Bros Leading the DMV Top 20 Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If a team struggles passing they also struggle winning. The below top 20 teams carry some good liberos who can keep their team in system. That allows their setters to feed their hitters. Below our third top twenty high school ranking for the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, this one focusing on their liberos that make winning easier. A fourth final ranking will occur after the state playoffs are complete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 <strong>Bishop O'Connell </strong>(30-3) LR 1 - They went 4-3 playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona. They finished 11th out of 32 teams in the National Division, the highest level of the tournament. They took Mira Costa to three sets. If they could have beaten Mira Costa they would have played the number one team in the country Mater Dei. Instead, Mira Costa played Mater Dei and lost in three. Overall, the Knights finished 4-3. Locally, they have still not lost a set, going 26-0 in DMV matches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755675' first='Charlotte' last='Nelson']</strong> gets most of the libero playing time with her incredible defensive plays. She has committed to Fairfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892024' first='Claire' last='Kennedy']</strong> also gets significant playing time rotating into the libero position in the second set. They recently swept past Flint Hill 25-17, 25-14, 25-12. Only three the 78 DMV sets played have seen DMV teams reach 20 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 <strong>Annapolis Area Christian</strong> (23-3) LR 2 - Since their return from Durango in Las Vegas, where they finished 4-3 they have strung together a 13 match winning streak where they have yet to lose a set. They did lose two sets early in the season, one against Paul VI and another against Holy Cross. O'Connell swept both teams. Both Annapolis and O'Connell have taken similar paths in national tournaments, except the Knights won their first three matches while the Eagles lost their first three matches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='896390' first='Harper' last='Walker']</strong> is their primary libero but like the Knights they have a nice back up in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='781700' first='Gianna' last='Bonnett']</strong>. Both players have won top performer awards at Prep Dig showcases with Gianna capturing an MVP nod.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>West Springfield</strong> (22-0) LR 3 - Their 39 match winning streak in the last two years now ranks fifth best in the country according to MaxPreps. They have only lost two sets all year, the first to Hayfield to open the season and the second most recently to Lake Braddock. They only have two more matches to play before the District playoffs begin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725456"],"_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-6ad258ddd0acb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Audrey was the libero for West Springfield last year when they won the state championship. The previous year she was listed as a defensive specialist but still led the team in digs. With Audrey patrolling the back row the last three years the team is 82-4. With [player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks'] setting a 5/1 during that time the first two contacts for most rallies begin with Busch then Dierks then the kill. Last year Audrey earned a spot as the libero on the Class 6 All State second team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Audrey also spent a little time on their basketball team as a sophomore playing guard. This accounts for her athleticism and hustle when playing on the volleyball court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Audry has committed to Mary Washington. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 <strong>Holy Cross </strong>(15-2-1) LR 6 - They lost two of their first three matches, but those came against Bishop O'Connell and Annapolis Area Christian. They won the Battle of Bethesda tournament beating Richard Montgomery in the finals after splitting with them in pool play. They also knocked off Broadneck in four, the class 4 Maryland state champion from last year. It was a disappointing season for the Tartans last year, losing in the semi-finals of the WCAC which broke a streak of appearing in the finals for 13 consecutive years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='472384' first='Kate' last='Bickel']</strong> has been their libero for the last three years. It would be hard to find a more consistent passer. She has also acted as an emergency setter. She has committed to Cornel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>Richard Montgomery</strong> (14-1-1) LR 4 - The only blemish on their record is against Holy Cross, where they tied them then lost to them in the championship at the Battle of Bethesda. Last year Churchill knocked them out of the playoffs, preventing them from winning their third straight championship. This year they have beaten Churchill twice. A big match comes next week when they battle the undefeated Wootten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491007"],"_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-6ad26fc93db86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ana was a defensive specialist as a frosh when the Rockets won their first championship. Next year she won the libero position with her back row play giving them a second state championship. Last year was a bit of a disappointment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ana is the fourth ranked libero in the class of 2027, but the highest ranked libero that has yet to commit. All three liberos ranked ahead of her have committed to a Division I college. One libero ([player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']) even won the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year award last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her older sister Ema won the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year a couple years ago and her current teammate [player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell'] could be the favorite to win the award this year. Ana shares the captain responsibilities with [player_tooltip player_id='536719' first='Katherine' last='Mitchell']. Certainly, a player worthy of consideration if you are looking for back row excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>Ocean Lakes </strong>(18-2) LR 5 - Their only two losses have come against Bishop O'Connell in the Virginia Volleyball Showcase early in the year and to Landstown in a grueling five setter. In their most recent outing against Landstown they got some revenge with a sweep. While there are no current rosters for Ocean Lakes sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1053081' first='Charlotte' last='Nguyen']</strong> appears to be getting time there. At 5'8" she has good height for a libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>Madison </strong>(19-3-1) LR 9 - They were swept in a tournament by West Springfield. However, they have won their last eight matches, including two sweeps against Chantilly. This puts them in control of the Concord Division. They rely on two smaller outsides, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth']</strong> for much of their offense. Laila plays libero for Metro and has committed to Oklahoma. Chloe at one time was a defensive specialist, until the coach saw the power in her right arm and put her on the outside. She has committed to Colby. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744471' first='Olivia' last='Harris']</strong> is their main libero on the court. With three liberos on the court at the same time the Warhawks can control the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>Howard</strong> (13-2) LR 7 - They lost a wild five setter against last year's Class 2 state champion Glenelg, who won in a reverse sweep. They also lost to number two Annapolis Area Christian. A big match against Class 4 state champion Broadneck awaits them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849875' first='Rishana' last='Majumdar']</strong> appears to have taken over the libero position for the Lions. She plays for Maryland Juniors. Last year's libero <strong>Miranda Ball</strong> has graduated leaving Rishana with big shoes to fill. She profiles herself as loud and extroverted on the court, enough to put her on our watch list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9.<strong> Georgetown Day</strong> (7-6) LR 10 - They lost five matches in Florida early in the season with many positions they still needed to fill due to graduation. They lost to Paul VI but beat both Flint Hill and Potomac School to take control of their conference (ISL). The Mighty Hoppers are still the top team in the DC area. Their strength is clearly in their pin hitters with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377396' first='Alexa' last='Telly']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750050' first='Raquel' last='Telly']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437985' first='Zora' last='Dimbo']</strong>. They also picked up a top ranked libero from Reservoir in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755672' first='Jaylin' last='Park']</strong>. Jaylin has committed to Emory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10 <strong>Handley </strong>(16-1) LR 8 - The Judges started their season off hot, winning their first 15 games of the season. That included wins over four time defending class 4 state champion James Wood and a win over Millbrook. In their second meeting Millbrook gave the Judges their first loss, winning in five by taking the last two matches. With only three matches left Handley still leads Millbrook. Unclear who is libero on their varsity team at this point. <strong>Coletta King</strong> was playing the position in one video I watched but two other liberos are named on the roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. <strong>Grafton </strong>(17-0) LR 11 - The Clippers still have not lost a match however their schedule is not as challenging as some of the teams on this top 20 list. They did send Jamestown to their only loss in a 5 set win. Grafton won it in a reverse sweep with the last set 15-13. They have another match against Jamestown next week. The two sisters, middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465315' first='Ana' last='Breckons'] </strong>and left side<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='883712' first='Alivia' last='Breckons']</strong> generate most of the offense. Setting the tone for the offense appears to be the job of libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1053087' first='Emma' last='DeLaHunt']</strong>. Emma also plays soccer for Grafton, as well as volleyball for [program_tooltip program_id='498498' first='Virginia' last='Wave'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. <strong>Fort Defiance </strong>(18-1) LR 13 - Their only loss was a sweep by Turner Ashby. Not too sure what happened there but Turner Ashby is on our list to be watched. Fort Defiance recovered after that loss and won five straight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["809104"],"_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-6ad29fb27bb59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She ranks 201 in our class of 2027. At first blush that may not be something to get excited about in a libero. She does a pretty good job keeping balls in play for an 18-1 Fort Defiance, leading the team in digs and aces. Her teammate [player_tooltip player_id='845331' first='Caroline' last='Hanger'] leads the team in kills and service aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After you look at her playing history perhaps that ranking should rise. Norah made the second team All state for the Class 2 libero position. She has also surpassed 1,000 digs. And when you watch her video she is not afraid to hit the floor. Her feet move fast across the floor allowing her to get to balls others can only watch drop. At one time she was a hitter so she knows a hitters mentality, using that to improve her reads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A state title could get her more recognition. As a class of 2027 she has yet to commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13<strong> Millbrook</strong> (14-1) LR none - Millbrook took Handley down for their first loss taking the 5th set 15-13. They have also beaten Briar Woods, who was ranked 12th in our last ranking. There lone loss came against Handley in a five setter early in the year.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='437980' first='Katherine' last='Madden'] </strong>plays club for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']. She is one of the top ranked liberos in the area, ranking at number 58 in the class of 2027. She can certainly keep the team in system for their impressive pins <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530280' first='Lora' last='Totcheva']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536738' first='Avery' last='Fauver']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. <strong>George Marshall </strong>(19-3) LR 14 -After a loss to Langley the Statesman ran off a seven game winning streak, including a win over Langley. The latest win against Langley puts them ahead in the Liberty District. Prior to Langley their only two other losses were to Grassfield and West Springfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='965034' first='Lily' last='Davison']</strong> has taken over the Libero role for Marshal. She leads the team in digs and service aces. One of the glues that keeps this offense intact with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438068' first='Ayla' last='Sayd']</strong> finishing things off whipping balls from the left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. <strong>Glenelg</strong> (13-2) LR 18 - Last year they won the class 2 Maryland state championship with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li']</strong> running a 5/1. This year she is setting a 6/2 with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749358' first='Eva' last='Bujanauskas']</strong> setting while Jesica hits right side. They have lost to Urbana and Reservoir but they have beaten Howard. Their roster does not list a libero and [player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li'] leads the team in digs, as well as assists, kills and service aces. Defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1007227' first='Sara' last='Kwon']</strong> seems to get most of the opportunities, second in digs and third in assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16. <strong>Atlee</strong> (14-0) LR not ranked - They just keep winning with sweeps of their last eight opponents. They have beaten their closest rival in the Capital Division Mechanicsville twice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["742415"],"_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-6ad40b60d90bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Setter [player_tooltip player_id='770059' first='Allece' last='Anderson'] and left side [player_tooltip player_id='919428' first='Sophia' last='Childress'] have impressed me with their play at Prep Dig Showcases and [player_tooltip player_id='464573' first='Blake' last='Crawford'] is a terror from the left side even with her left handed swing. I have yet to see Khloe play but her video impressed showing off her quick feet and good reads. It is difficult for teams to win without solid liberos. The Raiders seem to have that with Khloe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She generates the offense with good passes while keeping rallies going playing solid defense. For River City the videos seem to show her playing the defensive specialist position, but she plays her base well positioning deep for middle back. It appears she does have some hands for setting. Getting into the state championship will give her a little more exposure, possibly improving on that 224 ranking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17. <strong>Northern</strong> (12-1) LR unranked - Another team that continues to win. Their only loss came against Urbana however their victories have all been sweeps. They have no completed rosters on MaxPreps or their school website but they have two ranked lefties that swing right side in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908869' first='Naomi' last='Kolo']</strong> and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='515489' first='Chloe' last='Canetto']</strong>. Chloe has committed to Florida State. With no rosters it is difficult to identify the libero. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18.<strong> Independence</strong> (15-3) LR unranked - After losing two of their first three matches and finishing 6-12 last year not a lot was expected of Independence this year. I saw some talent on their roster with frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849196' first='Leyla' last='Landry']</strong> hitting outside but that also included <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290176' first='Kieran' last='Rhoton']</strong> playing. She appears to be sitrting her senior season out. After their 1-2 start they raced to a 14 match winning streak before a recent sweep by Gainesville. In the brief match I watched <strong>Arianna Melendez-Morales</strong> handled libero duties. Arianna does not appear in our rankings and lacks a club footprint. In the brief time of watching Independence play I did not see enough of her to make an assessment. Independence lacks roster information.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19. <strong>Lightridge </strong>(14-3) LR unranked - Lightridge brought out a big win against Briar Woods that put them atop the Potomac Division standings. Earlier in the season they lost a five set match against Briar Woods. Their other two losses have come against Potomac Falls and Loudoun County. Last year they lost to Potomac Falls all four times they played them, but this year they have beaten them once. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='545727' first='Giuliana' last='Mastrangelo']</strong> stands out with both her hitting and blocking. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='772028' first='Sofia' last='Gelston'] </strong>fills their libero role. She plays for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 ranking 76 in the class of 2028. Early in her club career she hit outside for the Paramount second team despite her 5'7" height. Sofia was the libero for the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 first team last year when they finished second in the National Division in Junior Nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>20<strong> Briar Woods</strong> (14-3) LR 13 - They lost their most recent match to Lightridge. They have also lost to Millbrook and Potomac Falls, two other very competitive teams. Senior <strong>Kaitlan Tan</strong> appears to be their main libero while sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881831' first='Allison' last='Tan']</strong> fills the role as defensive specialist. Kaitlan does not appear in our rankings while Allison ranks 136 in the class of 2029. Winning a state championship could put both in the spot light for rankings, although for Kaitlan (2027) her appearance would come a bit late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>On the Bubble</strong> - <strong>Turner Ashby</strong> (18-2), <strong>Colonial Forge</strong> (14-2) and <strong>Chantilly</strong> (11-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dropped Out </strong>- <strong>Grassfield</strong> (14-2), <strong>Flint Hill</strong> (14-7), <strong>Paul VI</strong> (19-10), <strong>South County</strong> (14-5-1), <strong>Oakton</strong> (13-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->