2024 Rankings Update Overview: Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We updated our&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2024-rankings/">2024 Player Rankings</a>&nbsp;last week as these prospects wind down their club careers before heading off to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The latest rankings were comprised by the Prep Dig Rankings Team. Here's a rundown of what the 2024 liberos and defensive specialists look like.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2024","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661478776f3c3"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Miss Volleyball contenders</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This crop of 2024 defenders is one of the best the position has seen. Leading the way were three that managed to be finalists for the Miss Volleyball Award last fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110318' first='Carley' last='Piercefield']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110301' first='Hailey' last='Green'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110279' first='Gianna' last='Bender']</strong> were all four-year varsity players that put up huge dig totals for their programs. Piercefield stepped up for a Lakewood program that had the hitting and needed that young star to step up in the back row. Piercefield showed a lot of early maturity and composure, and eventually became the foundation of the team by her senior year. She's off to Western Michigan next fall. Green was part of a tremendous senior class for North Branch, leading the program to two state titles in dominant fashion. Green was the unsung hero of the team as she didn't get the highlights, but always kept the offense in-system. She will play for Wingate next fall. Bender racked up a lot of digs over the years for Hudsonville, as the Eagles played all the best teams in the state. Her intensity and athleticism couldn't be questioned. She is set to play for San Diego State next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other foundation pieces</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This list is full of players that high school programs relied on for many years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110299' first='Kiley' last='Gallagher']</strong> was a fiery captain and trusty libero for Clarkston for years and will now go on to shine at Oakland. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172207' first='Olivia' last='Behen'] </strong>was the defensive star for Saline, but was talented enough to mix up positions to help her squad. She's heading to Grand Valley State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110313' first='Greta' last='McKee'] </strong>was the energy player for Northville, not just with her passing ability, but her serve as well. She's on to Wright State. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110322' first='Taylor' last='Smaka'] </strong>helped lead Grand Haven to new heights this fall, but she was the back row general the team had been counting on for years. Smaka is heading up to Northern Michigan in the fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110300' first='Ashlee' last='Gnau']</strong> was the 1-2 punch with McKee at Northville, which is why the Mustangs had arguably the top defense in the state. Gnau will play for the Orange of Syracuse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Left if all on the floor</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not easy to get attention in this impressive group, but some players definitely put their all into each match and point. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='172208' first='Jasmine' last='Reemsnyder']</strong> was a workhorse for Mason, taking on a primary hitting role while also being one of the team's best defenders. She worked tirelessly to carry Mason to some big wins in the last few years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274530' first='Riley' last='Lockhart'] </strong>was another player that had to play multiple positions throughout her time with Country Day due to injuries, but she stepped up to the challenge. Lockhart is a well-coached player that adapts quickly on the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261205' first='Saniyah' last='Terry']</strong> was also a player that was willing to do whatever she needed to help her team. The L'Anse Creuse North player was a sound defender that showed a lot of hustle and energy. She also had the ability to take back-row swings, or step up to the front row when the roster was compromised. Terry brought a lot to the table, mostly a will to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->