Class of 2026 Rankings: Top 25 Shakeups Explained

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A number of the rankings stayed the same from the previous one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, there was a change at the top. In addition, five players moved into those top 25 spots including one that had not been ranked in the previous edition at all. These are the six that moved around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212253"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":758178,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf11ae11e13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smallwood had previously been in the top spot in this class in previous ranking prior to the last one. However, Smallwood will tell you she loves the game so much that she's always trying to learn new things that come in handy a lot against the solid competition KIVA 17 Red faces in these tournaments. Her ball control really stands out in addition to her sound hitting and blocking. Smallwood makes smooth passes all over the court and is just as tough as a server. She mixes up every part of her game. Smallwood took over the 17 Open championship game to lead 17 Red to the win over Elevation 17 Chicas. She pounds balls away from sound defenders. In the semifinal game, Smallwood tapped one from the six (middle back) spot to a wide-open middle surprising the defense. Smallwood said the championship game between two exhausted teams came down to whichever team wanted it more and 17 Red did it. Smallwood credited the tips to a loaded team of hard hitters that puts defenders on their heels to open up spots and save some energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479269"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf11ae11e70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore brings a lot to the table for her club team and the Boyd County Lions. More experience around her could be a key for the Lions to go back to the top of the region. Moore sacrifices her body and makes amazing dig after amazing dig to keep plays alive. Moore is also a great leader on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212357"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf11ae11eb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mahorn is one of Smallwood's teammates on the 17 Red team for a big reason. Mahorn encourages her teammates by her play and positive energy. Mahorn reads defenses and makes the necessary adjustments to smack or even push balls away from blockers and defensive specialists. She continuously finds ways to keep plays alive. Mahorn is as dependable as anyone on the 17 Red team to earn big kills when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741875"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf17381c990"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warner has put in a lot of work and it shows on the court as she's become a sound first passer for both the 16 Elite and Lexington Catholic teams. Warner consistently moves her feet and uses her instincts well to dig up balls. Warner lunges a number of directions and quickly squares her arms up to make crisp two to three-point passes. Warner also makes things happen out of system. Warner led LexCath with 356 digs and tallied 75 assists, helping the Knights go 26-7 and win the first 11th Region championship in school history last fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["212195"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf19387e8b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noble's energy and athleticism is off the charts. Noble (pictured) is highly productive at all six spots on the court. Noble does not take plays off. She makes a quick then puts her body in position quickly to pound balls down. Noble's serving can not be overlooked because it keeps teams out of rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602465"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf19c00607a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berwanger may be one, if not the most underrated player in the top 25. Berwanger uses her instincts well mixing in hard and soft hits at the net. She also uses her athleticism for sound blocking. Berwanger's dedication to the game will only lead to more good things her senior season. Berwanger had 224 kills, 48 assisted blocks, 13 solo blocks and 32 aces, helping Conner go 20-17 this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->