Clubs with the Best Duo at Each Position

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When watching teams play what impresses me most is when they have two talented players at one position. This could be back row, left side, middle or setter. Below are the DMV clubs that have the top two at those positions for the 15 to 17 U.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">17 U - Clubs with Best Duo at One Position</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":729628,"width":"310px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/20-Kate-Bickel.jpg?w=840" alt="" class="wp-image-729628" style="width:310px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Libero</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro </strong>- They have the Virginia Gatorade Player of the year in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong> as well as an all tournament selection for the Junior Nationals in class of 2028 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437443' first='Kaniyah' last='Ball']</strong>. Laila has always played up but with the 18 U team losing all its stars Laila decided to play her grade level. She is nationally ranked at number 46 as well as a numerous NTPD invite. Kaniyah is the top ranked libero in the class of 2028 playing a grade up. Laila has committed to Oklahoma.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438070' first='Camryn' last='Coulther']</strong> ranks just behind Laila in the class of 2027 libero rankings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel'] </strong>won first team WCAC and is the fifth ranked libero in the class of 2027. Camryn has committed to the University of Virginia. Kate has committed to Cornell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Setter </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - They have the top setter combination as well with Virginia Gatorade player of the year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='292644' first='Caycee' last='Chhum']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='478903' first='Barrett' last='Bolter']</strong>. Caycee helped set Georgetown Day to a state championship setting a 5/1. Barrett set Broadneck to a state championship setting a 6/2 with [player_tooltip player_id='721762' first='Sydney' last='Lawrence']. They also are the first and third ranked setters in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> - The 6/2 tandem of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> works well here. Jessica set Glenelg to a state championship running a 5/1. Ingrid won Virginia Class 4 second team all state setting a 5/1 for Dominion. They rank as number 6 and 7 among setters in the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington']</strong> ranks number 1 in our class of 2027. She also ranks number 10 nationally. She has already earned a medal playing for the United States junior national team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435745' first='Alyssa' last='Kumah']</strong> ranks number 6 in our Virginia rankings while also ranks number 75 nationally. They are the only teammates who rank nationally that play the same position. Taylor has committed to Penn State while Alyssa has committed to Old Dominion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite</strong> - It was difficult to find a number two. Virginia Elite has a solid trio. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488812' first='Olivia' last='Boggs']</strong> is a consistent hitter ranking at number 6 for middle blockers in the class of 2027. Her blocking still needs some work. Olivia made first team WCAC and second team VISAA all state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720348' first='Milena' last='Kibret']</strong> is the 8th ranked middle in the class of 2027. She also made second team VHSL Class 6 all state. While I like Milena with her blocking her offensive game still needs some refinement. They also have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582293' first='Shannon' last='Treloar']</strong> as a third option for middle. Lots of depth here with excellent right side candidates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] </strong>is the number two ranked player in the class of 2027. She was voted player of the year in the VISAA. Ross flies with an approach jump reaching 10'5". She has committed to UCLA. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438077' first='Averi' last='Hanna']</strong> has good height at 6'3. She ranks between Olivia and Milena as the top middle in the class of 2027. Her 10'3" approach jump is quite impressive as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Left Sides</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941986' first='Coco' last='Lewis']</strong> can bring power to the position. Her arrival at Paul VI earned them a WCAC title. The previous year they were not in the race. She made the first team WCAC. Coco has committed to Virginia. Her left side partner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> seems to bring more power to her swing this year. Her offense got Marshall into the VHSL state bracket. She normally plays just three rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='528707' first='Annika' last='Dandridge']</strong> impresses with her six rotation play. She lists 6'1 but carries the movement of a libero when in the back row. When she turns to go down the line she can bounce the ball past the spectators with the best of them. Annika has committed to Vanderbilt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435748' first='Aaliyah' last='Green']</strong> at 5'11" does not have the height of Annika but she has the hops to reach 10'3". That is the highest on the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] team. Aaliyah has committed to Connecticut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - They have<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='385968' first='Macie' last='Murray']</strong> who can hit the ball harder than any left side. She won player of the year in the WCAC as well as earned a spot on the Junior National All tournament team. It may just be coincidence, but O'Connell has had more volleyballs rupture since her arrival. Macie has committed to James Madison. I have them third now because I did not seem much of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly']</strong> at Capitol Hill Classic. She also made the All Tournament team with Macie at Junior Nationals. She led Georgetown Day to the DC State championship and the ISL championship. Alexa has committed to American. When she plays this is quite the tandem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">16 U - Clubs with the Best Duo at One Position</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":520771,"width":"267px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6670059865726266","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/199-Bella-Chen-rotated.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-520771" style="aspect-ratio:0.6670059865726266;width:267px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='588468' first='Bella' last='Chen']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Libero</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> - If based on current rankings they would be listed here. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722541' first='Lily' last='Gurney']</strong> has really impressed at libero for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. As a sophomore she started as Libero for Potomac leading the team in digs. She appears to have a good command of the court, a requisite for any libero. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='588468' first='Bella' last='Chen']</strong> also started for Glenelg, leading the team in digs as well as a Maryland state championship. Her Paramount teammate setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li'] </strong>also plays for Glenelg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725456' first='Audrey' last='Busch']</strong> impressed at libero this season, leading West Springfield to a state championship. She earned a spot on the Class 6 Virginia all state second team. She ranks at number 18 in the class of 2027. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='944218' first='Annie' last='Larrivee'] </strong>was an unknown until I watched her play libero this year over Audrey. She plays for a small school Grace Academy in Maryland. She looks pretty comfortable at the libero spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Setters </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Juniors</strong> - These two setters were both playing for different clubs last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536724' first='Ariel' last='Callwood']</strong> set for Metro last year while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='562335' first='Zeynep' last='Anaz'] </strong>set for Go Volley. Now the two join forces to set for Virginia Juniors. Prior to that they were my top two setters in the class of 2028. Zeynep's setting career only started two years ago. Prior to that she hit outside. With more experience at the position, she should be a player to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612396' first='Natalie' last='Hobson']</strong> replaced <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536724' first='Ariel' last='Callwood']</strong> as a setter for Metro. She earned a WCAC second team selection. She has the touch for the quick tempo sets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625574' first='Ashley' last='Nguyen'] </strong>goes unnoticed on a team of power hitters. However, she successfully gets them the ball so they can strut their stuff. The duo has already led Metro to first place finishes in the Charm City Classic and Capitol Hill Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middles </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625593' first='Cairo' last='Turner']</strong> last year she played for Virginia Juniors. This year she is taking her 10'4" approach jump to Metro where she will partner with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612397' first='Eliana' last='Koram']</strong>. Cairo earned second team WCAC honors while playing for St. Johns, but next year it appears she will play for Paul VI. Eliana has an impressive 10'2" approach jump. She is a triple invite to the NTDP.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>- <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744453' first='Megan' last='Elder']</strong> brings an impressive 10'3" approach jump to the middle. At 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545727' first='Giuliana' last='Mastrangelo']</strong> brings some intimidating size. Giuliana earned a spot on the Class 5 all state second team playing for Lightridge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Outsides</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro </strong>- This is a slam dunk with [player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'], the number one prospect in the class of 2028 and [player_tooltip player_id='787533' first='Chika' last='Onukwugha'] at number four. [player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'] earned MVP honors at the Junior Nationals last year in the National Division and the Capitol Hill Classic. Chika earned a spot on the all tournament team at the Junior Nationals. She has also won best attacker three years in a row at the Capitol Hill Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']</strong> - At 6'1 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer']</strong> can attack a ball with power. She recently won our MVP award at the Prep Dig Exposure tour. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford']</strong> belongs to the class of 2027. She has a devastating left handed swing but hits left side to allow her to play six rotations. She has recently committed to Loyola Maryland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">15 U - Clubs with the Best Duo at One Position</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":935677,"width":"335px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/103-Angelie-Rose-Carrasco.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-935677" style="width:335px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Libero </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>- Even at 15U <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747458' first='Angelie' last='Rose Carrasco']</strong> could be one of the top liberos of any age group. She still needs to develop that court sense that comes with experience, however no libero can match her level of enthusiasm as well as communication while on the court. She made first team in the Concord District. The more I watch her play the more I come away impressed with the back row play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763157' first='Olivia' last='Li']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BAVA</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932773' first='Jemma' last='Peterson'] </strong>belongs in the class of 2030 but her libero play is at a level of play a coupe years higher. Tremendous court sense. Love the hustle and attitude of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='781700' first='Gianna' last='Bonnett']</strong>. She doesn't get the opportunity to play libero, playing behind [player_tooltip player_id='896390' first='Harper' last='Walker'] at Annapolis Area Christian and Jemma at BAVA but if I needed a libero I would snatch her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Setters</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746506' first='Carolyn' last='Maria']</strong> recently won the MVP at the Capitol Hill Classic. She also made WCAC first team and VISAA first team. She may also be one of the top right side hitters in the class of 2029. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750053' first='Alexis' last='Luscomb']</strong> played libero for Broadneck when they won the Maryland Class 4 state championship. Broadneck is loaded with setters, but Alexis hands are too good not to be used as a setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher']</strong> earned a spot on the first team in the Cardinal District. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='752431' first='Kayla' last='Chang']</strong> set a 5/1 for Briar Woods. Two promising frosh setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middles </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750047' first='Caroline' last='Conroy']</strong> has made tremendous improvement over last season. At 6'3" she has good height with an athletic 10'0" approach jump. She had her first invite to NTPD this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753073' first='Aniston' last='Williams']</strong> was a dominant middle last year for Maryland Juniors but switched over to Metro this year. She started middle for power house Holy Cross last year as a frosh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893947' first='Annika' last='Warren'] </strong>has certainly been dominating for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. She has height at 6'1" with the athleticism to get over 10 foot in her approach jump. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763151' first='Sydney' last='Lewis'] </strong>played for two time champion Riverside but saw limited playing time. She still has some rawness in her game but a player to watch. She brings tremendous athleticism to the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Outsides</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro Travel</strong> - Both <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748513' first='Scarlett' last='Netherton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe'] </strong>came from Maryland Juniors 14 last year. Emerson belongs to the class of 2028. She earned a spot on the WCAC first team. Scarlett recently won the best attacker award at Capitol Hill Classic. She also won a spot on the IAAM first team. She ranks number 2 in our class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryland Juniors</strong> - <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748487' first='Sierra' last='Thomas'] </strong>is the one big returner from the 14 team. She made WCAC first team playing for Bishop McNamara. Her approach jump has climbed to 10'5". Her father played professional basketball for the Wizards while her mom played Division I basketball for Syracuse. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753079' first='Reagan' last='Barrett']</strong> belongs to the class of 2028. At the Capitol Hill Classic she played six rotations, her 6'1" frame banging balls from the back and front row. She also played for Maryland Juniors last year but played mostly right side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Metro National </strong>- This Metro National team has been playing at an elite level. They have depth at the pins but the two who seem to receive most of the playing time are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='762829' first='Angela' last='Zhang']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753070' first='Avery' last='Lettinga']</strong>. Angela led Churchill to the semi-finals of the Maryland Class 4 state championships. Avery was injured much of last club season but she shined for Annapolis Area Christian, leading them to an IAAM championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->