Class 1B: The Amazing Defenders
Facing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of…
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Continue ReadingFacing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of a mistake. It’s true that teams need offensive power to win championships, but defense is also a big factor and these teams should be in a good position in that regard when the 2020 season starts for the Class 1B in Washington.
Graze Buzzell – Libero – Senior – Neah Bay
Neah Bay’s run at the 2019 State Championship was a short one as the school from the Northwest Washington area crashed out after losing its first two matches, but it was all the time libero Graze Buzzell needed to make a great impression. The 5’2” defender played like a giant for the Red Devils and earned her spot at the All-State second team.
Josie Schultheis – Outside Hitter – Senior – Colton
Josie Schultheis checked all boxes and some more during her junior season with Colton in 2019. The team’s leading scorer, the 5’7” outside hitter took pride in also heading the Wildcats’ defensive efforts as she registered 357 digs last year, averaging impressive 6.4 per set. The hitter, who earned an All-State team honorable mention, had four 30-dig performances for the team, including one against division finalists Oakesdale.
Pervie Reed – Libero – Junior – Three Rivers Christian
Pervie Reed was a standout in Three Rivers Christian’s campaign last season. Then a sophomore, the libero took charge of commanding the team’s backcourt work and did a great job, earning an honorable mention for the All-State team. The 5’2” digging-machine posted impressive numbers with 324 digs (averaging 3.6 per set) and was particularly efficient in the Eagles’ last match of the season, when she dug a career-high 27 balls.
Jessie Reed – Outside Hitter – Sophomore – Oakesdale
Jessie Reed was instrumental in Oakesdale’s State Championship final’s run in 2019 by wearing multiple hats for the Nighthawks. In her freshman season, the 5’6” outside hitter made a formidable duo with Gianna Anderson in the offensive side of the game and helped libero Lizzy Perry in handling the team’s defensive duties magnificently.
Elsa Helmes – Middle-Blocker/Defensive Specialist – Sophomore – Firm Foundation Christian
It’s not usual to see a player being able to play as both a middle-blocker and a defensive specialist, but Elsa Helmes’ backcourt skills give her that capacity. At 5’5”, she is actually probably more suited to the defensive role as the 250 digs (to an average of 3.2 per set) she registered during her freshman year with Firm Foundation Christian showed.