Class of 2030: AZ Rising Stars

Last week we posted our initial ranking for the class of 2030 and today lets talk about them! First we are super excited about our 14s teams/2030 and the athletes associated with them, as there is some tremendous talent in this class. Second, this list will be ever changing over the course of the next few months! Don't worry if you didn't make the list or the watch list, a lot will happen over the course of the season and our update will include more names and some movement! Lastly, we won't talk about the top 5 athletes on our list for 2030, they will get a different write up later this week so don't worry, we didn't forget about you 5 in this article!   Let's breakdown the top 35 by positions:   Based on their primary position the class goes as follows:   Libero: 7   Pins: 17   Setters: 6   Middles: 5   These numbers aren't too surprising in any way, we knew pins were going to be biggest number as they tend to develop faster and get seen sooner. Middles being the lowest number also isn't shocking as that position tends to take some time to get some development going. Lastly, as they get older the list will start to even out but for now these numbers seem about right for a list of 35 8th graders.   Position with the most potential:   I am a big fan of all the positions and their potential but when discussing which has the most potential that has to go to the middles in this class. I wouldn't be surprised by the end of the year if we have 2-3 ranked inside the top 10, and maybe up to 5 ranked in the top 20. The growth of this position is going to be exponential as these girls get faster, bigger, and develop their lateral movement even more. Two middles that stand out at this early age in this class would be <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/marieme-mbodji/">[player_tooltip player_id='934533' first='Marieme' last='Mbodji']</a> and <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/layla-duncan/">[player_tooltip player_id='789370' first='Layla' last='Duncan']</a>. Both of these middles are just dripping with potential and are going to be some dominate middles as they get older. Marieme is a explosive middle with some of the longest reach and jump in the class. She will routinely get 2-3 blocks a set and beat one on one blocks throughout a weekend (regardless of age). She already has very good lateral movement and the ability to explode up and be physical. Layla is a longer middle who is pushing 6'1 at the moment. She already gets well up over the net and presses very well for a middle this young. Her offensive game is also starting to develop at high level with being able to run in front and behind a setter. She has a slide that is only going to get better with age and at the moment runs it very well for a 14 year old. If you are looking for a middle in this class to come take a look at, I would encourage you to see these two.   Deepest position:   I think this is the easy one because half the class so far is pin hitters, so that by far is the deepest position. When looking at the list of pin hitters the things that stands out to me is the kids outside the top 10. Obviously the girls inside the top 10 are all standouts who deserve to be there but any other year, the first few pins hitters outside the top 10 would probably be a top 10 kid so lets look at some of those athletes.   [player_tooltip player_id='936795' first='Brooke' last='Holubar'] is a 5'11 outside and has all the parts to her game already to be a 6 rotational pin. She has a lot of consistency for someone so young and her talent is on display in the open division for Revolution 14 Premier. She doesn't just swing; she selects. Brooke reads blockers and defenders and adjusts her attack angle in real time, a key trait for elite outside hitters for someone this young. [player_tooltip player_id='935378' first='Maree' last='Poortinga'] is a explosive outside hitter who has a heavy arm swing. She has a lot of power in her frame and can go through, around, and over some blocks. Most importantly she is a well rounded player as she has strong platform and serve-receive accuracy, agile side-to-side coverage, and smart dig positioning. She is developing into a true 6 rotational player over at AZ Sky. [player_tooltip player_id='886785' first='Harlow' last='Dzurick'] is the prototype of the complete 2030 pin attacker: athletic, versatile, intelligent, and team-oriented. She doesn't just hit hard — she plays hard, reads the game, and lifts her team's performance level. Most years that would be good enough for a top 10 spot but just how deep this position is really shows the upper level talent on display with these 3 being outside the top 10.   Notes on players who have had a strong January:   [player_tooltip player_id='935681' first='Olivia' last='Petersen']: Olivia has shown strong shot selection, capable of terminating with power while also using angles and tooling the block to stay efficient against elite defenses. In serve receive and defense, she provides stability with clean platform control, quick reads, and strong transition movement. She really is someone who is going to be a force for this Livewire team.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/cameron-sutton/">[player_tooltip player_id='937334' first='Cameron' last='Sutton']</a>: Cameron is a strong all-around setter who is one of the best in this class. First, she controls the tempo of the match with confidence and maturity beyond her age. You can't tell by her game play that she is a 2030, you would assume she was an older kid based on her ability as a setter. Overall she runs a fast, balanced offense and consistently puts hitters in the best position. She does this with clean, repeatable hands and excellent sets to all zones/hitters during game play.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/julia-klimas/">[player_tooltip player_id='939672' first='Julia' last='Klimas']</a>: Julia is someone who once she figure it out is going to be an absolute force in the middle. She is already 6'6, and no that is not a typo as she moves very well for someone that size. She has a good arm swing and can hit in a fast offense. She is well above most blocks for her age and she will always shut down the opposing teams middles. She has a lot of potential and someone to be on the watch for over the course of the next few years.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/elliot-millhiser/">[player_tooltip player_id='920105' first='Elliot' last='Millhiser']</a>: Elliot reads hitters early, and moves efficiently into defensive positions while never losing any speed. She consistently turns hard-driven balls into controlled digs and keeps her team in system. In serve receive, she shows a steady platform, clean footwork, and the ability to handle high-pressure serves while taking up a lot of space with her aggressive movement. Her range and effort level stand out, allowing her to cover large areas of the court and extend rallies. She never lets a play die, and shows why she is one of the best liberos in this class.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kristina-mimic/">[player_tooltip player_id='920124' first='Kristina' last='Mimic']</a>: Kristina is a 6 rotational pin for Atomic and is a player that is going to rise throughout the years. She is already so versatile and able to fit from both the right side and left side with effectiveness. Her offensive game is well ahead of her age and she has a fundamentally sound approach and arm swing. The ceiling is very high for her especially because she can do a lot in serve receive and defense as well. She moves her feet exceptionally well and gets a ton of good touches on balls as well.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/eden-melashenko/">[player_tooltip player_id='935481' first='Eden' last='Melashenko']</a>: A libero who is playing above her age as she is on a 15s team. She plays with confidence and range, tracking hard-driven balls and extending rallies with controlled digs rather than panic plays. Eden competes with a high motor, communicates well in the back row, and brings a steadying influence to the floor. I enjoy watching a libero who can demonstrate those type of leadership skills and communication skills for her team. She is someone who is going to get better that much faster playing up in age as well, as she will get a head start over some other liberos as she gets to see some great reps in practice with her team.   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/brooklynn-noah/">[player_tooltip player_id='938260' first='Brooklyn' last='Noah']</a>: One of the best parts about Brooklyn's game is that she competes with a high motor and doesn't shy away from high-volume swings. She gets set a lot but won't just take the safe shot, but assertive shots which gives her team a chance to score more often. Defensively, she adds value with scrappy floor defense and reliable ball control throughout game play. She is always willing to sacrifice her body and anticipates in defense very well for a 14 year old.   6 Athletes on the watch list with a ton of upside:   [player_tooltip player_id='920113' first='Leighton' last='Butters']   [player_tooltip player_id='935412' first='Emma' last='Cluff']   [player_tooltip player_id='939614' first='Ellie' last='Dyer']   [player_tooltip player_id='939282' first='Naomi' last='Miller']   [player_tooltip player_id='924597' first='Greer' last='Nordin']   [player_tooltip player_id='936898' first='Hayley' last='Costa']   Overall the class of 2030 is one that is going to be a great one in AZ. It already has some of the best talent out there and is really showing out through the first month of the season. We look forward to seeing all of the 2030 throughout the next few years as they continue to develop.   We can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 club season will bring!   As always, make sure you are following us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?hl=en">@PrepDigArizona </a>as well as our scouts<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/"> @PrepDigAnthony</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/">@CoachMarissaMorah</a>.   Want to get on our radar? Do the following:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Follow us on Instagram, Nominate Through our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWSR1w3a_ZgKVLmUouN7ymhvldIHGmG6f6zWs54-pGTM_-A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116487285663927782556">Form</a>, and Send us your Highlights!</li> </ul>

Last week we posted our initial ranking for the class of 2030 and today lets talk about them! First we are super excited about our 14s teams/2030 and the athletes associated with them, as there is some tremendous talent in this class. Second, this list will be ever changing over the course of the next few months! Don't worry if you didn't make the list or the watch list, a lot will happen over the course of the season and our update will include more names and some movement! Lastly, we won't talk about the top 5 athletes on our list for 2030, they will get a different write up later this week so don't worry, we didn't forget about you 5 in this article!