Tour of Oregon: Top Setters in Salem

As we tour the state of Oregon, we will be making many stops throughout this great State. We will be stopping by cities big and small, highlighting the best athletes in those places. Second stop: Salem! Here are the top six setters: 2021 [caption id="attachment_126249" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9iXUeG-I7Q"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-126249" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/elijah-sanders-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91122" first="Elijah" last="Sanders"], 5’10, S, West Albany High School, North Pacific Juniors Sanders had another stellar season for the West Albany High School Bulldogs, helping them finish first in the Mid-Willamette Conference and securing a fifth-place finish in the 5A State tournament. A three-year varsity starter, she was their primary setter and key to their success last season. She was awarded Mid-Willamette First Team All-League and 5A All-State Honorable Mention for her exceptional play. Sanders is incredibly athletic and runs the offense with a great sense of ease. She has a very quick release and hides the backset well. Aside from setting, she has a killer float serve that garnered her 62 aces last high school season. Last club season she was one of four juniors on the North Pacific Juniors 18-1 Forefront team and will be returning this season. 2022 [caption id="attachment_117567" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.connectvolleyball.com/profile/SydneyH18"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-117567" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/syd-harrington-head-shot-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91243" first="Sydney" last="Harrington"], 5’10", S/RS, West Albany High School, North Pacific Juniors Harrington had a standout sophomore season for the West Albany High School Bulldogs, helping them finish first in the Mid-Willamette Conference and fifth in the 5A State Tournament. For the Bulldogs, she saw playing time running a 6-2 alongside seasoned setter 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91122" first="Elijah" last="Sanders"]. She has very soft hands, and there is an ease to her release on the ball. She showcases great leadership skills on the court by being vocal and enthusiastic. During club season she juggled a few different roles, with 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="126024" first="Alexis" last="Haury"] also setting. She would often play on the right side given her height and strong block but can also play in the back row given her good ball control. No matter where Harrington played, she always brought her positive attitude with her. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 16-1 National team and will be returning to NPJ for this upcoming club season. [caption id="attachment_101449" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.connectvolleyball.com/profile/MadisonH16"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-101449" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/07/madison-heagney-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91220" first="Madison" last="Heagney"], 5’9", S, Crescent Valley High School, North Pacific Juniors Heagney had a solid season for the Crescent Valley High School Raiders, helping them secure a fourth-place finish in the Mid-Willamette Conference. A Varsity starter since her freshman year, she is key to the Raiders’ success as their primary setter. For her play, she was awarded Mid-Willamette Honorable Mention. She is an analytical and coachable player. She started playing sand volleyball this past summer with partner Emma Ball. Though only a sophomore at the time, last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 17-1 National team and will be returning to NPJ for this upcoming club season. [caption id="attachment_126250" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13501039/laila-leaks"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-126250" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/laila-leaks-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] Laila Leaks, 5’10", S/RS, South Salem High School, North Pacific Juniors Leaks had an exceptional sophomore season for the South Salem High School Saxons, helping them finish fifth in the Mountain Valley Conference. For the Saxons, she typically played all around, setting a 6-2 and hitting on the right side. For her play, she was awarded Mountain Valley Second Team All-League. She is an incredibly athletic and dynamic player, who confidently runs the offense. When on the right side, she has a mean line shot and puts up a strong block. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 16-1 National team and will be returning to NPJ for this upcoming club season. 2023 [caption id="attachment_100647" align="alignleft" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-100647 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/06/madison-corpe-150x150.png" alt="Photo: OSAA" width="150" height="150" /> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91313" first="Madison" last="Corpe"], 5’9", S, McNary High School, North Pacific Juniors Corpe had a breakout season for the McNary High School Celtics, helping them advance to the 6A State tournament, falling to Central Catholic in the first round. Corpe, being the lone freshman on the Varsity team, did not let that stop her. She made a huge impact for the Celtics, running a 5-1 as their primary setter, an impressive role for a freshman to handle. However, she did so with confidence and ease. Corpe is able to put her team in successful situations, by keeping her sets consistent for her attackers. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors Volleyball Academy 15-1 National team and will be returning to NPJ for this upcoming club season. [caption id="attachment_126251" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://www.connectvolleyball.com/profile/HaydenH10"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-126251" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/01/sprague-hs-logo-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Photo: OSAA[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91362" first="Hayden" last="Hamilton"], 5’10", S, Sprague High School, North Pacific Juniors Hamilton was a key player for the Sprague High School Olympians Junior Varsity team. She was the primary setter for the team, running a 5-1, and was also the team captain, a big role for a freshman that she took on with confidence. She is often seen playing on the right side given her strong block and the ability to confidently step in and take the second ball. When setting, she has great hand strength so she is able to push the ball to the pins effortlessly. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 15-1 National team and will be returning to NPJ for this upcoming club season.