First Top Ten DMV High School Ranking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the public schools in Virginia the volleyball season begins next week. Our top ten will expand to a top twenty to include DC and Maryland high schools in the DMV area. Three of the top five high schools that finished in the top five at the end of the 2022 season return to the top five to begin the 2023 season. The first ten appear below. The second ten will appear later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238358"],"_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-64e2c597e99bb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Flint Hill </strong>- Last year they lost the top player in the country in <strong>Macaria Spears</strong> yet still finished with a better record the following year. The Huskies always reload, no matter who they lose. This year the team will be without their top offensive player <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238859' first='Sydney' last='Bryant'] </strong>and middle <strong>Sonja Meyer</strong>. Also, their 6'5" right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181232' first='Renee' last='Jones']</strong> reclassified to the class of 2025 and does not appear on the roster. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They still bring plenty of offensive weapons in outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233010' first='Mickhaila' last='Murray']</strong> and middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180295' first='Ryla' last='Jones']</strong>. They also have 6'2" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin']</strong>, who can also create havoc on the right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen']</strong> returns for her final season as the Huskies setter and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238358' first='Evie' last='Huang']</strong> comes back for her second season as Libero. That leaves five critical positions covered with returnees. They could call on veterans <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180299' first='Sarah' last='Manson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465301' first='Audrey' last='Sealock']</strong> to fill the open slots or call on talented frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> or <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437446' first='Alli' last='Z Robinson']</strong> to fill those positions. All that will be fleshed out with their new coach <strong>Thai Nguyen</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181307"],"_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-64e2c597e9a72"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Langley</strong> - To build a champion most will say you need three strong offensive players, a good setter and strong libero. The Saxons can lay claim to four of those pieces, but they need to find a replacement for last year's libero <strong>Erica Maebius</strong>. Langley returns three of their pin hitters in left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong> and right sides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180292' first='Riley' last='Buddie'].</strong> It is also expected that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker'] </strong>will move from middle to left side, but that could depend on if they can cover the middle positions. Last year Leni played both. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong> will again share setting duties with Chloe in a 6/2. How the other positions will be pieced together will depend on scrimmages and practice. With another year of play under their belt this team goes from a young team in 2022 to a more experienced, veteran team this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238341"],"_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-64e2c597e9b3b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop O'Connell</strong> - With six players over six foot they may be one of the taller teams in the area. It all starts with the two veteran seniors in 6'1" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180281' first='Erin' last='Debiec']</strong> and 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180296' first='Madison' last='Bowser']</strong>. Because they have a number of other players who can play middle Madison could hit from the pins, where her hits carry supreme velocity. The down side is if she hits underneath the ball they have a tendency to sail out. Erin can set a 5/1 or hit right side with a 6/2. They also bring in two new transfers in 6'3" middle/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180298' first='Alice' last='Holoubek']</strong> and 5'11" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='475116' first='Jocelyn' last='Pye']</strong>. In their first scrimmage against Yorktown those two led the team in kills. Alice got many of her kills hitting right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'2" middle/right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> returns for her sophomore season with one more year of varsity experience under her belt. 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235779' first='Grace' last='Faughnan']</strong> could be used at the pins or in the middle. They also have converted basketball player 6'3" <strong>Eva Robertson</strong> playing middle or right side. At 5'9" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235778' first='Payton' last='Vieselmeyer']</strong> will be their smallest front row player, being used at a pin. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226029' first='Emily' last='Reyburn']</strong> will be used as setter in a 6/2 or a defensive specialist in a 5/1. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235295' first='Hannah' last='Kotb'] </strong>will return in her role as a libero and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212888' first='Maia' last='Cerezo'] </strong>will occupy a defensive specialist slot. The only player they lose from the team last year is <strong>Grace Maria,</strong> but she was their best passer and offensive player, so the hope is more players contribute to the offense and passing to offset her loss. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181297"],"_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-64e2c597e9bfd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chantilly</strong> - The Chargers come at you with perhaps the top offensive player in the area,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu'].</strong> The junior can provide damage front row and back row. Setting her will be frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181284' first='Nola' last='Murphy']</strong> grabs the libero limelight. Finding two more offensive pieces would make this team more complete. Can middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377344' first='Julia' last='Horan']</strong> and frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> fill those spots? This will be a young team that will improve as the season progresses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181763"],"_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-64e2c597e9cbd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Georgetown Day</strong> - They won the DC state championship last year, their first in school history. Most of the key players return in setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180285' first='Clara' last='Yu']</strong>, right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181763' first='Jada' last='Aksu']</strong> and left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong>. Middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='321676' first='Gabrielle' last='Wigglesworth']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355124' first='Fiona' last='McDermott']</strong> may contribute more now that they have gained a year of experience. The new frosh to watch is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo'].</strong> Defeating Flint Hill and winning an Independent Schools League (ISL) title would rank as their biggest goal this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["352786"],"_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-64e2c597e9d79"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richard Montgomery</strong> - The Rockets carry all the pieces to win a state championship. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic']</strong> will set and provide the offense for this team. Other offensive pieces include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309030' first='Corinne' last='Howard']</strong>, who could play middle or outside and middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='309031' first='Caroline' last='Kaye']</strong>. Frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438049' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong> could fill the libero spot. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='352786' first='Cassandra' last='Bradley']</strong> also plays libero, if she does not take over a setting role. Many of these girls played on the same travel team (MVSA Sparks) so there is already a bit of team chemistry to the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180288"],"_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-64e2c597e9e3e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Holy Cross </strong>- The big key for the Tartans is the timeline for the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180288' first='Emerson' last='Sellman']</strong>. She will miss the start of the season representing the U.S. National team in two international events. She has already won one gold medal at the U19 world championships and currently represents the United States in Mexico at the U21 world championships. Fortunately, Holy Cross still maintains offensive weapons to get them by short term. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235324' first='Rowan' last='Johnson']</strong> and setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244159' first='Jaylyn' last='Simon']</strong> hope to connect more to keep the pressure off Sellman. Another setter, transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato'] </strong>could allow Jaylyn to hit right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["225187"],"_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-64e2c597e9f11"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverside</strong> - No rosters are up yet for the Rams, but their biggest need is to replace starting setters <strong>Ava Ray</strong> and <strong>Sage Duggal</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333651' first='Sydney' last='Ray']</strong> looked good in a scrimmage against Patriot and appears to be that piece. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> may move from middle to outside to combine with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192587' first='Adriana' last='Perodin']</strong> to give the Rams two potent pin attacks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181240' first='Natalie' last='Carlin']</strong> plays a strong libero. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong> gives the Rams that third offensive piece in their goal to march to their first Class 5 championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181302"],"_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-64e2c597e9fc8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Wood </strong>- Two of the best frosh from last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong> led the team in hitting and a Class 4 State championship. Brenna only stands 5'4" but relies on location to finish off her kills. She may play more libero this season, though she loves to hit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180282' first='Paige' last='Ahakuelo'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Hannah' last='McCullough']</strong> return to their setting roles. Paige can stay in the front row and hit right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320815' first='Tenley' last='Mattison']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242037' first='Ashlynn' last='Spence']</strong> issue out offensive production in the middle. <strong>Kyla Wilhelm</strong> made the team as a frosh. She is listed on the roster as an outside. The Colonels are the defending Class 4 champs, ending the 10 year reign held by the Loudoun County Captains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["192587"],"_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-64e2c597ea07f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominion</strong> - I thought the Titans had a strong roster, but with frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith'] </strong>setting it could be even stronger. During a scrimmage Dominion used her to set in four rotations, setting once while in the front row with the right side serving. The middle play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240025' first='Abigail' last='Vasak']</strong> looked impressive. The 5'8" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346738' first='Alena' last='Smith']</strong> contributes strong swings from the left side and the left handed swing of<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='240027' first='Kaitlyn' last='Demitz']</strong> punishes balls from the right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240024' first='Kylie' last='Patterson'] </strong>will be tasked with replacing<strong> Haley Gil</strong> at the libero position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240028' first='Emma' last='Adiacontei']</strong> will perform as the second setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233560"],"_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-64e2c597ea13a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chesapeake Chirps - Watched a little of the <strong>Massaponax</strong> jamboree. Teams from Saint Catherines, Courtland, Briar Woods and Atlee were there. The 5'10" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233560' first='Carley' last='P Coghill']</strong> looked impressive hitting outside. She even had one rotation where she filled in as setter. Last year she played middle but at the tournament she looked impressive hitting left side. The top player for <strong>Saint Catherine</strong> was middle <strong>Taylor Meridith</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237667' first='Skyler' last='Riggio'] </strong>played a rare six rotation right side for <strong>Briar Woods</strong>. <strong>Courtland</strong> and <strong>Atlee</strong> lacked rosters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->