New Discoveries from the 2022 Club Season: Defensive Specialists

One position to go. We can’t forget about those who anchor the defense. I’ve had a great time looking back at some of the players who made unforgettable first impressions during the 2022 club season. We’ve looked at pin hitters, middle blockers, and setters who all stepped into the spotlight at events I’ve visited this year. Of course, this series wouldn’t be complete without defensive specialists, and we have plenty of good ones to talk about. So, let’s give you some names to know from the backcourt.   [caption id="attachment_196446" align="alignright" width="400"]<img class="wp-image-196446" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/05/IMG_7002-crop-3193x2097-1653008843-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="263" /> Navarrete patrols the backcourt for 17 Gold.[/caption] Gigi Navarrete - 5’6 DS/L - 1st Alliance 17 Gold - Class of 2023 This Northwestern commit was another vital component of the perfect 1st Alliance NLQ run that I mentioned in our pin hitter feature. Aside from being a relentless defender who can take up so much court in serve receive, Navarrete stood out for her positive, witty attitude that allows 17 Gold to play loosely under any circumstances.   [player_tooltip player_id="110323" first="Alexis/Lexi" last="Smith"] - 5’4 DS/L - Legacy 17-1 Adidas - Class of 2023 When Legacy 17-1 came to Cleveland for the Prep Dig Open a few weeks ago, a couple of players were missing due to injury. That didn’t stop Legacy from performing at its peak, and it also allowed Smith to showcase her skills in the libero jersey. She was absolutely superb when taking the reins of the defense and was certainly not intimidated by her expanded role in the passing formation.   [player_tooltip player_id="114571" first="Maddie" last="Cugino"] - 5’9 DS/L - Mintonette m.61 - Class of 2024 I’ve been able to follow Mintonette m.61 around to a few different venues this year, from national qualifiers to Prep Dig Circuit events. Cugino has stood out the whole way. Amid an Ohio Valley landscape that is rife with libero talent, Cugino is one you have to keep an eye on. Her laid-back approach has yielded so many positive contacts for m.61 this season.   Caylan Russ - 5’6 DS/L - OT 16 O Roberto - Class of 2024 Russ is always on the move in the backcourt. Her quick feet and purposeful first step never let her down as she looks to constantly get her feet to the ball. I’ve seen Russ don the libero jersey as well as take on a primary defensive specialist role in the right-back area, and she excels at either spot. Keep her OTVA squad in mind as you look ahead to Nationals.   [caption id="attachment_182311" align="alignright" width="400"]<img class="wp-image-182311" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/02/DSC03968.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /> Bolton[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="119694" first="Mya" last="Bolton"] - 5’3 DS/L - KC Power 16-1 - Class of 2024 Of course, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen a standout defender bearing the Bolton name. There’s a good one playing college ball in Nebraska right now. Even still, KC Power 16-1’s libero was must-see material at many of the qualifiers on my 2022 travel schedule. This latest Bolton will do whatever it takes to keep a ball alive, and you can put so much on her shoulders in serve receive.   [player_tooltip player_id="107422" first="Elizabeth" last="Tabeling"] - 5’7 DS/L - NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami - Class of 2024 NKYVC has its own history of producing star liberos, and you can add Tabeling to the list. She helped 16-1 Tsunami to runner-up finishes at Triple Crown NIT and Show Me against some of the country’s best 16s competition. Her quick adjustments to cover line and crosscourt allow Tabeling to touch just about anything coming her way, and that yields a lot of scoring opportunities for NKYVC’s physical frontcourt.   [player_tooltip player_id="180174" first="Gillian" last="Pitts"] - 5’9 DS/L - TAV 16 Black - Class of 2025 It just feels right to see Pitts playing up with her 16s squad at TAV. She fits in well with 16 Black and is an effective communicator at the libero position. Better yet, Pitts is always putting herself in the right spots to cover her hitters or take the second contact when the setter’s out of the play. Quality Texas defenders will continue to be a storyline as we approach the summer.   Morgan Madison - 5’6 DS/L - Houston Skyline 15 Royal - Class of 2025 I’ve talked about a few of 15 Royal’s frontcourt attackers after they helped sweep through all of their opponents at NLQ, but I’d be remiss not to mention Madison’s vital role on this team. Her effortless, precise second contacts are perhaps her best asset, as Madison keeps all her hitters in attack mode with perfect five-and-five sets. An elite team like 15 Royal needs a defensive anchor. Madison is that player.   [player_tooltip player_id="178225" first="Jumana" last="Martin"] - 5’6 DS/L - FC Elite 15 Navy - Class of 2025 Martin made an early impression at February’s Prep Dig Chi-Town Classic and has not slowed down since. She’s yet another FC Elite product who will likely make a year-round impact when she suits up for Appleton North in the fall. Martin’s ability to read the game and make quick decisions will set her apart whether it’s in high school or club.   Maddie Smotherman - 5’7 DS/L - MADFROG 15’s N Green - Class of 2025 Smotherman’s lightning-fast reactions have been something to behold. Even if she’s only able to get one hand on a hard-driven ball, she’s somehow able to keep it in play. That’s something you want on your side in the 15s division, and Smotherman will always bring that tenacious defense to an impressive 15’s N Green lineup.