The Prospect Report October 5th

The Prospect Report October 5th

After taking the tour around the country it was great checking in with many scouts and already starting to hear some of the recruiting buzz and evals for 2027.  So much movement and growth, but also opinions be formed for sure.  We took notes and here is Pt. 1 that we put together in our next Prospect Report.

First off great to get more and more questions about PPV and the PPV Level Grid.  A few people asked what you mean by “Diamond Level” and you Referred to “only a couple teams recruit there and then it widens out”…..Can you explain?

Yes, I will, even though this always makes some college upset.  Also, we will be launching our “Straight Talk Recruiting” Series very soon and it will go much more in-depth on things like this for the people who want to learn more about it….

So the Diamond Level.  Right now that is the Top 1-3 prospects in a class.  Athletes that should almost surely look to contend for PT as Freshman.  Should certainly expect to be All-American 1x if not 2 or 3x and quite possibly a National POY.  These are very ELITE recruits.

***Also not every class is guaranteed to have multiple Diamond level recruits, it simply depends.

Next Question:  Who are this year’s Diamond Level Recruits?

Great? And the answer is that’s up to your culture, your beliefs, and what you value.  

Based solely on ABILITY here is who I think would be ranked with 295+ PPV by those staffs as of right now.

Setter Marissa Jones A5

Outside Hitter: Shaye Witherspoon Rockwood Thunder

Middle: Kendall Omoruyri Arizona Storm

*As we said in our Region’s Best there are about 6 more that could move into this level by the end of the Spring.

Is Tobacco Road a Volleyball Factory Now?

Long history for its ACC hoops is North Carolina now becoming a factory for producing top volleyball talent?  Last year’s #1 Setter Genevieve Harris from NC Academy headed to Texas and looked for more great talent to follow.

There is already local and national attention on OPP/Setter Nejari Crooks (266 PPV) out of Triad Elite.  “Crooks just vaulted this Summer when word spread at her performance at NTDP playing OPP.  Her ceiling there is so high and that is a weakness in this class.”

Keilani Ledaja-Brewer OH 6’1” (211 PPV) “If she progresses like she did this past year look for her to be closer to a 260 PPV by “offer time” and that gives her a whole new set of schools to choose from.  She just gets more and more confident the more opportunities she gets in BIG gyms”

Graceyn Shepard is a Libero from Triangle VB that was a new name to us, but not to an area scout.  “You are going to like Shepard, like our camp did.  Covers the ground and is another one of the solid ‘bros in this class.  I think her performance early in some of the bigger events could determine her college reach (local P4 or further)”

Smaller Clubs Big Futures:

Here are a few prospects that will have bright futures despite maybe playing for smaller clubs.  Their games have grabbed the attention of some Top 20 programs.

Madalyn Henry OH Kairos VB (221 PPV) Henry has ripped her way onto the final list of some pretty note-worthy programs.  The South Dakota star has played up for Kairos Volleyball and is a 6 rotation star who is one of the most fierce competitors in the class.  Undersized, but explosive enough to overcome that vs. any high-level block Henry gets it done, and trust us plenty of P4 schools have noticed.

Sophia Austen is another Midwest kid who is battling her way onto P4 interest lists.  The 6’1” OH (180 PPV) who plays for Iowa United has fans in the right places.  “Her squad didn’t play amazing at nationals, but she was solid.  Multi-skilled ATHLETE and has a very high contact point that I don’t think she gets enough credit for.  Like her competitiveness, but would like to see her add strength for durability.”

Carson Caraway MB 6’4” (213 PPV) Infinity Volleyball Club Mississippi.  Caraway is the best player in her state and continues to improve her own game and get recognition.  Great with the block, but trying to constantly improve and compete with higher-level volleyball players makes her an exciting prospect.  Also, scouts throw the term “high-ceiling” around with Caraway who is still growing into her 6’4” frame and has her best volleyball ahead of her.  This is a big year for her to see how she handles the speed of 16s vs. top competition, but know big school eyes will be on her.

Amelia Mullen 5’10” Setter (219 PPV) Oklahoma Charge.  “Mullen is a lefty setter that has earned some club honors during her 15s year.  Again on a smaller club doesn’t get seen by as many schools, but she is a solid player and plays at a high level.  Attended some high-end camps and was impressive.  Look for Mullen to be another that gets some additional attention from multiple schools early on this club season to get closer evaluation…..she’s earned it.

Kya Behr 5’10” Setter (210 PPV) Fight Club.  Behr is fundamentally sound and runs a great offense at an uptempo pace.  She is in control and in sync with her hitters and you even saw that at camps during the summer.  One of the best in the KC/KS area.  For sure a P4 setter and potentially a Top 25 program.

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