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Top Classes of 2024 As Signing Day Nears

November 1, 2023

Signing day for National Letters of Intent is Nov. 8. While very little will change in the next week in terms of commitments, there was a massive shake up recently when 5-star middle blocker Ayden Ames decommitted from Nebraska and re-announced her new commitment to Texas. That had a big impact on Nebraska’s class, as the Huskers went from bringing in three 5-star recruits to two. Nebraska was one of two schools with three or more 5-star recruits prior. With Ames’ announcement, it leaves only Florida with more than two 5-star recruits. As signing day rapidly approaches, we take a look below at what we expect to be the Top 10 recruiting classes for 2024. FLORIDA   Notes: The Gators have a massive incoming class with four 5-star recruits and two 3-star defenders in the mix as well. Auguste is one of the most athletic and dynamic middles in the class and at 6-2 is part of tall haul for the Gators. Harden – at 6-3 – has tremendous upside with her length and athleticism as well and could eventually explode at the next level. Rothe – another middle who is 6-3 – is a high IQ player who has also spent time on the pin at the club level. While Alexis Stucky figures to be running the show when she returns from injury next year, we saw how lack of setting depth can impact a roster. Parks will change that. Her hands are butter and with her Florida is getting another high-level disher. USC   Notes: While Florida’s class is at the very top, separating the rest of the pack near the top is very difficult. There are many classes at a similar level. The Trojans are certainly in the mix with what they are adding. Anyanwu, at 6-2, might be the hardest hitter in the class and she’s going to bring tons of physicality to the lineup. Anyanwu’s club teammate in the 6-1 Livings adds versatility to the lineup. She’s played mostly on the right side in club but does have the ability to play six rotations as well as line up at outside. Tealer is listed at 6-0 but she’s a high-flying outside who brings athleticism to the pin. Douglas, meanwhile, is a strong defender who reads well and will add defensive depth. WISCONSIN   Notes: Among the incoming class for the Badgers are two international players. We don’t know much about them but we do know Wisconsin is among the schools which landed a pair of 5-star recruits. Fuerbringer is one of the top setters in the class and the timing is perfect with MJ Hammil being a senior and Izzy Ashburn a graduate player. Fuerbringer’s IQ is off the charts and is likely she makes an immediate impact. Schumacher is a lights-out passer and defender. With freshman Saige Damrow already on the roster, the Badgers’ back row future is a bright one. STANFORD   Notes: The Cardinal are yet one more program bringing aboard two 5-star recruits. What stands out the most landing Yu, who is arguably the best setter in the class. She lines up to take over once Kami Miner is gone. Andrew is a 6-5 middle with the potential to become a force at the next level. Duncan, at 6-4, adds more size to the roster as well as depth. LOUISVILLE   Notes: The Cardinals are in the thick of teams with top level recruiting classes. Cabello, at 6-1, is a versatile player who can set and hit. She could play that same role at the next level or just be part of the setting options. Utterback is just a bit undersized but more than makes up for it with her leaping ability. She can get up in a hurry and is an explosive hitter. Petersen has a strong arm. All three could be in the mix for playing time as rookies. NEBRASKA   Notes: No doubt losing Ames knocked Nebraska down a notch. The Huskers were looking at having one of the best classes in 2024. Now, they join a big list of schools bringing on two 5-star recruits. At 6-2, Pierce is a high-flying, free-swinging outside. However, barring a bunch of roster changeover she’s unlikely to crack the lineup as a rookie and instead could be in line to contribute as a sophomore or even junior. With Lexi Rodriguez and Laney Choboy, the Huskers are strong in the back row and Mauch will add yet another top-level talent into the mix. PENN STATE   Notes: The Nittany Lions have a small but mighty incoming class. Starck is one of the top recruits in 2024. She’s a high-level setter and hitter who is going to bring lineup options when she arrives. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her on the court a lot as a freshman. Falduto has risen quickly and has elevated her status as one of the best defenders in the class. She too could get on the court in a defensive specialist role as a rookie. MICHIGAN   Notes: Not only are the Wolverines bringing in a big class, it’s a talented one on top of it. Edwards has excellent hands and location as well as knowing how to run an offense. White is an interesting prospect because she’s spent her high school career and this past club season as a six-rotation outside. With it, she brings roster flexibility. Hanes, at 6-3, is a scoring machine in the middle. At 6-2, Demetrician brings length to the pin. Meanwhile Gordon is a 6-3 wall of a blocker on the right side who arrives with lots of upside and potential to star at the next level. OHIO STATE   Notes: Like Michigan, the Buckeyes are adding one of the larger classes. The highlight is Sellman, a 6-4 outside who hits with great extension and pace. It’s very likely she takes on a starting role out of the gate as a freshman next season. After that, Ohio State is bolstering

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vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Malorie Boesiger (FREE)

October 31, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Malorie Boesiger. *** There’s plenty to get to with our latest Player of the Week in Malorie Boesiger, who is a 4-star recruit from the Class of 2027 and currently in her freshman season at Norris. It’s an important week for the Titans, who are coached by Boesiger’s mom, Christina. She was the coach the last time Norris finished on top of Nebraska’s Class B state championship in 2014. Since then, Skutt Catholic has ran off eight consecutive state titles, including beating Norris in the finals in 2020 and 2021. Boesiger and company are aiming to stop that streak. The Titans enter Wednesday’s state quarterfinals as the top seed. Norris and Skutt Catholic – the No. 3 overall seed – haven’t played this year. The state finals are set for this coming Saturday at the Devaney Center. Boesiger – who’s taken over the setting role during her rookie campaign – is no stranger to volleyball. With her mom coaching and her older sister, Maisie, being a sophomore on Nebraska’s squad, she grew up around the sport. “I would say I watch volleyball all the time,” Boesiger said. “I’m always watching games, whether it’s high school, college or professional. I’m always trying to get better and learn from other people. “I grew up in the gym. My mom is a coach and my sister and I would always be playing with each other passing and setting. Volleyball has always been in my life.” Boesiger and her older sister have a close relationship. They are both very competitive, which growing up “most of the time ended up in a fight because someone would win and someone would lose. She’s my biggest supporter. I go to her home games and she comes to watch my high school and club games whenever she can.” Boesiger started club volleyball in first grade and has been setting since. She’s also always played up two age groups, including this past season for Nebraska One 16 Synergy as she helped guide the team to a bronze medal in 16 Open at the USAV Girls Junior Nationals Championships. She’ll be playing up two age groups once more this coming club season. But first she needs to wrap up her first high school season, one she has long anticipated. “I was so excited to finally be in high school,” she said. “I have played with a few girls on the team because we play together in club. I was super excited. I’ve always been at practices growing up. I used to be the water girl. I was off to the side playing with my dad or other student managers so now I’m super excited to be a part of it.” She’s having a stellar debut to date, as Norris entered the state playoffs 31-3. Boesiger is averaging 11.5 assists per set and leads the team in aces by a wide margin. She’s recorded at least 19 assists in every match so far. It includes a season-high 49 in a four-set victory over Waverly back in September. It was one of four times she’s surpassed 40 or more assists. With three more victories, she could help Norris earn back the state championship. “I think we are one of the best passing teams in the state,” she said. “It’s super easy for me to run a fast offense. The hitters are always talking and calling for the ball. I can set whoever. I trust all my hitters. Also, we are very close and always supporting each other. We are working hard to win a state championship.” When Boesiger isn’t immersed in volleyball she enjoys traveling with her family and learning about different cultures and surroundings. She also enjoys baking and once had a business with her sister before both became too busy to continue on with it. “My mom’s friend lives in Colorado and she’s a pastry chef,” Boesiger said. “We went there one time and she makes these super detailed cookies and decorations. My sister and I wanted to try it so we did it for almost two years. We made cakes and cupcakes for birthdays and grad parties. We made all the desserts for my sister’s grad party.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Boesiger about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Boesiger: Inside volleyball I really look up to Lauren Carlini and Sydney Hilley. I grew up watching them all the time. They are balanced and really good leaders. Outside of volleyball I look up to my parents and my sister. They are always supporting me and care so much for me. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would you do and why? Boesiger: I would probably take all my friends and family and go to the beach or the Amalfi coast. I always wanted to go there. It’s super pretty. I love the ocean. It’s so beautiful. I’d probably do that and play some games and get some coffee. I love coffee. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Boesiger: I would say gymnastics. I love watching it on TV. It’s crazy how they can do all those tricks. It’s something I would want to learn. Do you have any volleyball superstitions and if so what? Boesiger: At club tournaments that are three or four days, if we do well on the first day the next day if I had a certain type of food I need to pack the same type of food the next day or use the same hair tie. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you

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vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 30)

October 30, 2023

The final national rankings of the season are not far off. There are two more Top 50 updates scheduled after this one with the final rankings set to drop three weeks from now. There was no movement this week among the top 20 teams, as they all continued winning. However, a huge showdown is on tap this coming Saturday as top-ranked Mater Dei CA faces No. 2 Mira Costa CA in the CIF Southern Section finals. The teams are 1-1 against each other this season, with a potential state showdown looming in the coming weeks as well. The biggest news comes out of Kansas, which concluded its high school season this past weekend. There was a couple of major developments there which impacted the rankings. Remember, we place a heavy emphasis on state results and that’s what happened this past weekend to shake up the Top 50. Unranked Mill Valley beat Blue Valley North in the 6A state championship match. Mill Valley finished the year 3-1 against Blue Valley North, which was ranked No. 21 in last week’s Top 50. With the victory, Mill Valley not only broke into the Top 50 but will finish the season ranked ahead of Blue Valley North. There was a similar scenario in 5A, where unranked Seaman topped St. Thomas Aquinas to claim the title in that division. St. Thomas Aquinas and Maize South both beat St. James Academy, which was ranked ahead of all three teams, in pool play. As a result, it’s Seaman that will close the year ahead of the rest of them. It’s that time of year too when the mythical national championship picture starts to really take shape. With Mater Dei sitting at No. 1, the Monarchs have the inside track. But it’s hardly a sure thing given the schedule they are still facing. But should Mater Dei win out, the case will be hard to beat. In that scenario, Mater Dei will have finished the season winning Volleypalooza, the Durango Fall Classic, the CIF-SS title and the California state championship. Mira Costa also has a path to the national championship. The Mustangs – who won the Ann Kang Invitational – could also finish No. 1 by winning out. That could feature two more victories over Mater Dei as well as the California state championship. At this point, it appears the only other schools which could make arguments are Hamilton Southeastern IN and Wayzata MN. Both remain undefeated and are on track to capture their respective state championships. The question is will that be enough for either? Neither travel to any out of state tournaments or play in major tournaments like Durango or the Nike TOCs. But, both teams do feature their share of Division 1 commits. Either way, before long we’ll have our answer. You can view the full Top 50 below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Hamilton Southeastern IN (3) 4.Prestonwood Christian TX (4) 5. Grand Oaks TX (5) 6. Cathedral Catholic CA (6) 7. Wayzata MN (7) 8. McKinney Boyd TX (8) 9. Papillion-La Vista South NE (9) 10. Assumption KY (10) *** 11. Marist IL (11) 12. Benet Academy IL (12) 13. Mother McAuley IL (13) 14. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (14) 15. O’Connor AZ (15) 16. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (16) 17. Archbishop Mitty CA (17) 18. Oconomowoc WI (18) 19. Notre Dame Academy KY (19) 20. Lake Catholic OH (20) *** 21. Middle Creek NC (22) 22. Kings OH (25) 23. Mill Valley KS (n/r) 24. Sierra Canyon CA (23) 25. Blue Valley North KS (21) 26. Dike-New Hartford IA (33) 27. Valor Christian CO (34) 28. Lake Travis TX (26) 29. Hudsonville MI (35) 30. Seton OH (38) *** 31. Seaman KS (n/r) 32. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (27) 33. Dripping Springs TX (28) 34. Lafayette MO (31) 35. Maize South KS (50) 36. Xavier Prep AZ (39) 37. St. James Academy KS (25) 38. Cornerstone Christian TX (29) 39. Carrollwood Day FL (30) 40. Branson CA (32) *** 41. Winter Park FL (36) 42. Skyridge UT (40 43. Bellmont IN (41) 44. Lone Peak UT (42) 45. Pace Academy GA (43) 46. Mercy McAuley OH (44) 47. North Branch MI (45) 48. Alpharetta GA (46) 49. Pope GA (47) 50. Bingham UT (48) *** ON THE CUSP Lewis-Palmer COGlenbard West ILHuntington Beach CABishop Alemany CATorrey Pines CAMarymount CAPalos Verdes CARedondo Union CALos Alamitos CAFoothill CANorthville MIViera FLPlant FLBerkeley Prep FLVenice FLCalvary Christian FLJupiter FLKamehameha HIPunahou HIBishop Gorman NVClear Creek-Amana IACorona del Sol AZLiberty AZSunrise Mountain AZMillennium AZBob Jones ALMountain Brook ALSacred Heart KYNorth Myrtle Beach SCDorman SCSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTJenks OKMount St. Mary OKLa Cueva NMRoncalli INAngola IN

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HS Player Spotlight: 17 Standout Juniors

October 25, 2023

Our next focus for HS Player Spotlight series is on the Class of 2025. We highlight 17 juniors who are having amazing seasons and contributing in big ways towards the success of their respective teams. Emma Parks OH Meadville PA: A 4-star Marquette commit, Parks has carried the majority of the offensive load for the Bulldogs. The 6-2 outside has put down 546 kills to date. She’s averaging 5.5 per set and is hitting .363. She has five matches of 21 kills or more, including a season-high 26 in a five-set thriller over Warren last week. Izzy Busignani OH Marian MI: Busignani – a 4-star Cincinnati commit – has showed off her offensive prowess in leading the attack for the Mustangs. She started the week with a team-best 569 kills, averaging 4.8 per set. She’s also the dig leader, averaging 2.7 per set, and is second in aces. She powered down a season-high 31 kills in last week’s setback against St. Mary’s Catholic Central. It was the first time she had 30 or more kills, as she’s surpassed 20 or more six times. Kirra Musgrove S/RS Lutheran South Academy TX: A 6-2, 5-star Texas AM commit, Musgrove has played an integral part of the Pioneers’ lineup. She is tops in kills with 535. She’s averaging 4.5 per set and is hitting .340. She’s also second in assists with 476. She’s averaging 4.0 per set, as well as being second in digs with an average of 2.1 per set. She’s twice recorded a season-high 28 kills, both times in September. In one of those matches, she also dished out a season-best 23 assists. Teraya Sigler OH Horizon AZ: Sigler – a 5-star Nebraska commit – has over 40 percent of her squad’s total kills. To date, she’s blasted 456 kills, averaging 5.0 per set and hitting .330. She’s also second in digs and blocks. She recorded 11 matches of 19 kills or more. Her season high was 26 in a sweep over Desert Mountain earlier this month. Kennedy Vaughn OH Bob Jones AL: The Patriots, at 49-2, are having a remarkable season to date. Vaughn, a 5-11 outside, has been the go-to hitter on the left. She’s amassed a team-high 454 kills, averaging 3.7 per set. She sent down a season-high 21 kills in a five-set victory against Mountain Brook in early September. Paris McQuirter OH McGill-Toolen AL: The defending 7A state champs are back in the mix with McQuirter on the prowl. The 5-10 outside entered the week with 447 kills. She’s averaging 3.7 per set and is hitting .348. Earlier this month she recorded a season-best 18 kills in a five-set loss to St. Paul’s Episcopal. It exceeded her previous best of 17 kills in mid-September. Jordan Czajkowski S Divine Savior Holy Angels WI: Czajkowski and company are chasing another Division 1 state title after finishing on top in 2022. DHSA is having a sensational year to date with Czajkowski directing the attack. The Belmont commit began the week with 1,009 assists, averaging 9.7 per set. She set a season-high mark of 47 assists in a four-set victory over Brookfield East earlier this month. She finished with 36 assists in a sweep of Whitefish Bay to close out regionals and move onto sectionals this past Saturday. Madison Evans S Bingham UT: Evans is in the midst of a huge year as the Miners attempt to capture the Division 6A state championship. Bingham entered the week 24-3 with Evans dolling out 869 assists. She’s averaging 9.4 per set and has surpassed 40 or more assists seven times. It includes going over 50 twice, once when she totaled a season-best 58 assists in a five-set loss to nationally-ranked Lone Peak earlier this month. The match before she had 52 dimes in a four-set victory over Maple Mountain. Ella Craggs S Northville MI: The Mustangs have been rolling as they began the week 36-2. Craggs – a 3-star Illinois State commit – has been in the middle of it all. She’s put up 818 assists to date, averaging 8.9 per set. In her best outing she finished with 44 assists in a four-set victory against Clarkston in late August. She also made a season-high 14 digs in that contest. Four other times she’s reached 30 or more assists. Sarah Mendoza L Colleyville Heritage TX: The Panthers are the defending 5A state champs and a top contender to finish ahead of the pack once more. Mendoza – a 4-star recruit – has been a wall defensively. She leads the way with 574 digs, averaging 4.9 per set. She’s had eight matches of 20 or more digs. It includes her season-best 35 saves in a five-set victory over Argyle this month. Callie Krueger L Cedar Park TX: Krueger has shown why she is one of the best defenders in her class. The 4-star Texas commit has been lights out in the back row. She started the week with 543 digs, averaging 4.6 per set. Six times she’s reached 20 or more saves. She had a season-best 23 digs in a four-set victory against Hays in late September. Taylor Deckert L Mira Costa CA: Deckert – a 5-star USC commit – is a crucial part of the Mustangs’ success so far. Ranked No. 2 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings, Deckert has excelled on the defensive end. She entered the week with 425 digs, averaging 4.8 per set. She registered a season-best 33 digs in a five-set victory over Torrey Pines in September. She’s also had four other outings of 20 or more digs, including posting 25 in last weeks’ CIF Southern Section opening victory over Los Alamitos. Sakura Codling L Seton OH: Codling is our featured Player of the Week. The 3-star UCLA commit has been another defender tearing it up for her high school squad. Nationally-ranked Seton, which is 21-2, is currently in the postseason as it aims for the Division 1 state title. Codling has anchored the defense to the

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vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Sakura Codling (FREE)

October 24, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Sakura Codling. *** After falling in the regional semifinals the past two seasons, Sakura Codling and her Seton teammates are aiming for a deeper run in this year’s Ohio Division 1 state playoffs. The Saints — who last captured a state championship in 2005 — entered this week 21-2 and face Milford on Wednesday in hopes of making Saturday’s district finals before continuing on from there. Codling – a 3-star libero and UCLA commit from the Class of 2025 – has been part of varsity since her freshman season. She took over at libero last year and remains there as a junior this fall. She’s been a defender since her 11s season, when she switched from playing setter her 10s year. “I love being a libero,” she said. “It’s so much fun. I know hitters get all the glory but my club team when I make a big play they all rush and push each other around. The feeling of making a huge dig in a crazy big moment is such a good feeling.” To date, Codling has put up a team-leading 406 digs. She’s averaging 5.1 per set and recorded a season-high 32 digs in a September victory over defending Division 1 state champion Ursuline Academy. Seton opened the season winning its first 15 contests before dropping consecutive matches to Kings and Mercy McAuley — both in five. The Saints had swept Mercy McAuley in their first meeting and it’s possible they could see one or both again in the state playoffs. “My freshman and sophomore season we were so close to being really good, we just didn’t quite have all the pieces,” Codling said. “This year we are playing really well. We were on a roll for a while then we lost our first game to Kings. We were ready to bounce back in the next one but we ended up losing in five again. That really took a toll on us but it helped us build character. We are all focused on doing our jobs and holding each other accountable.” Seton coach Kelly Crowley is also the club director at Tri-State Elite, where Codling plays club. She’ll be a part of Tri-State Elite 17 Blue this coming spring. Codling gave a lot of credit to Crowley for helping her through her recruiting process and her eventually committing to UCLA. “I was out in California when I made my decision,” Codling said. “I had to quickly call Kelly to ask him about what I should do and if this should be my final choice and what about the other schools involved. He was right by my side and ready to answer any question. He helped lift so much stress and pressure of my shoulders. He was at AAUs and I was texting him at random times in the middle of the night. It was like 9pm in California and midnight in Florida when I sent him a text and he was ready to answer and walk me through my stuff.” With the high school season soon coming to its conclusion, it won’t be long before Codling is back at it for club. She said she’s hoping the team learned from a tough ending last season when it finished 21st in 16 Open at AAUs and will take a step forward in 2024. “Going into next season we have almost the same team,” she said. “We have a new setter who played on Drive Nation last year because she ended up moving into town. We are excited to have her. Going into the season it’s about staying focused on what our goals are and what type of team we are going to be.” Outside of volleyball, Codling said she’s really into crossfit and will spend three to four days a week doing it during the club season. She also loves to fish during family vacations, saying the family makes it a competition every year. “This past year we didn’t have a lot of luck,” Codling said. “We go down to this small part of Florida and there is a little dock. There are sheepshead and some red snappers and stuff. They aren’t huge. Maybe eight inches, so we catch and release them.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Codling about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Codling: For volleyball, it’s Morgan Hentz because she’s the one who shared that you don’t know if you don’t go. I remember that every time I play defense. I don’t know what balls I can touch or not or what passes I can make without making the move. Just going after every ball and watching her play in general because of her volleyball IQ is always something to remember. Also, I look up to my teammates for all the effort they put in every day that keeps me going. If they are putting in their all it makes me feel the need to put in my all too. Would you rather explore space or the ocean and why? Codling: I think exploring the ocean. There is so much we don’t know about it and exploring it would be fun. Also, to be able to go scuba diving seems so interesting and it’s something I want to do. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Codling: I don’t know, I would want to go somewhere international like Italy or Greece and just have a fun day with my friends chilling and relaxing. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Codling: I think

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vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 23)

October 23, 2023

While most of the top-ranked teams held it down last week, there was one major result of note. That was previously undefeated Papillion-La Vista South NE suffering its first loss of the season at the hands of Papillion-La Vista. It was definitely surprising considering PLVS was 5-0 against PLV on the season. But as we know, the more times teams play over the course of the season the more likely it is the other side finally breaks through. Given PLVS is still 5-1 against PLV, the Titans didn’t drop very far, falling from No. 3 to No. 9 in this week’s update. That was the last conference match of the year for PLVS as the Titans head into the postseason. As we said in last week’s update, it’s that time of season when the rankings can get really shook up if there are big upsets. That’s because had PLVS lost to PLV in the postseason and the Titans’ shot at winning state was over, we would rank PLV ahead of PLVS despite going 1-5 on the season. It might not be entirely fair, but teams spend all season building toward making a charge in the state playoffs and we honor the biggest stage of the year by sorting the rankings that way. We almost had that scenario play out with Hamilton Southeastern IN, which narrowly remained undefeated after downing Homestead IN in five sets in the state regional finals. The Royals had only lost two sets all season and advanced to the state semifinals by avoiding the upset loss. Hamilton Southeastern takes on La Porte IN this week, with the winner squaring off against the winner of Roncalli IN–Castle IN on Nov. 4 for the Class 4A state championship. Meanwhile, Wayzata MN wrapped up the regular season by going 28-0 and pushing its winning streak to 38-matches as the Trojans ready for another state championship push. You can check out the full Top 50 rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Hamilton Southeastern IN (4) 4. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 5. Grand Oaks TX (6) 6. Cathedral Catholic CA (7) 7. Wayzata MN (8) 8. McKinney Boyd TX (9) 9. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 10. Assumption KY (10) *** 11. Marist IL (11) 12. Benet Academy IL (12) 13. Mother McAuley IL (13) 14. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (14) 15. O’Connor AZ (15) 16. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (16) 17. Archbishop Mitty CA (18) 18. Oconomowoc WI (19) 19. Notre Dame Academy KY (21) 20. Lake Catholic OH (22) *** 21. Blue Valley North KS (22) 22. Middle Creek NC (27) 23. Sierra Canyon CA (17) 24. St. James Academy KS (25) 25. Kings OH (24) 26. Lake Travis TX (41) 27. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (28) 28. Dripping Springs TX (20) 29. Cornerstone Christian TX (26) 30. Carrollwood Day FL (29) *** 31. Lafayette MO (30) 32. Branson CA (31) 33. Dike-New Hartford IA (32) 34. Valor Christian CO (33) 35. Hudsonville MI (34) 36. Winter Park FL (35) 37. Lewis-Palmer CO (36) 38. Seton OH (37) 39. Xavier Prep AZ (38) 40. Skyridge UT (44) *** 41. Bellmont IN (n/r) 42. Lone Peak UT (39) 43. Pace Academy GA (n/r) 44. Mercy McAuley OH (43) 45. North Branch MI (47) 46. Alpharetta GA (48) 47. Pope GA (n/r) 48. Bingham UT (42) 49. Glenbard West IL (49) 50. Maize South KS (50) *** ON THE CUSP Huntington Beach CABishop Alemany CATorrey Pines CAMarymount CAPalos Verdes CARedondo Union CALos Alamitos CAFoothill CANorthville MIViera FLPlant FLBerkeley Prep FLVenice FLCalvary Christian FLJupiter FLKamehameha HIPunahou HIBishop Gorman NVClear Creek-Amana IACorona del Sol AZLiberty AZSunrise Mountain AZMillennium AZBob Jones ALMountain Brook ALSacred Heart KYNorth Myrtle Beach SCDorman SCSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTJenks OKMount St. Mary OKLa Cueva NMRoncalli INAngola IN

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HS Player Spotlight: 12 Senior 5-Star Commits

October 19, 2023

One fun part of the high school season is seeing high-level athletes playing in different positions from what they do in club and for what they committed to at the collegiate level. There are few examples below with as we check in with a dozen 5-star athletes from the Class of 2024 below. It includes a couple from highly-ranked schools like No. 4 Hamilton Southeastern and No. 6 Grand Oaks TX. Ava Falduto OH IC Catholic Prep IL: Falduto shined at libero this past season for 1st Alliance 17 Gold, which took bronze in 17 Open. She committed to Penn State in the same position but is swinging on the outside for the Knights this fall. The team, which is 26-3, is one of the top contenders for the Illinois Class 2A state title. Falduto currently leads the team in digs with 253 and averaging 4.5 per set. She’s also second in digs with 235, averaging 4.2 per set. She had a season-high 23 kills in mid-September and broke the 20 mark for the second time last week with 21 in a victory over St. Francis. Morgan Gaerte OH Angola IN: The Hornets are 33-1 and are in the midst of the Class 3A state championships and continue play with the regional semifinals Saturday. A Notre Dame commit, Gaerte has provided a big-time arm on the outside. She leads the way with 419 kills, averaging 4.3 per set and hitting .433. Her season-high 31 kills came in Angola’s only loss to date, a four-set defeat to Carroll. Izzy Starck S/RS Viera FL: The Hawks have benefitted from the arrival of Starck, a Penn State commit, this fall. They are currently in the 7A state playoffs. Starck is having a monster season setting and hitting. She leads the team in kills with 314, averaging 4.8 per set and hitting .353. She’s also recorded 318 assists, averaging 4.8 per set. Four times she’s had 20 or more kills, including a season-best 28 in a four-set victory over Merritt Island in September. She’s also twice dished out 23 assists, including adding 17 kills in an October victory over Merritt Island. Zoey Burgess MB Lone Peak UT: With Burgess, a Kansas commit, Lone Peak is among the top candidates in the upcoming 6A state playoffs. Burgess has registered a team-leading 241 kills. She’s averaging 3.0 per set and is hitting .421. She’s also the team leader in blocks and is second in aces. Burgess totaled a season-high 18 kills and hit .571 in a five-set victory over Bingham earlier this month. Lauren Harden OH Hamilton Southeastern IN: A Florida commit, Harden and company are currently 29-0 and are ranked No. 4 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings. The Royals continue the 4A state playoffs in Saturday’s regional semifinals. Harden is leading the charge with 319 kills, averaging 3.8 per set and hitting .333. She’s twice reached a season-high 17 kills, with both matches happening in September. Avery Jackson OH The Hockaday School TX: Jackson – a Stanford beach commit – has played an instrumental role for the Daisies this fall. Hockaday wraps up the regular season next week. Jackson currently leads the team with 587 kills and is averaging 5.4 per set. She’s also second in digs with 450, averaging 4.1 per set, as well as leading in aces too. Twelve times she’s eclipsed 20 or more kills, including twice surpassing 30 or more. It featured a season-best 33 kills in a five-set loss to Plano West in August. Taylor Parks S Calvary Christian FL: Parks and the Warriors have a big 3A showdown against Berkeley Prep on Thursday for the right to continue on in the state playoffs. The result won’t be known as of publication, but the Warriors entered the match 23-3 with Parks guiding the attack. The Florida commit has put up 537 assists, averaging 8.4 per set. She’s also been a threat offensively, as she’s second in kills with 178. She’s also second in digs with 183. She registered a season-high 46 assists in a September victory over Cardinal Mooney. Kiarrah Horne OH Millbrook NC: The Wildcats are aiming to finish on top of the 4A state playoffs and were 19-4 heading into Saturday’s clash against Panther Creek. Horne, a UCLA commit, has been a force on the outside. She’s powering the offense with 354 kills, averaging 4.7 per set and hitting .340. She posted a season-best 30 kills in a five-set loss to Apex in early September. She also had an outing where she hit .800 in a victory against Sanderson, recording 12 kills on 15 swings without an error. Alec Rothe OH Dublin Scioto OH: The Irish are 23-0 heading into Thursday’s contest against South as they chase the Division 1 state title. Rothe – a Florida commit – has been holding it down in the middle. She leads the way with 225 kills. She’s averaging 4.2 per set and is hitting .373. Emerson Sellman OH The Academy of the Holy Cross MD: An Ohio State commit, Sellman has carried the Tartans to a 23-0 mark to date. The 6-4 outside has amassed 234 kills. She’s averaging 4.7 per set and is hitting .377. She’s also first in both blocks and digs as well. She put down a season-high 25 kills in a four-set victory over Bullis in September. She also had a season-best 15 digs in that match too. Ayden Ames OH Prosper TX: Ames committed to Nebraska as a middle but plays on the left for the Eagles. With it, she’s put up big numbers this fall. She’s sent down a team-best 404 kills, averaging 4.6 per set and hitting .380. She’s also second in both blocks and digs despite missing time. Her two top outings have both come against nationally-ranked McKinney Boyd when each time she recorded a season-best 24 kills. Jaela Auguste MB Grand Oaks TX: We finish up with yet another big-time player from the Lone Star state and another Florida

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HS Player Spotlight: 15 Standout Sophomores

October 18, 2023

It’s time for another round of our HS Player Spotlight. This time we are back to the Class of 2026 and checking in on sophomores who are making big-time contributions to their respective teams. Below, we highlight 15 players who fit that description. Halle Dolliver OH Malcolm NE: With Dolliver leading the charge, Malcolm is a Class C1 state contender. The Clippers started the week 23-4. Dolliver has put up 531 kills, which is more than half of the team’s total. She is averaging 6.6 per set and is also second in both digs and aces. She’s had a couple monster performances so far this month. One featured a season-best 42 kills in a five-set loss to Platteview. Another was dropping 33 kills in a five-set thriller over Beatrice. Ava Brown OH Lexington OH: A 6-2, 3-star recruit, Brown has starred in her role. She set and hit in club this past season for Blackswamp but has mainly hit for the Minutemen. She’s registered a team-leading 464 kills, averaging 6.2 per set and hitting .385. She’s also racked up 172 assists, averaging 2.3 per set. She’s also third in blocks, digs and aces. She’s reached double-digit kills in every outing to date, including twice having 30 or more kills. She had a season-best 32 kills earlier this month in a four-set victory against New Philadelphia. Ayanna Watson OH Bishop Gorman NV: Watson – 6-4, 5-star recruit – was our featured Player of the Week this week. She’s having a remarkable season for the Gaels. She leads the roster with 427 kills, averaging 5.2 per set and hitting .389. She’s also second in blocks and aces and third in digs. She’s been hot of late, turning in her top three performances this month, including two last week. She recorded a season-high 29 kills and hit .481 in a four-set victory over Faith Lutheran on Oct. 9. She also hit an astonishing .952 in sweeping Basic on Oct. 2. In that contest, she had 20 kills on 21 attempts. Megan Ingersoll OH Spain Park AL: Ingersoll – a 3-star recruit – is turning in a strong season for the Jaguars. She entered the week having sent down 415 kills. She’s averaging 4.2 per set and is also tops in digs at 2.2 per set. She had a season-high 22 kills in a tough five-set loss to Hoover in mid-September. She also had 12 digs in that contest, two off her season-high of 14. Leilani Lawrence OH Tampa Prep FL: A 4-star recruit, Lawrence is contributing in plenty of ways for the Terrapins. She leads the way in both kills (282, 3.8 per set) and blocks (100, 1.3) and is third in digs (3.0 per set). She’s also second in aces. She broke out for a season-high 25 kills in a five-set victory over Academy of the Holy Names in late September. She also had a season-best 18 digs and season-high 13 blocks in that one. Brooke Harwood RS/MB Eastmark AZ: The Firebirds are among the Division 4 state contenders with Harwood a big reason why. The 6-3, 5-star recruit is turning in a giant season. She entered the week with 411 kills, averaging 5.1 per set and hitting .350. She’s also the block and ace leader and is third in digs. She has six matches of at least 20 kills. Twice she’s recorded a season-high 24 kills, including last week in a four-set loss to American Leadership Academy – Gilbert. Madison Brown S Noblesville IN: The season is over for Brown and Noblesville, which fell to national No. 4 Hamilton-Southeastern this past Saturday. A 3-star recruit, Brown dished out 1,075 on the year, averaging 9.8 per set. She had plenty of huge efforts. She registered 40 or more assists 10 times. It included 50 or more twice, and her season-best 61 dimes in a five-set victory over Fishers last week. Anna Flores S Keller TX: Flores – a 4-star recruit who hit and set for TAV 15 Black this past club season – is running a 5-1 for the Indians this fall. She’s amassed 804 assists to date, averaging 8.3 per set. She’s also the team’s leader in aces, as well as second in digs. Four times she’s had 43 assists or more, including a season-best 51 in a five-set victory against Northwest in mid-August. Elena Ruble St. Pius X MO: Ruble and company are among the top contenders for the Class 4 state title. The 3-star recruit started the week with 701 assists, averaging 10.8 per set. Her 47 aces also lead the team. She’s reached at least 40 assists six times. Among them was a season-high 44 dimes in a sweep of Farmington in mid-September. Ella Florez S Mill Valley KS: A 5-star recruit who sets and hits in club, Florez’s responsibility for the Jaguars has been just setting. She’s totaled 698 assists to date, averaging 8.9 per set. She’s had big outings of late, including a season-best 46 assists in a five-set loss to Olathe West on Oct. 5. She also recorded a season-high 17 digs in the loss. She dished out 38 assists in a sweep over Shawnee Mission South last week. Gabi Rodriguez L McKinney North TX: Rodriguez – a 4-star recruit – has held it down defensively for the Bulldogs. She entered the week with 611 digs, averaging 8.0 per set. She’s also the leader in aces. She had her best two matches earlier this month. In one she registered 42 digs in a sweep of Greenville. She posted a season-best 50 digs in a four-set victory over Sherman as well. Ruby McDermott L Blessed Trinity GA: A 3-star recruit, McDermott has been another standout defender and playing a big role defensively. She’s put up 431 saves and is averaging 4.3 per set. She’s another who also leads the squad in aces. McDermott totaled a season-best 28 digs in a four-set loss to Pope in early September. It was one of five times she’s had

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Top Classes of 2024 As Signing Day Nears

November 1, 2023

Signing day for National Letters of Intent is Nov. 8. While very little will change in the next week in terms of commitments, there was a massive shake up recently when 5-star middle blocker Ayden Ames decommitted from Nebraska and re-announced her new commitment to Texas. That had a big impact on Nebraska’s class, as the Huskers went from bringing in three 5-star recruits to two. Nebraska was one of two schools with three or more 5-star recruits prior. With Ames’ announcement, it leaves only Florida with more than two 5-star recruits. As signing day rapidly approaches, we take a look below at what we expect to be the Top 10 recruiting classes for 2024. FLORIDA   Notes: The Gators have a massive incoming class with four 5-star recruits and two 3-star defenders in the mix as well. Auguste is one of the most athletic and dynamic middles in the class and at 6-2 is part of tall haul for the Gators. Harden – at 6-3 – has tremendous upside with her length and athleticism as well and could eventually explode at the next level. Rothe – another middle who is 6-3 – is a high IQ player who has also spent time on the pin at the club level. While Alexis Stucky figures to be running the show when she returns from injury next year, we saw how lack of setting depth can impact a roster. Parks will change that. Her hands are butter and with her Florida is getting another high-level disher. USC   Notes: While Florida’s class is at the very top, separating the rest of the pack near the top is very difficult. There are many classes at a similar level. The Trojans are certainly in the mix with what they are adding. Anyanwu, at 6-2, might be the hardest hitter in the class and she’s going to bring tons of physicality to the lineup. Anyanwu’s club teammate in the 6-1 Livings adds versatility to the lineup. She’s played mostly on the right side in club but does have the ability to play six rotations as well as line up at outside. Tealer is listed at 6-0 but she’s a high-flying outside who brings athleticism to the pin. Douglas, meanwhile, is a strong defender who reads well and will add defensive depth. WISCONSIN   Notes: Among the incoming class for the Badgers are two international players. We don’t know much about them but we do know Wisconsin is among the schools which landed a pair of 5-star recruits. Fuerbringer is one of the top setters in the class and the timing is perfect with MJ Hammil being a senior and Izzy Ashburn a graduate player. Fuerbringer’s IQ is off the charts and is likely she makes an immediate impact. Schumacher is a lights-out passer and defender. With freshman Saige Damrow already on the roster, the Badgers’ back row future is a bright one. STANFORD   Notes: The Cardinal are yet one more program bringing aboard two 5-star recruits. What stands out the most landing Yu, who is arguably the best setter in the class. She lines up to take over once Kami Miner is gone. Andrew is a 6-5 middle with the potential to become a force at the next level. Duncan, at 6-4, adds more size to the roster as well as depth. LOUISVILLE   Notes: The Cardinals are in the thick of teams with top level recruiting classes. Cabello, at 6-1, is a versatile player who can set and hit. She could play that same role at the next level or just be part of the setting options. Utterback is just a bit undersized but more than makes up for it with her leaping ability. She can get up in a hurry and is an explosive hitter. Petersen has a strong arm. All three could be in the mix for playing time as rookies. NEBRASKA   Notes: No doubt losing Ames knocked Nebraska down a notch. The Huskers were looking at having one of the best classes in 2024. Now, they join a big list of schools bringing on two 5-star recruits. At 6-2, Pierce is a high-flying, free-swinging outside. However, barring a bunch of roster changeover she’s unlikely to crack the lineup as a rookie and instead could be in line to contribute as a sophomore or even junior. With Lexi Rodriguez and Laney Choboy, the Huskers are strong in the back row and Mauch will add yet another top-level talent into the mix. PENN STATE   Notes: The Nittany Lions have a small but mighty incoming class. Starck is one of the top recruits in 2024. She’s a high-level setter and hitter who is going to bring lineup options when she arrives. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her on the court a lot as a freshman. Falduto has risen quickly and has elevated her status as one of the best defenders in the class. She too could get on the court in a defensive specialist role as a rookie. MICHIGAN   Notes: Not only are the Wolverines bringing in a big class, it’s a talented one on top of it. Edwards has excellent hands and location as well as knowing how to run an offense. White is an interesting prospect because she’s spent her high school career and this past club season as a six-rotation outside. With it, she brings roster flexibility. Hanes, at 6-3, is a scoring machine in the middle. At 6-2, Demetrician brings length to the pin. Meanwhile Gordon is a 6-3 wall of a blocker on the right side who arrives with lots of upside and potential to star at the next level. OHIO STATE   Notes: Like Michigan, the Buckeyes are adding one of the larger classes. The highlight is Sellman, a 6-4 outside who hits with great extension and pace. It’s very likely she takes on a starting role out of the gate as a freshman next season. After that, Ohio State is bolstering

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vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Malorie Boesiger (FREE)

October 31, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Malorie Boesiger. *** There’s plenty to get to with our latest Player of the Week in Malorie Boesiger, who is a 4-star recruit from the Class of 2027 and currently in her freshman season at Norris. It’s an important week for the Titans, who are coached by Boesiger’s mom, Christina. She was the coach the last time Norris finished on top of Nebraska’s Class B state championship in 2014. Since then, Skutt Catholic has ran off eight consecutive state titles, including beating Norris in the finals in 2020 and 2021. Boesiger and company are aiming to stop that streak. The Titans enter Wednesday’s state quarterfinals as the top seed. Norris and Skutt Catholic – the No. 3 overall seed – haven’t played this year. The state finals are set for this coming Saturday at the Devaney Center. Boesiger – who’s taken over the setting role during her rookie campaign – is no stranger to volleyball. With her mom coaching and her older sister, Maisie, being a sophomore on Nebraska’s squad, she grew up around the sport. “I would say I watch volleyball all the time,” Boesiger said. “I’m always watching games, whether it’s high school, college or professional. I’m always trying to get better and learn from other people. “I grew up in the gym. My mom is a coach and my sister and I would always be playing with each other passing and setting. Volleyball has always been in my life.” Boesiger and her older sister have a close relationship. They are both very competitive, which growing up “most of the time ended up in a fight because someone would win and someone would lose. She’s my biggest supporter. I go to her home games and she comes to watch my high school and club games whenever she can.” Boesiger started club volleyball in first grade and has been setting since. She’s also always played up two age groups, including this past season for Nebraska One 16 Synergy as she helped guide the team to a bronze medal in 16 Open at the USAV Girls Junior Nationals Championships. She’ll be playing up two age groups once more this coming club season. But first she needs to wrap up her first high school season, one she has long anticipated. “I was so excited to finally be in high school,” she said. “I have played with a few girls on the team because we play together in club. I was super excited. I’ve always been at practices growing up. I used to be the water girl. I was off to the side playing with my dad or other student managers so now I’m super excited to be a part of it.” She’s having a stellar debut to date, as Norris entered the state playoffs 31-3. Boesiger is averaging 11.5 assists per set and leads the team in aces by a wide margin. She’s recorded at least 19 assists in every match so far. It includes a season-high 49 in a four-set victory over Waverly back in September. It was one of four times she’s surpassed 40 or more assists. With three more victories, she could help Norris earn back the state championship. “I think we are one of the best passing teams in the state,” she said. “It’s super easy for me to run a fast offense. The hitters are always talking and calling for the ball. I can set whoever. I trust all my hitters. Also, we are very close and always supporting each other. We are working hard to win a state championship.” When Boesiger isn’t immersed in volleyball she enjoys traveling with her family and learning about different cultures and surroundings. She also enjoys baking and once had a business with her sister before both became too busy to continue on with it. “My mom’s friend lives in Colorado and she’s a pastry chef,” Boesiger said. “We went there one time and she makes these super detailed cookies and decorations. My sister and I wanted to try it so we did it for almost two years. We made cakes and cupcakes for birthdays and grad parties. We made all the desserts for my sister’s grad party.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Boesiger about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Boesiger: Inside volleyball I really look up to Lauren Carlini and Sydney Hilley. I grew up watching them all the time. They are balanced and really good leaders. Outside of volleyball I look up to my parents and my sister. They are always supporting me and care so much for me. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would you do and why? Boesiger: I would probably take all my friends and family and go to the beach or the Amalfi coast. I always wanted to go there. It’s super pretty. I love the ocean. It’s so beautiful. I’d probably do that and play some games and get some coffee. I love coffee. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Boesiger: I would say gymnastics. I love watching it on TV. It’s crazy how they can do all those tricks. It’s something I would want to learn. Do you have any volleyball superstitions and if so what? Boesiger: At club tournaments that are three or four days, if we do well on the first day the next day if I had a certain type of food I need to pack the same type of food the next day or use the same hair tie. Aside from necessities, what is one thing you

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vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 30)

October 30, 2023

The final national rankings of the season are not far off. There are two more Top 50 updates scheduled after this one with the final rankings set to drop three weeks from now. There was no movement this week among the top 20 teams, as they all continued winning. However, a huge showdown is on tap this coming Saturday as top-ranked Mater Dei CA faces No. 2 Mira Costa CA in the CIF Southern Section finals. The teams are 1-1 against each other this season, with a potential state showdown looming in the coming weeks as well. The biggest news comes out of Kansas, which concluded its high school season this past weekend. There was a couple of major developments there which impacted the rankings. Remember, we place a heavy emphasis on state results and that’s what happened this past weekend to shake up the Top 50. Unranked Mill Valley beat Blue Valley North in the 6A state championship match. Mill Valley finished the year 3-1 against Blue Valley North, which was ranked No. 21 in last week’s Top 50. With the victory, Mill Valley not only broke into the Top 50 but will finish the season ranked ahead of Blue Valley North. There was a similar scenario in 5A, where unranked Seaman topped St. Thomas Aquinas to claim the title in that division. St. Thomas Aquinas and Maize South both beat St. James Academy, which was ranked ahead of all three teams, in pool play. As a result, it’s Seaman that will close the year ahead of the rest of them. It’s that time of year too when the mythical national championship picture starts to really take shape. With Mater Dei sitting at No. 1, the Monarchs have the inside track. But it’s hardly a sure thing given the schedule they are still facing. But should Mater Dei win out, the case will be hard to beat. In that scenario, Mater Dei will have finished the season winning Volleypalooza, the Durango Fall Classic, the CIF-SS title and the California state championship. Mira Costa also has a path to the national championship. The Mustangs – who won the Ann Kang Invitational – could also finish No. 1 by winning out. That could feature two more victories over Mater Dei as well as the California state championship. At this point, it appears the only other schools which could make arguments are Hamilton Southeastern IN and Wayzata MN. Both remain undefeated and are on track to capture their respective state championships. The question is will that be enough for either? Neither travel to any out of state tournaments or play in major tournaments like Durango or the Nike TOCs. But, both teams do feature their share of Division 1 commits. Either way, before long we’ll have our answer. You can view the full Top 50 below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Hamilton Southeastern IN (3) 4.Prestonwood Christian TX (4) 5. Grand Oaks TX (5) 6. Cathedral Catholic CA (6) 7. Wayzata MN (7) 8. McKinney Boyd TX (8) 9. Papillion-La Vista South NE (9) 10. Assumption KY (10) *** 11. Marist IL (11) 12. Benet Academy IL (12) 13. Mother McAuley IL (13) 14. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (14) 15. O’Connor AZ (15) 16. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (16) 17. Archbishop Mitty CA (17) 18. Oconomowoc WI (18) 19. Notre Dame Academy KY (19) 20. Lake Catholic OH (20) *** 21. Middle Creek NC (22) 22. Kings OH (25) 23. Mill Valley KS (n/r) 24. Sierra Canyon CA (23) 25. Blue Valley North KS (21) 26. Dike-New Hartford IA (33) 27. Valor Christian CO (34) 28. Lake Travis TX (26) 29. Hudsonville MI (35) 30. Seton OH (38) *** 31. Seaman KS (n/r) 32. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (27) 33. Dripping Springs TX (28) 34. Lafayette MO (31) 35. Maize South KS (50) 36. Xavier Prep AZ (39) 37. St. James Academy KS (25) 38. Cornerstone Christian TX (29) 39. Carrollwood Day FL (30) 40. Branson CA (32) *** 41. Winter Park FL (36) 42. Skyridge UT (40 43. Bellmont IN (41) 44. Lone Peak UT (42) 45. Pace Academy GA (43) 46. Mercy McAuley OH (44) 47. North Branch MI (45) 48. Alpharetta GA (46) 49. Pope GA (47) 50. Bingham UT (48) *** ON THE CUSP Lewis-Palmer COGlenbard West ILHuntington Beach CABishop Alemany CATorrey Pines CAMarymount CAPalos Verdes CARedondo Union CALos Alamitos CAFoothill CANorthville MIViera FLPlant FLBerkeley Prep FLVenice FLCalvary Christian FLJupiter FLKamehameha HIPunahou HIBishop Gorman NVClear Creek-Amana IACorona del Sol AZLiberty AZSunrise Mountain AZMillennium AZBob Jones ALMountain Brook ALSacred Heart KYNorth Myrtle Beach SCDorman SCSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTJenks OKMount St. Mary OKLa Cueva NMRoncalli INAngola IN

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HS Player Spotlight: 17 Standout Juniors

October 25, 2023

Our next focus for HS Player Spotlight series is on the Class of 2025. We highlight 17 juniors who are having amazing seasons and contributing in big ways towards the success of their respective teams. Emma Parks OH Meadville PA: A 4-star Marquette commit, Parks has carried the majority of the offensive load for the Bulldogs. The 6-2 outside has put down 546 kills to date. She’s averaging 5.5 per set and is hitting .363. She has five matches of 21 kills or more, including a season-high 26 in a five-set thriller over Warren last week. Izzy Busignani OH Marian MI: Busignani – a 4-star Cincinnati commit – has showed off her offensive prowess in leading the attack for the Mustangs. She started the week with a team-best 569 kills, averaging 4.8 per set. She’s also the dig leader, averaging 2.7 per set, and is second in aces. She powered down a season-high 31 kills in last week’s setback against St. Mary’s Catholic Central. It was the first time she had 30 or more kills, as she’s surpassed 20 or more six times. Kirra Musgrove S/RS Lutheran South Academy TX: A 6-2, 5-star Texas AM commit, Musgrove has played an integral part of the Pioneers’ lineup. She is tops in kills with 535. She’s averaging 4.5 per set and is hitting .340. She’s also second in assists with 476. She’s averaging 4.0 per set, as well as being second in digs with an average of 2.1 per set. She’s twice recorded a season-high 28 kills, both times in September. In one of those matches, she also dished out a season-best 23 assists. Teraya Sigler OH Horizon AZ: Sigler – a 5-star Nebraska commit – has over 40 percent of her squad’s total kills. To date, she’s blasted 456 kills, averaging 5.0 per set and hitting .330. She’s also second in digs and blocks. She recorded 11 matches of 19 kills or more. Her season high was 26 in a sweep over Desert Mountain earlier this month. Kennedy Vaughn OH Bob Jones AL: The Patriots, at 49-2, are having a remarkable season to date. Vaughn, a 5-11 outside, has been the go-to hitter on the left. She’s amassed a team-high 454 kills, averaging 3.7 per set. She sent down a season-high 21 kills in a five-set victory against Mountain Brook in early September. Paris McQuirter OH McGill-Toolen AL: The defending 7A state champs are back in the mix with McQuirter on the prowl. The 5-10 outside entered the week with 447 kills. She’s averaging 3.7 per set and is hitting .348. Earlier this month she recorded a season-best 18 kills in a five-set loss to St. Paul’s Episcopal. It exceeded her previous best of 17 kills in mid-September. Jordan Czajkowski S Divine Savior Holy Angels WI: Czajkowski and company are chasing another Division 1 state title after finishing on top in 2022. DHSA is having a sensational year to date with Czajkowski directing the attack. The Belmont commit began the week with 1,009 assists, averaging 9.7 per set. She set a season-high mark of 47 assists in a four-set victory over Brookfield East earlier this month. She finished with 36 assists in a sweep of Whitefish Bay to close out regionals and move onto sectionals this past Saturday. Madison Evans S Bingham UT: Evans is in the midst of a huge year as the Miners attempt to capture the Division 6A state championship. Bingham entered the week 24-3 with Evans dolling out 869 assists. She’s averaging 9.4 per set and has surpassed 40 or more assists seven times. It includes going over 50 twice, once when she totaled a season-best 58 assists in a five-set loss to nationally-ranked Lone Peak earlier this month. The match before she had 52 dimes in a four-set victory over Maple Mountain. Ella Craggs S Northville MI: The Mustangs have been rolling as they began the week 36-2. Craggs – a 3-star Illinois State commit – has been in the middle of it all. She’s put up 818 assists to date, averaging 8.9 per set. In her best outing she finished with 44 assists in a four-set victory against Clarkston in late August. She also made a season-high 14 digs in that contest. Four other times she’s reached 30 or more assists. Sarah Mendoza L Colleyville Heritage TX: The Panthers are the defending 5A state champs and a top contender to finish ahead of the pack once more. Mendoza – a 4-star recruit – has been a wall defensively. She leads the way with 574 digs, averaging 4.9 per set. She’s had eight matches of 20 or more digs. It includes her season-best 35 saves in a five-set victory over Argyle this month. Callie Krueger L Cedar Park TX: Krueger has shown why she is one of the best defenders in her class. The 4-star Texas commit has been lights out in the back row. She started the week with 543 digs, averaging 4.6 per set. Six times she’s reached 20 or more saves. She had a season-best 23 digs in a four-set victory against Hays in late September. Taylor Deckert L Mira Costa CA: Deckert – a 5-star USC commit – is a crucial part of the Mustangs’ success so far. Ranked No. 2 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings, Deckert has excelled on the defensive end. She entered the week with 425 digs, averaging 4.8 per set. She registered a season-best 33 digs in a five-set victory over Torrey Pines in September. She’s also had four other outings of 20 or more digs, including posting 25 in last weeks’ CIF Southern Section opening victory over Los Alamitos. Sakura Codling L Seton OH: Codling is our featured Player of the Week. The 3-star UCLA commit has been another defender tearing it up for her high school squad. Nationally-ranked Seton, which is 21-2, is currently in the postseason as it aims for the Division 1 state title. Codling has anchored the defense to the

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vballrecruiter.com’s Player of the Week: Sakura Codling (FREE)

October 24, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Sakura Codling. *** After falling in the regional semifinals the past two seasons, Sakura Codling and her Seton teammates are aiming for a deeper run in this year’s Ohio Division 1 state playoffs. The Saints — who last captured a state championship in 2005 — entered this week 21-2 and face Milford on Wednesday in hopes of making Saturday’s district finals before continuing on from there. Codling – a 3-star libero and UCLA commit from the Class of 2025 – has been part of varsity since her freshman season. She took over at libero last year and remains there as a junior this fall. She’s been a defender since her 11s season, when she switched from playing setter her 10s year. “I love being a libero,” she said. “It’s so much fun. I know hitters get all the glory but my club team when I make a big play they all rush and push each other around. The feeling of making a huge dig in a crazy big moment is such a good feeling.” To date, Codling has put up a team-leading 406 digs. She’s averaging 5.1 per set and recorded a season-high 32 digs in a September victory over defending Division 1 state champion Ursuline Academy. Seton opened the season winning its first 15 contests before dropping consecutive matches to Kings and Mercy McAuley — both in five. The Saints had swept Mercy McAuley in their first meeting and it’s possible they could see one or both again in the state playoffs. “My freshman and sophomore season we were so close to being really good, we just didn’t quite have all the pieces,” Codling said. “This year we are playing really well. We were on a roll for a while then we lost our first game to Kings. We were ready to bounce back in the next one but we ended up losing in five again. That really took a toll on us but it helped us build character. We are all focused on doing our jobs and holding each other accountable.” Seton coach Kelly Crowley is also the club director at Tri-State Elite, where Codling plays club. She’ll be a part of Tri-State Elite 17 Blue this coming spring. Codling gave a lot of credit to Crowley for helping her through her recruiting process and her eventually committing to UCLA. “I was out in California when I made my decision,” Codling said. “I had to quickly call Kelly to ask him about what I should do and if this should be my final choice and what about the other schools involved. He was right by my side and ready to answer any question. He helped lift so much stress and pressure of my shoulders. He was at AAUs and I was texting him at random times in the middle of the night. It was like 9pm in California and midnight in Florida when I sent him a text and he was ready to answer and walk me through my stuff.” With the high school season soon coming to its conclusion, it won’t be long before Codling is back at it for club. She said she’s hoping the team learned from a tough ending last season when it finished 21st in 16 Open at AAUs and will take a step forward in 2024. “Going into next season we have almost the same team,” she said. “We have a new setter who played on Drive Nation last year because she ended up moving into town. We are excited to have her. Going into the season it’s about staying focused on what our goals are and what type of team we are going to be.” Outside of volleyball, Codling said she’s really into crossfit and will spend three to four days a week doing it during the club season. She also loves to fish during family vacations, saying the family makes it a competition every year. “This past year we didn’t have a lot of luck,” Codling said. “We go down to this small part of Florida and there is a little dock. There are sheepshead and some red snappers and stuff. They aren’t huge. Maybe eight inches, so we catch and release them.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Codling about volleyball and more. Who is a role model or someone you look up to? Codling: For volleyball, it’s Morgan Hentz because she’s the one who shared that you don’t know if you don’t go. I remember that every time I play defense. I don’t know what balls I can touch or not or what passes I can make without making the move. Just going after every ball and watching her play in general because of her volleyball IQ is always something to remember. Also, I look up to my teammates for all the effort they put in every day that keeps me going. If they are putting in their all it makes me feel the need to put in my all too. Would you rather explore space or the ocean and why? Codling: I think exploring the ocean. There is so much we don’t know about it and exploring it would be fun. Also, to be able to go scuba diving seems so interesting and it’s something I want to do. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be and why? Codling: I don’t know, I would want to go somewhere international like Italy or Greece and just have a fun day with my friends chilling and relaxing. Other than volleyball, what skill would you most like to learn and why? Codling: I think

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vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings (Oct. 23)

October 23, 2023

While most of the top-ranked teams held it down last week, there was one major result of note. That was previously undefeated Papillion-La Vista South NE suffering its first loss of the season at the hands of Papillion-La Vista. It was definitely surprising considering PLVS was 5-0 against PLV on the season. But as we know, the more times teams play over the course of the season the more likely it is the other side finally breaks through. Given PLVS is still 5-1 against PLV, the Titans didn’t drop very far, falling from No. 3 to No. 9 in this week’s update. That was the last conference match of the year for PLVS as the Titans head into the postseason. As we said in last week’s update, it’s that time of season when the rankings can get really shook up if there are big upsets. That’s because had PLVS lost to PLV in the postseason and the Titans’ shot at winning state was over, we would rank PLV ahead of PLVS despite going 1-5 on the season. It might not be entirely fair, but teams spend all season building toward making a charge in the state playoffs and we honor the biggest stage of the year by sorting the rankings that way. We almost had that scenario play out with Hamilton Southeastern IN, which narrowly remained undefeated after downing Homestead IN in five sets in the state regional finals. The Royals had only lost two sets all season and advanced to the state semifinals by avoiding the upset loss. Hamilton Southeastern takes on La Porte IN this week, with the winner squaring off against the winner of Roncalli IN–Castle IN on Nov. 4 for the Class 4A state championship. Meanwhile, Wayzata MN wrapped up the regular season by going 28-0 and pushing its winning streak to 38-matches as the Trojans ready for another state championship push. You can check out the full Top 50 rankings below. vballrecruiter.com’S TOP 50 NATIONAL HS RANKINGS 1. Mater Dei CA (1 – previous ranking) 2. Mira Costa CA (2) 3. Hamilton Southeastern IN (4) 4. Prestonwood Christian TX (5) 5. Grand Oaks TX (6) 6. Cathedral Catholic CA (7) 7. Wayzata MN (8) 8. McKinney Boyd TX (9) 9. Papillion-La Vista South NE (3) 10. Assumption KY (10) *** 11. Marist IL (11) 12. Benet Academy IL (12) 13. Mother McAuley IL (13) 14. Divine Savior Holy Angels WI (14) 15. O’Connor AZ (15) 16. St. Francis/Mountain View CA (16) 17. Archbishop Mitty CA (18) 18. Oconomowoc WI (19) 19. Notre Dame Academy KY (21) 20. Lake Catholic OH (22) *** 21. Blue Valley North KS (22) 22. Middle Creek NC (27) 23. Sierra Canyon CA (17) 24. St. James Academy KS (25) 25. Kings OH (24) 26. Lake Travis TX (41) 27. St. Thomas Aquinas KS (28) 28. Dripping Springs TX (20) 29. Cornerstone Christian TX (26) 30. Carrollwood Day FL (29) *** 31. Lafayette MO (30) 32. Branson CA (31) 33. Dike-New Hartford IA (32) 34. Valor Christian CO (33) 35. Hudsonville MI (34) 36. Winter Park FL (35) 37. Lewis-Palmer CO (36) 38. Seton OH (37) 39. Xavier Prep AZ (38) 40. Skyridge UT (44) *** 41. Bellmont IN (n/r) 42. Lone Peak UT (39) 43. Pace Academy GA (n/r) 44. Mercy McAuley OH (43) 45. North Branch MI (47) 46. Alpharetta GA (48) 47. Pope GA (n/r) 48. Bingham UT (42) 49. Glenbard West IL (49) 50. Maize South KS (50) *** ON THE CUSP Huntington Beach CABishop Alemany CATorrey Pines CAMarymount CAPalos Verdes CARedondo Union CALos Alamitos CAFoothill CANorthville MIViera FLPlant FLBerkeley Prep FLVenice FLCalvary Christian FLJupiter FLKamehameha HIPunahou HIBishop Gorman NVClear Creek-Amana IACorona del Sol AZLiberty AZSunrise Mountain AZMillennium AZBob Jones ALMountain Brook ALSacred Heart KYNorth Myrtle Beach SCDorman SCSt. Ursula Academy OHMount Notre Dame OHCorner Canyon UTPleasant Grove UTJenks OKMount St. Mary OKLa Cueva NMRoncalli INAngola IN

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HS Player Spotlight: 12 Senior 5-Star Commits

October 19, 2023

One fun part of the high school season is seeing high-level athletes playing in different positions from what they do in club and for what they committed to at the collegiate level. There are few examples below with as we check in with a dozen 5-star athletes from the Class of 2024 below. It includes a couple from highly-ranked schools like No. 4 Hamilton Southeastern and No. 6 Grand Oaks TX. Ava Falduto OH IC Catholic Prep IL: Falduto shined at libero this past season for 1st Alliance 17 Gold, which took bronze in 17 Open. She committed to Penn State in the same position but is swinging on the outside for the Knights this fall. The team, which is 26-3, is one of the top contenders for the Illinois Class 2A state title. Falduto currently leads the team in digs with 253 and averaging 4.5 per set. She’s also second in digs with 235, averaging 4.2 per set. She had a season-high 23 kills in mid-September and broke the 20 mark for the second time last week with 21 in a victory over St. Francis. Morgan Gaerte OH Angola IN: The Hornets are 33-1 and are in the midst of the Class 3A state championships and continue play with the regional semifinals Saturday. A Notre Dame commit, Gaerte has provided a big-time arm on the outside. She leads the way with 419 kills, averaging 4.3 per set and hitting .433. Her season-high 31 kills came in Angola’s only loss to date, a four-set defeat to Carroll. Izzy Starck S/RS Viera FL: The Hawks have benefitted from the arrival of Starck, a Penn State commit, this fall. They are currently in the 7A state playoffs. Starck is having a monster season setting and hitting. She leads the team in kills with 314, averaging 4.8 per set and hitting .353. She’s also recorded 318 assists, averaging 4.8 per set. Four times she’s had 20 or more kills, including a season-best 28 in a four-set victory over Merritt Island in September. She’s also twice dished out 23 assists, including adding 17 kills in an October victory over Merritt Island. Zoey Burgess MB Lone Peak UT: With Burgess, a Kansas commit, Lone Peak is among the top candidates in the upcoming 6A state playoffs. Burgess has registered a team-leading 241 kills. She’s averaging 3.0 per set and is hitting .421. She’s also the team leader in blocks and is second in aces. Burgess totaled a season-high 18 kills and hit .571 in a five-set victory over Bingham earlier this month. Lauren Harden OH Hamilton Southeastern IN: A Florida commit, Harden and company are currently 29-0 and are ranked No. 4 in vballrecruiter.com’s Top 50 National HS Rankings. The Royals continue the 4A state playoffs in Saturday’s regional semifinals. Harden is leading the charge with 319 kills, averaging 3.8 per set and hitting .333. She’s twice reached a season-high 17 kills, with both matches happening in September. Avery Jackson OH The Hockaday School TX: Jackson – a Stanford beach commit – has played an instrumental role for the Daisies this fall. Hockaday wraps up the regular season next week. Jackson currently leads the team with 587 kills and is averaging 5.4 per set. She’s also second in digs with 450, averaging 4.1 per set, as well as leading in aces too. Twelve times she’s eclipsed 20 or more kills, including twice surpassing 30 or more. It featured a season-best 33 kills in a five-set loss to Plano West in August. Taylor Parks S Calvary Christian FL: Parks and the Warriors have a big 3A showdown against Berkeley Prep on Thursday for the right to continue on in the state playoffs. The result won’t be known as of publication, but the Warriors entered the match 23-3 with Parks guiding the attack. The Florida commit has put up 537 assists, averaging 8.4 per set. She’s also been a threat offensively, as she’s second in kills with 178. She’s also second in digs with 183. She registered a season-high 46 assists in a September victory over Cardinal Mooney. Kiarrah Horne OH Millbrook NC: The Wildcats are aiming to finish on top of the 4A state playoffs and were 19-4 heading into Saturday’s clash against Panther Creek. Horne, a UCLA commit, has been a force on the outside. She’s powering the offense with 354 kills, averaging 4.7 per set and hitting .340. She posted a season-best 30 kills in a five-set loss to Apex in early September. She also had an outing where she hit .800 in a victory against Sanderson, recording 12 kills on 15 swings without an error. Alec Rothe OH Dublin Scioto OH: The Irish are 23-0 heading into Thursday’s contest against South as they chase the Division 1 state title. Rothe – a Florida commit – has been holding it down in the middle. She leads the way with 225 kills. She’s averaging 4.2 per set and is hitting .373. Emerson Sellman OH The Academy of the Holy Cross MD: An Ohio State commit, Sellman has carried the Tartans to a 23-0 mark to date. The 6-4 outside has amassed 234 kills. She’s averaging 4.7 per set and is hitting .377. She’s also first in both blocks and digs as well. She put down a season-high 25 kills in a four-set victory over Bullis in September. She also had a season-best 15 digs in that match too. Ayden Ames OH Prosper TX: Ames committed to Nebraska as a middle but plays on the left for the Eagles. With it, she’s put up big numbers this fall. She’s sent down a team-best 404 kills, averaging 4.6 per set and hitting .380. She’s also second in both blocks and digs despite missing time. Her two top outings have both come against nationally-ranked McKinney Boyd when each time she recorded a season-best 24 kills. Jaela Auguste MB Grand Oaks TX: We finish up with yet another big-time player from the Lone Star state and another Florida

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HS Player Spotlight: 15 Standout Sophomores

October 18, 2023

It’s time for another round of our HS Player Spotlight. This time we are back to the Class of 2026 and checking in on sophomores who are making big-time contributions to their respective teams. Below, we highlight 15 players who fit that description. Halle Dolliver OH Malcolm NE: With Dolliver leading the charge, Malcolm is a Class C1 state contender. The Clippers started the week 23-4. Dolliver has put up 531 kills, which is more than half of the team’s total. She is averaging 6.6 per set and is also second in both digs and aces. She’s had a couple monster performances so far this month. One featured a season-best 42 kills in a five-set loss to Platteview. Another was dropping 33 kills in a five-set thriller over Beatrice. Ava Brown OH Lexington OH: A 6-2, 3-star recruit, Brown has starred in her role. She set and hit in club this past season for Blackswamp but has mainly hit for the Minutemen. She’s registered a team-leading 464 kills, averaging 6.2 per set and hitting .385. She’s also racked up 172 assists, averaging 2.3 per set. She’s also third in blocks, digs and aces. She’s reached double-digit kills in every outing to date, including twice having 30 or more kills. She had a season-best 32 kills earlier this month in a four-set victory against New Philadelphia. Ayanna Watson OH Bishop Gorman NV: Watson – 6-4, 5-star recruit – was our featured Player of the Week this week. She’s having a remarkable season for the Gaels. She leads the roster with 427 kills, averaging 5.2 per set and hitting .389. She’s also second in blocks and aces and third in digs. She’s been hot of late, turning in her top three performances this month, including two last week. She recorded a season-high 29 kills and hit .481 in a four-set victory over Faith Lutheran on Oct. 9. She also hit an astonishing .952 in sweeping Basic on Oct. 2. In that contest, she had 20 kills on 21 attempts. Megan Ingersoll OH Spain Park AL: Ingersoll – a 3-star recruit – is turning in a strong season for the Jaguars. She entered the week having sent down 415 kills. She’s averaging 4.2 per set and is also tops in digs at 2.2 per set. She had a season-high 22 kills in a tough five-set loss to Hoover in mid-September. She also had 12 digs in that contest, two off her season-high of 14. Leilani Lawrence OH Tampa Prep FL: A 4-star recruit, Lawrence is contributing in plenty of ways for the Terrapins. She leads the way in both kills (282, 3.8 per set) and blocks (100, 1.3) and is third in digs (3.0 per set). She’s also second in aces. She broke out for a season-high 25 kills in a five-set victory over Academy of the Holy Names in late September. She also had a season-best 18 digs and season-high 13 blocks in that one. Brooke Harwood RS/MB Eastmark AZ: The Firebirds are among the Division 4 state contenders with Harwood a big reason why. The 6-3, 5-star recruit is turning in a giant season. She entered the week with 411 kills, averaging 5.1 per set and hitting .350. She’s also the block and ace leader and is third in digs. She has six matches of at least 20 kills. Twice she’s recorded a season-high 24 kills, including last week in a four-set loss to American Leadership Academy – Gilbert. Madison Brown S Noblesville IN: The season is over for Brown and Noblesville, which fell to national No. 4 Hamilton-Southeastern this past Saturday. A 3-star recruit, Brown dished out 1,075 on the year, averaging 9.8 per set. She had plenty of huge efforts. She registered 40 or more assists 10 times. It included 50 or more twice, and her season-best 61 dimes in a five-set victory over Fishers last week. Anna Flores S Keller TX: Flores – a 4-star recruit who hit and set for TAV 15 Black this past club season – is running a 5-1 for the Indians this fall. She’s amassed 804 assists to date, averaging 8.3 per set. She’s also the team’s leader in aces, as well as second in digs. Four times she’s had 43 assists or more, including a season-best 51 in a five-set victory against Northwest in mid-August. Elena Ruble St. Pius X MO: Ruble and company are among the top contenders for the Class 4 state title. The 3-star recruit started the week with 701 assists, averaging 10.8 per set. Her 47 aces also lead the team. She’s reached at least 40 assists six times. Among them was a season-high 44 dimes in a sweep of Farmington in mid-September. Ella Florez S Mill Valley KS: A 5-star recruit who sets and hits in club, Florez’s responsibility for the Jaguars has been just setting. She’s totaled 698 assists to date, averaging 8.9 per set. She’s had big outings of late, including a season-best 46 assists in a five-set loss to Olathe West on Oct. 5. She also recorded a season-high 17 digs in the loss. She dished out 38 assists in a sweep over Shawnee Mission South last week. Gabi Rodriguez L McKinney North TX: Rodriguez – a 4-star recruit – has held it down defensively for the Bulldogs. She entered the week with 611 digs, averaging 8.0 per set. She’s also the leader in aces. She had her best two matches earlier this month. In one she registered 42 digs in a sweep of Greenville. She posted a season-best 50 digs in a four-set victory over Sherman as well. Ruby McDermott L Blessed Trinity GA: A 3-star recruit, McDermott has been another standout defender and playing a big role defensively. She’s put up 431 saves and is averaging 4.3 per set. She’s another who also leads the squad in aces. McDermott totaled a season-best 28 digs in a four-set loss to Pope in early September. It was one of five times she’s had

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