Top Performers from Saturday (1A-3A)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had playoff games this weekend if you were unable to attend let me fill you in on some of the top performers from the weekend along with our 1st state champion crowned! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Champs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We crowned our first state champion on Saturday in the 1A Conference with Cicero Prep taking out St. David 3-0. Cicero was absolutely dominate in the tournament by never dropping a set and never letting a team get above 20 points in any set during the tournament. Most impressively this was their 4th consecutive state championship a feat that has only been pulled off 8 other times in AZ history. A number of players stood out for Cicero during the playoff run including [player_tooltip player_id='882697' first='Kate' last='Harrigan'], [player_tooltip player_id='916189' first='Grace' last='Combs'], and <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/az/scottsdale/cicero-prep-academy-centurions/athletes/layla-hrabe/?careerid=jvdisvpn1mccc">Layla Hrabe</a> who all had big moments during the regular season and during the playoffs. Cicero will look to rebuild this squad to try and make a run next year as they do lose a ton of seniors. Congrats also goes out to St. David who also had a great season and has a few standouts of their own, including an up and coming freshman in [player_tooltip player_id='1051418' first='Brielle' last='Tracey'] who might be making a name for herself in the coming years in 1A! Let's call it a passing of the torch from the 1A star that Cicero had these last few years...speaking of that star...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MVP from the 1A title match:</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-6af3442861fdf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We have written about Nicole a few times here at Prepdig, and she has officially capped off an incredible career by bringing home another state title in 1A. She has been a huge part of all four state championships, building an impressive résumé filled with individual awards and honors throughout her four years. The state championship match was classic Nicole, as she once again showcased her ability to impact the game in every phase. She was hammering balls for kills, setting up her hitters with great location and consistency, and making her presence felt with quality touches at the net and strong defensive plays. Her ability to be an elite hitter, setter, and defender is what makes her such a special and complete player. Nicole has established herself as one of the greatest 1A players to ever come through Arizona, and with the skill set and volleyball IQ she brings to the court, she should have tremendous success at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standouts from 2A and 3A on Saturday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808979"],"_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-6af3442862060"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another amazing season is underway for Mackenzie, who has once again been the catalyst in leading NVCA back to the semifinals for the second consecutive year. She has been all over the court defensively, making plays in serve receive and continuing to lead the team in numerous statistical categories. Over the first two rounds of the playoffs, she has recorded 41 digs, averaging over 5.9 per set, while also chipping in 6 aces. Beyond the numbers, her ability to consistently deliver quality passes in serve receive has been huge in keeping NVCA in system and allowing the offense to operate effectively. As they head into Thursday's semifinal matchup, Mackenzie is someone who can make a major difference in the outcome as they play PCDS for the third time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["822382"],"_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-6af34428620cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aubrey has been playing very well for San Tan Charter and was a major reason behind their quarterfinal upset over Glendale Prep. She has been the go to offensive weapon for her team all season, but she has really elevated her game during the playoffs. After averaging 2.7 kills per set during the regular season, Aubrey has taken her production to another level, averaging over 4.1 kills per set through the first two rounds. Her ability to consistently put pressure on opposing defenses and take on a larger offensive role has been huge for San Tan's playoff success. As they prepare for a rematch with SCA, San Tan will need another big performance from Aubrey if they want to continue their run to the finals! </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-6af344286211c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaya has been a force for the Eagles all season, and this isn't new as she has been the go to hitter for a few years now. However, she has really elevated her game through the first two rounds of the playoffs, continuing to carry a heavy load offensively while making an impact in every phase of the game. She finished with 37 kills across the two matches while hitting over .400, showcasing just how efficient and dominant she has been as an offensive weapon. She also contributed 5 aces and 18 digs combined, showing that her impact goes well beyond putting the ball away. When Kaya is playing at this level and contributing in so many areas, she gives the Eagles a major advantage as they continue their playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807441"],"_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-6af344286218c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sydney has had a great season and continued that momentum into the playoffs, helping lead Valley Christian to the state finals. She really came to play in the semifinal matchup against Payson, leading the team in kills with 17 on just 29 swings while hitting over .500 as a pin hitter. She was absolutely dominant offensively, consistently finding ways to score and putting tremendous pressure on the Payson defense to help Valley Christian earn a 3-0 sweep. As Valley Christian prepares for the state championship, Sydney will need to continue bringing that same level of offensive production and aggressiveness if they want to repeat as champions! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["889790"],"_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-6af34428621e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lillie has been dominate all season, and should be 1st team all conference based on how well her season has gone. Her playoffs have gone no different as she has been a leading force in leading Gilbert Christian to the state finals this year. In her quarterfinals match she had 17 kills on 30 swings and hit over .500 as a pin hitter. She really carries the load offensively for the Knights and has taken an even bigger role in the playoffs as the go to player. She also is someone who handles a large amount of serve receive, and does well with her defense. She does it all for her team and is someone who you need to watch in the finals. As Gilbert Christian heads into the state championship, Lillie will once again be someone they lean on heavily, and another big performance from her could be the difference in bringing home a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->