Players and Teams for 17/18 to Watch at Volley by the James

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first big three day tournament this weekend will be down in Richmond for Volley by the James. A number of teams will travel to Raleigh for the City of Oaks Challenge. Since my 13s are playing in the AM wave in Richmond I'll be watching the PM Wave. This first post highlights the prospects ranked in the top 50 in our class of 2026/2027 and their clubs competing in Richmond. The "others to watch" are also ranked but outside the top 50. A later post will discuss the class of 2028/2029. Only players who have yet to commit are highlighted.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">18 Open</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333653' first='Elizabeth' last='York']</strong> RS/Middle - Elizabeth ranks at number 27 in our class of 2026. Only four players rank higher than her who have yet to commit. Elizabeth is a 6'1" right side/middle who is probably best used at right side. She played for Colgan where she was used mostly in the middle. For 540 she plays mainly right side. That kind of versatility should make her popular.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to Watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='484405' first='Brenna' last='Raymond']</strong> (DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497909' first='Riley' last='A. Forehand']</strong> (left side), </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Chaos </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589229,"width":"468px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/87-Lana-Cvijetinovic.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589229" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:468px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='725756' first='Lana' last='Cvijetinovic']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346818' first='Charlotte' last='Deraleau']</strong> setter - Charlotte ranks at number 39 in our class of 2026. Only one setter in the top 50 ranks higher than her who has yet to commit. Charlotte lists at 5'8". For Churchill she set a 5/1. In the states they defeated two time defending champion Richard Montgomery to advance to the semi-finals. That is where they lost to eventual champion Broadneck. An excellent team player on the court with a great attitude.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754936' first='Carina' last='Sather']</strong> (Pin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369729' first='Fallon' last='Gyapong']</strong> (Pin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='696415' first='Jenna' last='Swale']</strong> (DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725756' first='Lana' last='Cvijetinovic']</strong> (pin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238860' first='Mia' last='Fornasiero']</strong> (ds/libero), <strong>Olivia Schultz</strong> (Middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838818' first='Sydney' last='Hudson'] </strong>(Pin) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryland Juniors </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":729620,"width":"295px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/12-Imani-Thomas.jpg?w=920" alt="" class="wp-image-729620" style="width:295px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='490021' first='Imani' last='Thomas']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238595' first='Sofia' last='Delarosa']</strong> Pin - Sofia ranks at number 42 in our class of 2027. For her high school Bishop McNamara she hit left side. For [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] she normally hit right side. This year she has moved to Maryland Jrs where she will play her age. In previous years for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] she normally played a year down. She hits the ball hard and can play six rotations. At times she can experience bouts of inconsistency with her passing and hitting. Overall, she can be an offensive force. In my opinion a player still with undeveloped potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374420' first='Sadie' last='Fester']</strong> (Setter), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238376' first='Anasofia' last='Zanellato']</strong> (Setter), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754942' first='Xinyuan' last='Cui'] </strong>(setter) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346816' first='Avery' last='Hubbard'] </strong>(Pin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490021' first='Imani' last='Thomas']</strong> (right side)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heart of Virginia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='229773' first='Evie' last='Ballengee']</strong> (Right side/Middle) - Evie ranks number 43 in our class of 2026. The past two years she played for North Carolina Academy. This club season she will play for the club she started with, HOV (Heart of Virginia). She led her Liberty Christian team to the state bracket, leading the team in blocks while finishing third in kills. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round of the state championship to the eventual state champion Abingdon. On the plus side Evie stands 6'2' with the ability to play either middle or right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781871,"width":"268px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7871144961917842","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/46-Nora-Yang.jpg?w=806" alt="" class="wp-image-781871" style="aspect-ratio:0.7871144961917842;width:268px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='534887' first='Nora' last='Yang']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443570' first='Lexiana' last='Everetts']</strong> Right Side - Lexiana ranks number 41 in our class of 2027. She moved to Ohio for a couple years and returned last year to play for Colonial Forge. Early in her career she played middle but now she plays right side. She lists at 5'11" to 6'0" with an approach jump of 9'9". Recently at a Prep Dig Exposure event she won a top performer award.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438043' first='Katherine' last='McLaughlin'] </strong>(Pin/DS/Libero) class of 2027,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='464562' first='Elizabeth' last='Gordon'] </strong>(middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='534887' first='Nora' last='Yang']</strong> (DS/Libero)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322106' first='Bailey' last='Loving'] </strong>DS/Libero - She ranks number 32 in the class of 2026. A libero who digs everything hit her way. She has excellent volleyball IQ and just knows how to position herself for the dig. She also turns in some spectacular digs as well. It was impressive watching her make a number of effortless digs against <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray'],</strong> who I consider one of the hardest hitters in the game. She just popped the ball up as effortlessly as if it was a free ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='517814' first='Ashley' last='Grace Johnstone']</strong> (OH/DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693827' first='Simone' last='Lawson']</strong> (Right side/setter) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 Open </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589247,"width":"306px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/106-Jessica-Li.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589247" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:306px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='333650' first='Louise' last='Neuhart'] Left Side - Louise is ranked 11th in our class of 2027. It should be noted that four [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] players ranked ahead of her have already committed to Division I schools. Also, she is the second highest uncommitted player in this class. As a 6'0" left side she can pour on the offense. She helped Paul VI to a WCAC championship and a second place finish in the VISAA state championships. Louise finished second on the team in kills while playing 6 rotations. Last year she played up with the 17s. This year she will stay at 17s where she will compete with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge']</strong> (Vanderbilt) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong> (UConn) for playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455102' first='Erin' last='Green']</strong> right side - She ranks at number 25 in our class of 2027. While she showed she can hit left side with Chantilly, her best opportunity for playing time will be right side. She lists 5'11 with an approach jump just short of 9'9". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong> setter - Jessica ranks number 29 in our class of 2027. This past season she set a 5/1 leading Glenelg to the Class 2 Maryland state championship. In the finals she dished out 60 assists to win a five set championship match final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> setter - Ingrid ranks number 30 in our class of 2027. She set for Dominion last year, getting them to the state championship bracket where they eventually lost to now four time state champion James Wood. For the most part she set a 5/1 for her high school team, earning second team All state honors. For [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] she will set a 6/2 with [player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']. An athletic setter who stands 5'8" she has an approach jump that reaches just short of 9'5". I can remember her early years when she tried to hit outside. She had a tendency to spray balls everywhere but inside the court. While she may eventually have become a pretty good outside, setting seems to be her niche.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong> DS/Libero - Another player I coached when she was 11. She ranks number 43 in our class of 2027. Until last year she was always a starting 6 rotation left side. Unfortunately, at 5'7" when you begin playing in the elite tournaments as [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] that becomes a challenge. This has led to her playing more DS/Libero. However, she certainly has the potential to succeed as an outside for a Division III school. I'm certain that the competitive nature in her will tell you that if you give her a chance she could succeed at a Division I level hitting outside. She plays with a lot of heart and a lot of confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536716' first='Diane' last='Nzoupet']</strong> DS/Libero - She ranks number 8 in our class of 2028. She has been playing a year up for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] for the last couple years. She won the libero of the year award for the Concord Division, which put her on the first team. In my opinion, probably one of the best liberos in the area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753065' first='Isabella' last='Adcock'] </strong>(Middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='577516' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez']</strong> (Right Side) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='489547' first='540' last='Volleyball Academy'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781885,"width":"342px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.9237774946211852","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/60-Sadie-Barrera.jpg?w=945" alt="" class="wp-image-781885" style="aspect-ratio:0.9237774946211852;width:342px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='448705' first='Danika' last='Swanson']</strong> setter - Danica ranks number 17 in our class of 2027. Only three setters rank higher than her and they all won state championships. Danika got Patriot to the state championship bracket where they eventually lost to champion West Springfield in the first round. One coach I talked to felt she had a very high volleyball IQ for running an offense. It would not surprise me to see her run a 5/1 for 540. She lists at 5'9".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera']</strong> (ds/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='581553' first='Karinne' last='Goodrum']</strong> (Middle), [player_tooltip player_id='577515' first='Sierra' last='Beaver'] (middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502514' first='Jenna' last='Kate Tanner'] </strong>(Left side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530396' first='Jaylyn' last='Barnes']</strong> (left side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536957' first='Ava' last='Young']</strong> (left side),<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='760174' first='Sophia' last='Morin']</strong> (DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888906' first='Ella' last='Sloan']</strong> (Setter)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MVSA Blaze</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":781890,"width":"322px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8046907259063506","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/65-Ana-Djordjevic.jpg?w=824" alt="" class="wp-image-781890" style="aspect-ratio:0.8046907259063506;width:322px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491007' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic']</strong> Libero/DS - Ana ranks number 19 in our class of 2027. She played defensive specialist then libero her first two years with Richard Montgomery when they won back to back Class 4 Maryland state championships. Her older sister Ema won Gatorade Player of the Year for Maryland last year. Ana did not quite reach the height of her older sister. Fortunately, height is not necessary as a libero. Ana ranks as the third highest libero in the class of 2027, but the only libero yet to commit. The highest ranked libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] </strong>won the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Virginia as an outside hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465322' first='Siyena' last='Fitsum']</strong> Middle - She ranks number 26 in our class of 2027. A 6'3' middle with the ability to intimidate hitters on the other side of the net. Her blocking is superior to her hitting game, but she is still quite adept at putting a ball away when her timing is right. She played for Churchill, which reached the semi-finals in the Maryland Class 4 state championship. She finished second on the team in blocks and second in kills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438097' first='Haile' last='Ma']</strong> left side - She ranks at number 27 in our class of 2027. Listed at 5'10" she possesses some good size to be an offensive force at the net. She can also play six rotations with the ability to put some velocity on back row sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Players to Watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438058' first='Vivian' last='Ngan']</strong> (Setter), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438053' first='Lucille' last='Deraleau']</strong> (left side) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772008' first='Meera' last='Patel']</strong> (Middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438118' first='Amelia' last='Cheng']</strong> (Libero/DS), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529444' first='Kathryn' last='Giesecke']</strong> (Right Side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772012' first='Chloe' last='Tanseco']</strong> (Setter) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589278,"width":"360px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/137-Emmeri-Bishop.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589278" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:360px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">emmeri bishop </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438086' first='Emmeri' last='Bishop'] </strong>Left side - Emmeri ranks number 22 in our class of 2027. She got quite a boost when she won our top performer award at a Prep Dig showcase. Last year she played for Liberty Elite. This year she is back at [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] where she played at 15s. At 6'2" she has great height for an outside. She plays for Hedgesville in West Virginia finishing third on the team in kills. Her teammate at Hedgesville [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'] is also playing for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] but at the 18 level. Emmeri may see more middle playing for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] but as an outside she can put the ball away as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Players to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden']</strong> (DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437978' first='Olivia' last='Allis']</strong> (right side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827679' first='Reese' last='Justice'] </strong>(middle)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":589240,"width":"353px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.501502019107653","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/98-Eva-Collingham.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-589240" style="aspect-ratio:1.501502019107653;width:353px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs']</strong> middle - Olivia ranks at number 32 in our class of 2027. She reminds me of a quiet assassin when on the court. While she finished third on the team in kills, she led the team in hitting percentage at .492. Listed at 6'1" she gets good extension on her quick tempo hits and rarely gets blocked. If she can improve on her quickness moving from side to side for the blocks it would put her at the elite class. Her approach jump reaches 9'8". Olivia made first team WCAC and second team VISAA all state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720348' first='Milena' last='Kibret'] </strong>middle - Milena ranks at number 37 in the class of 2027. At 6'3" she strikes an intimidating presence at the net. Her middle play was key to West Springfield winning the Class 6 Virginia state championship. This earned her a second team all state selection. At this point her blocking is way ahead of her hitting, though she finished last season with a .405 hitting percentage. For her high school team she finished second on the team in kills and third in blocks. She also brings an approach jump of 9'8.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</strong> left side - Eva ranks number 38 in the class of 2027. The 6'0" left side anchored the South Lakes offense, leading their team in kills. For this club season she hopes for a different outcome than last year. A broken finger ended her club season early. This created a huge hole in the Virginia Elite offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth']</strong> right side - Chloe ranks at number 42 in our class of 2027, At 5'9" she had been relegated to back row play where her fast arm swing could generate some offense in the back row. Last year for Madison they began using her more at right side where she showed an ability to put the ball away. When the season came to a close she finished second on the team in kills. Only the Gatorade player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] produced more kills. With her height blocking could still be an issue, though she also finished second on the team in blocks. Her 5'9" height brings an approach jump of 9'6".</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465321' first='Marissa' last='Turek']</strong> (right side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim'] </strong>(Setter),<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530363' first='Adelyn' last='Pye']</strong> (left side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582293' first='Shannon' last='Treloar']</strong> (Middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='520868' first='Caroline' last='Semko']</strong> (Libero/DS), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='568220' first='Madalyn' last='Norgart'] </strong>(DS/Libero), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='742633' first='Olivia' last='Cypcar']</strong> (Left side)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryland Juniors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":897637,"width":"391px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/50-Victoria-Small-crop-1902x1249-1761608083.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-897637" style="width:391px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='547072' first='Victoria' last='Small']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='547072' first='Victoria' last='Small'] </strong>(Libero/DS) - Victoria ranks at number 46 in our class of 2027. One of the more consistent liberos on the court. Her passes always seem to fly near the net where the setter can run the quicks. Her feet are constantly on motor allowing her to flow smoothly along the back row. It pains me that every time I look at her ranking after watching her play I question why I have her ranked so low. Her back row play led Maryvale to a second place IAAM finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to Watch - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896386' first='Kristina' last='Melton']</strong> (outside), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753062' first='Madelyn' last='Mauro']</strong> (outside), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731013' first='Ella' last='Strain'] </strong>(setter), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908869' first='Naomi' last='Kolo']</strong> (right side)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MOJO Black</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":729635,"width":"271px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8838233077039047","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/27-Ava-Zender.jpg?w=906" alt="" class="wp-image-729635" style="aspect-ratio:0.8838233077039047;width:271px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='699993' first='Ava' last='Zender']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='699993' first='Ava' last='Zender']</strong> setter - She ranks number 48 in our class of 2027. Last year she set for Virginia Juniors as part of a trio of setters. This limited her playing time. She also played a year down. This year she should get more touches as part of a duo of setters with MOJO. It also helps that she is playing her grade. For Flint Hill she set a 5/1 leading them to a surprise championship win in the VISAA state finals. This earned her a second team all state selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players to watch: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608978' first='Francise' last='Ramirez']</strong> (outside), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski']</strong> (Right side), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529254' first='Gracie' last='Davig']</strong> (Middle), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833808' first='Katherine' last='Warrell']</strong> (outside),</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->