Inaugural Class of 2027 Rankings: Five Setters to watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past season saw a number of sophomore setters emerge. Some such as these five are hoping for big club seasons to then help their high school squads take even bigger steps next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459361"],"_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-678094f2ef2eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Wolverines took big strides this past season and Fint is one of the reasons behind that. Fint is trying to turn into a sound all-around player. The staff tried to take advantage of her versatility. Fint found a good rhythm with the hitters and found different ways to make plays offensively. She shoves balls to corners and wins jousts at the net. Fint also brings a lot to the table in terms of passing and serving. Fint had 526 assists, 104 kills, 131 digs and 53 aces, helping Western Hills go 17-15 for the program's first winning season since 2020.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484268"],"_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-678094f2ef364"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Flowers has run the Cardinal attack with consistency ever since hitting high school with 1,386 career assists. Flowers is a contributor in every statistical category. Flowers made the most of being one of a few players with returning varsity experience this past season. She does a great job encouraging teammates. Flowers pushes balls to corners for kills and adds sound spin on her serves. Flowers had 600 assists, 148 kills, 150 digs, 28 solo blocks and 35 aces, helping Mayfield go 20-10 and make it to the 1st Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484438"],"_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-678098b3a1b31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whittinghill does an outstanding job quarterbacking the Gator offense, consistently reading defenses and making sets to the right spots. Whittinghill executes a number of short and long sets, including back sets. She jumps off her feet without leaning one way or the other to tip off defenders. Whittinghill brings diversity to the Gators with her lefthanded swings and serves. Whittinghill is also a sound passer. Whittinghill had 785 assists, 260 digs, 167 kills and 110 aces, helping the Gators go 20-16 this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["603409"],"_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-67809bc7e7e3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith gives the Raiders reason for optimism in the future. Smith makes clean passes to start the offensive flow then makes good decisions setting the ball. She catches opponents off guard with her setter dumps including one she sends backwards from the front middle. Smith had 272 assists and 159 digs for the Raiders this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535284"],"_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-67809bc7e7f09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCarty played a huge role in helping Heritage Christian win the 2nd Region for the first time in school history. She does an outstanding job making quick moves from offense to defense with her feet. She then puts balls on the button to the hitters. McCarty is also a sound passer for the Warriors. McCarty had 402 assists, 150 digs and 52 aces, helping Heritage Christian go 24-6 and win the 8th District championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly a year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->