Initial 28 Rankings: Top Five Explained

This class is loaded with outside hitters as evidenced by the top five. The Alliance 16 REN team is especially loaded, evidenced with a 16 Open championship in the Bluegrass Tournament in Louisville three weeks ago. However, players at other clubs could be in this mix before it is said and done.    McNairl (pictured) has great reach and the 16 REN tries to take advantage of it. McNairl has great crosses and can take big swings from all six zones on the court. She makes quick transitions from defense to offense with her versatility. McNairl has great topspin on her serves to keep opponents out of rhythm. She is not afraid to tip balls over blocks. Defensively, it's hard to sneak soft shots past her. She's shown she can block taller players. She makes the simple passes and keeps plays alive with her hustle all over the court. McNairl had a pancake dig in the MEQ National Qualifier in Indianapolis against KIVA 16 Red. She'll continue to take more steps toward being a solid all-around player during club season.     Heisig's versatility is off the charts and it shows in her ability to make plays at all six spots on the court. Heisig gets on top of balls and sends them screaming to the ground with an amazing downward trajectory. She uses her size to hit over and around double blocks. Heisig records sound blocks. It is not easy to tip over her. Heisig sends soft taps the opposite direction with authority. Heisig also makes nice passes and her jump serve is tough when she lands it in-bounds.     Garner is part of loaded teams with the 16 Maverick and at Franklin. Garner makes great decisions each time she touches balls. Garner has great size around her and she puts balls in her hitters' power zones to make sure they can put balls down. Garner mixes in a nice setter dump and her first touches are solid. Garner uses her size to form great double blocks. Her versatility will continue to be an asset for 16 Maverick the rest of the club season.     Willeford is deceptive in the fact that she can mix in hard and soft hits well to all six zones on the court. Defensive specialists play back when facing the 16 REN team and Willeford tries to take advantage of it placing tips near the 10-foot line in the middle. She can effectively take advantage of one-on-one opportunities when teammates run solid fakes. Willeford continues to find different ways to better balls as the season progresses.     Cassel is yet another reliable option for the 16 REN. Cassel has a great wrist snap that helps her put balls down against solid defensive specialists. Cassel is greatly in sync with her setters. Cassel takes full advantage of solo blocks when teammates run effective fakes to draw blockers away from her. Cassel also patrols the back row with authority. Cassel moves her feet well, but stops in her tracks to make crisp first touches. He development these next few years will be something to watch.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and coming soon, Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at mikegraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.

This class is loaded with outside hitters as evidenced by the top five. The Alliance 16 REN team is especially loaded, evidenced with a 16 Open championship in the Bluegrass Tournament in Louisville three weeks ago. However, players at other clubs could be in this mix before it is said and done.