Class of 2023 Position Breakdown: Defensive Specialist/Libero

<p>As we continue our positional rankings for the Class of 2023, if you did not know already, high school volleyball in New Jersey is officially underway. It’s a real privilege for volleyball to be back in the high school realm and the quality of play has been phenomenal. It’s time to transition to the players who may be known as unsung heroes. Those who ensure their squad are locked in defensively. So let’s continue our list of the position breakdown by taking a look at the top Defensive Specialist/Libero in the Class of 2023.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99874" first="Kathyrn" last="Brokes"] (Governor Livingston; AVVC)</p> <p>Brokes leads the way in the Defensive Specialist/Libero ranking but she's also the top recruit overall. She immersed herself immediately into the starting lineup last season and was the anchor for the back row. She has grit and determination ensuring her squad an opportunity to score even when the odds for her to get to a ball are slim to none. She is a dig machine that is extremely quick to the ball with strong hands to pass accurately. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99884" first="Bryanna" last="Purisima"] (Bergen Tech; Sideout Sports)</p> <p>Purisima is a versatile libero for Sideout Sports. Her versatility and digging ability make her such a great passer. Her passing is such a demonstration of master-class, she sets for Bergen Tech! Purisima has yet to play this season for Bergen Tech but once she does. This team will be lethal with her high volleyball IQ on display. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="99876" first="Gianna" last="Estevez"] (Bogota;</p> <p>In her first year, Esteves racked up 176 digs 22 assists, and 16 service points. This was all in the second half of the season after senior libero Julianne Corniel was moved to the right side. Her court awareness and anticipation is what makes her great and we only got the chance to see a glimmer of it. She will now be in charge of the Bogota defense at the libero position, it will be interesting to see how she plays when Bogota opens their season this week. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="128674" first="Drew" last="Leonardis"] (Hudson Catholic</p> <p>Leonardis is the number one option for Hudson Catholic at Libero. Her ability to get to balls that many thought would hit the ground led to her jumping right into the high school game and not missing a beat. She had 330 digs and 30 assists last season. She’s been the focal point of an unbeaten start this season for Hudson Catholic with 33 digs through 4 games. Defense turns into offense rapidly when she gets an opportunity to make a play. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>