Class of 2025: Contributing HS Freshman (Central CA)
<p>There is something special about first-year players who step onto the varsity stage and deliver out of the gate. Below, we highlight seven Central CA athletes who did just that during the fall high school season.</p>
<p><strong>Lauren Gonzales, 5-10 Outside, Golden Valley</strong> – With 154 kills during the regular season Gonzales finished second on the Cougars in that category. She was also second in digs with 174 and second in aces with 42. She had a breakout performance in a four-set victory against LeGrand on Aug. 26. In that contest, the freshman record season highs in kills (16) and digs (29).</p>
<p><strong>Jordan Beers, 5-9 Setter/Right Side, Big Valley Christian</strong> – Beers contributed in a variety of ways for the Lions. Her biggest was dishing, as she led the team with 380 assists. That went along with 196 digs, 133 kills, 76 aces and 21 blocks. Running a 6-2 most of the season, Beers had her best match of the season assist wise in a 5-1 when she posted 41 dimes in a five-set victory over Stone Ridge Christian on Sept. 23.</p>
<p><strong>Emersyn Ebel, 5-6 Libero/DS, Barstow</strong> – The Desert Sky League champions relied on Ebel in the back row and she came through as needed. Her 123 digs was second on the roster during the regular season. Her best outing proved to be her 15 digs made in a sweep over Silverado on Sept. 28. Ebel also chipped in from the service line. Her 33 aces were third on the team during the regular season, including a season-high 7 in a sweep against Granite Hills on Sept. 30.</p>
<p><strong>Avery Branley, 5-9 Outside, James Logan</strong> – Branley filled her role well for the Colts. She produced 85 kills in 52 sets of action during the regular season. Twice she registered 8 kills in a match and two more times 7. She also put up 7 winners to help James Logan defeat Heritage in the opening round of the CIF North Coast Section Division 1 playoffs.</p>
<p><strong>Norah Mehanna, 5-3 Libero/DS, Harker</strong> – Mehanna saw regular action for the Eagles this fall and did her part to contribute. She posted 94 digs, which was third most on the squad. In addition, she had 170 serve receptions, which was also third most. She recorded a season-high 10 digs in a Sept 30. four-set victory over Notre Dame.</p>
<p><strong>Samantha Tong, 5-10 Middle Blocker, Monta Vista</strong> – The Matadors loved seeing Tong in the front row this fall. All she did was led the team in blocks as a rookie with 48 stuffs. It featured a season-best 6 blocks in a five-set victory over Gunn on Sept 14.</p>
<p><strong>Aurora Sotelo, 5-5 Libero/DS, Mission Oak</strong> – The Hawks found out what they have in Sotelo, who finished third on the team in digs and first in serve receptions. She had a career night, posting 23 digs in a loss to Porterville on Oct. 7.</p>
<p><em>*email chris.tobolski@prepdig.com with any updates, corrections or relevant information</em></p>
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