Class 2B: 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 2B in Washington.
Ellie Marble – Outside Hitter – Sophomore – LaConner
Division’s Co-Player of the Year Ellie Marble excelled in all aspects of her game with State champions LaConner in 2019. A lethal hitter at the net, the outside hitter handled her backcourt duties a lot better than many would expect from a six-footer as she led the Braves in digs with 410 (4.8 per set) and was second in serve-receiving with 242 passes to her name proving she’s a complete player at the court.
Addy Schmidt – Libero – Junior – Crosspoint
Crosspoint had one of the best defenses of the division in 2019, when the Warriors made a State Championship appearance, and a lot of their solidness in the backcourt can be credited to libero Addy Schmidt. The 5’4” defender was frequently at the right spot at the right time as she ended the season with 342 digs, averaging 5.3 per set. Schmidt also had a prominent role in the team’s passing duties as she ranked third in the roster with 162.
Anni Cox – Libero – Senior – Colfax
A volleyball, basketball and softball player for Colfax, the 5’3” Anni Cox is a hard-working defensive player. Her game stood out in the match that secured the Bulldogs as the seventh-best team in the division last season, when the libero registered 29 digs against Kittitas/Thorp at the State Championship. She earned an All-State team honorable mention for that.
Rachel Cram – Libero – Junior – LaConner
An All-State second team member in 2019, Rachel Cram did a great job in splitting the defensive duties at state champions LaConner with star outside hitter Ellie Marble. The 5’5” libero was outstanding on defense with 393 digs (4.6 per set) and stepped up to lead the Braves’ passing duties, registering 279 serve receiving actions and freeing Marble up for her offensive role.
Ella-Leigh Anderson – Outside Hitter – Sophomore – Crosspoint
Ella-Leigh Anderson’s presence drastically improved Crosspoint’s defensive game in 2019. After having a somewhat limited role as an eight-grader in 2018, the 5’5” outside hitter became a key part of the Warriors’ system especially because of her defensive skills, which helped her registering 345 digs (5.3) and a team’s second-best 192 passes.