Metro League Preview and Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top four teams in the Metro League came to compete last season. Here are the recaps for those teams as well as some key returning players to watch closely in the upcoming school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#1- Jesuit High School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jesuit, now ranked #1 in the state after winning the final round of playoffs against Oregon City, ended their season with 12-0 in league wins. Their overall wins to losses were 29-2, falling to two teams in non-league games. Jesuit has held the #1 spot for the past three seasons. This poses the question: can they keep up the streak or will someone challenge them?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267161"],"_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-688442bb46d0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This first-team all state winner and back-to-back state champion is returning to the Crusaders as a senior. Ross is a six rotation player who knows how to be an impactful pin with her hard hits, accurate digs and powerful blocks. Ross made the Metro League First Team All-League selections this past season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238094"],"_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-688442bb46dc5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson helped her team win the state championships with her fast reactions, scrappy pick-ups and aggressiveness to get the ball. Her speed and desire to pass efficiently and affectively opens up the net for all hitters to make a play. Johnson made the Metro League Second Team All-League selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249606"],"_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-688442bb46e4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This #1 recruit for the class of 2026 pins plays hard and with the intent to win. Her contagious energy uplifts her teammates to play at the same level. Johnson makes moves to every ball and knows when to put the ball away. Johnson made the Metro League Second Team All-League selections in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268713"],"_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-688442bb46ec5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zuccolo, a setter and a hitter, knows how to play the ball in all aspects of volleyball. From digging, to serving, to setting, to hitting, Zuccolo does it all. She runs her players well and attacks the ball with the same graceful execution. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#2- Westview High School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westview placed second in the Metro League with their league wins at 10-2 and their overall wins at 23-8. OSAA ranked them #7 in the state, beating their previous placement at #12 after the 2023 season. Westview has nine returning players, making this team stacked with seasoned volleyball veterans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399229"],"_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-688442bb46f30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pederson, ranked #4 in the state, helped lead the Wildcats to the top ten position in the state. She is an active middle, transitioning hard and fast to get the ball and make the net her own. Pederson made the Metro League First Team All-League selections during the 2024 high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["447979"],"_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-688442bb46f9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lebeck is a technically driven libero who fights to touch every ball and help run the offense. Her grit and determination to pass and dig without error shows in every play that she makes. Lebeck made the Metro League Third Team All-League selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["447969"],"_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-688442bb47010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meier, a six rotation outside, plays fearlessly, with her intentions with her shots and her digs having the same high caliber precision. Meier made the Metro League Third Team All-League selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#3- Mountainside High School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountainside placed third in their league with their league wins sitting at 6-6 and their overall wins at 11-10. Their OSAA ranking is #20, impressively beating their #29 ranking after the 2023 season. They graduated six seniors this past season, but fear not, plenty of talent still remains on the team, with a few spots up for grabs for incoming freshmen or people moving up from junior varsity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["400527"],"_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-688442bb47083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hunt is a six rotation player who knows how to do it all. Offense and defense come naturally to this dynamic incoming junior. Her high jumps to low digs make her a huge asset for the Mavericks. Hunt made the Metro League Third Team All-League selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["777881"],"_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-688442bb470f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is the top ranked middle blocker in her class, bringing her powerful swing and her wall of a block to the court. This incoming sophomore knows the court and how to move every ball around making her unpredictable to her opponents. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268814"],"_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-688442bb47167"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This right side/setter is returning to Mountainside as a senior, hungry and ready to show just how impactful she can be. From her hard and consistent swings to her effortless sets, Green always comes ready to compete. Green made the Metro League Second Team All-League selections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#4- Beaverton High School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beaverton had the same amount of wins at Mountainside for in-league play at 6-6, but the number of sets won is what set them apart. They won 13-12 for overall games played during the season and now sit at #22 according to OSAA rankings. In 2023, Beaverton placed #31, gracefully climbing almost 10 spots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759230"],"_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-688442bb471f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This incoming senior middle blocker lets her skills shine through with her high vertical, strong block, and ability to place the ball in smart spots on the court. Dehnert wants the ball, and when she gets it, she puts her power to use to put it away. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["509805"],"_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-688442bb47257"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This pin hitter is returning to the Beavers as a junior. Adams works hard to get off the net fast in order to be up and ready for a powerful swing. No corner of the court is safe from Adams, because when she gets the ball, she will attack for those hard to reach places. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->