CIF Setters Standing Out after Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are a five athletes to watch that are in a leading in setting stats:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>Brooklyn Kostoff </strong></strong>| 5'7" | 2024 | S | Santa Margarita Catholic High School<br>The small, quick steps (usually about three to four) are the highlight of the game of Brooklyn Kostoff. With those steps, she prepares and finds a rhythm to set every ball. Part of the rhythm guides her general flow to an offense. For Kostoff, that starts by going through her middles. She keeps them involved to bump up her assists numbers. Although she does dish out a lot of assists, defenders must know she drops in a surprise right hand tip every once and a while. Her low contact point and quick release keeps blockers on their toes and watching every set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475917' first='Payton' last='Rowell']</strong> | 5'5" | 2024 | S/DS | Pitman High School <br>[player_tooltip player_id='475917' first='Payton' last='Rowell'], simply put, delivers opportunities to score points. When she sets, those opportunities can come fast. Her low contact point allows her to see a ball that results in a low, fast tempo ball. Hitters need not worry because he precise location makes it that hitters only have to think of getting to the ball quickly. As the tempo is faster, Rowell maintains a relaxed posture and performance of the skill. She has nice easy footwork where nothing is rushed. One might saying it is like she is dancing before setting the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kayla Santiago</strong> | 5'4" | 2024 | S | Burroughs High School<br>Knowing how to win a match is an important trait that this setter, Kayla Santiago, has. Not only does this show up in the Burros 12-0 record, but also in how she navigates her way through a match. She knows to set the hot hitter and also knows who to set when the match is on the line or ready and waiting to be finished. Her style of play is that of a student of the game. This mentality is excellent for a setter. Santiago also has a tough serve that will drop quickly. With the Burros being loaded with a complement of great hitters, watch for this team to continue the winning ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaitlyn Favela </strong>| 5"7" | 2025 | S | Christian High School <br>Jump setting every ball is often described as a goal for many setters and this is something Kaitlyn Favela does time and again. When she jumps she gets just a little bit extra on the ball to deliver it far enough to make it easier on the hitters. Additionally, the use of her legs makes for a high ball in the air. Hitters then always have a chance to swing. Her camaraderie is likely another reason she is a leader in the setting statistical category. As she supports her teammates, they keep approaching to the set with intent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='161288' first='Avery' last='Barber']</strong> | 5'9" | 2024 | S | Exeter High School <br>The fundamentals of [player_tooltip player_id='161288' first='Avery' last='Barber'] are very solid. She is a very consistent setter that can also change the tempo and height of a set at any moment. As her connection with the hitters stays strong, that adaptation with only produce more assists for her. Barber regularly jump sets but will also go the floor just to set a ball. This leadership through her play is seemingly how she gains respect of her teammates. Her contact point is close to her forehead, she uses a lot of her arms to set, and she is very strong. Her abilities include a set that travels 30 feet across the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->