2027 Rankings Update: Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='484723' first='Kela' last='Williams'] is the top ranked libero and and #10 overall player. Williams and the two liberos immediately behind her in the rankings, [player_tooltip player_id='459090' first='Analiah' last='Lauifi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='446664' first='Sophia' last='Gao'], all keyed winning seasons and state tournament appearances for their teams. This group of defenders not only plays at a high level but also sets the tone for the team and consistently wins matches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a closer look at several liberos from the updated 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["484723"],"_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-677f6190a1ef4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The future Wichita State Shocker fueled the defensive machine for Mt. Spokane as they finished second at the 3A State Tournament. Williams continues to improve her all-around game, setting to either pin with precision and smartly identifying and going after defenses when she is on the service line. She plays with strong hands even when she is forced into an off-balance position- Williams will get a hand on a swing or shot and pop it up to where her team can make a play and have a chance to score. The #1-ranked 2027 Washington libero is the #10 overall player in the update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459090"],"_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-677f6190a1f50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lauifi is a smart, positive player who brings a great attitude and focus to the court every point. She helped her Central Kitsap squad to a 14-3 league record and a 2-2 finish at the state tournament. Lauifi averaged 4.3 digs per set, set cleanly out of system, and delivered calm or excitement when the team needed one or the other. She is currently ranked #16 in the 2027 Washington rankings update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["446664"],"_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-677f6190a1f99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gao was the crucial cog in Lakeside's back-row defense; the Lions had a terrific season, finishing with a state tournament berth. Gao can really go get the ball, making sprawling digs on hard swings outside her platform and hustling hard to pick up tough tips and shots. The junior will play her college ball at Columbia University, and is the #3-ranked libero in the 2027 Washington rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727447"],"_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-677f6190a1fdf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker was named the 3A first-team all-Wesco libero after her high school season with Monroe. The 5'2" dynamo is a machine in serve and receive and isn't afraid to cut off a serve or swing when she has the better angle. Her play on the beach and hard work in the gym show when she steps in to set the second ball; she has natural hands and is a terrific all-around player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499400"],"_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-677f6190a26a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaelin continues to perform at a high level during the high school season as an all-league attacker and, of course, a stellar defender and passer. The White River standout is physically and mentally strong; she plays with a fierce energy and does not shy away from a big swing or critical play. Kaelin checks in as the #8-ranked libero in the 2027 class and #44 player overall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["485672"],"_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-677f6190a26ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lind is a terrific athlete and was impressive in service and serve receive. She averaged 4.4 digs per set and handled over five receptions per set- adding in 65 aces for good measure. Lind was named to the 3A PSL Nisqually first team and was instrumental in setting the table for her talented Timberline attackers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-677f6190a2776"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->