Bringing the Front Row Fire: High School Standouts of the Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school volleyball is heating up, and the front row is bringing plenty of fire!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week's standouts are finding ways to score, challenge blocks, and make big plays for their teams. Some bring heavy arms, some use athleticism and smart shot selection, and others simply find a way to make something happen when the ball comes their way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='944263' first='Evelyn' last='Traylor']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["944263"],"_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-6aaf0c4763571"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Traylor is coming off a big performance, recording 12 kills while hitting .375 in her latest match. She brings plenty of speed and confidence to her attack, and when she gets a good look, she knows how to take advantage of it. Traylor does a nice job finding open space instead of simply trying to hit through every block. She can change her shot depending on what the defense gives her, which makes her a tough hitter to settle into a rhythm against. That combination of athleticism and decision-making continues to make Traylor an exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='734470' first='Rileigh' last='Dixon']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734470"],"_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-6aaf0c47635d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dixon brings a ton of bounce and competitive energy to the court. At 5'9", she has a way of playing bigger than her listed height, especially when she gets up to challenge the block. She isn't afraid to attack aggressively and will power through the block when she sees an opportunity. Dixon also brings a smart approach to the game and takes on plenty of responsibility throughout each match. She is a leader on the court, and you can see how much she feeds off the energy of her teammates. We are excited to see what this season continues to bring for her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='828838' first='Addison' last='Jenkins-Draffin']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828838"],"_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-6aaf0c4763623"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3", Jenkins-Draffin naturally takes up space at the net, but it's her heavy arm that really creates problems. She can challenge defenders by driving the ball through the block or working the corners when the defense gives her an opening. Jenkins-Draffin has already recorded 135 kills while hitting .234 this season, showing that she is finding ways to produce consistently. Her combination of size and attacking power makes her a difficult matchup whenever she gets into a strong approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elsa Matherly</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000227"],"_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-6aaf0c476366e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matherly brings power from anywhere on the court. Whether she's attacking from the front row or stepping in from the back row, she has the ability to get up and put the ball down with authority. That versatility keeps her involved throughout the match and gives her team another offensive option when the rally gets chaotic. Matherly has already collected 63 kills this season, and after recently committing to UTSA, we are excited to continue watching her finish the season strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hailey Hinrichsen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Hailey Hinrichsen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Heritage","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aaf0c4763710"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'0", Hinrichsen brings plenty of size to the middle for Heritage, but she also has a crafty side to her game. She moves well within the offense, gets involved in different plays, and does a great job connecting with her setter. When she gets the right set, Hinrichsen attacks with ease and doesn't need to force the swing. She has already shown that she can be an efficient offensive option while still using her volleyball IQ to find ways to score. With her next chapter at East Tennessee State University ahead, it's fun to watch her continue to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bringing the Fire</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These five are bringing plenty of energy to the front row, and the season is far from over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From heavy arms and big blocks to crafty attacks and smart decision-making, there are plenty of ways to make an impact at the net. We will keep watching to see which Colorado hitters continue to turn up the heat as the season moves along!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->