Expo Defenders: Part II

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are back highlighting more of our lights-out defenders from the Expo 250 in Kansas. Often the heavy hitters get the "ooh" and "awe" of the crowd, however, the good defensive plays can get fans out of their seats and cheering like crazy! Here are more of the liberos and specialists catching our attention last weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["152833"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfab3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ourth shined in the backcourt during both drill action and competitive play throughout the day. She was really good on defense and displayed a high volleyball IQ. We appreciated seeing her cover her hitters and save a few balls from touching the floor. The libero was key in the resurgence of Olathe West this fall with 263 digs and 388 receptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150046"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfb1d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mosh is a name I was familiar with and she continued to show why she is one of the top liberos in the state after an all-state season. What stood out throughout the day was her passing, as she consistently passed the ball on target to the setters. Her platform stayed steady and her lateral movement was precise in serve receive. Check this out, she had over 800 receptions in 2022. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261313"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfb69"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new name on my radar from the day is Hodges, the 5'8" defender from Liberty High School. The 2024 graduate stood out and was very technically sound. She kept her head steady and focused on each pass. She did a good job of covering seams and getting the ball to the setter. She plays her club ball with Mizuno Club North in Kansas City. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261287"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfbb3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The primary observation of Demensko during the day was her good aggressive serve behind the service line. She gave the back row fits across the net and when she didn't get an ace, she kept the receiving team out of system. She also showcased her ability as a defender and was solid behind the block. As a defensive specialist this fall she had 152 digs and 241 receptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfbfc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first thing we picked up on Hobbs was her quick first step and her reading the shot from the other side of the net. She picked up on roll shots and tips almost immediately and was able to make plays throughout the day. Her passing was also stellar throughout the day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207269"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63a4efabdfc46"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marquette defender made the trip West and showed she is a player to keep an eye out for this club season for Rockwood Thunder. She has good size for a defender at 5'8", which allows her to read the attack from a different viewpoint. Her sophomore season produced 184 digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->