Class 5 Defenders Looking to Make a Splash

Photo: PrepDig

Vernon Birmingham August 7, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Every year we find a back-row player jump onto the scene with their stellar defensive playmaking abilities. This year should be no different as a handful of players want to make that next jump and become household-name liberos or defensive specialists in Class 5. Here are some players we expect to make a splash in 2023.   [player_tooltip player_id='438212' first='Alexis' last='Andela'] - 2026 - Ozark   As a freshman and primarily in a defensive specialist role, Andela showed she can be counted on along the back row. She saw action in 85 sets and picked up 132 digs on the season. She added 23 aces behind the service line also.   [player_tooltip player_id='221234' first='McKenzie' last='Fitzmaurice'] - 2026 - Marquette   Another young player in 2022, Fitzmaurice will see if she can contribute even more in 2023. During her freshman campaign, she played in just over 70 sets as a DS, bringing 74 digs to the table. She added 111 receptions as well, showing she can be counted on to pass.   [player_tooltip player_id='219781' first='Evelin' last='Thalacker'] - 2025 - Kirkwood   Thalacker was good in her sophomore year but she should expect even more from the junior in 2023. She picked up 222 digs but can easily see her eclipse the 400 mark in a season.   Mia Felix - 2025. - Fort Zumwalt North   Like Thalacker, Felix was solid in her first season of varsity ball in 2022. She saw the court in 88 sets and dug up around 10 balls per match on the season. Look for her numbers to continue to rise with a full season under her belt.   Hedda Werner-Click - 2025 - Central (Springfield)   The Central back row specialist will look to break out after her first year saw her maneuver the court for 284 digs in 86 sets in 2022. She passed the ball in serve/receive 277 times with minimal passing errors.   [player_tooltip player_id='220296' first='Lexie' last='Morefield'] - 2025 - Lee's Summit   Morefield is entering her third season of seeing varsity action and her first two saw her around 200 digs per season. This is the year she can be over the 300 mark due to her experience and court vision.

Every year we find a back-row player jump onto the scene with their stellar defensive playmaking abilities. This year should be no different as a handful of players want to make that next jump and become household-name liberos or defensive specialists in Class 5. Here are some players we expect to make a splash in 2023.