2027 Fall Rankings Update: Top Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We just released a big update to the <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 Player Rankings</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has expanded to 50 players overall with more players on the watch list as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new update, we can dig deeper into each position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's finish up with a look at the top defenders in this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e3765160985"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ranked Liberos</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'], Byron Center/FaR Out</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson has managed to not only earn the top libero ranking, but the top ranking in the entire class. She's already showcased that she's got the talent and athleticism to hang with any defender in the state, but her growing confidence and leadership make her an even bigger asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='442994' first='Makayla' last='Naves'], Davison/Legacy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new addition to the Davison program, the sophomore gives Davison a great piece in the back row. She's been up against the top hitters in her class from around the country and been able to come through with clutch digs. This high school season should see Naves be a big difference-maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='467951' first='Rylee' last='Paddock'], Jenison/FaR Out</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paddock got thrown into the fire for Jenison last fall and handled herself very well, going up against many of the top teams in the state. That experience should pay off this fall as Paddock looks polished in her defensive play, while also being able to help the Wildcats offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='442967' first='Addison' last='Stepp'], South Lyon East/Legacy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stepp was the libero for a Legacy team that claimed an AAU National title, so she's not unfamiliar with high-stakes matches. As a top defender for South Lyon East this fall, she should be confident that she can help this potent offensive team take a big step in the title picture. She's not one that gets frazzled easy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='523872' first='Anika' last='Jaroszewski'], Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving from Novi Christian to Plymouth Christian, Jaroszewski gives PCA someone that can cover a lot of space and is determined to get to every ball. Her first contact is great and she's got a willingness to get in the path of the hardest-hit attacks. Her movement always looks purposeful and leads to good plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id='454360' first='Rease' last='Buza'], Eisenhower/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buza has been utilized by Eisenhower in her first two years of high school and she's shown the ability to contribute timely plays on defense. She communicates well and does a good job of squaring up her body to the attacks. She's also been able to make some offensive plays for Ike that have gone a long way toward their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='442980' first='Gabby' last='Lavoie'], Northville/Michigan Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lavoie has been in the mix for wearing the libero jersey this fall for Northville, which says a lot about her talents. The Mustangs have always had tough defenders and Lavoie fits that description as well. She stays light on her feet and covers a lot of space, while staying within herself to make a clean pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id='442993' first='Madison' last='Monroe'], Marian/Legacy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monroe is part of a loaded roster at Marian that includes a lot of promising defensive talent. Monroe has worked hard to put herself in position to help the varsity squad. She's got a good feel for the play and is active in her approach to the ball. She can make accurate feeds even when she's off-balanced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->