Editor’s note: This is John Tawa’s list of the top performers, state-by-state, throughout the country before championship season gets into full swing. Think of it as a Player of the Year Watch List. Today, Alabama through Massachusetts. Thursday, Michigan through Wyoming.
As the playoffs descend on the country and teams work towards being crowned state champions, VolleyballMag.com presents its ION List, the top high school performers in each of the 50 states plus D.C. to this point in the 2023 fall season. It’s like a “watch list,” but with a cuter name. These are players to keep an eye on … ION … get it?
While we’ve been paying attention since first serve in mid-August, the task of identifying the top players began in earnest two weeks ago. More than 200 high school coaches and media sources were consulted and asked: “Who are the best players in your state, based on their play so far in 2023?”
Opinions varied, but eventually a consensus emerged of the players most deserving of recognition. In smaller states or those still trying to find their volleyball footing, the ION List only goes five players deep. In powerhouse states like Ohio, Florida, Texas and California, the ION List exceeds 15 players. If coaches couldn’t choose between two or three on the margin, we included all of them. That’s why some lists, which should be five players, are six. Or eight. The more the merrier.
At the end of the year, VolleyballMag.com will choose a Player of the Year from every state. We’re not saying that the winners will come from the ION List, but it certainly is a good first resource.
Enjoy.
ALABAMA
Alexis Belarmino, 5-11 Sr. S, Spanish Fort
Jadyn Britton, 5-9 Jr. OH, Enterprise
Meg Jarrett, 5-8 Sr. libero, Bob Jones
Elle McBride, 5-10 Jr. OH, Montgomery Academy
Paris McQuirter, 5-10 Jr. OH, McGill-Toolen
Hannah Parant, 6-1 Sr. S, Mountain Brook
Blakeley Robbins, 6-0 Sr. S, Bayside Academy
Reece Varden, 6-0 Sr. MB, Spanish Fort
Kennedy Vaughn, 5-11 Jr. OH, Bob Jones
Addi Vinson, 5-7 Jr. S, Montgomery Academy
ALASKA
Emma Beck, 5-10 Sr. MB, Kenai Central
Allison Devine, 5-10 Jr. OH, Wasilla
Reese Luke, 5-10 Sr. MB, Chugiak
Rylee Pitney, 6-3 Sr. MB, Wasilla
Eleasha Sapon, 5-0 Jr. libero, Dimond
ARIZONA
Alyssa Aguayo, 6-0 Jr. OH, Corona del Sol
Kenna Cogill, 6-4 Jr. MB, Perry (Gilbert, Arizona)
Brooke Harwood, 6-3 Soph. MB, Eastmark
Evan Hendrix, 5-8 Sr. OH, Notre Dame Prep
Tessa Larkin, 6-0 Fr. OH, Xavier College Prep
Izzy Mahaffey,…
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