Top Twenty Ranking – New Number One

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is our third top twenty ranking of the high school season. After the Riverside loss to Independence we have a new number one. But this week Georgetown Day faces a big test against Flint Hill, who they beat earlier in a three set match. As Bullis learned earlier this year, it is difficult to get that last point against a team that has won multiple championships, even if their roster looks a bit lighter than previous years. Won/Loss records obtained from Maxpreps with the school schedule as a backup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 <strong>Georgetown Day</strong> (15-0) <strong>+1</strong> - After winning the Endless Summer tournament they have not faced a challenging schedule. They took four to beat Potomac School in their last match. That is only the second set they have lost all season. Flint Hill and Bullis remain on their schedule. Top libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326533' first='Shiraz' last='Benyoucef']</strong>. Top contributing youngster frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545719' first='Julia' last='Heinzelmann']</strong>. Julia plays middle and outside but does not start regularly. If you take playing time into consideration it would be sophomore 5/1 setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 <strong>Riverside </strong>(19 - 1) <strong>-1</strong> - The biggest upset was Independence downing Riverside in 5. Since then Riverside has recovered for three straight sweeps. The big wins on their plate include James Wood, Loudoun County and Millbrook. They get a rematch against Independence on 10/21. Top Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther']</strong>. As a sophomore Camryn could also be considered their top contributing youngster as well. However, another sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464556' first='Kennedy' last='Peyton']</strong> contributes with her play from the left side and plays a solid six rotations. She could almost be a second libero if she did not hit so well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 <strong>Richard Montgomery</strong> (14-1) <strong>=</strong> - They won the Battle of Bethesda for the first time. While they lost their first match there against Bethesda Chevy Chase, they also beat Holy Cross in the championship. This is the first time they have ever beaten Holy Cross. Since that tournament they have swept through their last four opponents. In addition to their win against Holy Cross they also defeated Wooten. Top libero sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong>. Top contributing youngster is frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell']</strong>, the younger sister of left side [player_tooltip player_id='412056' first='Elizabeth' last='Mitchell']. At 6'1" Katherine plays both middle and left side, but when it comes crunch time she plays left side. She ranks second to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic']</strong> in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["554770"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671099ab6242b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of our August top performers who has contributed to her high school team. The Saxons thought they would be fine on the left side until [player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker'] left for IMG Academy in Florida. That opened up a spot on the left side. Rujuta grabbed it quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'7" she may still be a bit undersized for a pin hitter but she does not hace a problem finding the floor. She also plays an excellent back row with consistent passing and solid defense. When you watch her play she certainly does not remind you of a frosh. She does everything well on the court. That is one thing I learned at the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 <strong>Langley</strong> (18-1) + 1 - The defending Class 6 state champions keep rolling on despite the loss of a number of critical players. Their only loss has been against Ocean Lakes in the Virginia Volleyball showcase, a tournament they eventually won. Only two more matches left on their schedule. Top libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='476364' first='Amber' last='Smith']</strong>. Top contributing youngster frosh left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='554770' first='Rujuta' last='Singh']</strong>. She won a top performer award at the Prep Dig showcase in August and has shown that reward was well earned with her quality play. She plays six rotations and makes the loss of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181307' first='Leni' last='Stanton-Parker']</strong> to IMG palatable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5 <strong>Bullis</strong> (17-1) + 1 - Their only loss was to Flint Hill, a match in which they had a 14-12 set five lead but eventually lost 16-14. They recently swept Jackson-Reed and previously number four Madison. The biggest match left on their schedule is their last when they play Georgetown Day. That could be for the number one seeding position in the Independent School League (ISL) championship. Top libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='184604' first='Nia' last='Thomas'].</strong> Top contributing youngster sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly']</strong>. She hits left side for Metro but plays middle for the Bulldogs. Her .468 hitting percentage is tops among the hitters while she slots in second to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181300' first='Alexis' last='Ewing']</strong> in kills. She also leads the team in blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["506629"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671099ab6248f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sprained ankle early at the Junior Nationals in Las Vegas put a damper on Maryland Juniors end of season tournament. Because she plays a year down at 15U colleges may not have noticed her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'2" she runs the quicks well. Her .429 hitting percentage is second on the team. She also ranks third on the team in blocks. Definitely a player who can make a difference on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She might want to consider playing at her own age group. College coaches sometimes think less highly of a prospect if she is playing down a year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6 <strong>Howard </strong>(15-0) + 8 - They made the biggest jump in the rankings. They recently beat Glenelg in four and swept past Maryland Class 2 state champion Centennial. With two qualify middles in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506629' first='Dylann' last='Loggins'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402429' first='Kaleigh' last='Williams']</strong> plus a strong left side in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='702631' first='McKenna' last='Brown']</strong> they have all the offense they need to win a state championship. Another quality outside<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez']</strong> did not play much in the Glenelg match I watched but she sits third on the team in kills. They also have a quality libero in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374421' first='Miranda' last='Ball'] </strong>and sophomore setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='698761' first='Imagine' last='Peltier']</strong> stands out as the top contributing youngster. At 5'10" she sets a 5/1 with the ability to put up a good block when in the front row. She ranks second on the team in blocks. Could be one of the smoother setters in her age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7 <strong>Flint Hill </strong>(17-2) + 3 - They got some revenge for an earlier loss with a convincing sweep of Bishop O'Connell. They also swept Jackson Reed and Virginia Academy while taking down St. Johns in four. The Huskies next big match will be against Georgetown Day this week. Top Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong>, who scooped up 21 digs in the match against O'Connell. The top contributing youngster is middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross']</strong> who moves around between middle and right side. Hunter and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181303' first='Isabelle' last='Bardin'] </strong>are clearly the two top offensive players on the team. They combine for 69 percent of the kills for the Huskies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8 <strong>Holy Cross</strong> (15-5) + 4 - The loss of <strong>Emerson Sellman</strong> and setter <strong>Jaylyn Simon</strong> meant that the Tartans would struggle early as they tinkered with their lineup. They have settled on a modified 5/1 with [player_tooltip player_id='672039' first='Sibel' last='Ozan'] setting in the back row and the 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato'] </strong>setting in the front row. That seems to be working out well with Anasofia ranking second on the team in blocks. The Tartans lost four of their matches early in the season, one of them to Bullis but they have been 13-1 since, their lone loss against number three Richard Montgomery in the Battle of Bethesda. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235324' first='Rowan' last='Johnson'] </strong>has been the top offensive player. Top libero sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel'].</strong> Top young contributors will have to be shared by frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe']</strong> who is second on the team in kills and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536721' first='Ana' last='Woods']</strong>, who hits right side but plays all six rotations. Ana got a late start to the season because of injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9 <strong>Hidden Valley</strong> (19-1) = - After defeating Christiansburg in five the Titans then lost to them in five the second time they played them. To date it has been their only loss of the season. The next time they meet them may be in the Class 3 Virginia State playoffs. I have not seen the Titans play this year but based on the number of digs and serve receive the libero is <strong>Maddi Carter</strong>. The top young contributor appears to be sophomore setter <strong>Lauren Dudle</strong>y, who shares the setting duties with <strong>Abigail Bishop </strong>in a 6/2. They have been asked to set after the injury to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235285' first='Calli' last='Anderson']</strong> forced her to miss the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>West Springfield</strong> (21-1) +7 - Their only loss came early against Chantilly in a three game sweep. The second time they played them they beat them in a tournament. Other than Chantilly they have yet to play a top twenty team. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong> sits atop the team in kills with 346. That calculates out to 54% of the kills by the Spartans. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong> tallies 84% of the assists. They would make an excellent doubles team. <strong> Sabrina Kleiman</strong> appears to play libero along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725456' first='Audrey' last='Busch']</strong>. Top young contributor clearly falls to sophomore setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["550688"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671099ab624d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another top performer at the August Prep Dig showcase who has contributed to the varsity team this year. For Colgan she plays mostly right side and some middle. Next year she could move to left side. The Sharks will need to fill that position next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'11" she brings good height to the pins with an approach jump of 9'6". That was the second highest on the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] team. More physical conditioning to enhance the jump and an inch or two of growth would certainly make her an offensive threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. <strong>Colgan</strong> (17-2-1) + 8 - They tied with Howard for the biggest jump in the rankings. What appeared to be a rebuilding year is another run at a state championship. They won the Flint Hill Invitational, defeating Bishop O'Connell in the finals. They also had a convincing victory over Patriot recently, extending their winning streak to at least 12 games (14 if you include two Flint Hill Invitational matches). Some would call the results from that tournament null and void because the pool play consisted of just two sets. The libero is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609602' first='Allison' last='Cibrian-Martinez'],</strong> as a senior her first and only year she will fill the position. The top young contributor falls on the skills of sophomore setter <strong>Jasmine Belle-Carrasco</strong> and right side/middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550688' first='Sienna' last='Mitchell'].</strong> Next year I see Sienna hitting left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. <strong>Bishop O'Connell </strong>(18-3-1) -4 - The Knights had their three biggest matches of the year playing back to back to back. They won the first one, defeating St. Johns in four. In the next two the Knights were swept by Flint Hill and Holy Cross. In the future they may get the opportunity to play Flint Hill again in the VISAA state championships, while there still exists a chance for another match against Holy Cross in the WCAC championship. The libero is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235295' first='Hannah' last='Kotb']</strong>, who has really upped her game this year. Her passing has improved, and she has always been a good defender. The top young contributor is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] </strong>who is the igniter of this offense. She leads the team in kills but still needs work on finding that timing mechanism to get more consistency with her hits. Once she achieves that she will be difficult to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13 J<strong>ames Madison</strong> (11-3-2) -9 - The Warhawks may be the only team not to lose a set in a tournament, yet still miss out on making the playoffs because of a tie breaker rule. At the Flint Hill Invitational they finished 1-0-2 but lost out to Colgan and Bishop O'Connell in a tie breaker to determine who would advance to the playoffs. Back to back losses to Bullis and Chantilly drop them down a notch. They had beaten Chantilly earlier in the season but the loss the second time they played would knock them to a second seed. The top libero has been <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='696415' first='Jenna' last='Swale']. </strong> The top young contributor clearly falls to sophomore left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong>. She leads the team in kills and her libero play in club makes her the top defender on the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["621440"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671099ab62517"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5'5' she is a bit undersized to play front row. However, James Wood prefers the consistency of her setting so she runs a 5/1. Against teams with taller left sides they could exploit that smaller block. While she has yet to tally a solo block in the front row she has been credited with seven assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is her first year setting for the two time Class 4 defending champions. Fortunately for her she has a number of veterans on the team who have earned two state championships that can guide her through the process. The skill set exists to become a quality setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. <strong>James Wood </strong>(12-3) -7 - They were upset by Kettle Run and this week lost to a strong West Virginia team Hedgesville, who carry a number of [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] club players on their team. They get another opportunity to play Kettle Run at the end of the season. The three losses this year equal the number of losses they had the last two years in their class 4 championship seasons. The libero appears to be <strong>Adeline Pitcock</strong> based on her digs and serve receptions. The top young contributor is sophomore setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='621440' first='Kylee' last='Plumb']</strong> who appears to set a 5/1 for the most part. I have yet to see James Wood play this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. <strong>Chantilly</strong> (14-2-1)) -2 - When you have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> hitting the pins you will win a lot of games. They stumbled in back to back games against West Springfield and James Madison, getting swept in both matches. They have recovered to win their next five matches, including a revenge win against Madison. Top libero is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181284' first='Nola' last='Murphy'].</strong> The top young contributor is pin hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong>, who hits from both the left side and right side. She is second to [player_tooltip player_id='181297' first='Lameen' last='Mambu'] in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16. <strong>Millbrook </strong>(14-2) -5 - While Millbrook defeated Hedgesville in three James Wood lost to them. However, James Wood swept Millbrook the first time they played. They play again next week for the top spot in the Northwestern Division. The other loss for the Pioneers came against Riverside. Top libero is sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden']</strong>. The top young contributor is left side sophomore<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong>, who ranks second in kills behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243771' first='Berkeley' last='Konrady']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17. <strong>Loudoun County</strong> (13-1) New - They dropped out of the top twenty after a five set win against Independence. When Independence upset Riverside and the Captains defeated Dominion they have returned to the top 20. They should finish the schedule with wins in their last 14 matches. This would make them a top seed in the Regional bracket. Top libero is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377327' first='Isabella' last='DeWan']</strong>. This is a veteran bunch with only three sophomores to the varsity roster. Only <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong> has put up quality numbers, though her playing time has been limited. The sophomore pin hitter sits fourth on the team in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18, <strong>Wooten</strong> (10-2) = - The only two teams they have lost to are Richard Montgomery and Georgetown Day. No real big wins on the schedule but they do battle with Urbana this week. They have currently won their last four matches via sweeps. Top libero appears to be <strong>Emma Li.</strong> The top young contributor is sophomore left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438097' first='Haile' last='Ma']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19. <strong>North Hagerstown</strong> (13-2) - 3- The loss of [player_tooltip player_id='249341' first='Baylee' last='Doolan'] for the year cue to a knee injury hurts the team from an offensive standpoint. Others will have to contribute to make up for the loss. After two early season losses to Howard and James Wood, the Hubs are riding a nine game winning streak. That includes a sweep over Urbana. They have also lost only two sets during that streak. The only player that qualifies for the top young contributor is frosh <strong>Lena Cassesa.</strong> After that the roster is filled with juniors and seniors. I have yet to see them play so the top libero is not noted. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["437641"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671099ab62559"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was impressed with her libero play with Glenelg. She communicates well on the court, which may be one of the reasons they made her team captain. When on the court she clearly sets the tone, controlling everything beyond the three meter line. Love her intensity and confidence in making the plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia leads the team in digs. She also ranks second in serving accuracy which puts her at third in scoring points with her serve. Her out of system setting is accurate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia has committed to St. Josephs in Maine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>20. <strong>Glenelg</strong> (16-2) - 5 - After winning their first 14 matches they lost back to back games against River Hill and Howard. Prior to their losses they had only lost two sets in those first 14 matches. Top Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520372' first='Olivia' last='McDonough']</strong>. Top young contributor is sophomore setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong>, who sets a 5/1. This is her first year running the offense. She leads the team in service aces and ranks second in digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dropped out <strong>St. Johns</strong> (20-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the bubble - <strong>Midlothian</strong> (15-1), <strong>Courtland </strong>(16-2), <strong>Lord Botetourt </strong>(15-0), <strong>Dominion</strong> (15-2), <strong>Liberty Christian</strong> (17-1),</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->