GJNC 15’s Preview: Liberos to Watch
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The 15 Divisions at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships play out this week in Chicago. Washington players traveled with six teams to battle it out in the 15’s Age Bracket, including Athena and OJVA from the CE Region. We…
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Continue ReadingThe 15 Divisions at the USAV Girls Junior National Championships play out this week in Chicago. Washington players traveled with six teams to battle it out in the 15’s Age Bracket, including Athena and OJVA from the CE Region. We covered the other positions this week, and with the tournament upon us here are the dependable defenders from Washington to keep an eye on.
Sanchez has great size for a libero, that extra length lets her reach out and poke a ball over her head that might get over a smaller defender. Don’t let that height throw you off though, she is strong and confident in serve receive and can move with urgency and speed to dig a tip or shot up. Sanchez is another Camas player who can defend at a high level.
Durham has quick reactions, she is able to get her platform in position to make plays on swings that attackers have blasted at her. She is playing with great confidence, Durham sets the tone for the back line of the defense. The Oly Reign libero is one to keep an eye on, her skills and athleticism have been on display over the last half of the season and bode well for her team’s chances at Nationals.
Highlights
Part of an excellent young group of players at Curtis High School, Duong has an advanced volleyball IQ for just being a class of 2026 prospect. Alongside Payton Heim, she gives Dakine an impressive defensive lineup. Duong anticipates tips and setter dumps, she is typically headed in the right direction even before attackers are committing to a certain shot. If she can’t run through a ball, Duong has good hands- she can reach out with just one and make the play for her team.
Another excellent player coming out of Puyallup High School, Ghorley hits a knuckleball float serve that gives passers trouble. Her serve is also struck with good pace, it’s a solid weapon for the 5’2″ libero. She is strong and squares up the ball in serve receive, giving her two setters excellent passes to work with. The rising sophomore will look to lead the team on the defensive side as the four days of competition continue.
A rising sophomore from The Bear Creek School, Sidhu roams the back line along with 2027 prospect Sophia Gao Sophia Gao 5’4″ | DS/L Lakeside | 2027 State WA . The two make for a tough defense for attackers to crack, Sidhu has solid serve-receive skills and is excellent at delivering accurate passes to her setters in a free-ball situation. She sets the tone with a willingness to talk and communicate, Sidhu takes great care in making sure her passers alongside her are all on the same page.