Class 1 2023 Impact Players

Class 1 enrollments are small, with 146 students or below, but that doesn't mean a lack of talent. Most on the list are dual athletes and excel at both sports. Everyone on the list can play at the next level, from the JUCO to DII. Several on the list below haven't committed to playing at the next level, possibly getting overlooked because of their rural areas. Look at the 9 Class 1 players making considerable impacts in club and high school ball.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"></figure>   29. [player_tooltip player_id='123465' first='Reese' last='Gray'] – 5'8" – Outside – Lesterville/H2 17 UA   Gray has been a fixture for the Bearcats from day 1. With 1475 career kills and 1375 digs, Reese is all over the MSHSAA record books in several categories. Currently uncommitted, any college would be lucky to snag this player.   78. [player_tooltip player_id='152145' first='Nevaeh' last='Malawey'] – 5'8" – Right-side- Winona   Nevaeh is another player from a small school that can play big ball. The lefty hits the ball with full force, provides a solid block on the right, and hits from anywhere. Going into this season, she has 1027 kills and 1014 digs and will probably rack up another 500 in each category this year.   90. [player_tooltip player_id='152126' first='Emma' last='Siron'] – 5'9" – Outside – Sacred Heart/Mavs   A high flyer outside has committed to Central Missouri State and does it all for her Sacred Heart Gremlins. Her career has 418 assists, 189 aces, 582 digs, and 1164 kills. A fast approach, big vertical, and power have made Siron one to watch.   122. [player_tooltip player_id='152153' first='Grace' last='Hicks'] – 5'5" – Setter – Lesterville/Momentum   Hicks has been running the show for the Bearcats the last two years and runs a quick offense for a Class 1 team. With accuracy and knowledge of where to make her hitters successful, Grace could end up in the top 10 for career assists in Missouri. Uncommitted but would be a tremendous asset at the next level.   126. [player_tooltip player_id='168913' first='Kaitlyn' last='Belk'] – 6'0" – Outside – Bunker   She is a big attacker with power who can take over at the net and was a force last year for the Eagles as she led the team with 430 kills and 368 digs. Look for Belk to have another big season for Bunker.   127. [player_tooltip player_id='168914' first='Maddie' last='Ayers'] – 5'7" – Outside – South Iron   Last year was a break-out year for the Panthers, and Ayers was a big reason they would finish 4th in Class 1. Ayers doesn't like to lose; you can see it when she plays. She would put down 429 kills and scoop up 494 digs and will be key for a state title run.   128. [player_tooltip player_id='168915' first='Drew' last='Gayle'] – 5'10" – Middle/Setter – South Iron/H2 17 UA   You don't see it much but a middle who also is the team's setter in the 6-2 offense. Drew's an intelligent attacker out of the middle that knows where the ball needs to go to score points. What makes her stand out is her setting. Great hands with a high volleyball IQ, she would make a great setter with a big block at the next level: 756 kills, 1398 assists, 881 digs, and 128 career numbers.   129. [player_tooltip player_id='168921' first='Piper' last='Fitzgerald'] – 5'6" – Outside – Lesterville/Momentum   The move to outside last year paid enormous dividends for Fitzgerald as she racked up 313 kills and has a career dig total of 911. Piper is one of the primary passers and a tough defender that reads the ball well. Undersized in the front row but get's it done with her vertical and volleyball IQ.   136. [player_tooltip player_id='214753' first='Kyla' last='Brandes'] – 5" 7" – Outside – Crest Ridge   Kyla is another Class 1 power player that can light it up from the outside and finished the year with 298 kills. A high volleyball IQ, big powerful approach, and arm swing make Brandes a tough one to stop for the Cougars.

Class 1 enrollments are small, with 146 students or below, but that doesn't mean a lack of talent. Most on the list are dual athletes and excel at both sports. Everyone on the list can play at the next level, from the JUCO to DII. Several on the list below haven't committed to playing at the next level, possibly getting overlooked because of their rural areas. Look at the 9 Class 1 players making considerable impacts in club and high school ball.