More 2022 Libero/DS from Rankings
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Liberos and defensive specialists are very important to keeping the ball in system. Being quick, scrappy, and being able to read hitters are all invaluable skills to be a successful defensive player. These are some of the best of 2022…
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Continue ReadingLiberos and defensive specialists are very important to keeping the ball in system. Being quick, scrappy, and being able to read hitters are all invaluable skills to be a successful defensive player. These are some of the best of 2022 (part 1). I’ll highlight more top-notch defenders tomorrow.
Samantha Riggs
Samantha
Riggs
5'7" | DS/L
Papillion-LaVista | 2022
State
NE
| L | Papillion-Lavista | Premier | Uncommitted
Riggs is the record holder for digs in a season and career digs (1429 and counting) by the end of her junior year at perennial powerhouse Papio LV. She has great court awareness having started since her freshman season. She led her state tournament qualifying team in serve receives and added 388 digs. She’s quick and does what it takes to keep the ball in play! She’s talking to several colleges and looking to find her perfect school. She has good communication on the court, especially with her hitters when she sees zones not defended, reading hitters to position herself behind the ball or blockers to get any tips, and she supports all her teammates.
Ella Hazen
Ella
Hazen
5'8" | DS/L
Millard West | 2022
State
NE
| L/DS/OH | Millard West | Premier | Uncommitted
Hazen started her high school career as a setter for Millard West (she was a great setter too) and sophomore year moved to a 6-rotation outside. Ella learned “not being very tall for a hitter made me realize that this opportunity would be really good for me, and I learned that you don’t have to be a powerful hitter to be successful.” She projects to play defense at the next level. This past season she laid down 192 kills, picked up 321 digs and had 28 aces. She is keeping her options open and really making sure she knows where she wants to go and what fits her best.
Karsen VanScoy
Karsen
VanScoy
5'4" | DS/L
Waverly | 2022
State
NE
| L | Waverly | VCNebraska | Uncommitted
This 5’4″ junior has shown her growth through the years. She led the back row for her state qualifying team with 395 digs, 377 receptions and 43 aces. She is so quick and her ball handing is just superb. Karsen is talking with several schools and is taking her time to find the best fit for her next level. She’s been on some official visits and some unofficial D1 visits. She’s a smart player and puts full effort in every play. Will be fun to see where she ends up to play collegiately.
Presley Liberty
Presley
Liberty
5'6" | DS/L
Bellevue West | 2022
State
NE
| L/DS | Bellevue West | Nebraska Juniors | Columbia University
Presley is a strong libero with the drive to succeed. She’s a gym rat who strives to get in as much work during her time in the gym as possible. She split libero duties during her high school season and contributed with 242 digs, 388 receptions and 13 aces for her state tournament qualifying team. Presley has verbally committed to Columbia University.
Katie Galligan
Katie
Galligan
5'6" | DS/L
Elkhorn South | 2022
State
#162
Nation
NE
| L/DS | Elkhorn South | Nebraska Elite | Wichita State
This 5’9″ DS plays on the floor for Class A State Champion Elkhorn South. She dug 274 balls, 224 serve receives and added 24 aces. She has committed to further her education and play volleyball at Wichita State.
We know all these athletes have worked hard at their craft. Don’t get caught up in what number you are, as many student-athletes are very similar in skill. Rankings are always fluid and can have drastic changes year to year especially at the 15’s and 16’s level when girls are still growing and developing.