The Top Uncommitted 17/18U Prospects to Watch at Capital Hill

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While most of the club volleyball world will have their eyes set on the National Invitational Tournament in Kansas City this weekend, the Chesapeake area will be entertained by some quality volleyball in the Capital Hill Classic. This ranks as the top club event in the D.C. area. Below are some of the top uncommitted prospects in the 17/18U age group who will be playing for local teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The players rank by age in the 17-18 age group, with the top prospect named first and other uncommitted players on her team also named. Later this week the 15/16U age group will be ranked by team since very few of those players have committed. Generally, once this gets published I hear from one or two parents telling me their daughter has committed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Open </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["273061"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63e7188885725"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309029' first='Prinzez' last='Zeck'] </strong>(Vienna Elite)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'1" middle can dominate a game. She focused on basketball at Wheaton until her junior year of high school, when she thought she would give volleyball a try. Consider it a success. When she hits the quicks in the middle and avoids the block significant bounce on the ball happens when it hits the floor. A number of colleges have already taken interest in her so her availability could be short. She played against 6'3" Auburn commit [player_tooltip player_id='209180' first='Jasmine' last='Okeoma'] and held her own, leading Vienna Elite to the Harbor championship. Possibly the lone remaining Division I level player in the class of 2023 left to commit in the 18 age group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When watching Prinzez play other players could stand out for Vienna Elite. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='314725' first='Madeline' last='Schamaun']</strong>, also played at Wheaton High. She stands 6'1" and sets in the front row. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='273061' first='Aileen' last='Richardson'] </strong>may only be 5'7" but she has a nice vertical. She also has athleticism that could play other positions. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209168' first='Zaylie' last='Tamishiro']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='314723' first='Emma' last='Sawruk']</strong> play a cerebral left side, knowing where to hit the ball. Listed at middle for her high school Emma plays six rotations for Vienna Elite. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='314724' first='Marla' last='Scott']</strong> has a nice left handed swing for the right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235826' first='Bryton' last='Hill'] </strong>(Virginia Elite) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'2" right side should create some interest. When set she can put the ball away. She played for Robinson High School earning a spot on the Patriot Division second team. A three rotation player when I saw her play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181209' first='Kennedy' last='Seekford']</strong> plays libero, earning a number of accolades for her skill at the position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231667' first='Rosina' last='Parker'] </strong>played left side, teaming with Bryton to lead Robinson to a first place finish in the Patriot Division. She also earned a second team spot in the Patriot Division. She stands 5'11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209182' first='Sofia' last='Hardy'] </strong>(Virginia Juniors) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sofia ranks as the fifth best libero/defensive specialist in the class of 2023. Virginia Juniors has so much confidence in her passing that they sometimes use a two person serve receive with Sofia and [player_tooltip player_id='239270' first='EllaMae' last='Fitzgerald'] in the back row. She covers a lot of ground on defense and passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'10" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231675' first='Simora' last='Alexander'] </strong>plays a physical game. She hits quicks well and can swing outside for the slide. The 5'9" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='224016' first='Kezia' last='Francis'] </strong>stands small for a left side, but plays all six rotations. A powerful right arm will put the ball to the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231673' first='Stephanie' last='Strike'] </strong>(Saint James Navy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have your sights set on a taller setter give Stephanie a look. She stands 6'0". The WCAC voted her to their second team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='181110' first='Sophia' last='Galova'] (VAVA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Langley High she played just three rotations. For Virginia Volleyball Academy she plays six rotations and provides some offense from the back row. A 5'10" left side, she could also move to right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181232"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63e7188885788"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181232' first='Renee' last='Jones']</strong> (Metro)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What college would not want a 6'5" right side who swings lefthanded? Her twin sister Ryla committed to Pittsburgh. Renee also plays basketball for Flint Hill. The National Team Development Program (NTDP) has invited her to workouts. Great arm extension for hitting the ball over smaller left side blocks. In my opinion the top 2024 player still left uncommitted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you watch this Metro team you will be impressed by the uncommitted talent still available on their roster. At 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180296' first='Madison' last='Bowser']</strong> can also hit outside, but her back row play still needs work. She puts up a menacing block in the middle as well and that seems to improve each year. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180289' first='Lilah' last='Stevens']</strong> (Edit: Navy comitt) brings a good vertical to the right side, but her 5'9 height may fall short for many Division I schools. She hits left side for her high school, playing all six rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another middle who can impact the game with her blocking is the 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180297' first='Rori' last='Gray']</strong>. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233010' first='Mickhaila' last='Murray']</strong> swings hard but her height may also fall short for Division I standards. Few players can match her enthusiasm on the court though when she puts the ball to the floor. The 5'6" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen']</strong> shares the setting duties with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180281' first='Erin' last='Debiec']</strong>, a Colorado State commit. Her consistency in placing a set to the sweet spot for a hitter puts her in a special place among setters. Class of 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu'] </strong>hits left side and ranks number one in that class of prospects. Her long arm extension allows her to hit higher than her 6'0" height.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209790' first='Aubrey' last='Hatch'] </strong>(Virginia Juniors)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She appears taller than her listed 6'0" height. Her hits go to all areas of the court and she can play six rotations, bringing offensive production to the back row. A first team Class 6 All-State selection. Her hitting led Colgan to a State Championship two years ago and brought them to the finals this past year. A difference maker on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181234' first='Samia' last='Sayd']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181230' first='Lydia' last='Darville'] </strong>also play left side and should be watched. Darville gets lost in the shuffle playing for a small Independent high school Christ Chapel. Samia plays a solid back row. The two setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244159' first='Jaylyn' last='Simon']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='182753' first='Isabel' last='Ostvig'] </strong>bring power to the right side. Isabel brings great feel for the game and loves to jump set, keeping the blockers off balance. The 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='182776' first='Brianna' last='Clay']</strong> brings a balance of offense and defense to the middle position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson']</strong> (Virginia Elite) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'2" Chloe stands tall for a setter. She also brings a powerful arm to the right side. Her setting earned her player of the year honors in the Liberty District and first team selection for Class 6 All State. She also brings a strong serve to her game. She would be a nice get just for her offense on the right side. The setting opportunities would be a bonus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180298' first='Alice' last='Holoubek']</strong> brings a massive dose of volleyball IQ to her position. She reads the setters well allowing her to smother the pins. Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237239' first='Azavia' last='Thomas']</strong> stands 6'5" bringing incredible length to the position. Her game remains raw as her coaching opportunities have been minimal. Her athleticism and future potential should be enough to take a look. Right side could be another option for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209789' first='Seliz' last='Aktuglu'] </strong>(Vienna Elite) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A six rotation player who covers a lot of court with her defense. Her serve also scores points. Her 5'9" height may discourage Division I interest. The Concord District voted her to their first team. A good vertical jump allows her to play above the competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209800' first='Sydney' last='Pham'] </strong>ranks as one of the top liberos in the area. She brings the consistent passing you look for in the position. At 5'11" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235277' first='Lauren' last='Katz']</strong> brings length to the setter position. Her right side power also sets her apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235746' first='MacKenzie' last='Calhoun']</strong> (Columbia Academy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the smoothest setters in the area. Her 5'9" height does not restrict her from providing offense in the front row. She also brings a good serve, consistently putting teams out of system. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235747' first='Natalia' last='PeBenito']</strong> has won back to back first team selections in the competitive WCAC. Her hustle for the ball creates impressive saves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207594' first='Paula' last='Sigurani']</strong> (Paramount)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Voted to the Class 6 All State team. One of the top liberos from the class of 2024. Playing for Paramount offers her more exposure in open qualifier play. Her play at libero proved instrumental in Colgan high winning their Class 6 State Championship and getting to the finals this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11" Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209795' first='Harlan' last='Wyche']</strong> hits over 10 feet with her approach jump. Her long arms allow her to cover a lot of area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo']</strong> has smooth hands and an athletic grace to her game that allows her to cover a lot of court. Not afraid to use her hands no matter where the pass travels on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237667' first='Skyler' last='Riggio'] </strong>(VAVA) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'1" right side who plays six rotations for her high school team. Voted first team Potomac and 5D Regional team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player to watch play for Virginia Volleyball Academy is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209791' first='Grace' last='Tucker']</strong>. She hits left side but at 5'9" many will not watch her play. Love her attitude on the court. The Dulles District voted her first team and Class 4C selected her to the second team All Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> (Blue Ridge)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another one of those setters who can also provide the offense on the right side. For her high school she led her team in hitting as a left side. For Blue Ridge she sets a 6/2 but stays in the front row for her right side hitting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'0" left side [player_tooltip player_id='243771' first='Berkeley' last='Konrady'] and libero [player_tooltip player_id='180302' first='Emma' last='White'] rank in the class of 2025 and are playing up. Konrady plays all six rotations. A future impact player. Emma exudes confidence on the floor with her consistent passing. At 5'2" [player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Hannah' last='McCullough'] would probably be restricted to setting in the back row. She set for James Woods, who won the Class 4 State Championship last year. Very quick movements on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->