2024 Scouting Report: Liberos Locking Down April Qualifiers

<p>Some will tell you we've saved the best position for last.</p> <p>Our 2024 scouting report series has taken a tour of just a few standouts from the big month of April that we've had. These national qualifiers have pitted some of the best teams in the country against one another, and that has yielded plenty more athletes to add to these features. We've discussed some outstanding <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/04/2024-scouting-report-standout-pin-hitters-in-qualifier-stretch/">pin hitters</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/04/2024-scouting-report-middles-dominating-april-qualifiers/">middle blockers</a>, and setters -- and there's obviously one more missing piece to fill in here.</p> <p>Bring on the defensive specialists.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Macy McPartland - 5'5 DS/L - Houston Skyline 16 Royal</strong></p> <p>Time after time, McPartland has demonstrated her ability to do just about anything you could ask of a libero. She's particularly good at covering any tips that are placed in the "campfire" and consistently keeps 16 Royal in system with the quality of her digs. Libero stocks in the Lone Star State are rising enormously, and McPartland is a big name to follow in the Class of 2024.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_191943" align="alignright" width="400"]<img class="wp-image-191943" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/04/IMG_7505-crop-3258x2140-1650814915-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="263" /> McAleer competes in the Triple Crown NIT championship.[/caption] <p><strong>Ryan McAleer - 5'5 DS/L - Dynasty 16 Black</strong></p> <p>You could point to a ton of different reasons why Dynasty 16 Black is a national championship frontrunner. Amid all the spectacular attacking performances we've seen from the team, McAleer deserves so much credit for the way she holds down the backcourt in the libero jersey. Her left-back defense has been impenetrable this year, as she'll take care of anything coming at her in the crosscourt or down the line. McAleer's role in Dynasty's success can never be overlooked.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bella Lee - 5'5 DS/L - OT 16 T Jason</strong></p> <p>I got to see Lee put together a fantastic weekend at Triple Crown NIT earlier this year, and she has kept that momentum going into April's qualifier gauntlet. Her precise transition digs have led to so many offensive opportunities for 16 T Jason's electric frontcourt lineup. That's the value of a skilled libero, and Lee will continue to anchor the team's backcourt defense heading into Nationals this summer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Caleigh King - 5'6 DS/L - Drive Nation 16-Red</strong></p> <p>King's relentless pursuit of the ball is fascinating to watch. She hasn't always been a libero in her prep career, but King is quickly proving that she belongs in a major backcourt role. She has no problem stepping in front of other passers to take care of first contact, and I always love to see liberos take on that kind of responsibility in serve receive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_191949" align="alignright" width="400"]<img class="wp-image-191949" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8790-crop-2880x1891-1650818005-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="263" /> Small (19) covers her hitter at the Show Me Qualifier.[/caption] <p><strong>Audrey Small - 5'5 DS/L - HPSTL 16 Royal</strong></p> <p>HPSTL really started to establish itself on the national stage at Show Me, and Small was a huge part of 16 Royal's run to Gold pools. This libero has a knack for reading opposing attackers and getting a quick first step toward wherever the ball is going. 16 Royal will lean on Small's skills as the team looks to keep improving after some impressive April performances.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mayte Camacho - 5'4 DS/L - Top Select 16 Elite Blue</strong></p> <p>Active feet make up the cornerstone of Camacho's game. She is incredibly agile and makes no wasted movements when patrolling the end line. You can almost see the seas part in serve receive as Top Select allows Camacho to take the first ball, and this libero will promptly deliver dimes almost every time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mya Bolton - 5'3 DS/L - KC Power 16-1</strong></p> <p>The Bolton name has quickly become synonymous with shutdown defense within the KC Power program. Mya is carrying on the family tradition with 16-1 and is showing off all the skills of an elite libero. Her passing is so solid and is matched by her gritty floor defense in any backcourt zone. This entire KC Power team is predicated on great ball control, and Bolton is a clear leader in this area of the game.</p>