Class 4A: The Amazing Defenders

<p>Facing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of a mistake. It’s true that teams need offensive power to win championships, but defense is also a big factor and these teams should be in a good position in that regard when the 2020 season starts for the Class 4A in Washington.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Isabella Moon – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Sophomore – North Creek</strong></p> <p>Isabella Moon provided North Creek the defensive stability the team needed to perform at last year’s State Championship and helped the Jaguars finishing fifth. The then-first-year libero was as steady as it gets in the backcourt, registering 74 digs in four State Championship matches. For her efforts, the 5’4” defender received an All-State second-team nomination.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Bailey Showalter – Outside Hitter – Junior – Mount Si</strong></p> <p>Bailey Showalter is the prototypical all-around outside hitter every coach loves. The 6’1” prospect was outstanding for Mount Si on offense, but also had a huge impact operating behind the team’s block as she registered 432 digs for the Wildcats, averaging 4.5 per set. An All-State team honorable mention in 2019, Showalter is an excellent beach volleyball player too and has already verbally committed to play beach for powerhouse University of Southern California.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="97032" first="Danica" last="Pel"] – Libero – Senior – Kamiak</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="97032" first="Danica" last="Pel"] had every reason to consider her 2019 season a positive one even if Kamiak didn’t get to compete at the State Championship. The 5’2” libero was a backcourt giant for the Knights as she ended the season with 318 digs (3.9 per set) and 393 passes to her name. Unsurprisingly, she was the only Kamiak player to receive an All-State team honorable mention and earned a spot at prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking at 53.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Madison Brockway – Libero – Senior – Graham-Kapowsin</strong></p> <p>Graham-Kapowsin owns a great deal of its third-place finish at last year’s State Championship to the Brockway family. While outside hitter Hailey led the Eagles’ offense in a fantastic way, her sister Madison was equally important to the team’s success in the backcourt. The 5’3” libero led the team’s defensive efforts and was outstanding with 401 digs (5.2 per set) and 264 passes over the season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="97056" first="Piper" last="Smith"] – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Senior – Lake Stevens</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="97056" first="Piper" last="Smith"] was the defensive force of a Lake Stevens team that ended up just two sets short of winning last year’s State Championship. The libero took charge of the Vikings’ defensive duties and posted some impressive numbers, such as team-highs 290 digs (3.2 per set) and 405 passes. She’s part of prepdig.com’s class of 2021 ranking at the 77th position.</p>