Kourtney currently owns 132 digs, the highest total listed on MaxPreps’ statewide Georgia leaderboard. She recently contributed nine more digs in Mary Persons’ sweep of Warner Robins, helping the Bulldogs move to 9-4 early in the season.

A dig total like that is really a reflection of responsibility. Liberos are asked to solve problems before they become emergencies—reading attackers, communicating seams and creating a controlled contact that allows the setter to run offense instead of simply keeping the ball off the floor. Kourtney already handled substantial serve-receive volume as an underclassman, and that experience is beginning to show in the amount of court Mary Persons can trust her to manage. The best defensive players make chaos look ordinary, and that type of stability becomes increasingly important as region matches tighten. ~ S.Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast_prepdigga

Kourtney plays one of the most important roles on the court, even if it doesn’t always generate headlines. Her ability to stabilize the backcourt and provide quality ball control helps create opportunities for the rest of her team. Long tournaments often reward teams that remain disciplined defensively, and Kourtney has shown the consistency needed to thrive in those situations. A few key defensive sequences can completely change the direction of a match, making her a player worth watching in Orlando. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast_prepdigga