Small School All Stars (1A-3A)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the season, we spend plenty of time highlighting the top end talent across Arizona, recognizing the players who continue to stand out and make their mark on the court. Today, however, we want to shine a spotlight on a group that deserves just as much recognition, the small school all stars who are putting together outstanding seasons and proving they can compete with anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While these athletes may not always receive the same attention as players from the larger programs, their talent speaks for itself. We've had the opportunity to watch several of these players compete against some of Arizona's best talent at tournaments throughout the season, and they've consistently shown that their level of play translates regardless of the competition. They aren't just dominating at the small school level; they're holding their own, making an impact, and proving they belong in the conversation with the state's top players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882808"],"_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-6ace81da0891f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nicole was a player of the year the year last year in 1A and has been a big part of Cicero's 3 straight state titles. Overall, Nicole is a unique offensive weapon who brings a different dimension to the setter position with her ability to run an offense and make an impact as an attacker. As a left handed setter, she presents a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, particularly with how well she can put the ball away when given the opportunity. Nicole does a nice job distributing the ball and keeping her offense moving, while her ability to score herself adds another layer to her game. She is also a top level defender with her blocking and defense in the back row as well, continually getting big blocks or getting digs to help keep her team in system. She is the type of player who can play at any level for any team, but is a top level player in 1A and a small school all star as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["784641"],"_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-6ace81da08980"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sadie is a high level middle who is a small school all star, but would be an all star at any school she is at. She is a major presence at the net, bringing an impressive combination of size, offensive efficiency, and blocking ability to the middle position. Standing tall and playing with confidence, she has been a top level offensive producer, hitting over .500 and showcasing her ability to consistently turn opportunities into points. Sadie does an excellent job making the most of her attacking chances, giving her team a reliable scoring option in the middle of the court. Defensively, she is equally impactful, using her size and presence at the net to create problems for opposing hitters. Her blocking ability makes her a force at the net, capable of changing the opposition's offensive approach and taking away attacking options. She has been doing this for a few years and has been all conference and a state champion for Valley Christian in her time there. Sadie's ability to dominate on both sides of the net makes her a standout Small School All Star and a middle who can impact a match in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808126"],"_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-6ace81da089cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rylan has made an impressive return from injury this season, quickly establishing herself as one of the top offensive weapons in the 3A. Currently she is leading Seton Catholic in kills and ranks among the top kill leaders in 3A. She has proven her ability to consistently produce points and carry a significant offensive load for her team this season. Overall, what makes Rylan particularly valuable is that her impact extends well beyond her attacking ability. She contributes in serve receive and defensively, bringing the kind of all around skill set that allows her to stay on the court and make an impact in every rotation. Her movement across the court stands out, as she covers ground well and transitions effectively between her responsibilities in the back row and at the net. Coming back from injury and immediately becoming a key piece of Seton's offense speaks to the value she brings to the lineup. Rylan is a well rounded pin who has established herself as a Small School All Star based on her game play this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1044513"],"_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-6ace81da08a16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A freshman who is making a huge impact for her team, and is a big time all star for Glendale Prep, Delaney is making waves with her season and has a chance to be getting votes for the all conference team. Over 3 kills a set, while hitting over .250 with a 40% kill rate really is a great stat line for any player, let alone a freshman. She is doing it all for Glendale Prep as well with her ability to be a 6 rotational pin who passes and serves to a high level as well. Offense is where she really shines though, as she can hit any ball set to her and doesn't matter if it is in system or out of system she can score points. Glendale Prep is a top 5 team this season and Delaney is a big reason why with her all around game play as a pin hitters, and ability to impact the game in so many ways. She is a name to know in the coming years if she keeps this up and is a Small School All Star at the moment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882728"],"_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-6ace81da08a5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Megan has been running the offense for the Eagles for two years and has been doing so at a high level. She has long been a high level setter that has been on our radar for the last two years and she knows how to distribute the ball, keep her hitters involved, and create an effective offensive rhythm. Megan does an excellent job of leading the offense and giving her team the opportunity to attack from multiple positions, making the Eagles a difficult team to prepare for. Beyond her setting ability, she brings additional value with her serving and defensive contributions in the back row, allowing her to impact the game in multiple ways. Her ability to direct a high level offense while contributing in other areas makes her a key piece of the Eagles' success. As a Small School All Star, Megan stands out as a setter who can control the tempo of a match, elevate the players around her, and help lead her team on a legitimate run toward a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806779"],"_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-6ace81da08aa5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chandler Prep has a number 1 ranking and has a lot of young talent that is leading the way. One girl doing a great job leading them is their libero Micaela who is playing to a significantly high level with her game play. She is playing at an exceptionally high level, providing a steady presence in the back row and helping set the tone for the team defensively. Micaela's ability to read the game, get into position, and make plays on the ball allows her to give her teammates opportunities to transition into offense. As a libero, her impact goes beyond the stat sheet, bringing consistency and confidence to a young roster that continues to perform at a high level. She is just that steady player which all teams need to preform at a high level. She is someone you can pencil in to have a good game, each and every match. Her ability to anchor the back row and help keep Chandler Prep playing at a championship level makes her a deserving Small School All Star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["826562"],"_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-6ace81da08aec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">PCDS has a lot of talent and a lot of arms that you can choose from when it comes to someone who is an all star but Jodie really seems as someone who is going to be the dominate player that gets them over the hump this year. Jodie is a big presence at the net, and is someone who contributes massively both with her offense and defense. Offensively, Jodie brings an attacking presence that opposing defenses have to account for (both in the middle and right side), using her size and swing to generate power and put pressure on the opposing block. She gives PCDS a legitimate scoring option who can finish plays at the net and help establish the offensive tempo and she can be that go to option when it is needed. Defensively, she is equally impactful, using her length and presence to challenge hitters and take away attacking angles. Her blocking ability makes her a difficult matchup for opposing offenses. Overall, Jodie is a top level player on a top level team and makes her a Small School All Star. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["891937"],"_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-6ace81da08b32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilbert Christian is the team to beat this year in 3A it seems like. They are currently 14-0 and hold the number 1 ranking in 3A, and a big reason why is their setter Quinn. Quinn is 2nd in 3A in assists at the moment and has the offense humming right now with her decision making and ability to put the hitters in a great spot to get points. She is able to get her hands on a lot of balls, and has the strength and technique to deliver great balls whether the pass is in system or out of system. She also helps with her serving and defense, and contributes almost every play to her teams success. She has that full package of setting, defense, and serving that we love to see in all the setters. With Gilbert Christian sitting atop the 3A rankings, Quinn is a player to watch as the team continues its pursuit of a state title and is a clear Small School All Star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1051418"],"_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-6ace81da08b78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brielle is leading St. David in so many ways this season, and doing so as a freshman! She leads the team in kills and is also running the offense as a setter when she isn't hitting. She really does it all for St. David, and has helped them to a 14-1 record this season and a top 2 ranking in 1A. As a hitter she has a lot of control and can really put the ball where she wants and seems to have a high IQ as she takes what the defense is giving her. However, she does have a good arm swing and can get a lot behind the ball with pace when she needs to. She also does a good job running the offense as the setter, putting the ball in good locations for her hitters and being a threat as an offensive setter with her dumps and ability to score that way. As one of the top players in 1A this year, she was a clear choice for a Small School All Star. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836586"],"_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-6ad7d43c32d1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noelle is having a great season for Blue Ridge and is not only the top kill person in 3A, but she is also top 10 for the whole state. As an pin hitter, she is someone who can score in bunches and isn't afraid of the block or the type of defense on the other side. Noelle is a high volume attacker who consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses, forcing teams to account for her whenever she moves into the front row. She also can help at the net with her blocking, doing a good job taking up space and angles from opposing hitters each match. She is someone who might be the best player at the net in the small school division. Overall, she was an easy pick to be a Small School All Star based on her season so far! </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 -->