Ten Key Players Driving Top District Teams Playoff Run

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Virginia, the District playoffs are approaching. There are close to 50 separate Districts in the state of Virginia. Prep Dig will take a look at 20 of those Districts to identify the top team, then identify the player key to their success. The cautionary tale is because of geographic restrictions I may not have physically seen all these teams play, but at least one player will be identified for their team's success based on other criteria gathered. Ten Districts this week followed by ten more early next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Peninsula </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This appears to be a three team battle between Phoebus (13-1), Woodside (12-1) and Menchville (12-2). Phoebus only loss is to Menchville but they have beaten Woodside. Menchville has lost to Woodside twice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1003797"],"_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-6ada3c5c286df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michelle is the key to making this offense roll. She leads the team in kills with a hitting percentage at .404 while also topping the team in aces. She plays six rotations leading the team in digs while also being part of the serve receive rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 5'9" she is a bit undersized for an outside hitter but she puts the ball to the floor with velocity and bounce. She brings a fast arm swing to her kills as well as good height to her jump to make up for her smaller stature. She also has a lot of bounce to her finish after the ball hits the floor. When blocking she gets her hands over the net, but her blocking is at the middle while her hitting is done from the left side. Her platform for passing is quiet with little movement. Her positions are listed as outside and middle, so it appears she plays a little of both depending on need.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In our most recent ranking she made her debut at number 75, the highest debut for that ranking period. This year as a junior she is ready to make her impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northwestern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally, the two teams that dominate this district over the last decade have been James Wood (7-4) and Millbrook (8-1). This year the Handley Judges (13-1) have been dominating. Kettle Run (12-4) sits a distant third. The schools that comprise this District stretch from Fairfax all the way to Winchester. This makes for some very long road trips for the players. Always a good time to do homework. Or not.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752047"],"_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-6ada3c5c2873f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The biggest impact player for this team would be [player_tooltip player_id='511457' first='Breeze' last='Johnson']. She is a 6'0" setter/right side that broke the Handley record in back to back matches during her frosh season with 30 plus kills. Her focus has been on beach but now that she has committed to the LSU beach team she may be contributing more to the indoor scene. Videos seem to show her playing on the court as a left side hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the players responsible for feeding Breeze to put the ball to the floor is Teagan. She sets for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] with her indoor game also polished by her beach play. She does a good job of mixing up her sets to all quadrants of the net using all her weapons. Her defense is solid, again enhanced by her beach play. This past season Teagan played in both the indoor Junior National championships in Indianapolis and the Beach National championships in Virginia Beach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It appears she has a twin brother <strong>Aaron Braun-Duin</strong> who plays both volleyball and basketball for the Judges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teagan has committed to Liberty. In appears this commitment is to continue her beach career so it appears to be a beach scholarship. This doesn't mean she can't do both.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southwestern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grassfield (11-1) leads this District although they were recently upset by Hickory (10-2). Indian River (9-3) sits at third with two losses to Grassfield and one to Hickory. Hickory has lost to both Indian River and Grassfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["471714"],"_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-6ada3c5c28789"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of my favorite liberos. The only libero ranks higher than her in the class of 2027 is Virginia Gatorade player of the year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'].</strong> With her skill level no surprise to see her commit early to Ole Miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Love her enthusiasm on the court and the coverage she provides with her position. She leads her team in digs and service aces. Her play last year earned her Virginia State Class 6 first team Libero of the Year. This year she is gearing toward a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'7" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734796' first='Benisa' last='Moore']</strong> also contributes with her outside hitting. She also earned a first team nod to the Class 6 first team All State. This helped her ultimately acquire a volleyball commitment to Bridgewater.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future however still appears bright with three frosh <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1008294' first='Brooklyn' last='Cassidy']</strong> contributing at setter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038832' first='Scarlett' last='Lange']</strong> adding to the middle and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054997' first='Sierra' last='Wartick']</strong> prepared to fill an outside hitting position, all showing the skills to take their places on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Neck</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northumberland (8-1) is battling Lancaster (7-1) for the top spot. The Indians lost to Lancaster the first time they played each other but defeated them the second time. Lancaster was without <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer'] </strong>in their second match. She appears to be out for the season so that will have a big impact on Lancaster for the end of the year playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054763"],"_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-6ada79f9865ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'1" Eva carries good height for an outside. She leads her team in kills as well as digs which shows solid six rotation play. Her counterpart at Lancaster <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='768375' first='Alexis' last='VerMeer']</strong> also lists at 6'1" but appears to have more exposure, playing for [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] as well as winning an MVP at a recent Prep Dig showcase. She also made first team Class 1 Virginia All State. Alexis has committed to Iowa. Eva is still relatively unknown in the volleyball environment. A state championship would change that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eva plays for River City Volleyball Academy, which does not get the same attention as [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']. Eva also lacks a big online presence. A player to keep an eye on in the playoffs, especially if they get to the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Valley</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turner Ashby (9-0) and Spotswood (10-1) are the two top teams in this District. In their one outing Turner Ashby swept Spotwood. They have another meeting later next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["768536"],"_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-6ada79f986650"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claire is a 6'1" middle who plays a big part with her team offensively and defensively. She is second on the team in kills with a .355 hitting percentage while leading the team in blocks in the limited statistical data the team has provided.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I saw her play at a Gran Prix tournament and she was one of eleven players who impressed. Her long arm reach combined with her height allowed her to tip a number of shots over the opposing middle blockers. She also hits the quick temp sets well while also turning on overpasses with nasty redirects. A little work on her transition game would give her more opportunities to find herself more engaged in the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claire also grabbed my attention at the Volley by the James tournament. This placed her at number 87 in the Prep Dig rankings for the class of 2028, the 18th ranked middle in the class. Five of those middles have already committed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cardinal</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colgan (10-1) has won this district for nine consecutive seasons however Woodbridge (10-1) has tied them this year. Don't know if they have a tie breaker rule but the two split in regular season play with Colgan winning first in five sets while Woodbridge took the second match in four sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747560"],"_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-6ada79f9866a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Vikings have a talented trio that contributes in most of their rallies. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='960051' first='Caroline' last='Freeman']</strong> is the libero responsible for the pass or dig, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747031' first='Braylin' last='Coacher']</strong> setting a 5/1 distributers the sets while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747560' first='Elliot' last='Dorgan']</strong> is her favorite target to achieve the kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliot gets most of the attention because of her bone crushing spikes. She leads the team in kills however also contributes in the back row with passing and defense, second only to Caroline in digs. She also bangs in a pretty good serve, second to Braylin in service aces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliot ranks number 7 in the class of 2029. The top ten in the class of 2028 have all committed to Division I colleges. If not on your radar now it might be good to get her on the radar soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Concorde</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison (9-0) has been on a late season roll to already clinch this Division. Chantilly (7-2) and Oakton (6-3) are the other contenders but Madison has already swept Chantilly twice and beaten Oakton once in four. Their last match of the regular season is against Oakton this week. They are currently on a nine match winning streak, sweeping all their opponents except one match (Oakton) that went four sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265167"],"_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-6ada79f9866ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It all starts with the Virginia Gatorade player of the year last year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick']</strong>. She plays libero for Metro but for Madison she bangs balls outside with both velocity and location. At 5'8" she is undersized for a front row player but a 9'8" approach jump gets her pretty high above the net. For Madison, she can do it all playing both a premium back row as well as front row. Laila has committed to Oklahoma and ranks number three in the class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She has a counterpart that was also a defensive specialist early in her career in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='359401' first='Chloe' last='Barth']</strong>. She stands 5'9" but carries a strong right arm that can fire missiles into the opponent's side of the court. She has an approach jump of 9'6". Chloe has committed to Colby to be a Mule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those two undersized outsides are driving Madison to the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">National</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top schools in the country for their education has some pretty good volleyball players as well. Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology (13-0) has run away with the National District. Hayfield (10-3) and Annandale (10-3) are their closest pursuers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["888291"],"_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-6ada79f986734"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Kelsey started for the team as a frosh leading them in kills. This year middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='749640' first='Kiara' last='Oguno']</strong> leads the team in kills. Both are fed well with consistent sets by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='630678' first='Iris' last='Jin']</strong>. The trio will all return next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelsey stands out as a solid six rotation player. Next year she could have her younger sister Emma joining the team. She won the best setter award at the DC Capitol Hill Classic at the 13 Patriot Division. Next year perhaps she could take the place of senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='630678' first='Iris' last='Jin'] </strong>at the setter position to set her older sister Kelsey for her last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potomac</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lightridge (10-2) and Briar Woods (10-2) are tied for the Division lead with Potomac Falls (9-4) a tad behind. Lightridge has lost to both Briar Woods and Potomac Falls while Briar Woods has lost to Lightrige and Potomac Falls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545727"],"_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-6ada79f98677e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3" she is a powerful force at the middle position. Currently, she is at the top of the list in kills and blocks for Lightridge. She earned a spot on the All Tournament team in Junior Nationals for helping [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 16 to a second place finish in the 16 National gold Division. In the top 25 in the class of 2028 Giuliana is the third highest ranked middle yet to commit in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last year Giuliana made the All District and All Region first team and the Class 5 All State second team. A state championship would certainly add some luster to her credentials.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->