Additional Top Performers at Prep Dig DMV Stock Up Showcase

A total of 15 players were identified as top performers at the Prep Dig DMV Stock Up Showcase. In our previous post we named eight, trying to go in alphabetical order but failing miserably. In this post we name the remaining seven.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/Maris-Francescon.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782542" style="width:226px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='541140' first='Maris' last='Francescon']</figcaption></figure>    The second Paul Vi setter to win a top performer award. [player_tooltip player_id='728459' first='Ali' last='Joyce'] earned a top performer last year. Maris actually made the varsity team last year as a frosh, forming a trio of rotating setters.   Maris actually ranks at number 56 in our class of 2028. She sets with soft hands which allows her to connect well with the middles. At Virginia Juniors 15 they also rotate three setters, running the quick tempo sets often. This will benefit her once she plays her second year in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC).   In addition to her ability to set quick tempo she also brings a good serve to the court. With a couple talented transfers it will be interesting to see how the setting situation sorts itself out.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/Elizabeth-Hemberg.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782545" style="width:263px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg']</figcaption></figure>    I was somewhat surprised when I saw Elizabeth setting during the six person break outs. When I asked her about that she stated she wanted to give it a try. She plays right side for Virginia Juniors, which would be a natural fit for a setter in the front row. She also showed her versatility by playing middle as well.   Her setting still needs some work. Consistency through repetition with a minor tweak of technical corrections could make it work. While Langley currently has one more season from Claire Moe, further developing Elizabeth into a setter would be a coup for Langley.   Of course, as a hitter Elizabeth puts the ball away. You would hate to waste that offensive production in the front row. Her 6'0" frame also allows her to put up a solid block on the right side.   Looking forward to seeing how that setting experiment develops. Virginia Juniors will play in the USAV Junior National championships in Dallas in the Freedom Division. They already carry three setters on their roster.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/Sophia-Kefi.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782548" style="width:235px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='731038' first='Sophia' last='Kefi']</figcaption></figure>    For me Sophia stood out as the new kid on the block. Prior to the Stock up Showcase I knew nothing about her. Her 5'10 height and soft hands put her on my radar. She also brings a left handed swing that is ideal for the right side. The swing still needs work, but the potential exists.   Her hands are strong allowing her to push out of system passes to the outside. Master Volleyball Academy did not play in any of the local Chesapeake tournaments that I attended. Hereford also is a high school where I did not attend any volleyball games. Sophia turned into the perfect find.   The schedule shows that Master Academy will play in Orlando at AAUs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/hannah-keating.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782552" style="width:207px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='746330' first='Hannah' last='Keating']</figcaption></figure>    Hannah plays a year down for Metro 14. She already stands 6'3". She debuted ranked at 47 in the class of 2028. Her long levers still need some work before transforming her into a dominant offensive player. Because she towers over most her tendency is to rely on tips over the smaller blocks to score most of her points. At this stage her blocking outshines her hitting but that will shift as she gets in synch with her longer levers.   At present her approach jump lists at 9'5". As she gains physical strength that jump should improve. Definitely, a player whose future looks bright.   Last year Hannah made the varsity as a frosh. After playing a year for Metro for a team playing in Open at the USAV in Dallas her game should improve. With hard work expect her to develop into an impact player.      <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/skyler-riley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782553" style="width:276px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='716365' first='Skyler' last='Riley']</figcaption></figure>    Skyler clearly stood out as one of the top hitters in this group. Her immediate presence was felt during hitting lines when her balls exploded off the floor. She also brings good height to the left side at 5'10"   At Chantilly Lameen Mambu saw most of the sets. However, Skyler played opposite Lameen and did her job well. Only a sophomore she lacked the consistency of Lameen. While she ranked third in kills she also finished on top in hitting errors. She did not see a lot of back row play. That should change next year.   With her play at Virginia Juniors her game has improved. She should make more of an impact, including playing more six rotation. Virginia Juniors will play in the American Division at USAV Nationals.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/Katelyn-Rolph.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782557" style="width:220px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='536729' first='Katelyn' last='Rolph']</figcaption></figure>    Katelyn signed up late. I thought I identified all the top performer from previous showcases. I missed Katelyn. Last year Katelyn won a top performer at the Frosh showcase. In hindsight she should have been celebrated with the other returning top performers.   She stands 6'0", tall for a setter. Her big challenge is to work on maintaining her quickness to get to the ball. At the higher levels coaches look for setters who always use their hands. With her ability to hit well from the right side her versatility ranks high. In a 6'2" she can stay right side as a hitter.   Katelyn moved from [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] to Libero. The [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 15 team will play in Open at the USAV in Dallas. Libero will also play open but at AAUs in Orlando. Katelyn also should make the Bullis varsity this coming season as the secondary setter to [player_tooltip player_id='206729' first='Megan' last='Phan']. As she told me she has learned a lot watching Megan set.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/Kaitlin-Thomas.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-782558" style="width:219px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='772025' first='Kaitlin' last='Thomas']</figcaption></figure>    Kaitlin has strong hands for setting. This allows her to easily push the ball outside. She sometimes has the tendency to attack the ball rather than have it settle into her window before setting., This impacts her consistency. Increased repetition should eliminate that.   Her 5'9" height is good for a setter. For American she substituted out once she hit the front row. At this showcase I did not see any of her hitting.   Kaitlin plays for a home school team. They do not normally play a tough schedule which can hamper your ability to improve.

A total of 15 players were identified as top performers at the Prep Dig DMV Stock Up Showcase. In our previous post we named eight, trying to go in alphabetical order but failing miserably. In this post we name the remaining seven.