Watch List 2028: Five Outside Hitters to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group has a number of players that stepped in even against players three years older than them and made a huge impact. Here are five that could take even bigger strides next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["554148"],"_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-6785dc381d6be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cronen is truly one to watch these next three years with her versatility and athleticism. Cronen takes great steps into hits and can take swings from all six positions on the court. Cronen makes sound passes then quickly switches gears to offense, where she finds different ways to land balls. Cronen has also found a good serving rhythm for the Jaguars. Cronen had 324 digs, 173 kills and 47 aces, helping Mercy go 28-15, win back the 24th District crown and win the 6th Region to make a 44th straight state tournament appearance finishing state runner-up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739816"],"_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-6785e3331371c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barksdale burst onto the scene making an immediate impact for the Devils. Her presence opens up opportunities for her teammates. Barksdale can smack balls to different parts of the court from the pins and middle. She makes good passes then quickly gets into attack mode. Barksdale also helped Owensboro control the net well. Barksdale had 231 kills, 130 digs and 42 solo blocks, helping Owensboro go 24-15 and win the first 3rd Region championship in school history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612258"],"_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-6785e33313775"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Belfry may have had its struggles last season. However, Hall gives the Pirates reason for optimism going forward after a nice freshman season. She saw some varsity action as an eighth grader, but took things to a new level helping Belfry win a fifth straight 60th District championship. Hall makes good adjustments on sets trying to put balls down. She also turned into a sound blocker. Hall had 185 kills good for second on the team to go with 73 solo blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612201"],"_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-6785e333137bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons needed players to step forward to fill in different roles for a number of reasons and Holley took charge there from the attacking standpoint. She does a solid job adjusting to sets from a variety of angles. Holley has amazing back row skills. She can set when needed and works well with teammates to set up solid blocks. Holley had a team-high 206 kills to go with 366 digs for North Hardin Classical this past fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["612103"],"_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-6785e5bfbed16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pack emerged as a great option for the Cougars in their transition to a new head coach. Pack takes great steps toward the net then delivers hard shots to the back row and off blockers from the pins and the middle. Pack does a great job making things happen out of system. Pack also makes precise first passes on defense and is a solid server. Pack had 238 kills, 261 digs and 90 aces helping the Cougars go 21-16 and make it to the 14th Region semifinals for the second straight season.</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 -->