Saint Louis 2023 First Team

The 2023 class is loaded this year, and two teams, in particular, have 8 of the top 24 on both the first and second teams. In no order, here are the 2023 First Team members.   [player_tooltip player_id="101698" first="Kirstyn" last="Loyd"] – 5’11” – OH - Jefferson Jefferson’s loaded with 2023 talent, and Loyd is the top outside hitter for the Blue jays. A powerful hitting outside that plays six rotation and does a heck of a job defensively. She would help her team to a 3rd place finish in Class 2 with 472 kills and 312 digs.   [player_tooltip player_id="123472" first="Caitlyn" last="Little"] – 5’10” – OH - Lafayette The outside rocket launcher for the powerhouse Lancers is a joy to watch. Caitlyn is a full force outside that’s one of the hardest hitters in the state with a dynamic approach and cannon of an arm. She would lead the Lancers in kills with 269.   [player_tooltip player_id="102461" first="Brianna" last="Wortman"] – 5’10” – OH - Howell North High flyer outside hitter packs a powerful swing on the outside and reads the ball exceptionally well in the backcourt. She finished last season with 262 kills hitting all across the net for the Knights.   [player_tooltip player_id="101699" first="Jordyn" last="Lochmann"] – 6’1” – OH – Lafayette Lafayette seems to turn out great players every year, and Lochman stored on the stage two years ago as a freshman. Hard to look at a program like Lafayette and not pick every player as the best player. Lochman has the size and abilities to play at a high level.   [player_tooltip player_id="168912" first="Holly" last="Heldt"] – 5’10” - MH - Hermann The Bearcats seem to have a stud middle come through the program every couple of years, and Heldt is no exception. Heldt is a six rotation middle with high arm swing, hang time and impressive volleyball IQ, and she would lead her team to another Class 2 state title. Her most significant match of the year was a 3-1 win over Jefferson in the state semifinals with 29 kills on 52 attempts for a .500%.   [player_tooltip player_id="150012" first="Tess" last="McConnell"] – 6’0” – MH - Oakville Aggressive attacker out of the middle with natural footwork for a middle, quick transition off the net, and makes herself available more times than not. One middle that’s always involved in the play by getting solid touches on the blocks or flying in to crush a three-ball. Tess would finish the season with 242 kills and 64 blocks. [player_tooltip player_id="123471" first="Emma" last="Blaine"] – 6’0” – MH - St. Dominic Each year this middle keeps getting better and more powerful out of the middle. More of a defensive middle contributed 129 total blocks on the year and put down 271 kills. A long, athletic middle with tons of potential will make a deadly middle at the next level. Next year Blaine will be one of the top offensive threats returning for the Crusaders and will look for a return trip to the final four. [player_tooltip player_id="123459" first="Mia" last="Berg"] – 6’1” – MH – Eureka The big athletic middle for the Wildcats provides solid offensive and defensive output. Put Berg on the right pin as she plays in club, and you have a huge block and deadly attacker. Another player makes things look easy, hitting and blocking in the middle or right side. Look for this one to get a ton of offers. [player_tooltip player_id="102557" first="Ava" last="Roth"] – 5’6” -Libero - Jefferson The Arkansas commit has to play out of position in high school but plays her recruited position in club. One of the best defenders in the state in all classes. She would help her high school team to a third-place finish in Class 2 with 306 kills and 445 digs. With all the talented juniors returning, Jefferson should be poised for a Class 2 title next season.   [player_tooltip player_id="171210" first="Ella" last="Gaona"] – 5’7” – Libero - Nerinx Hall I love watching this kid play defense because she’s a hardcore defender that plays with passion and hates to lose. Helped the Markers to another final four and ended the year with 677 digs and 582 serve receptions.   [player_tooltip player_id="102554" first="Juliette" last="Myrick"] – 6’0” – Setter - Eureka The 6’0” lefty with silky smooth hands runs a fast pace offense and provides her team with a solid offensive threat on the right side. At 6’0”, she will be a crucial asset to any team at the next level. Part of a 6-2 offense, she would lead the team in assists with 531, 5th in kills with 135, and 2nd in digs with 252—one of the top dual-threat setters in the area.   [player_tooltip player_id="102462" first="Addison" last="Kersting"] – 5’11” – S – St Charles A tall lefty that provides her team with a fantastic setter and one that is lethal in the front row. She would lead her team in kills with 207, blocks with 47, and assists with 407 while running a 5-1. I can see her having a fantastic college career.