Top Defensive Outside Hitters in Class of 2029

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 has plenty of time to build up their profiles, but some of the outside hitters in this class are already showing standout defensive ability to go with their strong attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at eight 2029 outside hitters that can hold their own on defense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885455' first='Kate' last='Berghoff'], Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berghoff is a player that has proven she can slide into a defensive role, as she did so this fall for a stacked Mercy team. However, she's an outside at heart and a darn good one. But, her athleticism and quickness allow her to excel at either spot and she will make any defense better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587564' first='Lexi' last='Coleman'], South Lyon East/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This shouldn't be much surprise, as Coleman has proven to be one of the best 2029 prospects in the country in a short time. She's already a dominant finisher, but she's showing the leadership skills to excel on defense and be a complete player. She's got great form on her serve receive while maintaining a high level of accuracy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888384' first='Allysse' last='Deshetsky'], North Branch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deshetsky is a name synonymous with the North Branch program, and Allysse shows a lot of signs of being able to be a complete player like her sisters. She's got the same intensity and attention to detail, while taking in a lot of good coaching. That's going to make her very reliable on defense in the years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885461' first='Riley' last='Harrah'], Tecumseh/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harrah looked really impressive this fall with Tecumseh. Not only could she put the ball away, but she was a key cog in the defensive machine with her serve receive and ability to come through with an athletic dig. She looks ready to take on a lead role around the lineup already.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849580' first='Jordyn' last='Holly'], Plymouth/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holly is a prospect that has looked very comfortable in any role that gets thrown her way. Already a strong hitter, Holly has improved on her passing and first contact to help her grow as an outside hitter. Her stock continues to raise as she's proving to be more consistent with her defensive duties.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812023' first='Brynn' last='Johnson'], Marshall/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is another prospect that stands out among the best in the nation in the class. She was one of the most productive freshmen nationally this fall with over 500 digs and 700 kills. There isn't an area of her game that she doesn't seem comfortable with and in complete control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='775991' first='Sydney' last='Manning'], BC Lakeview/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another standout freshman that was very impressive in her stat building this fall, Manning had no hesitation in her defensive choices and it showed with over 400 digs. She looks like a natural in the back row, but can be an explosive hitter as well. She's a prospect that is sure to draw a lot of attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849862' first='Claire' last='Ryan'], New Boston Huron/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan plays with good composure and focus on offense and defense. She stays locked-in to where the ball is and where she needs to be to come through with a big dig. Her timing and form looks strong as well, as she has all the makings of a successful six-rotation outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->