I’m currently working on a long term post about setters from a 5-1 system vs a 6-2 system, and Ali is a strong 5-1 candidate. She stood out in warm ups watching her RS back sets and her soft touch to the middles, something I really like to see in my setters. I got to watch a good long chunk of game play and I saw what I thought i was going to see, which was a setter that moves the ball around well, knows how not to get predictable and had good touch on the ball. Then she surprised me a bit, using her height to get quite a few good blocks in, a few even solo. Many of the 5-1 setters I see are offense first, and the defense they can add is a bonus, but Ali is one of the legit front row setters that can hold her own as well as any RS at the net.

Bradford is the floor leader that continues to grow her impact with her skills, good decision-making, and variety in the offense she runs to use her attackers to their strengths. This group’s offense has some good weapons and Bradford’s relationships with them have been key to helping them find success throughout their full rotation. Her skill and experience foundation sets her up well for more success over the final two seasons of her prep career.

Over two high school seasons Bradford has earned 832 total assists in sharing the setting role. She currently has a career average of 5.2 a/s. Her Maverick team competes very well due to her presence as a distributor as well as her effort on defense. One of her best attributes as a setter is her consistent hand position upon contact that can be tough to read when she has middle and left side options available at the same time. She prepares her hands well and moves her feet efficiently which helps her touch and control.