2023 Player Rankings: Top Setters
In this article:
The class of 2023 rankings in Washington state includes an impressive collection of top talent at the setter position. While some of the top setters listed here have been in the rankings for some time, others emerged just this season…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 rankings in Washington state includes an impressive collection of top talent at the setter position. While some of the top setters listed here have been in the rankings for some time, others emerged just this season after putting in the work for years. There are versatile beach players, hard hard-hitting dual attackers, and just plain silky-smooth operators with great hands. Here are some of the best listed in our 2023 rankings.
An experienced senior starter and first team all conference performer, Brauner is just what you would expect. Smart, gritty, and a winner. She celebrates her teammates like nobody’s business, you can see she is having fun out on the court. More than anything she has soft hands, she has a feathery touch when she settles under a pass and finds her attackers.
Palelek is an undersized defensive wizard, and she will be playing beach and indoor at the next level for Bushnell in Eugene. Gonzaga prep was at their best when she played all the way around in a 5-1, even giving up some size in the block. Palelek made up for that easily with her smart defense and ability to find her hitters on the move. She spent four years racking up aces with a precision short serve that drove opponents crazy.
Part of the 6-2 rotation for Jackson, Lutali often ignited a long run of points from the service line this season. She serves to the side lines in both directions, forcing bad first touches from defenders. Lutali stays low and ready defensively, popping up tips easily and covering for her hitters.
Dean ends her career as the floor general for the 3A state champions, there is no better way for a setter to finish a season. There is no wasted motion in her game, she glides easily to play balls that might be passed off line with her hands. Her tempo with her attackers was masterful this season, she always seemed to make the right choice to get the Lions the best matchup possible.
Named to the All-State team by the Washington State Coaches Association, Worden is an all-time winner at Columbia River. Her footwork is excellent and she is locked into the same repeatable pattern of getting squared up. This year she was more than willing to reverse the flow and keep defenses guessing.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15697809/6279b17c3863b103684ad373
Grant is dangerous to score at any time from the setter position, attacking with both hands and at any time. She is quick and coordinated, with excellent vision that lets her pick out openings in the opposing defense. Staying that aggressive opens up opportunities for her hitters- the Snohomish pins often have just one blocker up and even that may be late to commit.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13443747/6363cd9319afac048cd82abe
The multi-sport athlete may ultimately find a spot on the softball diamond at the next level if that what she decides. On the volleyball court she is strong and a great defender, and makes plays on mis-directed balls easily. She is an outstanding leader at Bothell, evidenced by her state title at the 4A level in 2021.
Asked to do it all for her Eastside Catholic squad this year, Kong carried the load and then some. She posted big stat lines, including a 22-kill, 15-dig performance in a first-round win at the state tournament. For an excellent setter, it’s not always easy to sacrifice your best position to hot for your school squad. Kong was selfless in making that move for the Eagles, and it paid off with a run to the state tournament.
Here is a great look at what she can do from the setter spot: https://youtu.be/ye9zWjaU3ys
Brown is headed to Saint Leo University in Florida to compete on the beach. She is a silky smooth athlete and that will serve her well in the sunny Southeast. She helped carry Mt. Rainier to big time success at state in the 4A ranks, she was a consummate teammate for the Rams.
The Mt. Spokane Wildcats used Ama in any and every way possible this season. Swings from the pins, a modified 5-1, putting up her big block and attacking as a setter. It unlocked her fully as a player, and after a few injuries slowed her in prior seasons, she reestablished herself as the top setter in the class. Her physical abilities combined with a great feel and knowledge of the game make she a very good setter. Her ability to accurately dish sets pin to pin from almost anywhere on the court sets her apart.