Initial 2028 Rankings: Sound DS/Liberos to put on radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is a joy for coaches to see young defensive specialists emerge because they give coaching staffs something to build around for years. These five will especially hope to make an impact the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774734"],"_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-69362ffb7cdef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Richardson stepped in an helped the Bulldogs form a solid defense this season. Richardson produces a lot of dimes on first touches in the back row. Her focus on each play is evident. Richardson makes a lot of things happen with her hard jump serve. Richardson had 183 digs and a team-high 57 aces, helping Dunbar go 22-18, win a fifth straight 43rd District crown and drive back to the 11th Region title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776882"],"_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-69362ffb7ce48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kohrs (pictured) has turned into a sound all-around six-rotation player for the Thoroughbreds. She is a contributor in every statistical category. Kohrs makes a lot of things happen in the front and back rows. She makes sound first touches in the back row on hard and softly hit balls executing both overhead and bump passes. Kohrs can defend lines and retrieve deflected balls. Kohrs takes smart swings in the air and on roll shots trying to find holes in defenses. Kohrs transitions from defense to offense quickly. Kohrs runs the offense with efficiency trying to involve a number of hitters. Kohrs has developed a sound jump serve. Kohrs is also very coachable. Kohrs had 234 digs, 206 assists, 105 kills and 60 aces this past season, leading NewCath to a 19-17 record and spot in the 9th Region Tournament. The Thoroughbreds had not won that many games in a season since 2017.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["888345"],"_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-69362ffb7ce8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Back flew under the radar for Conner to an extent, but played a big role in helping the Cougars form a solid defense this season. Back has a good platform and forms walls around balls for crisp two to three-point passes to jumpstart the Conner offense. Back is not afraid to dive, but stays under control for the most part. Back throws defenses off with a tough floating serve. Back had 148 digs and 41 aces to help Conner go 26-10 and make it back to the 9th Region Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828664"],"_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-69362ffb7ced4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noble did a good job stepping into the libero role this season for the Wolverines. Noble sets her feet well then uses a good rhythm to produce good passes. She can make big digs on her knees if needed. Noble can track down shoves to corners and tandems do not fool her. Noble adds in deceptive serves. Noble had 316 digs and 32 aces for Western Hills this past season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827099"],"_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-69362ffb7cf18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pruitt makes the simple passes for the Panthers. She makes the simple passes and squares her arms up well with balls that are close to her. Pruitt takes quality swings, especially if Cumberland County is out of system. Pruitt had 102 digs and 82 kills for the Panthers this past fall.</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 nearly two years 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 or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, 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 -->