Stock Up Showcase Players on the High School Radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They may not have earned a top performer award but they played well enough to appear on the radar as players to track during the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberos</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1009041"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733ea865"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brynn did a solid job passing during the libero breakout. It appears that she is privately trained and did not play club last year. It is always tough to break into the high school season if you went the whole year without playing any competitive volleyball. Game play keeps the skills sharp. On average club players over a season play more matches than high school players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Urbana reached the finals of the Class 4 playoffs. Brynn did not appear on the varsity roster last year during her frosh season. While her passing was accurate during the showcase she will compete against a number of players from the varsity/JV and frosh roster who bring club experience. This group also ncludes incoming frosh like <strong>Kayla Lee</strong> who impressed at the frosh showcase. Kayla is listed as a setter/libero/ds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brynn has chosen a different route to prepare for high school volleyball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["996654"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733ea8f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Valeria is another player who received high marks for her passing during the libero breakout at the start of the showcase. Once the liberos mix in with the other positions they become more difficult to track. However, this year was the first year we handed out MVP awards to liberos competing in both showcases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valeria will play for Independence this year. Last year was a down year for the high school. They hope to bounce back this year. Valeria did play for [program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite'] Morales last year. They earned a bid in the Freedom Division at Junior Nationals finishing 55th out of 64 teams. Valeria will compete as a sophomore this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["965034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733ea980"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lily impressed with her play at the East Coast championships playing for St. James. She passed well while also showing an ability to serve both short and deep with the same serve actions for both. That is not easy to do, especially for jump serves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Marshall was able to squeeze into the state bracket for their first time in school history. This is especially impressive when you consider their 1-8 start to the season. After that poor start, they went on a 17-3 run, ultimately losing in the opening round of the state playoffs to Grassfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lily competed in the playoffs as a sophomore. Her hope next year is to step up and win the libero position. She hopes to follow in her dad's footsteps and play for one of the service academies, with her top two as West Point and then Navy. Her aunt competed in Lacrosse at West Point. Definitely a player taking charge of her future. Not a surprise since she was co-captain of her club team St. James. Those service academies are always looking for leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907660"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733ea9e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sadie stood out at the showcase during the six person play with her passing and serving. She made an impression with Jeremy at our Exposure tour in Richmond and was added to the rankings at 148. She moves her feet well to get into her base position to pop up a dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sadie will play for Yorktown. They made it to the Regional playoffs but lost in the first round to South Lakes. Sadie does not appear on the varsity roster from last year. Their libero and one DS from the team last year graduated. That provides Sadie a good shot to fill the varsity position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Right Side</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1009053"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733eaa6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'0" Ilia certainly brings length to the court. She also swings left handed which fits her for the right side. She still carries a little rawness with her swing. For club she played for Maryland Juniors 15 Black, which competed in both the AAU and Junior Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ilia plays for Roland Park Country a smaller high school in Baltimore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518008"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733eaadf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='518008' first='Aubrey' last='Wade'] plays for Holy Cross. She is one of those versatile players who can play all three front row positions. Her 5'10 height gives her some length. Last year she only appeared in 16 of the 87 sets Holy Cross played. [player_tooltip player_id='622282' first='Emerson' last='Wolfe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='536721' first='Ana' last='Woods'], two of the better pins in the WCAC take up half of the positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next year stands out as a critical year for Aubrey as she attempts to win a spot on the varsity. The best opportunity appears to be middle however, keeping her versatility of playing three positions will increase her value to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middle</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948577"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733eab79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey carried a presence that you noticed on the court. She smacked some balls pretty hard while also mishit some. When she mishit one that intensity rose. You knew she was thinking of making that next hit better. She still needs to work on that full follow through in her swing making sure she moves her arm all the way down instead of stopping after making contact. Completing her swing will create more velocity when she makes contact with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year she fell short of making the varsity roster. [player_tooltip player_id='437441' first='Hunter' last='Ross'] is again expected to spend most of her time hitting outside. With one of last year's middles graduatng this opens up a spot for Bailey to share middle with [player_tooltip player_id='728971' first='Mandela' last='Masimini'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Setter</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733eabdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">First time I noticed Lara at the showcase she was setting into one of the columns as she waited her turn on the court for queens. That caught my eye. With Clair Mo graduated her hope is to set for Langley this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Langley got upset by Marshall in the Regionals, eliminating them from any state bracket participation. Their long time coach also retired after the season. That could mean a lot of changes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='739977' first='Elizabeth' last='Hemberg'] should win one of the setting positions. She is also a strong right side hitter so Langley will probably run a 6/2. Lara is hoping to take the second setter role in the 6/2. <strong>Sophia Robertson</strong> is the one returning setter from the varsity. The team as a whole graduated three setters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Left Side</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["979547"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a66c733eac77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She has a good swing when hitting from the left side. At 5'10" she also brings some good length. She plays club for the Metro South team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Natalee plays for Ireton. She finished third on her team in kills. The top two kill leaders have graduated so the offense could be relying on Natalee next year. She also showed a pretty good serve finishing second on the team in aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Ireton finished fifth in their conference. They have previous top performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730577' first='Anna' last='Hudson']</strong> returning at the Libero position. They graduated nine seniors from last year's team so a lot of opportunity exists for the younger players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->