Holiday Kickoff: Dime DS/Libs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good defense is a key to winning games, and there was no missing the high level defense this past weekend at the Holiday Kickoff tournament. Class of 26/27 showed up and showed out at [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] facility across all parts of the game. We've covered some Standout middles, smooth setters, and now I would like to recognize some killers defensive specialists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you missed the first two segments: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/holiday-kickoff-standout-middles/">https://prepdig.com/2025/12/holiday-kickoff-standout-middles/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/holiday-kickoff-part-2-smooth-setters/">https://prepdig.com/2025/12/holiday-kickoff-part-2-smooth-setters/</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["305666"],"_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-694a12eb4093f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] libero [player_tooltip player_id='305666' first='Katelyn' last='Vo'] brings relentless energy and effort to every point, showcasing incredible hustle that keeps her all over the court. If there is a ball to be played, Katelyn is there—anticipating, reacting, and refusing to let anything hit the floor without a fight. Her consistency and fearlessness in serve receive and defense anchor the back row and elevate the team's overall play. There is no question when she steps on the court that she belongs in the libero jersey, as her work rate and determination define the role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ziann Johnson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"DIG VBC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694a12eb409f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ziann Johnson, libero for Dig 18 Blue, delivered an outstanding performance in the back row this past weekend, marked by nonstop effort and consistency. She showed a strong ability to read the ball early, allowing her to get into great defensive positions and stay in control of each play. Whether in serve receive or digging hard-driven attacks, Ziann kept her passes calm and accurate, giving her team the chance to run their offense smoothly. Her work ethic and court awareness made her a key defensive presence for Dig 18 Blue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Skylar Wicks","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Dallas Premier ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694a12eb40a85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lefty DS/Libero Skylar Wicks was a standout in the back row for Premier 18 Crimson at the Holiday Kickoff, where she consistently controlled the defensive side of the game. Her hustle was unmatched, as she played every rally with the determination to never let a ball touch the floor. Skylar's play was highly intentional, showing great awareness and effort in both serve receive and defensive coverage. Her energy and relentless pursuit of the ball made her not only effective, but also incredibly fun to watch throughout the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Esmeralda Cruz","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Dallas Premier ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694a12eb40b0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Esmeralda Cruz, a DS for Dallas Premier's top 18s team, delivered an impressive effort this past weekend in the matchup against Tejas 18 Black. Her hustle stood out as she consistently covered the line shots and pursued every ball with urgency and focus. Esmeralda came in ready to do her job, providing steady serving and immediately contributing on defense. Beyond her on-court impact, she helped keep the team motivated and locked in defensively, making her presence both effective and energizing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["580012"],"_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-694a12eb40b57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='580012' first='Giselle' last='Toles'], libero for Premier 18 Black, stood out at the Holiday Kickoff for her relentless effort and nonstop hustle. The 2027 libero refuses to quit on the court—regardless of the play or the score, Toles is always making a push to keep the ball alive. Her ability to read the game puts her consistently in the right spot, allowing her to make smart, timely defensive plays. With her determination and court awareness, Giselle brings stability and toughness to the back row for Premier 18 Black.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->