Initial 2030 Watch List: First, Second Contact S/DS Specialists

Good hitters find ways to put down balls across the net no matter what. However, good first touches that lead to solid sets help even great hitters put more power into balls. These five setters and defensive specialists have done a good job with those respective contacts.    Cassel (pictured) has made the expected impact for the Panthers. She has outstanding touches on balls and does not lock her arms. Cassel makes good decisions where to set balls and takes advantage of the numerous two to three-point passes she receives. It helps that one of those hitters is her older sister Quinn. Cassel does a good job stepping to balls and setting up the FRA offensive rhythm. Cassel is also an aggressive server. Cassel has 268 assists, 15 aces and 74 digs on the season so far.     Amano is another big reason for Franklin Road Academy's 11-2 start with a spotless 7-0 record in Division II-A District 3 action. Amano is sound on serve reception and defense. Amano takes minimal steps to form walls around balls for nice two to three-point passes. Amano uses solid range to cover ground quickly and does not try to do too much. Amano can handle well-struck balls, only lunging when needed, yet under control. Amano makes good adjustment on redirected balls and has nice topspin on her jump serves. Amano has 135 digs and 40 aces for the Panthers on the season.     Peek splits time running the offense with another freshman for the Fighting Irish. Peek has great touch on her sets, not locking her arms. Peek does a great job executing a variety of sets including back sets. She involves a number of hitters and makes nice first contacts. Peek has 218 assists and 62 digs helping Notre Dame start 17-9 overall and 3-0 in Division II-A District 2 action.     Cobb is trying to turn into a sound all-around player for the Lightning. Cobb is consistent in the back row. Cobb runs back to send balls hit over her head back toward the net. Cobb makes quality out of system sets and goes up for blocks with a purpose. Cobb is a sound solo blocker. She recovers quickly when blocks carom off her hands to keep plays alive. Cobb also takes quality swings in the front and back row.     Borendame has come into high school and made quick contributions for the Stars. Borendame is productive in the back row. Borendame executes both bump and overhead passes and provides nice net backup. Borendame has developed good range to keep plays alive and makes good adjustments on redirected balls. Borendame has 73 digs for Siegel so far on the season.    Note from Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigkentucky/#">prepdigkentucky</a>, @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigtennessee/#">prepdigtennessee</a> or @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigoh/#">prepdigoh</a> on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy, @PrepDigTN or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky, Tennessee or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky or Tennessee rankings, please email Mike at michaelgraham@prepdig.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount on yearly subscriptions, enter code graham30 at checkout.

Good hitters find ways to put down balls across the net no matter what. However, good first touches that lead to solid sets help even great hitters put more power into balls. These five setters and defensive specialists have done a good job with those respective contacts.