The All-Deck 2027 Team: What, Four Setters?

The Class of 2027 in Kansas has some elite talent and players who have already tasted state tournament victory or defeat.   Here is the third edition of the All-Deck high school teams which features athletes who were difference-makes as sophomores.    I only made two rules for myself, first I limited the roster to nine players, and secondly for a player to be eligible I had to have seen them play at some point during the season just like John Madden used to do.   With the release of the updated 2027 rankings this morning you will notice that most of these athletes are ranked fairly high. That is no coincidence as the majority of the athletes at the top of the rankings were players who I saw this past prep season and impressed me.   It is my pleasure to present the All-Deck Team for the Kansas Class of 2027.   Kya Behr, 5'10”, S, Great Bend   Behr is a gifted setter who can play six rotations and do just about anything on the volleyball court. She will have the sour taste of state tournament defeat in her mouth for a while and that will give her extra motivation heading into her junior season. I hope I get to see her play club ball this season, I want to see how long it takes her to bounce back from the tough state tournament and how committed she is to improving her skills.   Harriet Dean, 5'7”, S, Jefferson West   There are plenty of times when it is tough to come up with a great all-star setter in the sophomore and freshman classes, but on this team, I have four. Dean is an up-and-coming talent who has a bright future ahead of her as does the entire program at Jefferson West.   Clara Morgan, 5'6”, S, Shawnee Heights   Morgan is my third setter on this squad and would probably get the most time as the setter, as I might want to use Behr and my fourth setter more as hitters. She is a dedicated athlete who has worked diligently to improve her skills. She could also play defensive specialist on this squad loaded with setters and hitters.   [player_tooltip player_id='551331' first='Ellie' last='Wisdom'], 5'9”, S/RS, Maize   I have featured Wisdom in multiple reports lately, but she is deserving and there is no doubt I want her on this club. She can also be used as a hitter, and she will have a ton of playing experience on her resume once college coaches start blowing up her cell and social media with offers.   Peyton Kubik, 6'1”, OH/MH, Blue Valley West   It is time to name my 2027 hitters. I still can't believe I have four setters on this squad. The first hitter had one of the most dominant seasons for attackers in this class. Kubik was at the top of the leaderboards for kills and she is a physically gifted athlete. Kubik plays for winning prep and club programs and will understand what it takes to be a winner once her prep career is over.   Reese Maslowski, 5'10”, OH, Blue Valley North   Maslowski is another athlete who played on a state tournament team unable to bring home the gold. She played more of a secondary role in the Mustang offense this season, but she will see an increase in her attack opportunities in the next two high school seasons. She plays with grit and has a smooth approach.   Tinley Wilson, 5'10”, OH, Holton   If Kubik is the first attacker on this team then Wilson is option IB. Wilson is a feisty attacker who can leap tall cars. I enjoy watching her game and she plays with great energy. She led Holton to the Class 4A State Tournament. I know she will take it as a personal challenge to get the Wildcats back there in 2025.   Riley Riggs, 6'0”, OH, Mill Valley   Riggs is the one player on this team who won gold at the Class 6A State Tournament. She is a proven winner who is a workhorse for the Jaguars. I would probably use her as a six-rotation player on this team since it is made up completely of setters and hitters.   Raimee Lipker, 5'10”, OH, Clay Center   Lipker is a stud in the making and earned this spot over a couple of options at the middle hitter position. She is tall, has a big reach, helped lead Clay Center to the Class 4A State Tournament, and could play the middle on this team if needed. All five of the hitters on this team are 5-foot-10 or taller, so it should be a formidable group at the net.   Honorable Mention: Alyvia Batchman (S), Ellinwood; Brook Beashore (L), Spring Hill; Quincy Cook (MB), Santa Fe Trail; Ryann Daggett (MB), Wichita North; Lily Edwards (MB); Clay Center; Ali Jo Henry (OH), Nemaha Central; Halle Laincz (RS), Lansing; Abigail May (L), St. James Academy; Brooke Parham (OH), Andover; Molly Schuler (MB), Washburn Rural; Sofia Simic (OH), Hoisington; Amaya Thi (S), Shawnee Mission North; Kylee Webb (OH), Olathe West; Kinley Wilkens (OH), Hoisington.

The Class of 2027 in Kansas has some elite talent and players who have already tasted state tournament victory or defeat.