More Unranked Players Finding the Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the benefits of the high school season is the opportunity to see new players making a contribution to the success of their program. Many talented players on good club teams get hidden on the bench. Some talented players get lost on bad club teams. Finally, some multi sport athletes choose not to play club. Below are some talented players that have stood out for their high school team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464589' first='Julia' last='Kelly']</strong> left side (Alexandria City) - The defending class 6 state champions have struggled to find wins this year. They started the season with eight losses in their first nine games. Now that regional play has begun they have won their last three straight regional matches to go 4-2. The 6'1" left side has contributed to that success. Last year the junior had to watch from the bench as outside Milan Rex won the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Virginia. This year her opportunities to produce from the left side has brought her into the spotlight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377397' first='Ellyson' last='Miller']</strong> left side (Bishop O'Connell) - The roster lists her as a middle/right side. The Knights were not getting a lot of production at one of their left sides. Ellyson got the call after the Knights return from Florida and they have not lost a set since. The 5'11" sophomore lists third on the team in kills per set. There still remains some rawness in her game, but she continues to improve as the season wears on. Last club season Ellyson played for East Coast Power Shock, which qualified for Nationals. She was also listed as a middle on their roster. How times can change when a need arises.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465317' first='Kathryn' last='Nguyen']</strong> setter (Peninsula) - The 5'7" junior setter runs the Knights offense, setting a 5/1. She averages about 8.2 assists per game. Her serves are also tough to pass. Kathryn ranks third on the team in aces. She moves quickly around the court directing the ball to all her offensive weapons. Despite her 5'7" height she can put up a decent block on the right side. This is her first year setting for the team. Peninsula is benefitting from her success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478383' first='Amelia' last='Matson']</strong> left side (Stonebridge) - The Cavaliers have started the season making some noise. Leading the charge for them is senior outside hitter Matson. She averages nearly 6 kills per set, ranks second on the team in aces and second in digs. Just one of those solid all around players who fills all six rotations. The senior lists at 5'8" but brings a high level of intensity to her game. She began her career as an eighth grader leading Stonebridge to a VISAA Division III State Championship. Last year her 32 kills led the Cavaliers to another VISAA state championship. Her hope is to end her senior season with another State championship. For travel last year she played at East Coast Volleyball club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464576' first='Sophie' last='Arnold']</strong> left side (Hidden Valley) - The top hitter for the Titans is [player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn']. Sophie though has increased her contribution to the team's offense. The 5'10" left side has improved her kill percentage from 32.8% to 43%. This has led to increased contributions in kills to almost one per game. She plays only three rotations, but she does get involved in serving. Sometimes the junior gets a little overlooked playing in Roanoke. A Class 3 championship may solve that problem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464583' first='Natalie' last='Rocco']</strong> middle (Western Albermarle) - The 6'0" senior puts up a stout block for the Warriors. She also stands out as one of their key offensive weapons. Her main strength is putting up a good block to seal off areas of the court. Last year Natalie averaged almost a block per set. This allowed the Warriors to qualify for States and for Natalie to earn a position on the All State second team. At the Patriot tournament this year her hands were consistently getting on the ball. The team has lost a number of players from last year's team, but with Natalie blocking the middle they always have a chance to advance again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453965' first='Taylor' last='Hansen']</strong> left side (Briar Woods) - The Falcons rely on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237667' first='Skyler' last='Riggio']</strong> for most of their offense on the right side. They also play in the same District as Riverside, a favorite to win the Class 5 State championship. Last week the Falcons lost to Riverside in five in a reverse sweep. The 5'8" junior contributes to the Falcons offense. She buried 11 kills in the loss to Riverside. Taylor played her club season at Virginia Volleyball Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='469197' first='Olivia' last='Garey'] </strong>right side (West Potomac) - The frosh is getting some starting time for the Wolverine varsity. On the roster they list her as a middle. When I saw her suit up against Madison she played right side. Olivia plays with a lot of enthusiasm and has a strong arm. She still needs to find more consistency in her game. Against Madison she contributed four kills. This past season she played for Metro. She has the length to play middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490643' first='Bryah' last='Breaux'] </strong>left side (Garrison Forest) - I have not seen her play. She received an invite to participate in the National Training Deveopment Program (NTPD) in Colorado for the United States National team in their Fall Series. Her videos impress. She also stands 6'4" and brings an approach jump of 10'5" to the floor. She plays for Masters Volleyball Academy in Towson. A player to put on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chesapeake Chirps - Oakton pulled off a big upset against Chantilly on Thursday. The Cougars started off fast inside their gym by winning the first two sets. Chantilly appeared to regain control of the match with two convincing victories. Oakton pulled off the third game 15-13. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209789' first='Seliz' last='Aktuglu']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209792' first='Jocelyn' last='Shortle']</strong> are the key outsides that normally lead the Oakton offense. With the win the Cougars put themselves in first place in the Concord Division....Flint Hill played Bullis last week and completed another sweep. They have not lost a set in the ISL since 2011. With the strength of Georgetown Day and Bullis that streak did not expect to last. But in their outings against these two powerhouses the Huskies have continued with their sweep streak. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->