Prep Season Preview: 6A Top Returning Passers
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Not a subscriber? Use the code ADAMS30 for 30% off! High school season is right around the corner. Tryouts have been set for the week of August 14th, and league play starting the week of September 4th. As usual, Prep…
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High school season is right around the corner. Tryouts have been set for the week of August 14th, and league play starting the week of September 4th.
As usual, Prep Dig will be following the action. But until it starts, we will highlight the top players returning in each position.
Up now, the top passers from the 6A classification.
Acosta has been a major impact player for David Douglas over the past three years, where she has led her team to some impressive wins after the Scots suffered several years of setbacks. As the team’s primary libero, Acosta received Mt. Hood First Team All-League accolades thanks to her steady serve receive and defense. During the club season, Acosta showed off her incredible discipline and speed in the back row on the Chaos 18-1 team, and she continued to develop her offensive play to score points off back row attacks when possible. Acosta is entering her senior year ready to dominate for the Scots one last time.
Azavedo is one of the top defensive players in the state, currently ranked as the #1 player in the defensive specialist position for the class of 2025. Azavedo anchored the Jesuit Crusaders’ back row last season to push her team toward their second-place finish, earning Metro First Team All-League and All-State 6A Honorable Mention honors as a result of her excellent play. Playing libero for the Athena 16-1 team, Azavedo continued to hone in on her quick reflexes on defense and steady and consistent serve receive game. Given how fast and skilled she is, it’s nearly impossible to get anything by Azavedo. She will undoubtedly be a top defensive player for Jesuit this fall.
Highlights
The incoming senior has been an important part of the Oregon City lineup over the past few years but especially during this most recent season, after which she earned Three Rivers Honorable Mention accolades. Playing on the outside and as a defensive specialist, Brent showcased her versatility on the court and her consistency as a passer. As a defensive specialist for the OJVA 17-1 team this club season, Brent flew all over the court, picking up hard-to-reach shots and keeping the ball in play. Her quick play in the back row will be key for Oregon City.
Although she started her volleyball career as an outside hitter, Cornell made the seamless transition to libero and defensive specialist this season for West Linn to fill the hole left by graduate Audrey Shih. Cornell is a consistent back row player in all capacities, and her steadiness from anywhere on the court further developed on the NPJ Portland 16-1 team this season, where she played as a six-rotation outside hitter. With two years left of high school play, Cornell will likely continue to anchor the back row for the Lions.
Playing as Barlow’s libero and defensive specialist, Eason was a key player for the Bruins this season and earned Mt. Hood Second Team All-League honors as a result of her defensive skill. Eason is fast, flying around the court to position herself well to make excellent passes off of tough serves and attacks. She also brings a sense of confidence to the back row whenever she is on the court. The combination of Eason and Maile Chan Maile Chan 5’3″ | DS/L Mountainside | 2024 State #156 Nation OR in the Athena 17-1 team’s back row this season was practically unstoppable. Going into her senior year, Eason will be instrumental for Barlow.
Highlights
As only a sophomore, Heinle has a ton of potential to be a major impact player for Central Catholic this year and beyond. Although she saw less court time during her freshman year, Heinle’s development as a libero on the Athena 15-1 team this season will certainly be imperative as she is likely to take on a bigger role in the back row for the Rams this fall. Heinle is a steady defensive player, positioning herself well to pass hard-driven serves and attacks and covering her hitters effortlessly. Heinle’s future is bright as she continues to grow as a libero.
The South Eugene libero has been an important part of the Axes’ back row and defensive play since her freshman year. Because of Jung’s consistency and technically sound defense, she received Southwest Second Team All-League honors this past season. Jung continued to showcase her quick reactions to the ball, steady serve receive passing, and ability to keep the ball in play while playing as a defensive specialist for the Webfoot 18-1 team. Going into her senior year, all eyes will be on Jung to anchor the Axes’ back row once more.
Karina Lee
Karina Lee
As just a freshman for the Warriors this past season, Lee stood out as a solid all-around player with immense potential to become a top notch defensive player. Lee was a six-rotation outside hitter for Cleveland, earning PIL Honorable Mention accolades as a result. On the Volleyball Alliance 15s team, Lee alternated between libero, outside hitter, and defensive specialist, showing her versatility from anywhere on the court. In the back row, she is consistent and confident. Lee will be one to watch over the next few years as she continues to improve as a defensive player.
As the primary libero for the Rams last season, Longaker showcased her sound technical play in the back row and her consistent serve receive passing. She primarily took on the role of defensive specialist for the OJVA 16-1 team, where she continued to improve her ability to read the attack well and make quick defensive plays. From the baseline, too, Longaker has a wickedly tough serve, further making her an asset for any team that she’s on. With Longaker and Heinle in the back row for Central Catholic this upcoming season, the Rams’ defense will undoubtedly be tough to beat.