2027 First Looks: Defensive Specialists
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With the release of the class of 2027 rankings, PrepDig will be looking at the top four athletes in each position from the class. Up first, we will be highlighting the top defensive specialists. Madalyn Lebeck OR #4 DS/L #1…
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Continue ReadingWith the release of the class of 2027 rankings, PrepDig will be looking at the top four athletes in each position from the class. Up first, we will be highlighting the top defensive specialists.
A top-five recruit and the #1 DS/L for the class of 2027, Lebeck is a commanding presence across the backcourt. She leads with a calm confidence and a competitive edge. She is scrappy on defense and incredibly technical on serve receive. She took on a major role as the libero for Westview High School, receiving Metro Third Team All-League and 6A Second Team All-Tournament, the only freshman to make the 6A All-Tournament team. This club season you can find Lebeck sporting the libero jersey for Athena 15-1 Gold.
As the #2 DS/L in the class of 2027, McKibben is a dynamic defender. She moves around the court effortlessly and with tons of confidence. She is a commanding presence on serve receive, taking a lot of court and creating solid angles to get the ball to the setter. As a freshman, she shouldered a big load as the starting libero for Sheldon High School, receiving Southwest All-League Honorable Mention. This club season you can find McKibben sporting the libero jersey for Webfoot 16-1 Elite.
Whitinger is an incredibly athletic defensive specialist from the class of 2027. She is agile and scrappy on defense, on her toes, ready to react to the attack. Her confidence to use her hands on an out-of-system play was noted, coming off clean and in an ideal location for the pin to swing away. She exudes confidence on serve receive and, with a controlled platform, keeps her team in the system consistently. This club season you can find Whitinger sporting the libero jersey for G3 16-1 National.
Highlights
Horn is an incredibly versatile athlete who can easily step into the setter or defensive specialist position depending on team needs. Previously, she spent high school season with Crescent Valley junior varsity as a setter. However, she joined the NPJ 15-1 National club team who has two returning setters (one being Brooke Friesen Brooke Friesen 6’0″ | S Sprague | 2027 State OR , the #1 overall recruit) so her talents were better suited commanding the backrow as a libero. She is an athletic and dynamic defender.
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