New Additions to the Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are some of the new additions to the class of 2027. The rankings have increased from 75 to 100. The interesting fact about this ranking is the top three players do not play for Metro, unlike in other years where they have taken up two or three of the top three spots. Could that mean more balance is coming to the Chesapeake Region? Only time will tell. Many of the players who appear in the class of 2027 are still a bit raw but there is still a lot of potential in their game and a lot of opportunities for new players to fit in</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Initially, we had 110 players deserving of ranking. but we pared it down to an even 100.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"She dominated as an outside, drilling missiles from the front or back row.  With an approach jump of 9'9u0022 balls quickly hit the floor at the 15U level.  Annika started as an outside for her high school team (The Catholic High School of Baltimore).  She plays all six rotations on the court.  Maryland Jrs. will be playing in at least the Freedom Division at Junior Nationals.  They recently finished fourth at the USA Division at the Northeast Qualifiers.  Annika's dominance on the left side jumped her all the way to seven in our top 100 rankings for the class of 2027.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662484b40d81e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478903"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Barrett appears to have grown a couple inches since her high school season jumping from 5'5u0022 to 5'7u0022.  That still will not get her playing time in the front row for Metro but her hitters certainly feed off her sweet sets.  She made the varsity roster for Broadneck as their setter her frosh season.  Now she finds herself as the sixth ranked setter in the class of 2027 and number 25 overall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662484b40d8a9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'2u0022 she brings some height to the middle.  That is a two inch growth spurt that should get her more playing time at St. Johns.  She finished fourth on the team in blocks last season.  For Virginia Jrs. she solidifies the middle position, providing a threat that opens up the outside attack.  Lots of potential in her game.  Ava debuts at number 34 in our class of 2027 but it would not surprise me if she continues to rise.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662484b40d91d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530368' first='Sadie' last='Barrera'] libero/ds (American/Forest Park) - I like liberos who bring attitude to the court and Sadie brings it. She hustles for balls and plays with the confidence that she can pass and dig any ball within her reach. She brings strong hands for setting or digging and at 5'3" stays low to the floor to dig some of the harder hits. American recently finished third in the Northeast Qualifier in the American Division, falling just short of a bid. Sadie debuts at number 46 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530363' first='Adelyn' last='Pye'] left side (Meridian/MOJO) - Her sister plays for Bishop O'Connell and ranks at number 28 in our class of 2025. Adelyn lists at 5'10" and with a couple inches of growth could climb up in the rankings to match her older sister. She also plays basketball for her high school team sitting eighth in scoring as a frosh. For volleyball she muscles the ball down from the left side. That puts her at 51 in our class of 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530364' first='Caroline' last='Apergis'] libero/ds (Holton-Arms/MOJO) - She played some good defense in the games I watched at the Chesapeake Regionals. At 5'7" she also brings some good height to the position. Caroline debuts at number 60 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529254' first='Gracie' last='Davig'] middle (Virginia Elite/Bishop O'Connell) - At 6'0" she brings some height to the middle position with some possible growth in the future. Her block jump of 9 feet tied for the highest on the Virginia Elite 15U team but her approach jump needs some work. Her game still has some rawness to it but as she gets more reps improvement is bound to happen. Gracie debuts at number 65 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529246' first='Jordyn' last='Allen'] middle (Maryland Jrs) - Jordyn gets some good extension with her swing which brings her success in putting the ball to the floor. Her ability to hit the middle opens the outsides to generate offense. Jordyn can also put up a solid block. She debuts at number 69 in our class of 2027. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529440' first='Emilia' last='Zhang'] left side (Walter Johnson/MVSA) - MVSA earned a bid to Junior Nationals in the Freedom Division. Later, they got bumped up to the American Division after Paramount rose to the National Division. Emilia stands out as one of their key pin hitters from the left side. She debuts at number 70 in our class of 2027 rankings,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529248' first='Mariska' last='Ordonez'] right side (Howard/Maryland Jrs) - Mariska buried balls playing the right side for Maryland Jrs. She can also play left side, finishing second on her high school team in kills and third in blocks. She plays on the same high school and club team as the class of 2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525348' first='Dylan' last='Loggins']</strong>. Mariska debuts at number 76 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530366' first='Gabriela' last='Donley'] middle (Georgetown Visitation/MOJO) - She made the Prep Cubs as an outside/right side her frosh season. For MOJO she occupies the middle. At 5'11" she has the potential to bring good height to the middle or right side. Gabi debuts at number 77 in our class of 2027,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='534058' first='Alexa' last='Bracey'] right side (Bishop McNamara/[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) - She brings a left handed swing to the right side and at 5'10 tacks on some height for the position. Currently Alexa does not get a lot of playing time for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] because of the depth on the roster, but that could change as her skills improve. When you have an approach jump reaching 10 feet that provides a good start. She debuts at number 87 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='532908' first='Olivia' last='Stroupe'] left side (Paul VI/[program_tooltip program_id='498081' first='Loudoun' last='Elite']) - Her older sister grew close to 6 feet so perhaps there is still some growth in her 5'7" frame. This would make her a more effective left side. Her back row play remains a little inconsistent but with more playing time that will improve. She made some nice defensive plays when playing back row so the ability exists, Olivia debuts at number 88 in our class of 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529439' first='Jasmine' last='McBorrough'] right side (Heritage/[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) - She plays right side for the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] second team but an approach jump of 9'11" shows promise. She debuts at number 90 in our class of 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529446' first='Heather' last='Mclean'] left side (Boonsboro/Liberty Elite) - Heather may be a little small for a pin but she brings a good jump and swing to the left side. She also plays with a lot of enthusiasm. Heather debuts at number 91 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529251' first='Jessica' last='Li'] setter (Gleneg/Maryland Jrs) - She has a lot of weapons on the Maryland Juniors 15 team and distributes the ball well. An aspect impressive about her game is her stellar defense. She focuses on preventing the ball from hitting the floor before she thinks about setting. Jessica debuts at number 92 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530362' first='Claire' last='Nitowski'] setter (Langley/MOJO - Claire gained some experience setting for MOJO, Next up Langly. At 5'10 she brings good height to the setting position. Claire debuts at number 93 in our class of 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='528705' first='Victoria' last='Small'] libero (Maryvale/Maryland Jrs) - She plays a solid libero for Maryland Jrs. A small and scrappy player her defense at this point shines above her passing. She also brings a good serve to the court. Victoria debuts at number 85 in our class of 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530394' first='Christine' last='Baybayan'] left side (Battlefield/American) - A smaller outside who lists defensive specialist as her alternate position. She swings hard at the ball, especially when hitting down the line. Her defense in the back row is steady and she can create some offense behind the three meter line. Christine debuts at number 96 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529444' first='Kathryn' last='Giesecke'] right side (Wootton/MVSA) - Kathryn is a taller right side whose game is still a bit raw. You can see the potential in her game when everything clicks and she puts the ball down hard to the floor. Kathryn debuts at number 97 in our class of 2027,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='529438' first='Sydney' last='Duppins'] left side (Magruder/MVSA) - She plays for the Wild, which is considered the second team for MVSA. Ironically, they are ranked higher than the Charge according to the AES rankings. Sydney started for Magruder as a frosh and contributed a number of blocks for the team. She debuts at number 98 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530395' first='Ella' last='Grove'] Left side (Heritage Academy/Liberty Elite) - A smaller outside at 5'8" she brings a good swing to her hits and displays a strong jump serve. She only played three rotations in the match I watched but her alternative position is listed as a defensive specialist. Ella debuts at number 99 in our class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["500510"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Violet (pictured above) swings hard with a fast arm swing that brings velocity to her hits.  She stands 5'10u0022 so with a little growth she could be an effective right side.  Last year she played for the Patriot junior varsity.  Based on what I have seen she should be seeing the varsity this year.  Violet debuts at number 100 in our class of 2027.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662484b40d988"} /-->