2027 All-League: She’s a Freshman!
In this article:
2027 Prospects Who Made A Difference: Freshman players making a varsity roster are forced to adjust to a new level and speed of play but may face a new school environment and the first taste of 5 days a week…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading2027 Prospects Who Made A Difference:
Freshman players making a varsity roster are forced to adjust to a new level and speed of play but may face a new school environment and the first taste of 5 days a week of practice and/or matches. It’s a stretch for any athlete to compete and succeed at a high level in their debut season- facing tough student sections in away matches and battling 18-year-olds who are experienced at the varsity level increases the difficulty. Here are several freshman players who had a huge impact on their teams this season.
*Smith had a freshman season to remember, blasting 343 kills and hitting .250 from her outside hitter spot.The Timberline 2027 prospect gave everyone a preview of what was coming at The Emerald City Classic last May, being named to the All-Tournament team for her Oly Reign 15 Gold squad. Smith posted four stat lines of more than 20 kills, and was able to get the job done in serve receive even when a few teams teams targeted her for entire matches. Her heavy arm swing produces kills to all areas of the court, and her hitting percentage of .250, on over 800 swings as a freshman indicates an ability to play the smart shot when needed.
*Attending Washington Top 250 Expo
Highlights
Sandberg is a strong, steady freshman who held down a full time six-rotation outside spot for Gonzaga Prep, helping the Bullpups reach the 4A State Tournament for the third consecutive season. She was named to the 2nd Team All-Conference team for the Greater Spokane League. Sandberg was at her best in Gonzaga Prep wins over Mt. Spokane, Post Falls and Wenatchee. She tallied 15 kills and 9 digs at Post Falls, 9 kills and 12 digs in the Wenatchee victory, and on the road at Mt. Spokane racked up a season high 19 kills. With over 200 kills and 200 digs on the year, Sandberg was a vital part of the teams offensive and defensive systems.
Highlights
The 5’4 OH from White River helped power the Hornets to the 2A South Puget Sound title. Stevenson recorded over 200 kills on the season, and even more impressively went over 350 digs for the year. Her defense as an outside is libero like; Stevenson is athletic, quick and will throw herself on to the floor to keep a rally alive. On the pin she swings away with no fear attacking the opposing block and working hard to make any set work. Stevenson earned 1st Team All-Conference honors as an OH, and White River has a young group of terrific players that will have them challenging for the state tournament for the next several years.
*Jacoby was named GSHL Honorable Mention as an outside, and the freshman can rip it from the right side and has sweet hands as a setter. She was terrific finding the Prairie middles in the seam for kills, and she can power up and drive down a setter attack with her left hand. Jacoby has a loose, quick arm swing that generates power down the line and to the angle, that’s complemented by a soft tip she will drop over the top of the block. Her versatility will let her play either position at a high level, she has a terrific overall skill set.
*Attending Washington Top 250 Expo
Highlights
Players from other teams in the stands at the Sun Dome literally said the phrase “She’s just a freshman!” watching William play against Liberty in a first round upset victory for Mt Spokane at state. Her acrobatic digs and sprawling covers kept the Wildcats in business as her role continued to increase during the season. Williams is an excellent beach prospect with setter hands, and she was named second team All-League 3A/4A Greater Spokane League for her work this fall. She is a determined worker who reads the game well and is physically tough, Williams is one of the top young defenders in the state.
Larrabee is a 2027 from Ferndale High School who has excellent technical movement and hands at the setter position. She shows a neutral set up and really works to get her feet under the ball and deliver an accurate set. Larrabee has the skill and athletic ability to operate and score in the 5-1, and she does a solid job digging up balls defensively. She was named Second Team Northwest Conference at the setter position after helping to power Ferndale to a 10-8 overall season record.
Highlights
Brooklyn Larrabee- Fieldlevel Video: