2029 Watch List Spotlight: Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a tough battle to get recognition as a defender in the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot of elite talent to battle against in the state for this position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the liberos that deserve a little more attention in such a talent-heavy position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850228' first='Isabella' last='Adamski'] Cabrini/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adamski has great all-around ability, which shows in her athletic back-row swing. She's able to contribute to her team in all phases of the game despite being a primary defender. Adamski also isn't afraid to throw her body around to get the job done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849930' first='Ella' last='Brannen'] Harper Creek/Midwest Select</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brannen plays with a lot of poise and maturity, and has the foundational skills to shift into an outside hitter when it's needed. She stays locked into a play and can transition from offense to defense in a snap. Brannen has a high ceiling for where her game can go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848236' first='Ayandrea' last='Bridges'] Gobles/GO! Dragons</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridges brings a lot of energy to the court and she keeps a positive mindset in her play. She's quick to let any mistakes stay in the past and learn from them. Bridges stays light on her feet and keeps herself low to the ground to make some difficult digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849359' first='Anna' last='McBride'] DS/L Country Day/High Performance</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride looks pretty calm in the back row and composed to make smooth plays. She is able to pass at a high rate with good control and her last-second adjustments look pretty routine for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731427' first='Mazzey' last='McDonald'] Shepherd/Mid-Michigan Aces</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonald has raised her level of play each year and finding new ways to challenge herself and improve from it. McDonald sees the court really well and gets herself squared up and in good technical position often against big attacks. She's not wasting a lot of steps and gets to her spots with purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='778631' first='Breanna' last='McMahon'] South Lyon East/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMahon has some experience as a hitter, but her defensive play certainly shines at a high level. She slides into position well to get under some difficult angled shots. McMahon isn't just about keeping the ball off the floor, she's able to accurately get it to her setter and help build the energy of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760364' first='Sydney' last='Palmer'] Grass Lake/MSF Flight</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Palmer is relentless with her play in the back row. She just finds a way to get the ball. It isn't always as you'd draw it up, but Palmer is going to get to it if she has a chance. Palmer also has a good offensive base, allowing her to contribute some strong attacks from the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850640' first='Mia' last='Russo'] Notre Dame Prep/Monsters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russo has a good court IQ, which has allowed her to step up and play at a high level against top competition throughout the last year. Her play is quick and she's able to adjust her form with subtle changes to keep her first contact accurate and consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='879552' first='Avery' last='Seward'] Mattawan/Dead Frog</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seward is springy on the floor, as she doesn't stay in one place for long, trying to stay active and ready for a sprawl or dive. Her quickness and footwork are among the best at the position for this class and will lead her to putting up some impressive numbers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888965' first='Layla' last='Triplett'] Byron Center/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triplett is at a great place for a defender to learn and get better, as Byron Center is very deep with defensive talent. That's led her to be a well-coached and poised defender that can step up in a high-pressure situation when her number gets called.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->