Top Frosh Ready to Impact Ten High Schools

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally I wait until the high school season starts after teams are formed when I identify the frosh who make up the high school varsity rosters. This year I will identify 12 frosh who may create major impact for ten different high school varsity teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748513"],"_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-687130e0bed02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">They finished fifth in the Howard County conference last year. Two of their setters graduated. That appears to open up a spot for Scarlett, unless a junior varsity setter is ready. They also have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612397' first='Eliana' last='Koram']</strong> listed as a right side. This past club season Eliana dominated at the middle position for Metro 15, which finished first in the National Division at U.S. Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scarlett has the offensive game to grab a right side spot. She could probably even move to left. Her volleyball IQ for finding the open court is phenomenal for a 14 year old. In order to grab the setting job, she needs to find better consistency with her location. However, it would surprise me if Atholton has a better option on junior varsity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect Scarlett to set and hit right side for the Raiders this season and improve on their fifth place finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746506"],"_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-687130e0bed65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the first time in their school history the Knights won both the VISAA state championship and the WCAC. Their 5/1 setter <strong>Avery Prendergast </strong>graduated so that leaves an opening. As a frosh last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson']</strong> was the backup setter. She received many opportunities to set for the Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carolyn was one of the top hitters for Metro 14 this past club season hitting from the right side. She also set a 6/2 staying on the right side to hit. She shows off soft hands when she sets with good location. Carolyn could probably set a 5/1 for the Knights but then you lose that offensive force on the right side. The Knights do have some talented pins returning in [player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='377397' first='Ellyson' last='Miller']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Expect a 6/2 with [player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson'] while Carolyn provides offense on the right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[748487],"_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-687130e0bedae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more athletic players you will find on the court. Her father played professional basketball for the Washington Wizards. While she lists 5'11" she plays much taller with her vertical leap and high arm extension allowing her to reach over many blocks. Her back row play still needs some improvement to become a consistent six rotation player, but the skills exist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNamara has shown some improvement in the WCAC. Last year they finished fourth in the conference, perhaps one of their best finishes in over a decade. They have [player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa'] to hit on the left side while [player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey'] with her left handed swing fits snugly on the right side. [player_tooltip player_id='495262' first='Imani' last='Thomas'] can hit from either pin. Having Sierra as a left side gives the Mustangs their best depth at the pins in school history. Expect Sierra to hit left side with Sofia while both Alexa and Imani play right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNamara will play at a more competitive level, but the league has gotten stronger so while it will be another fourth place finish, they will play tough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763151"],"_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-687130e0bedf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Riverside won the Class 5 State championship. One of their top middles <strong>Brianna Holladay</strong> graduated. That should open up a spot for the 6'0' <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763151' first='Sydney' last='Lewis']</strong>. As a frosh her talent level will fall short of Brianna. However, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson']</strong> and their other middle<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='333652' first='Gabriella' last='Vizek']</strong> leading the offense all Sydney has to do is play her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">That game includes becoming a force at the net when blocking. Her hitting still needs some improvement especially with her arm swing to create more force on her hits. The challenge with frosh lies with limiting their errors while playing against the more experienced high school juniors and seniors. Her game will improve as she gains more experience. With time she will play a solid middle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect her to fill a role plugging up the middle for Riverside to win a second straight Class 5 state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748006"],"_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-687130e0bee33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Battlefield finished first in the Cedar Run District. They eventually lost to Colgan in the semi-finals of the Regionals They did lose senior left side <strong>Sydney Tenant</strong> to graduation. This should open a spot for Alaenah.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently her game sticks out as a bit raw. She shows some streaks of struggle but when she finds the zone she is difficult to stop. While she played a little six rotation for Virginia Juniors she was also the one left side in which a defensive replacement came in for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keeping that elbow up will improve that consistency in her hitting and serving. The potential exists for her to dominate the front row. While she lists only 5'8" there appears more growth in the future. Expect her to see some left side for Battlefield. Her court playing time will come down to the consistency she shows with her hitting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect Alaenah to help Battlefield to make the elite eight in the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747458"],"_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-687130e0bee76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Colgan last year with a number of younger players finding a spot in the starting lineup. They still managed to make it to the State playoffs before losing to eventual State champion Langley in the semi-finals. While they graduated their starting libero from last year they still have two strong returning back row players in sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609504' first='Brooklyn' last='Rothwell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602392' first='Elise' last='Nair']. </strong>Despite that, it will be tough to leave Rose off the varsity roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her enthusiasm when playing back row is unmatched. She is always encouraging to keep her players in the game. Her hustle on the court is off the charts. When forming a roster, it would be hard not to have her on the court. Expect her to earn a spot as their libero while Colgan makes a run to the elite eight in the Class 6 State championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754650"],"_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-687130e0beeb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year was a tough year for Oakton. They finished fourth in their conference at 2-8. This year they welcome a new coach who will bring a new identity for the m. Madison has a good shot to fit in with that identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They carry some promising pieces with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238857' first='Julie' last='Xu']</strong> returning as a setter and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465321' first='Marissa' last='Turek']</strong> bringing her left handed swing to the right side. Madison will compete with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754931' first='Abigail' last='Hegg'] </strong>and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='307949' first='Lauren' last='Paris'] </strong>for the left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You do not find a lot of frosh left sides with the skill sets that exist for Madison. She is a six rotation player who hits the ball well whether playing front row or back row. She also brings a lot of enthusiasm to the court. As a frosh that enthusiasm could remain a little restrained but get her in a comfort zone and it will explode.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect her to win a starting left side spot for the Cougars who will improve on their 2-8 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753073' first='Aniston' last='Williams']</strong> middle (Holy Cross) - Last year the Tartans lost to Bishop O'Connell in the WCAC championship. It is the fourth consecutive year they have played in the finals. They lost almost all of their middles, including one of their best in<strong> Rowan Johnson</strong> to graduation. This appears to open a spot for either Aniston or a couple players from the Junior varsity to make the team. The Tartans return two talented frosh in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536721' first='Ana' last='Woods'] </strong>and Aniston's Maryland Juniors teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe']</strong>. While playing for Maryland Juniors Aniston showed the ability to hit the quick tempo sets. She also proved a very adept blocker. She may not dominant as a frosh but she will make her presence felt. Expect her to play middle on a very young but talented Tartan team that will see the finals for the 14th consecutive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749349"],"_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-687130e0beef8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At first glance the varsity roster appears filled with returning sophomores and juniors who play middle. None of the names appear in the Prep Dig rankings. Last year the Warriors finished 7th in the Northwestern Conference at 7-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'10" Avery brings some height to the middle. When she played for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] I can't remember a lot of quick tempo sets but she pumped a number of higher sets to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avery appears to have the athleticism to hit left side as well. Quite confident that whatever position she plays she will fit somewhere in the starting lineup. Expect Avery to play middle while Sherando improves on their 7-7 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Broadneck Frosh</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781835,"width":"312px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/5-Neely-Olish.jpg?w=962" alt="" class="wp-image-781835" style="width:312px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='783307' first='Neely' last='Olish']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bruins have three talented frosh coming on board, setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750053' first='Alexis' last='Luscomb'],</strong> left side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='747047' first='Ella' last='Luscomb']</strong> and middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783307' first='Neely' last='Olish']</strong>. That is half a volleyball team. They already have three setters on their roster, starters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721762' first='Sydney' last='Lawrence']</strong> and sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850662' first='Lexi' last='Britton']</strong>. That would seem to make it difficult to add a fourth setter in Alexis. They do have a strong left side in 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721753' first='Kennedy' last='Smith']</strong> whose position appears locked up. The 6'0" junior<strong> Molly Robinson</strong> is listed at both middle and outside. The 6'0" [player_tooltip player_id='783307' first='Neely' last='Olish'], who played for BAVA would compete for a middle spot while the 5'9" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747047' first='Ella' last='Luscomb']</strong> will fight for a left side spot. Both Alexis and Ella played for Metro. Expect all three to make the roster and Broadneck to reach the finals in the State championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">High School Tournaments</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you know of a high school tournament in the Virginia or Maryland area please let me know. I find tournaments the best opportunity to see more girls play. Tournaments in the Southern Virginia or Roanoke area will help me develop knowledge on those players. Maryland is also an area I hope to get to know better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->