First Colonial has youth at the pins but that youth comes with talent. It begins with Julia Ferguson Julia Ferguson 6'0" | OH/DS/L First Colonial | 2030 State VA , the number seven ranked player in the class of 2030. She won a top performer award at the Prep Dig showcase in Junior Nationals this past club season. Avery Alderks Avery Alderks 6'0" | OH/RS First Colonial | 2029 State VA is the veteran of this duo as a sophomore. She also won a top performer award in Richmond. She moved from the watch list to number 45 in our class of 2029 rankings.

At 6’0″ she stands out as a six rotation left side. Her approach jump reaches 9’9′ with good arm extension. She has the ability to whip her arm to the ball to bring excellent velocity to her hits. Her play at the Virginia Volleyball Showcase earned her a spot on the all tournament team.

As they gain experience through the season Julia and Avery could get First Colonial to the state championship. One stumbling block is Ocean Lakes, who plays in the same region.

Avery appeared at our Prep Dig showcase in Richmond. She excelled at the event winning a top performer award. At 6’0″ she carries the height to bring dominance to the left side.

I watched East Coast play their first set at Junior Nationals. Avery achieved a critical kill off the hands of a block to tie the set at 23-23. Cailey Wieck Cailey Wieck 6'0" | MB/RS Grassfield | 2028 State VA followed with a crucial block in the middle. A hitting error won the set 25-23. After that first set win they won the match 25-23, 19-25, 18-16. Unfortunately, East Coast lost their next four matches which knocked them out of any gold.

Avery plays for First Colonial. Last year they fell just short of making it to the state playoffs losing to Ocean Lakes in the first round of the Regional.

Avery recently jumped up in my rankings from the watch list to #42. At the exposure tour she confirmed the validity of that upgrade. She possesses a strong swing hitting balls hard to the floor. At 6’0″ she can hit around the block, or when she swings high the ball flies off the blocks.

I did not see any of her back row play. As a frosh she deserves an early look as she will only get better. Avery will play for East Coast Volleyball Club 15 Black for the club season. At high school she played for First Colonial which fell short of making the state playoffs when they lost to Ocean Lakes in the first round of Regional play. Watch out for the Patriots next year.

Avery went from watch list to 42 in the rankings, Her 6’0″ height is a good start. She also buried the ball from the left side for East Coast 14 at MAPL as well as created offense with her back row attacks. Her serve had a bounce to it after it crossed the net, resulting in a number of aces.

While she did make the varsity roster most Virginia Beach high schools fill their roster with frosh since they have no frosh or junior varsity teams. However, Avery does have some video of her play for First Colonial that would indicate she is much more than a bench player. She shows tremendous potential as a player who generates significant impact in a match.

She stands out as one of those players who deserved a ranking after the club season.