The Case for Central Hardin Volleyball
Several years back, I asked coach Bill Rineker if I could shoot a couple of his players for a companion piece for the volleyball preview I was putting together and he agreed. The day I showed up he said “Chuck, I just couldn’t pick a couple of players. I’d appreciate it if you could get our Varsity. They all are part of the TEAM.” So, I did and it got a positive response.
That’s what I quickly learned from Rineker that there really is no one player that’s more important than the other on his team. All coaches preach it and he is one of the disciples. Coming off a 35-win season and first 5th Region title since 2012, this team despite graduations still has that look. They return a strong rotation, have got off to a RED HOT start (6-0) and haven’t dropped a set let or a game winning 13-0 including the recent Apollo Slam.
When asked to put together a small scouting description of his starting rotation this is what I got:
Mikayla Shaffer #5 – Mikayla is quite possibly the best pure athlete at Central. She has quickness, power and pure jumping ability. Very mature kid with a good head on her shoulders.
Caroline Pruitt #8 – Caroline is a super hard worker who can play multiple positions. She has improved her hitting and blocking this summer with her tireless work ethic. Caroline has the best personality on the team and she keeps everyone loose.
Ella Lewis #10 – Ella is one of the best hitters in the Region. She has improved her defense immensely this summer. Much improved blocker also. Is a clutch player who comes up big in the big games.
Emma Pike #4 – Emma is the best player this region has ever seen. Tenacious, super aggressive, fearless, and very smart. Drops bombs every time she hits, but can also hit every shot in the book. Excellent defender also. An unstoppable force.
Tori Steele #29 – Tori is very high energy. She’s like a 6’1 ENERGIZER BUNNY. She is our most vocal and positive leaders. Incredibly good blocker who makes life very difficult on opposing hitters. Incredible work ethic.
Allie Simpson #14 – Allie is our most versatile player. She can play pretty much any spot on the floor. Very strong kid with tons of power. Outstanding blocker, hitter and server. She will turn heads this season at her new position in the middle.
Maddie Ford #15 – New player to Central this season. Only a freshman. Very athletic, with excellent hitting and setting skills. One of the best jump servers on the team.
Madisyn Walters #19 – Madisyn has great hands and her decision making as a setter is outstanding. Excellent defender, too which is rare for a setter. Runs our offense with the precision of Tom Brady. Very good server also.
Emma Schall #11 – Emma has improved her defensive skills greatly this summer. Very steady server who can hit all her spots. Smart player who thinks the game, but will also do all the dirty work by diving all over the place.
Kelsey Brangers #3 – Kelsey has cat like reflexes. Makes the miraculous look easy. Does not have a single weakness in her game. All that and she’s only a freshman. She’s totally fearless and will throw her body with reckless abandon.
Alex Lanz #21 – Alex is one of our most improved players. Very quick defender who isn’t afraid to throw her body around. Very smart spot server too.
