Unranked Unicorns: 2026 Defensive Stalwarts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wish I could clone myself to see more games, but that science is a long time coming or exists in some other Marvel Multiverse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding unranked talent is still my favorite aspect of being a scout. I enjoy the relationships with players I get to see frequently, but discovering a name for the first time to promote makes the job worthwhile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a report on five unranked members of the class of 2026 who are having solid defensive seasons to begin their junior campaigns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All stats were found on Max Preps. I can't emphasize enough that if teams don't use Max Preps they can send me stats at <a href="mailto:deckscoutks@gmail.com">deckscoutks@gmail.com</a>. Also, coaches should have player heights included with their stats. I won't feature athletes I can't find a height for and passed over a couple of players with more digs with no height on their profile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='699366' first='Ally' last='Scheele']</strong>, 5'8”, DS/L, Hanover, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scheele is an unranked prospect playing solid defense for the Wildcats. She has collected 185 digs in the first 20 sets of the season. She has also made 86 serve receptions with just four receiving errors. The Wildcats are 10-0 to start the prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='699369' first='Molly' last='Williams']</strong>, 5'7”, DS/L, Emporia, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is a solid two-sport prospect who also plays softball for the Spartans. She had tallied 183 digs in 34 sets played for Emporia. The Spartans are 8-6 to begin their season. Two of Emporia's losses have come against Hayden and Kapaun Mt. Carmel. Williams is currently unranked by Prep Dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>J'Lynn Wiseman</strong>, 5'4”, DS/L, Mission Valley, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Wiseman and the Vikings compete in a preseason jamboree. She has a quiet platform and is making solid passes for Mission Valley. Through 36 sets played she has recorded 132 digs. She has also recorded 151 serve receptions. The Vikings are 9-5 after their first 14 matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='699371' first='Tristan' last='Stout']</strong>, 5'6”, DS/L, Bucklin, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stout is an unranked multi-sport athlete from Bucklin. She is a six-rotation player for the Red Aces. Her stat line through 29 sets includes 121 digs, 42 kills, 20 blocks, and 134 serve receptions. Bucklin (7-6) has been a streaky team opening up with three straight losses, winning six in a row, and now the Aces are on a four-match slide. She also plays basketball and softball for Bucklin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='699373' first='Leavie' last='Riner']</strong>, 5'8”, DS/L, Osborne, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riner has 109 digs for the Osborne Bulldogs in 21 sets played. She has some ups, as she has also chipped in 22 kills and 12 blocks. Osborne has a .500 record through eight matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->