Rankings Breakdown: 2019’s top 5 liberoes

Drew Ellis April 13, 2018 @ 11:14 AM

Sometimes the overlooked position in volleyball when it comes to the highlight reel, a libero has become a vital piece to a successful team. Here’s a closer look at <a href="http://bit.ly/2GYAeq4">2019’s</a> top liberoes. <ol> <li> Hannah Grant, 5-6, Northville/Legacy: The Northville volleyball program has been very strong over the past few years, but it’s been tough for the Mustangs to get noticed due to the success of their local rival, Novi. However, the 2018 prep season could be Northville’s chance and Grant is a big reason why the Mustangs should be setting their expectations high. A Third Team Class-A All-State selection in 2017, Grant tallied over 630 digs last season and had just 26 serve receive errors. She currently plays for Legacy’s 18-ELITE team and is committed to play her college volleyball at Michigan State.</li> <li> Kasey Firestone, 5-6, North Muskegon/FaR Out: Firestone has managed to really stand out while playing Class C volleyball at North Muskegon. A commit to Central Michigan University, Firestone earned All-State honors in Class C for the Norsemen, who fell in the district final to Ravenna. Playing outside hitter for North Muskegon, Firestone had 284 kills and 594 digs in the 2017 season. Currently competing for FaR Out’s 18 Black team, Firestone makes North Muskegon a team to watch in 2018.</li> <li> Jordan Valley, 5-6, Haslett/Michigan Elite: Valley helped lead Haslet to a Class B district championship in 2017 before the Vikings eventually ran into state runner-up Lakewood. She earned All-State honors after amassing over 420 digs and committing just 30 serve receive errors on the season. Valley is currently competing with Michigan Elite’s 17 Mizuno squad and she just recently committed to play at South Florida in college.</li> <li> Ciara Livingway, 5-6, Lake Orion/Legacy: While one of the top liberoes in the <a href="http://bit.ly/2qsWwdg">Class of 2018</a>, Illeria Kalaj, handled most of the duties for Lake Orion last fall, the Dragons were happy to see the continued development of Livingway. She is set to take over the role of the graduating Kalaj in the fall of 2018. Livingway still had nearly 400 digs in the 2017 season while Kalaj tallied over 770. Livingway also proved to be a strong server as she had 75 aces and 350 service points for Lake Orion. Currently competing for the Legacy 17-ELITE team, Livingway is set for a big senior season.</li> <li> Kiera Lasky, 5-5, Bronson/Redline: Bronson doesn’t get to be the Class C power it is without a well-rounded squad and Lasky is a big part of that on the defensive side. A First Team All-State selection in 2017, Lasky helped lead Bronson to a third consecutive Class C championship. Lasky was also named Class C Player of the Year by Michigan High School Volleyball Insider last fall after amassing 768 digs and 139 aces for the Vikings. Lasky currently plays for the 17 Elite team at the Redline Volleyball Club.</li> </ol>