Class 4A: The Breakout Candidates
It happens every season. While most of the top performers of a high school volleyball season are deservedly awarded a spot in the All-State team, a few others fly under-the-radar and put up big numbers in a more quiet way.…
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Continue ReadingIt happens every season. While most of the top performers of a high school volleyball season are deservedly awarded a spot in the All-State team, a few others fly under-the-radar and put up big numbers in a more quiet way. That was the case with these five players, so keep an eye on them when the 2020 season starts for the Class 4A in Washington.
Ellina Powell Ellina Powell 6'0" | S Jackson | 2022 WA – Setter – Junior – Jackson
Six-foot setters always deserve special attention and that’s exactly the case with Ellina Powell Ellina Powell 6'0" | S Jackson | 2022 WA . She showed in 2019 she brings a lot more to the table than just her size as she did a great job in coordinating Jackson’s offense with 648 assists (8.5) per set, but also contributed to the Timberwolves in several other departments as she tallied 171 digs, 64 aces and 27 blocks. There’s still potential for more growth from her, so we included her in our class of 2022 watch list.
Abbey May Abbey May 5'10" | OH Issaquah | 2021 State WA – Outside Hitter – Senior – Issaquah
Abby May played a pivotal role in Issaquah’s State Championship appearance in 2019. The 5’10” outside hitter was a force on offense, with the team’s second-best mark of 198 kills, but made her presence felt in every other aspect of the game as she also contributed to the Eagles with 50 aces, 59 blocks, 325 digs and 392 passes. A player who’s able to do so much for a team is every coach’s dream and that’s exactly why she ranks 11th at prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking.
Katie Peneueta Katie Peneueta 6'2" | MB Heritage | 2021 State WA – Middle-Blocker/Outside Hitter – Senior – Heritage
Katie Peneueta Katie Peneueta 6'2" | MB Heritage | 2021 State WA is able to play as a middle-blocker or an outside hitter and from both positions the 6’2” prospect makes an impact in the game. She led Heritage in kills (287) and blocks (58) and was in the top-three for the Timberwolves in aces (third, 29), digs (third, 203) and passes (second, 299). A basketball player as well, Peneueta has a great all-around game to complement her size and that’s why she ranks 46th at prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking.
Arden Carnrite Arden Carnrite 5'8" | OH Newport | 2023 State WA – Outside Hitter – Sophomore – Newport-Bellevue
Arden Carnite had a promising freshman season with Newport-Bellevue in 2019. In her first year of high school volleyball, she became the go-to scoring option for the Knights, registering 134 kills in 323 attack attempts, more than any of her teammates. The 5’9” outside hitter also helped with 21 aces and still has three years of high school volleyball to refine her craft. Her strong play earned her a spot on prepdig.com’s class of 2023 watch list.
Piper Smith Piper Smith 5'5" | DS/L Lake Stevens | 2021 State WA – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – Lake Stevens
Piper Smith Piper Smith 5'5" | DS/L Lake Stevens | 2021 State WA was the defensive rock of a Lake Stevens team that was only stopped at the State Championship final in 2019. The libero was the Vikings’ strongest defensive player by far, ending the season with remarkable numbers, such as team-highs 290 digs (3.2 per set) and 405 passes, and a great attitude in the backcourt. She’s at the 77th spot at prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking.