The Wisconsin State Tournament Rising Stars
The Wisconsin State Tournament was made up of players already committed, players ending their playing careers on the big stage, and players looking to commit. Available players ranged at all grade levels. But let’s take a look at the players that…
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Continue ReadingThe Wisconsin State Tournament was made up of players already committed, players ending their playing careers on the big stage, and players looking to commit. Available players ranged at all grade levels. But let’s take a look at the players that could make an impact in years to come. Many of the teams stepping into the spotlight needed the help of some underclassmen to get there. I can’t wait to see where these rising stars land in the club season.
River Falls
It’s no surprise that River Falls has powerhouse upperclassmen, but the playmakers aren’t just limited to the 2019 and 2020 classes for the Wildcats. Haley Graetz (2022 – 5’11 – Middle Blocker) is on Prep Dig’s 2022 Watch List, and she held her own in front of large crowds. Graetz did a nice job establishing herself as a threat to hold the blockers’ attention. If they didn’t show her respect, she made them pay. She will be a force in the coming years.
Maddie MorrowAnother force also comes in the middle with Anna Wolf (2021 – Committed To Minnesota). Wolf is part of the trio of deadly weapons for River Falls that also includes juniors Emily Banitt (Committed To Loyola) and Halle Olson (Committed To Florida Atlantic). Another sophomore stepped up in a big way in the setter’s role. Maddie Morrow (2021 – 5’8 – Setter) took on the job of distributing the ball to the big guns while compiling 47 assists in their 5-set showdown with Oconomowoc in the semi-finals.
Oconomowoc
Maleah HoweThe Raccoons have a pretty good mix in ages. They are comprised mostly of juniors and sophomores. However, Oconomowoc utilized a pair of promising freshmen this season. Maleah Howe (5’8 – Pin Hitter) and Haley Koch (5’11 – Middle Blocker) both played with great maturity throughout the season. Neither are towering over opponents, but both can bring the heat when setter Taylor Alden (2020 – Committed To Northern Iowa) calls their numbers.
Both Howe and Koch have been on our 2022 Watch List since early in the season. Another Raccoon underclassman that is on the rise is Kaitlin Bingham (2021 – 5’9 – Outside Hitter). Bingham is not intimidating in size, but she elevates and finds a way to score. The trio of Howe, Koch, and Bingham, along with a strong 2020 class, could be very dangerous next season.
Kettle Moraine Lutheran
Elle TruckenbrodThe Charger squad was led by a trio of seniors. Considering the progress this squad made over the course of the season, I would say the coaches and seniors did a really nice job in raising the underclassmen’s level of play. One freshman found herself making regular appearances this season, along with making some nice defensive plays. Caitlin Johnson (2022 – 5’7 – Defensive Specialist) found a way to contribute on the big stage with 5 digs in the Division 2 Championship match. Another underclassmen, Elle Truckenbrod (2021 – 5’9 – Outside Hitter), has improved a ton over the season and came up with some big plays when her team needed her.
Living Word Lutheran
Ellie JuergensenThe Timberwolves have a plethora of upperclassmen. Freshmen Ellie Juergensen (5’9 – Outside Hitter) and Nora Rausch (5’3 – Defensive Specialist/Libero) found themselves on a very big stage at the end of their first year on varsity. Their play was important, but limited, as the upperclassmen played with maturity. The big question is: with the graduation of 6 seniors, including both middles, setters, and libero, will they be able to find their way back to the Resch?
Lake Country Lutheran
Adriana StuderLake Country has a lot of established talent at key positions, but the Lightning took full advantage of a talented freshman defensive player this year. Adriana Studer (2022 – 5’8 – Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter) proved to be one of the top players in the 2022 class and played with the poise of an upperclassman on the biggest stage in the state. Studer has been steady in serve receive and has been a consistent threat, putting on pressure from the service line for the Lightning.
Catholic Central
Sammie SeibThe Hilltoppers had such a great mix in their line-up. They had upperclass leadership and underclassmen contributors. The Hilltoppers have gotten a lot of production from Sammie Seib (2021 – 5’8 – Outside Hitter) as she led her team in kills. Seib was unstoppable down the line in the championship match against Clayton. She also mixed it up with smart tips, hit a hard cross shot, and was killer out of the back row.
Grace Antlfinger (2021 – 5’5 – Libero/Outside Hitter) did a nice job controlling digs against some of the top D4 swings. Ella Shaw (2021 – 5’7 – Setter) will have big shoes to fill next season, but she saw some regular playing time and provided a strong deep serve that took a lot of teams out of system. Finally, their youngest up-and-comer, Kelsee Weis (2022 – 5’9 – Outside Hitter), showed solid serve receive and the ability to hit a hard cut shot.