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Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings

Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Kantessa Bryant-Miller January 8, 2026 @ 12:00 PM
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In this article:

Samantha Merino
Samantha Merino 5'5" | S/DS/L | 2027
NV
Trenai Blaylock
Trenai Blaylock 6'0" | MB/RS | 2027
NV
Skylar Walker
Skylar Walker 5'10" | MB/RS | 2027
NV
Mercer Edlund
Mercer Edlund 5'7" | S/RS | 2027
NV
Sophie Finlinson
Sophie Finlinson 5'7" | S/RS | 2027
NV
Raynah Horton
Raynah Horton 5'7" | DS/L/RS | 2027
NV
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes didn't wait for the moment — they created it. Through consistent production, growth, and impact in key moments, this group turned watchlist potential into ranking-worthy performances. Whether it's controlling the offense, shutting down the net, or bringing energy every time they step on the court, each player below has shown why they've earned a spot in our 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["721922"],"_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-69521f78150bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker continues to make her case as a high-impact middle/right-side with a strong two-way presence. She finished the season with 99 kills on a .246 hitting percentage, adds 24 blocks, and leads her team in that category while also contributing 23 aces from the service line. Her ability to score efficiently and anchor the net earns her Second Team 5A All-Northern honors and solidifies her spot in the 2027 rankings. --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722029"],"_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-69521f781514f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blaylock brings physicality and reliability to the front row, finishing the season with 115 kills and an impressive 50 blocks, including 13 solo stuffs. A strong attacker and an even stronger blocker, she consistently makes her presence felt at the net. When her team needs a point, she's the go-to option, staying active in transition and getting off the net quickly to be available for the next set. --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["644555"],"_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-69521f78151c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edlund stands out as a setter who stays involved in every part of the game, showing strong ball control and a high level of court awareness. She runs the offense with composure and consistency, keeping hitters in rhythm throughout the match. Her float serve creates real pressure, producing tough runs from the service line that keep opponents uncomfortable.v --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["544663"],"_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-69521f7815230"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Horton is an aggressive pin hitter with a <strong>heavy arm</strong> and the athleticism to score from either side. Her vertical allows her to get on top of the ball and attack with confidence, while her eagerness to compete shows every time she steps on the court. At previous Prep Dig events, she consistently volunteers for reps, displaying confidence, energy, and a mindset that separates her from the pack. --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["564349"],"_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-69521f781529d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Finlinson impacts the game on both sides of the ball, combining setter responsibilities with a strong defensive presence. She records 251 assists, averages 3.3 assists per set, and adds 220 digs, showing her ability to extend rallies and keep her team in system. Her 31 aces highlight her effectiveness from the service line, and as a two-sport athlete who also plays flag football, her athleticism and competitiveness consistently show up on the court. --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754986"],"_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-69521f781529d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Samantha is a steady and efficient all-around player with strong academic and on-court balance. She contributed as a setter, defender, and scorer, showing good footwork and court awareness. With a 4.378 GPA and continued development with Squad 17 Elite, she brings reliability and upside to her role. --Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for supporting Prep Dig Nevada.</strong>&nbsp;We are grateful for our readers and subscribers as we cover high school athletes and incoming freshmen from across the entire state. Our team scouts matches consistently and provides exposure through in-depth articles and social media features.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Follow, tag, and collaborate with us on Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv"><mark>@prepdignv</mark></a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gain major exposure</strong>&nbsp;by creating a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong><mark>Free Player Profile</mark></strong></a>&nbsp;or tagging us in your game schedules on social media.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Already a subscriber?</strong>&nbsp;Share the love and support the sport by using code&nbsp;<strong>Bryant30</strong>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<strong>30% off subscriptions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

These athletes didn't wait for the moment — they created it. Through consistent production, growth, and impact in key moments, this group turned watchlist potential into ranking-worthy performances. Whether it's controlling the offense, shutting down the net, or bringing energy every time they step on the court, each player below has shown why they've earned a spot in our 2027 rankings.

Skylar Walker

Skylar Walker

NV
MB/RS
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS MB/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Skylar
Walker MB/RS
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
HS
Bishop Manogue
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Walker continues to make her case as a high-impact middle/right-side with a strong two-way presence. She finished the...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Skylar Walker

State: Nevada
School: Bishop Manogue
Club: NNJ 15 Nate
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Trenai Blaylock

Trenai Blaylock

NV
MB/RS
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS MB/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Trenai
Blaylock MB/RS
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
HS
Centennial
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Blaylock brings physicality and reliability to the front row, finishing the season with 115 kills and an impressive...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Trenai Blaylock

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Centennial
Club: Top Flight Volleyball Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mercer Edlund

Mercer Edlund

NV
S/RS
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS S/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Mercer
Edlund S/RS
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
HS
Bishop Gorman
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Edlund stands out as a setter who stays involved in every part of the game, showing strong ball...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Mercer Edlund

State: Nevada
School: Bishop Gorman
Club: Tstreet LV 16-1
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Raynah Horton

Raynah Horton

NV
DS/L/RS
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS DS/L/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Raynah
Horton DS/L/RS
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
HS
Arbor View
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Horton is an aggressive pin hitter with a heavy arm and the athleticism to score from either side....
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Raynah Horton

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Arbor View
Club: Dig This
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Sophie Finlinson

Sophie Finlinson

NV
S/RS
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS S/RS
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Sophie
Finlinson S/RS
Class
2027
Height
5'7"
HS
Shadow Ridge
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Finlinson impacts the game on both sides of the ball, combining setter responsibilities with a strong defensive presence....
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Sophie Finlinson

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Shadow Ridge
Club: Lv Impact
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Samantha Merino

Samantha Merino

NV
S/DS/L
HEIGHT 5'5"
POS S/DS/L
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Samantha
Merino S/DS/L
Class
2027
Height
5'5"
HS
Coral Academy Of Sciences
|
NV
Earning Their Spot: From Watchlist to the 2027 Rankings
Samantha is a steady and efficient all-around player with strong academic and on-court balance. She contributed as a...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Samantha Merino

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Coral Academy Of Sciences
Club: Squad
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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