Wichita’s top 50 volleyball players: Introducing the area’s best in 2020
There are only six spots available on the Eagle’s annual All-Metro team, but in 2020, there are preseason cases to be made for about half of the players on this list.
With the season starting Friday, here are the top 50 players to watch in the Wichita area:
1. Ella Larkin, Bishop Carroll, S/OH, Sr.
No player is more valuable to her team, maybe in all of Kansas. From setting to hitting, adding leadership and global experience, Larkin is Carroll’s do-it-all star. She is shooting for her third straight All-Metro selection and fourth trip to the Class 5A state tournament in 2020.
2. Laurel Jones, Maize South, S, Sr.
Jones has been a Division I athlete in waiting for years now. Verbally pledged to Marquette, she has the size to intimidate any team in Kansas. She has led Maize South to back-to-back 5A state tournament appearances. Now it’s about making some noise when the Mavs get there.
3. Asha Regier, Newton, OH, Sr.
Regier was one of the top freshmen in Kansas a few years ago. After a lot of turnover at Newton, the Railers went through some lean years, but for her senior season, Newton looks poised for a run at the state tournament. She had 422 kills, 415 digs, 52 blocks and 51 aces last season.
4. Austin Broadie, Trinity Academy, OH, Sr.
Broadie might not face the strongest competition every week, playing in the Central Plains League, but she is a stat monster. With 441 kills, she ranks toward the top of Kansas. She also has an outrageous .387 kill percentage. After a year away from state, she hopes to lead Trinity back.
5. Marah Zenner, Newton, S, Sr.
Zenner is arguably the most accurate setter in the Wichita area. Although the top two players on this list would have a shout, Zenner averaged 9.5 assists per set last year for a total of 815, which was toward the top of the state. She, along with Regier, are trouble for any team.
6. Sophie Connor, Derby, OH/DS, Sr.
Connor was Derby’s go-to player at the state tournament. Without All-Metro setter Sydney Nilles to provide the service, Connor will need to lead the way for the Panthers if they want to get back to the Class 6A state tournament for the second time since 2002.
7. Katelyn Fairchild, Andale, OH, Sr.
Andale was a machine last year, reaching the Class 4A state championship match. Fairchild was one of the Indians’ best players. An unbelievable javelin thrower, she has more power than maybe anyone in the Wichita area. With a handful of seniors gone, 2020 is her year to lead.
8. Rhian Swanson, McPherson, OH, Jr.
Swanson is likely the best junior in Kansas. With USA Volleyball experience, she is one of the top prospects in the country and for good reason. With height, power and placement, she is a daunting challenge at outside for any defense.
9. MayaMay Brown, Andover, Jr.
Like Swanson, Brown has USA Volleyball experience, too, but her expertise is on the beach. Brown’s defense is outstanding given her beach background. She will be called upon to help lead the Trojans back to the Class 5A state tournament.
10. Riley Daugherty, Bishop Carroll, OH, Sr.
To go along with Larkin, Daugherty completes the best outside hitter duo in the Wichita area. Las tyear, she had 236 kills as the No. 2 option on most plays. She had 52 blocks and 415 digs with 52 aces. Her importance to the Eagles is right up there with Larkin’s.
Forty more ...
11. Mallory Koehn, Maize, OH/DS, Sr.
12. McKenzie Fairchild, Andale, So.
13. Jadyn Jackson, Augusta, S, Sr.
14. Brooklyn Wewe, Cheney, S, Jr.
15. Kylee Scheer, Cheney, OPP, Sr.
16. Torrance Lovesee, Bluestem, OH/MB/S, Sr.
17. Caiya Stucky, Wichita Northwest, H, Jr.*
18. Hadley Waldren, Buhler, OH/MB, Sr.
19. Shayna Posey, Wichita Southeast, S, Sr.*
20. Karenna Gerber, Halstead, MH, Jr.
21. Abby Rose, Smoky Valley, MB, Jr.
22. Alyssa Hunter, Belle Plaine, MB, Sr.
23. Allie Puetz, Garden Plain, OH, Sr.
24. Alessandra Vedder, Collegiate, Sr.
25. Tori Lujan, Belle Plaine, S/OPP, Sr.
26. Ashley Sawyer, Trinity Academy, S/OPP, Sr.
27. Melody Ukoefreso, Wichita East, H, Sr.*
28. Josie Engel, Halstead, S, Sr.
29. Olivia Albers, Cheney, OH, Jr.
30. Ally Harris, Andover Central, Sr.
31. Haley Cahil, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, S, Sr.
32. Jaila Harding, Wichita Southeast, S, Sr.*
33. Leah Bentley, Buhler, Sr.
34. Brooklyn Shook, Wichita Northwest, L, Sr.*
35. Lexi Clift, Wellington, Sr.
36. Faith Madzey, Eisenhower, Sr.
37. Gracyn McClain, Wichita East, H, Sr.*
38. Maddie Holland, Buhler, Sr.
39. Nicole Soto, Wichita Heights, H, Sr.*
40. Ashton Winter, Collegiate, Sr.
41. Eley Johnson, Collegiate, Sr.
42. Emily Wagner, Wichita Heights, L, Sr.*
43. Kenzie Dugan, Bishop Carroll, H, Jr.
44. Haley Thrush, Rose Hill, Sr.
45. Maguire Estill, Haven, OH/S, Sr.
46. Josie McLean, Nickerson, S, So.
47. Jordan Bruckner, Wichita East, DS, So.*
48. Mandi Heinz, Rose Hill, So.
49. Madi McClain, Halstead, OH, Sr.
50. Harley Ferralez, Hesston, L, Jr.