Class 1A: Top Teams – King’s
The next high school volleyball season won’t start in Washington until March 2021, but there’s absolutely no reason why we should wait until there to know more about the best teams in each class. In this series, we’ll dissect each…
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Continue ReadingThe next high school volleyball season won’t start in Washington until March 2021, but there’s absolutely no reason why we should wait until there to know more about the best teams in each class. In this series, we’ll dissect each of the state’s six divisions by analyzing the top teams and the most promising players and what we can expect from them when the balls are finally allowed to fly. In our opening week, we’ll bring some info on the Class 1A.
King’s
King’s is the only school in the division to have finished in the top-three in each of the last three seasons (having won the title in 2017) and the Knights will probably be part of the conversation about the best team in the class when the next State Championship comes. They have the big shoes of Co-Player of the Year outside hitter Alli Hansen to fill, but they seem well-equipped to so with several members of their last campaign returning.
Their three key players are:
Noelle Alberda – Middle-Blocker/Outside Hitter – Senior
Noelle Alberda was a versatile element for King’s last season with her ability to fill in as a middle-blocker or as an outside hitter. Playing in the middle, she was a factor for the Knights last season and secured a spot in the All-State second team after being part of the first team in 2018. The 5’11” prospect uses her size well at the net, be it hitting or blocking, and might grow to an even larger role next season.
Annika Ruud– Middle-Blocker – Senior
King’s had no problems at the middle-blocker spot and that should be the case again next season with Annika Ruud returning to pair with Alberda in the position. The 5’9” Ruud controlled the net with her great reading and was also an All-State second-team selection in 2019. She could have even more offensive responsibilities with the Knights on her final year of high school volleyball.
Emily Evanson – Libero – Senior
Emily Evanson will be in the discussion as the best libero in the division next season after she was rewarded for her great play in 2019 with an All-State second-team nomination. The 5’5” King’s defensive specialist showed great positioning and a rare ability to control hits with one-handed digs