VHSL Players to Watch: Class 1A

<p>Small schools have big talent in the commonwealth and they are prepping to take the court again this March. High school season for the Virginia High School League tryouts can start February 15 with matches starting March 1, 2021. The state championships are scheduled for the 23-24 of April in our effort to return to normalcy. A majority of the All-State selections from 2019 are returning for their senior year and are ready to compete for the elusive state crown. Middlesex High School returns three All-State selections and is a strong contender to return to the state tournament after losing in the quarterfinals last season. </p> <p><strong>Laura Walton, Senior Setter/Outside Hitter, Middlesex High:</strong> The 5’7 senior captain will return as a reigning First-Team All-State s<img class="alignleft" src="https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/roster_player_info/eba5-151930041/CHRVC_medium.JPG" alt="Chrvc medium" width="109" height="157" />election for the Lady Chargers. She is a savvy and intelligent player who knows what it takes to win matches and has solid fundamentals and extremely reliable. Laura has a solid jump float serve and is solid in all areas of the game. She’s a very proficient player with over 1094 career assist  and 327 kills going into her senior year. She is a very solid High D3 level player which is why the Randolph Macon Yellowjackets are so happy to have her joining their program. She can come in and compete at multiple roles for the perennial contender in Ashland, Virginia. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><img class="alignleft" src="https://dw3jhbqsbya58.cloudfront.net/fit-in/1024x1024/school-mascot/7/b/0/7b0379aa-f63f-4463-96c6-6bdc32b0c4d4.gif?version=635889761400000000" alt="Image result for middlesex high school va athletics" width="197" height="165" />[player_tooltip player_id="111411" first="Elizabeth" last="Ketner"], Senior Libero, Middlesex High: </strong>Elizabeth is a solid passer in serve receive and defense. She moves her feet well and hustles for every ball. She lacks elite athleticism to play high level collegiate volleyball but will be a very solid NCAA Division III type player. She has a good serve and is consistent set to set with her performance. She is a great teammate and helps the team culture as well. She recently signed to play for the Marrons of Roanoke College, a NCAA Division III institution in Virginia. </p> <p><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-133082 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/02/IMG_1979-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Airiana Beverley, Senior Outside Hitter, Middlesex High: </strong>The 5’8 athletic Outside Hitter is a strong attacker and very solid passer. She’s a high energy player who’s passion for the game shows through from her excitement following big plays to her dancing on the sidelines. She had a good arm and can hit with range and power. Her size will limit her getting looks from NCAA Division 1 but could hold her own with mid level CAA Division II and NAIA programs. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="111482" first="Allyson" last="Martin"], Utility Hitter, Auburn High: </b>Allyson is a utility player who can compete at all three front row positions. With good size 5’11, she can handle all the blocking responsibilities for all three positions. She needs to improve her reading and footwork to be a high level college middle. She has a good arm and can hit with range and power and has good overall fundamentals. She can play D2 and NAIA as well. The unsigned senior could definitely add to many programs in the commonwealth. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>