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<p>The 2029 class is bringing plenty of defensive talent to the court, and these six defenders have officially earned their spots in the rankings! Each one brings a different strength to the back row. From serve receive stability to court awareness, anticipation, and relentless defense, this group knows how to make plays happen.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 Finlee Holman</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Finlee Holman has been a familiar name on our radar, and now she officially lands at #8 in the 2029 DS/L rankings! Holman brings the kind of reliability that coaches value in the back row. She moves efficiently, communicates with purpose, and stays composed when serve receive gets difficult. More importantly, she consistently works to create a controlled first contact. Even when the ball comes in tough, Holman finds a way to manage it and keep the offense moving. That steady presence has continued to stand out throughout her development.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Arianna Clarose</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Arianna Clarose checks in at #10, and this ranking feels like a strong reflection of the impact she continues to make defensively. She has taken on a big role anchoring the back row for Rampart. Following a successful national championship run with her club team, Clarose has carried that confidence into her high school season. She reads the court well and stays engaged throughout the rally. Additionally, her consistency allows her to handle a high volume of defensive responsibility. Clarose is establishing herself as one of the 2029 defenders to watch.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#14 Cadyn Pletkovic</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Cadyn Pletkovic has been climbing our radar, and now she officially holds the #14 spot in the 2029 DS/L rankings! Her court awareness immediately catches your attention. Pletkovic tracks the action well and often seems ready for the play before it develops. That anticipation allows her to cover plenty of ground behind the block. At the same time, she brings consistency to serve receive and works hard to keep Riverdale Ridge in system. Her ability to combine awareness with dependable first contact makes her a fun defender to keep watching.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#17 Eden Lopez</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Eden Lopez brings plenty of range to this 2029 defensive group! Lopez is a quick-moving libero who covers space well and refuses to give up on difficult balls. Her athleticism helps her extend plays, but there is more to her game than simply making the big save. She has continued developing her technical skills, and that work is showing on the court. Meanwhile, Lopez brings energy and communication to the back row. She understands how important her voice can be, and that leadership helps elevate the defense around her.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#21 Paige Clapper</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Paige Clapper earns the #21 spot after continuing to show just how valuable a calm defender can be. She does not need to make every play flashy. Instead, Clapper consistently handles her responsibilities in serve receive and works to keep her team organized. She communicates well with the players around her, especially when working alongside her libero. That defensive connection helps create a more dependable back row. Clapper also gives her team another option offensively when needed, adding another layer to her overall game. Now ranked, she is a player whose continued development will be worth following.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">#22 Layla Mitchell</h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Layla Mitchell checks in at #22, bringing one of the most important defensive traits to this ranking: anticipation. Mitchell stays engaged before the ball is attacked, which allows her to react quickly to tips, roll shots, and other changes of pace. She consistently finds ways to keep rallies alive and does not let easy balls fall. Her defensive production has also remained steady throughout the season. More importantly, Mitchell understands that great defense starts before the contact happens. That instinct, combined with her willingness to stay active every rally, makes her a well-earned addition to the 2029 rankings.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More 2029 Talent to Watch</h2>
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<p>This 2029 defensive group is just getting started, and there is plenty more talent to keep on the radar as the season continues. We will be watching closely as these players continue to develop and make their mark on the court!</p>
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<p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p>
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The 2029 class is bringing plenty of defensive talent to the court, and these six defenders have officially earned their spots in the rankings! Each one brings a different strength to the back row. From serve receive stability to court awareness, anticipation, and relentless defense, this group knows how to make plays happen.
Finlee Holman has been a familiar name on our radar, and now she officially lands at #8 in the 2029 DS/L rankings! Holman brings the kind of reliability that coaches value in the back row. She moves efficiently, communicates with purpose, and stays composed when serve receive gets difficult. More importantly, she consistently works to create a controlled first contact. Even when the ball comes in tough, Holman finds a way to manage it and keep the offense moving. That steady presence has continued to stand out throughout her development.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Arianna Clarose checks in at #10, and this ranking feels like a strong reflection of the impact she continues to make defensively. She has taken on a big role anchoring the back row for Rampart. Following a successful national championship run with her club team, Clarose has carried that confidence into her high school season. She reads the court well and stays engaged throughout the rally. Additionally, her consistency allows her to handle a high volume of defensive responsibility. Clarose is establishing herself as one of the 2029 defenders to watch.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Cadyn Pletkovic has been climbing our radar, and now she officially holds the #14 spot in the 2029 DS/L rankings! Her court awareness immediately catches your attention. Pletkovic tracks the action well and often seems ready for the play before it develops. That anticipation allows her to cover plenty of ground behind the block. At the same time, she brings consistency to serve receive and works hard to keep Riverdale Ridge in system. Her ability to combine awareness with dependable first contact makes her a fun defender to keep watching.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Eden Lopez brings plenty of range to this 2029 defensive group! Lopez is a quick-moving libero who covers space well and refuses to give up on difficult balls. Her athleticism helps her extend plays, but there is more to her game than simply making the big save. She has continued developing her technical skills, and that work is showing on the court. Meanwhile, Lopez brings energy and communication to the back row. She understands how important her voice can be, and that leadership helps elevate the defense around her.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Paige Clapper earns the #21 spot after continuing to show just how valuable a calm defender can be. She does not need to make every play flashy. Instead, Clapper consistently handles her responsibilities in serve receive and works to keep her team organized. She communicates well with the players around her, especially when working alongside her libero. That defensive connection helps create a more dependable back row. Clapper also gives her team another option offensively when needed, adding another layer to her overall game. Now ranked, she is a player whose continued development will be worth following.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Layla Mitchell checks in at #22, bringing one of the most important defensive traits to this ranking: anticipation. Mitchell stays engaged before the ball is attacked, which allows her to react quickly to tips, roll shots, and other changes of…
This 2029 defensive group is just getting started, and there is plenty more talent to keep on the radar as the season continues. We will be watching closely as these players continue to develop and make their mark on the court!
For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!
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