.
Khloe Stear L ESVBC 17 Yeti: Stear brought unmatched energy to the match against Legacy 17-3 ADIDAS. She excels at supporting and uplifting her teammates, creating a positive atmosphere on the court. Right from the start, she opened the first point with an incredible pass off a tough floater. Her ability to stay composed under pressure was key in leading her team to victory over Legacy 17-3 ADIDAS, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Aubrey Hurckes MB ESVBC 17 Yeti: Hurckes demonstrated exceptional lateral movement and stayed one step ahead of the game against Legacy 17-3 ADIDAS. Her ability to close blocks with perfect timing made it difficult for the opposition to find openings, effectively shutting down hitters and limiting their options. This significantly strengthened her team’s defense, and her skill in disrupting plays contributed to smoother transitions throughout the match.
Milan Hamilton L Elevation 14 Gourley: Hamilton excels at opening up to balls outside of her body, handling them effortlessly with precision. Her serve receive platform is steady, allowing her to control the angles effectively. against Rhythm 141, her consistency and ability to adjust to difficult passes played a key role in maintaining strong court awareness and contributing to her team’s success.
Emme Frazier OH Elevation 14 Gourley: Frazier’s quick transitions off the net create valuable opportunities for her setter, elevating her team’s offensive strategies. She excels at hitting deep down the line, showcasing her ability to execute strong, effective swings for kills in crucial moments. Her versatility and precision make her a key player in securing points, as demonstrated in the match against Rhythm 141.
Bryn Dircksen S Mintonette 16-2: Dircksen showcases exceptional hand skills, enabling her to facilitate a fast-paced offense in perfect sync with her teammates. She prioritizes getting to the ball square, which boosts her consistency and accuracy. In addition to her offensive prowess, Dircksen made crucial saves on defense, successfully handling hard-driven swings. Her keen court awareness helps her exploit defensive openings, and her strong communication with her hitters strengthens the team’s overall cohesion. Her all-around play was vital in the match against Elevation 16 KK.
Finley Carpenter RS Mintonette 16-2: Carpenter showcases her power on the right side, utilizing her left-handed advantage to full effect. With a strong, full rotation through her swings and a big approach, she generates impressive power, making it difficult for blockers to anticipate her shots in the match against Elevation 16 KK. Her versatility and offensive strength were key to her team’s success.
Rylee Jewell OH NKYVC 16-1: Jewell showed command of the back row. She shined in serve receive and displayed lots of effort and tenacity in keeping rallies alive.
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Evie Mayer DS Monon 17-2: Evie maintains a calm demeanor under pressure, which allows her to stay composed in critical moments. She came out strong with her serves against CVC 17U National and showcased excellent movement across the court. Her platform angles are a key fundamental in her passing technique, helping her consistently deliver accurate passes.
Sarah Roberts OH Monon 17-2: Roberts is a highly agile outside hitter, consistently working to target hands on her attacks and finding openings in CVC 17U National’s defense. Her keen game sense and ability to exploit weaknesses make her a key offensive weapon. Beyond her technical skills, Roberts is a strong presence on the court, always uplifting and encouraging her Monon teammates during the match against CVC 17U National.
Kameryn Durbin S Buckeye 17 Red: Durbin has exceptional hands, allowing her to orchestrate a fast and efficient offense alongside her teammates. She consistently gets to the ball square, maximizing accuracy and effectiveness in her plays. Durbin also demonstrates great blocking skills, adding strength to her team’s defense. Her strong communication with hitters contributes to the overall success and cohesion of her team in their match against MVA – Rise Academy 72.
Emma Steel OH Buckeye 17 Red: Steel took control of the court against MVA – Rise Academy 72 with an impressive display of athleticism, dominating the outside. Her powerful, sharp swings consistently found openings, and her decisive play early on set the tone for the match. Steel’s ability to make an impact from the very start solidified her role as a key player in her team’s success.
Anabelle Schembra S Circle City 16 Purple: Schembra excels at identifying the opposing team’s weaknesses and strategically exploiting them through her team’s offense. She keeps her opponents guessing by constantly switching things up. As a leader on the court, she delivers precise sets while demonstrating remarkable adaptability mid-play. Her quick decision-making enables her to adjust her sets based on the defense’s positioning, ensuring she capitalizes on any openings, as seen in her performance against Mintonette Sports – m.61.
Milana Mays MB Circle City 16 Purple: Mays demonstrates exceptional balance and stability in the middle, enabling her to load quickly and react with precision. In her match against Mintonette Sports – m.61., she consistently reads the setter and positions herself perfectly, becoming a dominant first line of defense for her team. Her blocking skills made it difficult for the opponents to get the ball past her. Mays formed a dynamic duo with Schembra, and together they made a significant impact in their match against Mintonette Sports – m.61.
Bella Kaldor S Milwaukee Sting 16 Silver: Kaldor is a dynamic setter who brings both skill and a vibrant energy to the court when playing against Cincy Crush 16-1. Her leadership shines through in her consistent communication with her hitters, always providing clear direction and boosting team morale. With her drive and relentless hustle, she set the tone for the first set, elevating the intensity and focus of her team. Her ability to keep the squad engaged and working in sync makes her an invaluable presence on the floor.
Payton Nelson L Milwaukee Sting 16 Silver: Nelson steps up with confidence when stepping in for her setter on out-of-system balls, delivering accurate sets that allow her attackers to score. She is quick to intercept angled shots toward the line and made several key digs off players from Cincy Crush 16-1. Her relentless hustle and determination to keep plays alive showcase her defensive grit. Nelson is a player you’d want on your team for her exceptional defensive contributions.
Mady Gibson OH ESVBC 17 Warriors: Gibson showcases impressive finesse with her wrist, tricking defenders with well-placed shots that exploit gaps in the defense. As a strategic force on the pin, she consistently proves her reliability and versatility as a key player in the front row during the match against RockCity 17 N3. Throughout the game, Gibson maintains a focused, game-time mentality, showing an unwavering commitment and determination that fuels her performance.
Jameson McGinn L ESVBC 17 Warriors: McGinn demonstrates remarkable court awareness and relentless hustle, moving effortlessly to create angles with her platform. In the match against RockCity 17 N3, she started strong, showcasing her ability to make plays even when out of system. Her consistent, well-placed passes allowed the setter to easily read the ball, contributing to the team’s smooth offensive flow.
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Loretta Duby L TPV 15: Duby is a spark on the court, bringing energy and passion to every play. She knows exactly how to rally her team and ignite their momentum. In the second set against OPVC 15 Friday, she made an incredible one-handed dig off a powerful swing from the outside hitter, showcasing her defensive determination and ability to stay focused under pressure.
Cadence Mathis S TPV 15: Mathis demonstrates quick reflexes and outstanding court coverage, providing key defensive contributions throughout the match. She excels at adjusting passes to her and does a great job pushing the ball outside during out-of-system plays, turning those moments into valuable points for her team.
Cassie Creech S NIVA 17 Purple: Creech has an excellent ability to track the ball, ensuring she gets her feet to the ball when setting. Throughout the match against NKJV 17 Blue, she consistently works the pins, but knows when to go to her middle at crucial moments with perfect timing. Her smooth hands provide her offensive players with confidence, knowing the set will be exactly where they need it.
Elizabeth Adams OH NIVA 17 Purple: Adams thrives in fast-paced offenses, consistently staying ahead of the play where NKJV 17 Blue struggled to find their rhythm, often arriving late. Her ability to elevate on her attacks lets her hit every angle of the court with both power and precision, applying constant pressure on the opposition and helping secure the win over NKJV 17 Blue.
Kylee Sells L MAVA Adidas 17: Sells sets the tone early in the first set against Lex United 17 Elite with her sharp reaction time on serve receive. She seamlessly opens her hips and angles her platform with precision, delivering clean, controlled passes that allow her setter to run the offense efficiently. Sells makes a significant impact throughout the match with her sharp court awareness and ability to read the game.
Addison Vaughn S MAVA Adidas 17: Vaughn showcases outstanding hands, allowing her to facilitate a fast-paced offense alongside her teammates. She consistently works to get square to the ball, maximizing accuracy in her sets. Her strong connection and communication with her hitters further elevate her team’s offensive rhythm in the match against Lex United 17 Elite.
Lily Reinhart OH/DS Circle City 15 Black: Reinhart is an incredibly versatile player, excelling both at the net and in the back row. Her ability to deliver smart shots, execute critical passes, and orchestrate powerful plays highlights her adaptability and talent. These qualities allowed her to contribute effectively in any position against VC United 151 Elite.
Katherine Caswell MB Circle City 15 Black: Caswell, a middle blocker, possesses an impressive reach and a fearless competitive spirit, always giving her all to succeed. Defensively, she plays a key role by effectively closing blocks and moving fluidly along the net. Her strong court awareness allows her to read the game well, positioning herself strategically to shut down attacks. Additionally, she seamlessly runs dynamic offensive plays out of the middle, making her a versatile and impactful presence on the court against VC United 151 Elite.
Marissa White S UNION 17 Purple: White is an exceptional leader on the court, expertly controlling the momentum and motivating her teammates. Her ability to run a fast-paced offense while strategically utilizing each player’s strengths makes her difficult for opponents to predict. She reacts quickly, excels at defensive coverage, and consistently plays with great awareness against Dunes 17 Teal.
Emma Locke MB UNION 17 Purple: Locke immediately makes an impact in the front row, disrupting Dunes 17 Teal’s offense with multiple stops when she steps on the court. Her exceptional footwork and balance along the net enable her to form a massive, highly effective block. Locke consistently displays aggressiveness at the net, asserting control over the front row.
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Leah McKinley L Southwest 17N Ashley: McKinley remains composed on defense, relying entirely on her hustle and determination to chase down every ball. Her patience and readiness reflect her intense focus and commitment to the game. She truly embodies the principle that “it all starts with a great pass.” With exceptional court movement and a confident presence, she takes charge of tough plays, helping her team stay in control throughout the match against TVC 17-Royal.
Maggie Orzech OH Southwest 17N Ashley: Orzech played a crucial role in securing points against TVC 17-Royal, proving her reliability in high-pressure moments. She excels at fixing out-of-system balls and keeps the defense guessing by seamlessly switching between hard-driven angle swings and well-placed roll shots. Additionally, she established a strong presence at the net, consistently shutting down TVC 17-Royal’s right-side hitter or providing valuable support to the defense.
Payton Masterson L AVC 15 White: In the first set against NOVA Juniors 15s Navy, Masterson quickly put her team in a strong position by earning three points with her powerful jump float serves. She expertly moves the ball around, applying pressure at key moments and capitalizing on the opponent’s weaknesses. On serve receive, her excellent depth perception allows her to position herself effectively, getting around the ball and delivering precise, controlled passes to keep her team in system.
Kaelin White RS AVC 15 White: White delivered a jaw-dropping, game-changing play in the first set against NOVA Juniors 15 Navy. Executing the play with lightning speed, she left the opposing team without a chance to set up a block. Her perfectly timed approach and explosive attack were so well-executed that the ball hit the floor untouched—no defender even had time to react.
Clara Leister OH/RS TPV 15 Maverick: Leister delivers powerful attacks, demonstrating her versatility along the net and consistently converting plays into points for her team. She thrives in high-pressure situations, showing exceptional control and dominance on the pin. Against Lex United 15 Elite, she asserted herself at the net, winning crucial battles and making a significant impact throughout the first set.
Allie Davison S HP 18-1: Davison excels at delivering precise sets that cater to her hitters’ strengths, consistently putting them in the best position to score. Her selfless decision-making as a setter sets her apart, creating numerous offensive opportunities for her team. With quick, agile footwork, she seamlessly moves around the court, controlling the tempo and orchestrating plays effectively in the match against Dunes 18 Black.
