Class 1B: The Breakout Candidates
It happens every season. While most of the top performers of a high school volleyball season are deservedly awarded a spot in the All-State team, a few others fly under-the-radar and put up big numbers in a more quiet way. That was the case with these five players, so keep an eye on them when the 2020 season starts for the Class 1B in Washington.
Lily Richards – Setter – Freshman – Three Rivers Christian
Lily Richards has shown promising signs of greatness while playing as an eight-grader for Three Rivers Christian last season. The 5’3” player wasn’t shy to take over the setting duties for the Eagles and delivered exceptionally well as she registered 520 assists throughout the season, averaging 5.8 per set. Her room for improvement is huge and she can draw even more attention if she keeps progressing at the same pace.
Eliza Stark – Middle-Blocker – Senior – Northport
Eliza Stark has played high school volleyball for Northport for four years now – she first appeared as an eight-grader back in 2016 -, but last season was definitely her best. The 5’11” middle-blocker had a career year in kills (129), aces (47), digs (108) and passes (129). Even though she’s very effective at the net, Stark’s backcourt skills are what set her apart from most players of her position.
Mimi Isaak – Setter/Right Sider – Junior – Almira-Coulee-Hartline
Almira-Coulee-Hartline’s 6-2 playing system wouldn’t be a success without Mimi Isaak. At 5’8”, she’s equally effective when setting or hitting and posted impressive numbers in both skills, ending the season with 70 kills and 316 assists. Her all-around game is very solid too, as she registered 43 aces, 33 blocks and 79 digs for the Warriors in 2019.
Chantelle Isaacson – Outside Hitter – Junior – Three Rivers Christian
Chantelle Isaacson was part of an exciting Three Rivers Christian team that advanced to the State Championship in 2019. The core of that team will return nearly intact in 2020 and the 5’7” outside hitter is one of the players with the most upside in the roster as she showed last season she can help in multiple areas with her all-around game. Isaacson led the Eagles in blocks (66) and ranked second in kills (202), aces (96) and digs (178).
Sidni Withcomb – Defensive Specialist – Sophomore – Colton
Sidni Withcomb did an impressive job with Colton in her freshman year in 2019. In her first season of high school volleyball, the newcomer found her space in the team’s defensive system and made the Wildcats better in every aspect of the game. She registered 210 digs and 112 passes and also added 21 aces on the offensive side of the game.