Top Five Prospects in First 2028 Rankings

The 2028 class has their first rankings posted. A total of 55 prospects have been ranked with several athletes on the Watch List needing more evaluation. Some of these athletes are more polished while some show that athleticism and high ceiling potential. As this is the first rankings effort for Ohio's 2028 prospects, it is expected that more athletes will be added and movement will occur as this class competes through future high school and club seasons towards the completion of their prep careers. The following represents the top-five 2028 prospects in this initial list.    Waleskowski gets the nod as the top ranked 2028 prospect in Ohio to begin the rankings process for this class. She stand outs because of her two-way ability to terminate at the pins as well as distribute the offense through the setting role. For a 15U prospect, she has some tools and polish in multiple phases of the game that helps differentiate her from others in this class. With her NKYVC team last season, she was a big arm that could terminate with range and power while also shifting gears to step in and run the offense. As a setter she has size, good movement, and high contact point that will be coveted aspects for the next level as she continues to progress.     In her first season with Avon Lake, Ashley was just shy of 100 total kills on the season as they finished 17-7 overall. She is a high potential prospect at 6'0 and showing good physical promise. Her versatility to contribute in the middle and on the right side is a big asset. She moves well through faster options around her setter while also showing ability to get up and on top of a higher ball at the pin. The AVC club squad she will return to in the coming months should once again be one of the best in Ohio and with ability to compete very well on the national stage. Look for Ashley to be involved a lot.     Shawnee finished 19-7 overall as Upshaw was one of two members that earned over three kills per set. With 261 terminations, she earned her points through a respectable .276 efficiency. At 5'10, she has tools and upside that will help her standout any time she takes the court in this 15U age group. Her athleticism getting off the floor is noticeable that is complemented by her being a lefty. With versatility to score in the middle and the right pin, she has displayed a lot of control and finish in her approach patterns and swing, which can be tough to defend given her high contact ability.     The 5'11 setter has the length and skill foundation to be elite when her prep career concludes. There isn't much flash to her game, which is a big reason why she makes such a big impact as there is simplicity in her pursuit of the ball through the point of distribution. She understands and moves well enough to get her hands on the ball in most situations with the ability to adjust the tempo and extension to send a quality contact. Her Tri-State experience includes being surrounded by big arms, which she guided well last club season.     Brkic is one of the few 2028s that saw significant time at the varsity level in the freshman season. NDCL finished 19-8 overall as she provided a team high 3.2 k/s while adding 272 total digs, second best for the Lions. The 5'9 pin is an athletic attacker and she was evaluated a few times during the past club season, she was a big threat for AVC and will return to make another significant impact with even more range and polish as a primary arm in what should be a deep and balanced system. She gets off the floor well and has good mechanics to swing with control and placement or to unload with some good pace. At 10.1 d/m, Brkic was one of two Lions in double digit digs average for the high school season.

The 2028 class has their first rankings posted. A total of 55 prospects have been ranked with several athletes on the Watch List needing more evaluation. Some of these athletes are more polished while some show that athleticism and high ceiling potential. As this is the first rankings effort for Ohio's 2028 prospects, it is expected that more athletes will be added and movement will occur as this class competes through future high school and club seasons towards the completion of their prep careers. The following represents the top-five 2028 prospects in this initial list.