2020 Prep Season Preview: Division 3’s top liberos

<p>Division 3 saw the graduation of a lot of top liberos.</p> <p>The 2020 season will see a lot of new faces be given a big opportunity in the back row in the division.</p> <p>Here’s a look at six players that have a good opportunity to succeed this fall and emerge as the best in the back row.</p> <p><strong>Kelby Goldschmeding, Sr. Schoolcraft</strong></p> <p>The only returning libero with All-State honors is Goldschmeding, who was Honorable Mention All-State in 2019. She anchored the Schoolcraft defense and helped the Eagles reach the D3 championship match. Schoolcraft had a very powerful offense last fall, but for it all to work, Goldschmeding had to be at her best. She plays very instinctively and is able to make the tough digs to keep her team in-system.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50323" first="Mya" last="Minjares"], Sr. Royal Oak Shrine </strong></p> <p>Minjares is a spirted player in the back row that has been able to make a name for herself since she was a freshman. Her talents and decision-making have grown exponentially over the years. Minjares faces a number of great hitters in the Catholic League and that has helped sharpen her skills in the back row. Minjares has the footwork and competitive fire to raise her team to the next level.</p> <p><strong>Jaydn Cary, Jr. Bronson</strong></p> <p>Cary was an All-Region selection as a sophomore and is part of the reason Bronson has high expectations again for 2020. Bronson has always been strong at the libero position and Cary is another example. She played with a lot of poise as an underclassmen and has gained confidence to be a leader on the floor now as a junior.</p> <p><strong>Cami Johnson, Sr. Calumet</strong></p> <p>Johnson was another All-Region player in the back row last year. She has been a leader on the floor for the Copper Kings and will continue to be that in 2020. Johnson has a lot of spirit and is willing to go the extra mile to make a play. It’s led to some bumps and bruises over the years, but Johnson is up to the challenge of taking on any swing.</p> <p><strong>Jaydin Nowak, Sr. SMCC</strong></p> <p>Nowak wasn’t in the libero position last year for the D3 state champs, but she was still a regular in the back row for the Kestrels. This year, her role increases with the graduation of <strong>Payton Osborne</strong>. Nowak came up very big in last year’s big postseason matches. She is very comfortable in serve receive and also has the athleticism to make the important digs during key points.</p> <p><strong>Kya Belill, Sr. Valley Lutheran</strong></p> <p>Losing <strong>Kelsy Vittitow </strong>in the back row is a big blow for the Chargers, but Belill has the potential to keep the Valley Lutheran defense on point. She has plenty of experience from last year’s run to the D3 semifinals as Vittitow’s back court mate. Now, she steps up as a senior determined to not miss a beat. Her confidence and motivation should be high in 2020.</p>