BACK COURT BUZZ: Part Two — Players to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The back row keeps getting better!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colorado's Class of 2029&nbsp; has no shortage of players making an impact behind the attack line. Some bring steady serve receive. Others have a knack for finding tough digs. Then, there are the players who can do a little bit of everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is what makes this group so fun to watch. The best defenders are not just waiting for the ball to come their way. They are reading, communicating, moving, and finding ways to keep their team in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part Two brings four more Class of 2029 players who are creating some serious Back Court Buzz. Let's take a look!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='997835' first='Paige' last='Clapper']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["997835"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa89f1f6a1e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clapper brings a calm, consistent presence to the back row. She stays steady in serve receive and works hard to keep her team in system. Additionally, she communicates well with her libero and understands how to work together defensively. Clapper can also become an offensive option when her team needs it, giving her another way to contribute. As the season continues, we are excited to see her role grow and watch how that development carries forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1006828' first='Reagan' last='Hogg']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1006828"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa89f1f6a22e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hogg continues to show her versatility while playing against Riverdale High School. She has already made an impact on both sides of the ball this season. In fact, Hogg is hitting .500 while also recording 12 digs. That combination shows just how many ways she can contribute during a match. Furthermore, her ability to stay involved offensively and defensively makes her an intriguing player to keep watching as the season moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='900202' first='Allison' last='Barela']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["900202"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa89f1f6a25b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barela is the kind of player whose work ethic is easy to spot. She does not hesitate to sprint to her base after serving or between plays. That constant readiness gives her a strong foundation as she continues developing in the libero role. Additionally, Barela reads the game well and stays steady when the ball comes her way. She is eager to make a play, and that mentality is exactly what we love to see from a young defender. There is plenty of potential here, and Barela is a name we will be watching closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='764230' first='Layla' last='Mitchell']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764230"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa89f1f6a27d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mitchell anticipates what is coming next, and that instinct makes her tough to beat in the back row. She stays ready for the tip, roll shot, or swipe and refuses to let an easy ball drop. Moreover, she is consistently putting up 10-plus digs per game while helping keep her team in the fight. That kind of defensive production matters when rallies get long and every ball becomes important. Mitchell continues to show why being ready before the ball is attacked can make such a big difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Back Court Buzz</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The back row continues to be full of players who know how to make an impact. Clapper brings consistency and versatility. Hogg shows she can contribute all over the court. Barela brings the work ethic and defensive instincts we love to see. Mitchell continues to prove how valuable anticipation can be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the season moves forward, we will be watching how these players continue to grow. There is plenty of volleyball ahead, and this group is giving us plenty of reasons to keep watching!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, rankings, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->