2024 Rankings Update: Top Liberos
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Last week saw us release a much-anticipated update to our 2024 Player Rankings. There were a lot of movers and shakers in the list, as well as some fresh faces. With the new list out, let’s jump through the positions…
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Continue ReadingLast week saw us release a much-anticipated update to our 2024 Player Rankings.
There were a lot of movers and shakers in the list, as well as some fresh faces.
With the new list out, let’s jump through the positions and see what the class is bringing to the table.
We wrap up the positions at libero, a scrappy group of determined defenders.
1. Hailey Green Hailey Green 5'1" | DS/L North Branch | 2024 State MI , North Branch/Michigan Elite
Green has all the composure and focus you look for in a reliable libero. She’s very consistent with her play and has great instincts on the court.
2. Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI , Lakewood/FaR Out
Piercefield has had the luxury of going up against some of the best hitters in the state during practices early in her prep career. That’s helped develop her into a very confident defender that won’t be intimidated by any opposing offense.
3. Gianna Bender Gianna Bender 5'6" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI , Hudsonville/FaR Out
Being a good defender is in her blood and you can see she is a very well-coached libero. She’s been able to learn the position from her family for years and is able to apply what she knows to her athleticism.
4. Natalie Bourdo Natalie Bourdo 5'3" | DS/L Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI , TC Central/Northshore
Bourdo stays light on her feet and doesn’t get caught flat-footed. She’s quick to make a dive or a leap to complete a dig. Bourdo is a great on-court leader as well.
5. Kiley Gallagher Kiley Gallagher 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2024 State MI , Clarkston/Legacy
Gallagher is another relentless defender. She’s very active in the back row and puts a lot on her shoulders to make plays. Gallagher is a good communicator as well to keep the Clarkston defense in sync.
6. Ashlee Gnau Ashlee Gnau 5'8" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI Northville/Legacy
Gnau is part of a great Northville defense and she’s been able to develop her game through a lot of talented defenders that came before her. Gnau’s always squared up to the play and that allows her to make the tough plays that require last-second adjustments.
7. Hope Davies Hope Davies 5'5" | DS/L Forest Hills Eastern | 2024 State MI , FH Eastern/MVA
Davies is getting a lot of opportunities to be tested, playing in the Grad Rapids area. So far, she’s passing with flying colors. She’s consistently finding herself at the right angle to make a tough dig look easy and she’s quickly able to shake off a bad play.
8. Taylor Smaka Taylor Smaka 5'4" | DS/L Grand Haven | 2024 State MI , Grand Haven/MVA
Smaka is a well-coached defender that plays with a lot of grit and determination. She’s putting her body on the line each point and gives her team a lot of boosts in momentum with her big digs and fiery attitude.
9. Greta McKee Greta McKee 5'5" | DS/L Northville | 2024 State MI , Northville/L2
McKee is right up there with her Northville counterparts. She’s got a very high ceiling in the next two years. She’s got the natural athletic gifts to play the position while improving on her technical skill each match.
10. Kendall Smith Kendall Smith 5'8" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2024 State MI , Notre Dame Prep/Legacy
Smith is part of a NDP program that has developed a lot of Division 1 college talent in the back row. Smith’s instincts are advanced and she’s able to read the play very well. She just needs to continue to get more live action against tough hitters.