October Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>October is coming to an end so I wanted to dive into some players who had a really good month and are players we see as some of the top performers. Obviously throughout the state and conferences there are many players who would qualify for top performers but these 9 really stood out to us when it came to their numbers, game play, and overall ability to impact the game for the month. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the regular season coming to an end this week, we expect a lot of these girls to impact the playoffs as well, and we will expect a few new names to surprise us as well. Congrats to everyone on a great season so far! We can wait to see what happens in the coming weeks for the state playoffs as well! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["509700"],"_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-6ae0dc947aa9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Izzie has had a great season and has really had a great month in October. Currently leading the state in digs, she has gone up another level by averaging over 5 digs a set and closer to 6 over the course of the season. She is a top level defender and should be an all conference selection come postseason time along with DPOY candidate as well. As for her game, she reads the game to a very high level and most teams have to plan to keep the ball away from her when it comes to their game plans. A big problem is she reads the game so that well that in reality she can take up a ton of space with her ability to take all seams in both serve receive and defense. She gets a ton of touches on balls that most liberos can't get to, but her range and anticipation is just elite when it comes to her overall game play. Most impressively she has great form and technique and is someone who others can look at for the type of libero they want to become. Her range, ability to play defense, and the energy she plays with make her an easy pick for October top performers and someone who can be a difference maker for Casteel come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749268"],"_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-6ae0dc947ab00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For a full season averaging over 5 kills a set is an exceptional stat and Ashlyn is doing that while also hitting over .300 and killing that ball at over a 48% rate. She is quite literally unstoppable at times for Ironwood Ridge and is someone who should be getting some votes for all conference and player of the year for her conference as we head to the end of the season. She is the type of offensive talent coaches dream of when it comes to her ability to score and the ways which she goes about to do it. She can score from all over the floor and can take any out of system ball, or set that isn't perfect and turn it into a scoring chance for her team. She gets a lot of power behind the ball, and is capable of going through and around blocks when the time calls for it as well. A number of times this season a block will be set and she will just tool it or hit sharper angles around the block. She isn't just an offensive force as she can play all 6 rotations and play it to a high level. She moves very well and gets her arms and feet in a great position to pass the ball and keep her team in system. She is the full package when it comes to a 6 rotational pin, and someone who had a great October and is one of the top performer of the month. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901142"],"_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-6ae0dc947ab50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ironwood has been doing well this season and has gotten contributions from a number of areas, one area is their defense and leading that charge is Malie. Her stats warrant some eyes to fall on her with how well she is doing, she currently is 8th in 5A in digs and is averaging over 5 digs a set at the moment. She does well in serve receive and defense with her ability to get her feet behind the ball and her arms in a great angle to the target to keep her team in system. She moves very well and can cover a lot of ground to get balls to the corner or off speed shots all around the floor. Malie plays with a ton of energy and communicates very well with her teammates in terms of what she sees on defense and serve receive. A libero who is an excellent with her ability to play to a high level, communicate, and always getting good touches on the ball make her an easy pick as a top performer especially with the numbers she is putting up game in and game out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["779409"],"_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-6ae0dc947ab99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paige is having a great season this year and currently leads the state in assists and aces. Leading the conference in two categories is impressive but leading the state in two, now that is a really impressive feat. Her setting game has always been impressive to us, as she can run a fast offense and seems to know who to get the ball to and when. She has soft hands that are also strong that allow her to set the difficult sets to get hitters the one on one match up they need to score points. Paige's ability to control the tempo of the offense, make smart decisions, and distribute the ball effectively makes her a major offensive weapon and it is easy to see why she has so many assists. On top of her setting ability, her serving has been a major asset this season, as she continues to put pressure on opposing teams and generate points from the service line. She is always getting multiple aces a match, and even when teams do pass well, hardly seem to get in system on her serves. Her ability to do well in multiple areas and to a high level have really made her a top performer this month. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806073"],"_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-6ae0dc947abe0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The road to the finals in 2A is most likely going to go through one of the top 4 teams currently in 2A, and one of the roads goes through Scottsdale Christian. SCA has a number of weapons but when you ask coaches, and see them play in person, Kaya is the go to threat that teams need to stop and she has been carrying SCA this season with her overall game. Her offense has always been the top part of her game, as she needs multiple blocks in front of her just to show her down a bit, it doesn't seem like many teams have been able to stop her, let alone this month. Beyond her offensive ability, Kaya is also a reliable passer who can contribute in serve receive and help stabilize the back row. She brings a strong blocking presence at the net as well, giving SCA another way to make an impact defensively. With her ability to score points, contribute in multiple phases of the game, and take over when her team needs her most, Kaya is a major reason Scottsdale Christian has a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run and has shown why she is a top performer for the month of October. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["527170"],"_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-6ae0dc947ac2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey has been doing well for Canyon View in their jump from 5A to 6A and is one of the top offensive players in 6A, and should garner some POY for her region and some all conference votes as well. Bailey is a big time threat at the net, whether she is hitting out of the middle or on the pin. She has been able to do it all for Canyon View and just shows how good of a offensive player she is by being this versatile. On offense she has a wide range of shots, and can hit line, deep cross, sharp angle, and can do so from any position on the floor. She also is smart and will take the free tip shots when they arise as well, showing her high IQ as an offensive player. Bailey is very capable in serve receive and gives her team another reliable option in the passing game. Her ability to contribute in both the front and back row adds value to her overall game, making her a versatile pin hitter who can help her team in multiple rotations. She has done well this season overall but is really taking off at the end of her senior season this month. She is someone who can make a big difference come playoff time and is easily a top performer for the month of October. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848347"],"_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-6ae0dc947ac72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aniah is having a great season for Verrado and is leading 5A in hitting percentage and blocks with over 140 blocks. Watching her play you can see why she is such a great blocker as she gets well above the net and reaches across the net taking away a ton of space and angles that hitters need to work with. Even when she isn't getting the block she is effecting the hitters and their ability to score with just her presence at the net. Now, what really makes Aniah so impressive is her ability to impact the game on both sides of the net, as she can shut down opposing hitters defensively before turning around and putting pressure on defenses with her own attacking ability. Her combination of length, timing, and net presence makes her a difficult matchup for opponents and someone who can carry the load on either offense or defense. Most impressively her efficiency as a hitter shows just how valuable she is to Verrado's offense and she doesn't just get kills because of volume, she does so with her IQ and ability to hit the open spots based on the volume she gets. She can carry the load on either side of the net and is someone who brings that type of game play that has helped lead Verrado to their undefeated regular season so far and is for sure someone who is an October top performer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056944"],"_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-6ae0dc947acba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chandler Prep has been doing great this season and is currently ranked in the top 3 for 2A this season. They have a lot of talent on this team, and have been very balanced when it comes to their offense, but one girl stands a bit above the rest and that is Madeline. On offense she plays fearless, and is able to take big swings at the ball regardless of the set or whether she is in system or out of system. Her ability to stay aggressive and find ways to score makes her a tough matchup for opposing defenses, especially when she gets opportunities to attack out of the middle. Madeline also brings a strong presence at the net defensively, where her blocking ability allows her to challenge opposing hitters and take away valuable attacking angles. As a hitter, her ability to contribute on both sides of the net is a major asset, giving Chandler Prep a player who can generate offense while also disrupting opponents at the net. She had a great month in October and is a top performer in our eyes for AZ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056946"],"_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-6ae0dc947ad03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madison is having a great season at the 3A level. She is leading the conference in assists and aces and has helped Payson get to a top 5 ranking in the 3A conference. Madison also finds herself on the leaderboard for AZ as well, as her name is scattered there for her aces and assists as well. As a player Madison is doing a great job with her hands and running the offense at Payson. She is able to get her feet to the ball and put the set in a hittable location for her hitters game in and game out. She also is a great server, leading the conference in aces as she really does a great job hitting the seams hard and attacking any other weakness a team might have in serve receive. She is the complete setter as she is also a good defender in the back row with her defense and ability to keep her team in the point when balls are hit at her. Her overall season has gone great, but she has really elevated her game this month to be one of the top performers from October. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The school season is just getting started, and we can't wait to continue following Arizona athletes and programs throughout the fall! Make sure your <strong>Prep Dig profile is updated</strong> with your current school, position, height, graduation year, and any other important information so our scouts have the most accurate information when evaluating and writing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to stay on our radar this season? <strong>Tag us in your highlights, match schedules, big performances, milestones, and anything else you want us to see.</strong> We want to know where you're playing and how your season is going!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow <strong>Prep Dig Arizona and our Arizona scouts on Instagram</strong> for even more coverage:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigarizona/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@PrepDigArizona</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachmarissamorah/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@CoachMarissaMorah</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdiganthony/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">@PrepDigAnthony</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep working, keep competing, and <strong>keep us updated throughout the school season.</strong> We can't wait to see who makes their mark this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to get on our radar? Register for our upcoming Exposure tour <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2499/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-arizona">here.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->