18 Open All-Star Team - Liberos

We know Emerald City Classic was almost two months ago but better late than never, right? It did not seem right to miss out on spotlighting spectacular athletes that had a stellar showing at the tournament just because the tournament was a little bit ago. With over 200 athletes in the 18 Open team, we have narrowed it down to 27 ALL-STARS. These 27 athletes proved themselves invaluable to their teams success over the three-day tournament.   Note - we are not spotlighting any 2022 athletes since their recruiting period is over so no 2022 athletes are included in this article.   Below are the four standout liberos that made it on the 18U Open All-Star Team from the Emerald City Classic.   Alyss Kelly l WVBA 18 Adidas l 2024 l 5'4” l DS l Lake Stevens High School   <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8tJ050h8F9xlGZ-skJpPQ">[ Link to recruiting profile ] </a>   Kelly was the starting libero for the WVBA 18-1 team. She is playing up a few age groups, only a class of 2024. Her confidence and leadership on the court sets her apart from her peer group. Although playing with primarily 2022s and 2023s, she has no problem leading the backrow. She reads the attack well and puts herself in a good position consistently. She has a solid touch on the ball.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/07/bella-moon-passing-edited-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-212970" width="400" height="400"/><figcaption>Pictured: Bell Moon, Photo Credit: Jenn Bowers</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='91335' first='Elsa' last='Mcdermott'] l OJVA 17 Gold l 2023 l 5'7” l DS l Catlin Gabel School   Committed: Univesity of Pennsylvania    McDermott was the primary libero for the OJVA 17-1 Gold team. Her back row play was critical in the team's #1 finish in the 18 Open at ECC. She is incredibly consistent and disciplined in both serve receive and defense. She steps on the court with calm confidence and is a steady force from point one.   [player_tooltip player_id='97250' first='Bella' last='Moon'] l NPJ Seattle 17 National l 2023 l 5'5” l DS l North Creek High School   <a href="https://www.connectvolleyball.com/profile/BellaM14">[ Link to recruiting profile ] </a>   Moon is one of two liberos for the NPJ 17-1 team, however, she sees the most court time among the two. She shines on the defensive end of the game with a stellar reaction time, keeping the ball alive at all costs. She does an exceptional job reading the attack, getting herself in a good position to pass to the ball.   Maile Lani Sugamura l WVBA 17 Adidas l 2023 l 5'6” l DS l Bellvue High School    Committed: Franklin and Marshall College    Sugmura was the primary libero for the WVBA 17-1 team. Incredibly disciplined and technical, her back row play is as smooth as it gets. She has a great touch on the ball. When sitting in the bleachers, a coach in front of me noted to her fellow coach, “Wow, that libero is legit”. Legit sounds about right!   Check out the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/07/18-open-all-star-team-setters/">setters</a>, <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/07/18-open-all-star-team-middle-blockers/">middle blockers</a>, and<a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/07/18-open-all-star-team-pin-hitters/"> pin hitters</a> that also made the 18 Open All-Star team!

We know Emerald City Classic was almost two months ago but better late than never, right? It did not seem right to miss out on spotlighting spectacular athletes that had a stellar showing at the tournament just because the tournament was a little bit ago. With over 200 athletes in the 18 Open team, we have narrowed it down to 27 ALL-STARS. These 27 athletes proved themselves invaluable to their teams success over the three-day tournament.