A Reunion of Prep Dig Top Performers at Stock Up Showcase

It warms the heart to see a Prep Dig Top Performer find her way back to another showcase. Ten were registered but nine reappeared for their second and for a couple their third showcase experience. Their participation always livens up the gym. Most of them would repeat as top performers, but that would not be fair to the newbies that are participating in their first.   Below are the nine top performers who returned to the showcase. Once a top performer always a top performer.    If I was to vote for an MVP at this event it would be Emerson. She was firing missiles with every swing of her arm. Defenders found her tough to dig. Balls either hit the floor or flew backward into the railings. She seems to have improved a lot from what I saw of her at the start of the season. When taking photos I had to be aware of where she is hitting. I did not want my phone flying away from my hand after being struck by one of her spikes.   While listed at 5'11" she seems to stand taller than that. A six rotation player who can pass and play defense. Her 5'11" height does not prevent her from staying low to the floor to make the pass or dig. A complete, all around player.   Emerson plays for Maryland Jrs. 14. They will be playing in the Open Division at Junior Nationals. Once that is completed she will play left side for Holy Cross, tormenting me again with those missiles. Ironic that when one Emerson departs (Sellman) another takes her place at Holy Cross.     Perhaps the best setter at the event, though their were some talented setters on display. When facing new middles it is always tough to connect with the quicks. Most of them find it easier to hit the 31s. Barrett seemed to experience less struggle than the others.   This showcase also gave Barrett an opportunity to display her libero skills. When the setters were not stationed with the outsides or middles they mixed in with the liberos to work on their defense. Barrett certainly brings the defensive chops.   Barrett will play for Metro 16 in the National Division at USAV Junior Nationals. When that is done she will set for Broadneck and try to get them past the semifinals in the Maryland state championship, Setting will not be a problem for them.     Another setter to take into consideration for the mantel of top setter at the event. Danika carries a sixth sense when on the court. Many call that a high volleyball IQ. She seems to know when to feed the middle, when to go outside and when to dump it over the net.   As a right side hitter she also surprised me with the velocity she can put on the ball when she takes a swing. Also, her ability to get her hands over the net when making the block. Because middles are rare in these events, when playing sixes her team was lacking a middle. Danika volunteered to play the position.   Danka will play with American when they travel to Florida to play in AAUs. They will play in the Select Division. When that is complete she will focus on her high school season for Patriot. Last year Patriot advanced to the quarterfinals of the Virginia state championship before elimination by Chantilly. With a fairly young roster returning they hope to play further into the playoffs.     In my opinion perhaps the top libero at the showcase. She ranks as the number 2 libero in the class of 2027. A steady team player who commands the back court well. Her first two years she has been the younger sister to Ema Djordjevic, who went on to win the Gatorade Player of year award for Maryland. This year Ana will get the opportunity to carry the leadership position as the Rockets go for a third consecutive state championship. Not flashy but always steady. She will make all the plays.   Ana plays for MVSA Sparks. They will play in the USA Division when going to Dallas to play in the USAV Junior Nationals. For high school the Richard Montgomery Rockets will seek their third consecutive championship.     When players see her 5'9" frame in the middle of the court they tend to underestimate her ability. That is when her quickness strikes, as well as her timing to hit the fast tempo sets. Despite her height she stands out with elite status potential on offense. Of all the middles running quicks Reese seemed to find the timing much more frequently and quicker than the others. The one major issue at the higher levels is getting high enough over the net for blocking.   Reese will play for Virginia Juniors in the USAV Junior Nationals in the 15U age group Freedom Division. For Patriot she did not get a lot of time on the court as a sophomore. With the improvement in her game, it will be difficult to keep her off the court this year.     Mandela is the opposite of Reese at Virginia Juniors. At 6'3" she stands much taller, but you rarely see them apart. Last year Mandela's game was a little raw. Not too sure where she played club the previous year, but she played high school at Archbishop Carroll, far from being a volleyball power in the WCAC.   Her game has improved a lot since her first appearance at a Prep Dig showcase. Playing against higher level competition with Virginia Juniors helped with that. Her hits are finding the floor with more force. When she blocks at the net her reads appear to be improving. Still a lot to work on with the reads although there exists no doubt she brings the intelligence to master that.   Mandela will also be playing for Virginia Juniors in the Freedom Division at Junior Nationals. More importantly, she has transferred to Flint Hill where her game should improve, Flint Hill has a habit of winning state championships.     Annabelle is one of those players who set for me at age 12. My co-coach works with setters well developing them early for success. Ella Park (Brown) and Natalie Nguyen (Georgetown) are two successes. Annabelle has the soft hands hitters love when hitting, with her quick tempo sets placed softly into their zone. She stands 5'7"" but her approach jump of less than 9 feet could restrict her to the back row.   Virginia Elite will compete in Open play this year at AAUs in Orlando, Florida. She shares setting duties with [player_tooltip player_id='490057' first='Avery' last='Lefman'] at Heritage. One of the greatest personalities you can have on the floor. Always positive when on the court and ready to win the next point no matter the score.       If not the best setter at the Stock Up Showcase perhaps the most improved setter. As stated in an earlier article she went from setting for a decent club that is getting better to transferring to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'], who many consider the third best club in the Chesapeake Region. They also carried a class of 2025 setter who set a 5/1 for them last year and won back to back state championships for her high school, Talk about challenges.   Avery showed her consistency in hitting her spots when setting. That allowed her playing time to increase as the season progressed. She jump sets well, takes control of an offense while displaying a positive attitude on the court. At 5'6" she is best used running a 6/2. However, it is difficult to find a setter with her consistency so running a 5/1 is always an option.   [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] will be going to Floride to play in the Premiere Division in AAUs. Heritage will carry two top of the line setters to lead their offense.     For American she shows off her versatility. Sometimes she plays as a defensive specialist, other times she comes into the game as a right side. Even at her 5'6" height she can still put some pretty good velocity on the ball.   When she plays as a defensive specialist she can be used as a back row attacker. She shows a positive attitude when on the court while also showcasing tremendous hustle. There is not a ball she feels she cannot get.   Brooklyn plays up with American 16. They will be playing in Florida in AAUs in the Select Division. Last year she made Colgan as a frosh. Her playing time was limited but when she got an opportunity to serve she averaged an ace a set, third best on the team.

It warms the heart to see a Prep Dig Top Performer find her way back to another showcase. Ten were registered but nine reappeared for their second and for a couple their third showcase experience. Their participation always livens up the gym. Most of them would repeat as top performers, but that would not be fair to the newbies that are participating in their first.