Class of 2026 Rankings: Five Underrated Setters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is often common to hear about the top of the line setters in various classes. However, a number of hidden gems could exist in each class such as these five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212251"],"_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-67d247e168117"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hamilton is a leader on the court for the Camels. Through the rough 7-21 season, Hamilton did what she could to push the team forward constantly talking to teammates and pointing out where they need to go for plays to succeed and that could pay off this fall. Hamilton runs a nice variety of sets including quicks when the right personnel is in place. Hamilton also makes nice passes and is a sound blocker. She'll increase her skills using different muscles playing softball in the spring. Hamilton had 380 assists, 176 digs, 21 solo and 59 assisted blocks for the Camels last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212196"],"_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-67d24398a7cba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hamilton (pictured) has dressed for varsity since the seventh grade. Hamilton saw a lot of action in the eighth grade as a defensive specialist, but took over as the main setter starting as a freshman and has provided consistency there to the tune of 2004 assists over the three seasons, including a school record in a season of 815 as a sophomore in 2023. Hamilton describes herself as self-motivated and it shows on the court. She brings a dynamic skill set to the table. Hamilton sets up her teammates for success, but also sends balls across on second touches a good bit. Hamilton adds a sinking line drive serve. Hamilton had 559 assists, 217 digs and 110 aces last fall, helping Breathitt County go 18-11 and make it to the 14th Region Tournament for the seventh straight season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533350"],"_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-67d247e1681a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill does a good job involving a number of hitters when she receives a clean first pass. Hill delivers a number of different sets. Then on defense, Hill steps toward balls and squares her arms up to them for good passes. Hill can handle hard hit balls. Hill is also a sound server for the Black Bears. Hill had 760 assists, 192 digs and 69 aces in the fall helping Harlan County go 26-7, winning the 52nd District championship and driving to the 13th Region semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751216"],"_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-67d24cfee8fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conner gives the Hornets reasons for optimism after a rough 2024 campaign. She does a good job leading the offense putting balls where they need to go when Hancock County executing first passes. Connor makes things happen out of system and throws in setter dumps to keep defense guessing. Connor had 132 assists for the Hornets last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479318"],"_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-67d24cfee9040"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Russell brings a nice skill set to the court for the Colonels. Russell is a sound passer staying on her feet and squaring up her arms to balls. Russell does a good job setting up her hitters for success and makes things happen out of system. Russell had 638 assists, 244 digs and 81 aces, helping the Colonels drive to the 2nd Region semifinals.</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 one 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. 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