2023 Breakdown: Backcourt Stars of Kansas and Missouri
We’ve made it to the best of the backcourt. Previous features have looked at setters, pin hitters, and middle blockers that have dominated the prep volleyball scene in Kansas and Missouri. Now, it’s time to give defensive specialists their due.…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve made it to the best of the backcourt. Previous features have looked at setters, pin hitters, and middle blockers that have dominated the prep volleyball scene in Kansas and Missouri. Now, it’s time to give defensive specialists their due.
The skilled backcourt players in this class allow all the heralded hitters to flourish. Good passing and floor defense help put a team’s talent on full display, and these defensive specialists define the true spirit of being a “team player.”
The Breakdown
Let’s start in Kansas this time. Sidney Kacsir is one player that has caught my eye in live observations this club season. All year, MAVS 816’s 16s team has had a libero they can trust to take over a ton of serve receive responsibilities. Passing a large chunk of the court is no problem for Kacsir, and she moves well in floor defense to cover anything gaps that are left open.
Isabel Day Isabel Day 5'9" | DS/L Park Hill South | 2023 State MO is another defensive specialist who I’ve seen plenty of lately. This KC Power product may have the most well-rounded skill set of any backcourt player in this class. I say that she’s a backcourt player, but Day has gotten plenty of reps at outside hitter in her prep career. She’s a natural passer in middle back as a result, and diming passes comes easy to her.
KC Power’s 16s corps of strong defenders goes beyond Day. Alayna Pearson and Caitlyn Cobb have impressed as they’ve alternated in the libero jersey throughout the year. Collectively, they anchor what has been a fantastic ball control team for as long as I can remember.
Shifting over to Rockwood Thunder now, there’s no question that Ava Roth Ava Roth 5'6" | DS/L Jefferson R-7 | 2023 State MO has made a big impact as the libero for 16 Elite. The first thing that stands out is how fearless she is. Roth has accumulated quite a collection of incredible layout saves and sprawling digs. It’s a testament to her ability to control her body and constantly move toward her target. Having a player like that on your side is always a big boost.
Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to Abigail Christian Abigail Christian 5'9" | DS/L Liberty North | 2023 State MO , another defensive specialist who is not afraid to absorb contact in pursuit of the ball. She has some impressive length for a backcourt player, and she uses that radius to cover a lot of different angles. Christian is equally comfortable digging crosscourt or down the line. Whenever she’s needed, she’s there.
Other Players to Watch
Here are some quick hitters on other players that I’m excited to watch more of as their careers progress.
Madison Smith Madison Smith 5'7" | DS/L St. Joseph’s Academy | 2023 State MO – 5’7 DS/L – Rockwood Thunder
Grace Long Grace Long 5'6" | DS/L Bishop Carroll | 2023 State KS – 5’6 DS/L – Bishop Carroll HS
Avianna Deguzman Avianna Deguzman 5'9" | DS/L Junction City | 2023 State KS – 5’6 DS/L – Kansas VBC