Class of 2026 Prospect Check-In

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227636' first='Emma' last='Cugino'] - Ranked #15<br>Cugino is putting up some impressive numbers once again as she is averaging 6.1 digs per set while elevating her career total to 725 total digs over about a season and a half of her varsity career for Oletangy Orange. The Pioneers are 13-3 overall and a perfect 4-0 in league play without dropping a set. Cugino leads them in two key categories as she supports her team-leading defensive effort by adding great service pressure through which she is atop the squad in total aces. She competes with veteran confidence and provides great floor presence patrolling the back row and her first-contact work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227832' first='Lyla' last='Stewart'] - Ranked #17<br>Stewart has far surpassed her freshman season numbers especially given her increased presence and opportunities within St. Francis DeSales' offensive. Through 17 matches she has 252 total kills with an average of 5.3 k/s. In late October she had one of the biggest outputs among all hitters in Ohio as she terminated 40 kills in a five-set loss to Thomas Worthington that included an average of 8.0 k/s on a 46% kill rate. As she had a great club season for one of the nation's best teams in her age group, she looks even more physical and assertive with her arm this high school season as she uses her 6'0 frame well from attack points all over the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227632' first='Rylie' last='Simons'] - Ranked #42<br>The Austintown-Fitch floor leader is among the most productive setters in the state with her 10.6 assists per set average. She is quickly closing in on 1,500 total career assists at just over one and a half varsity seasons. She far outperforms any other setter in All-American conference play as the Falcons are atop the league standings at a perfect 5-0 record (12-3 overall). Collectively, this team averages 12.3 k/s with good balance of opportunities and distribution led by Simons' decision-making and ability to set a varied offense through both pins. At 5'6, she is an athletic setter that also contributes nearly 10 digs per match while leading the Falcons in service aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227625' first='Claire' last='King'] - Ranked #73<br>With a big freshman campaign last season, King is well on her way to topping her first-year output of 308 total kills. At 5.5 k/s, the 5'11 middle has increased her effectiveness and impact overall with better efficiency at .390 and a kill percentage of 49%. King has an impressive arm as she can take a huge rip when on time and balance at the end of her approach work. With 27 kills in Logan Elm's most recent match, she had a season's best 30 kills in a 3-0 win over Hamilton Township earlier to set a new single-match career high. She is one we have our eye on closely as she undoubtedly will climb the prospect rankings with our next update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='403898' first='Claire' last='Buchholz'] - Ranked #109<br>At 5'7, Buchholz makes a big impact on the floor. She has increased her contributions this season offensively as she provides 4.4 k/s for the Northwestern Huskies. She maximizes her physical tools well to get up and swing aggressively and with good versatility to be able to score from either side of the court. With a career average of 11.0 digs per match, she has increased her numbers this season with 12.2 d/m. She established a new career high of 30 kills in a five-set loss to Dalton, a match in which she also picked up a career best 30 digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->