Big and Upcoming Names: Class of 2021 Runs Deep In Middle Blockers
Through two years of high school volleyball and the start of the 16s year, athletes are really finding their position. Many times in the 13s through 15s age groups athletes are trying to find their spot, their niche so to…
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Continue ReadingThrough two years of high school volleyball and the start of the 16s year, athletes are really finding their position. Many times in the 13s through 15s age groups athletes are trying to find their spot, their niche so to say. Going from right side to outside, outside to setter, and middle blockers who have owned the position or were thrown in the fire are now getting settled and thriving. The Class of 2021 rankings are loaded with middle blockers, some that will be highly touted recruits.
Anna Wolf – River Falls – MN Select
Committed to Minnesota
At 6’4 and a reach of 10’5, Wolf has already been on two state tournament teams for River Falls and is only gaining more momentum this club season playing for one of the top club teams in the region, as well as the nation. Wolf is part of the 18-1 MN Select team that has already snagged an open bid to the USAV 18s nationals. There are two other Wisconsin athletes who will be heading to Minnesota in one of the top 2022 recruits in Mckenna Wucherer and 2021 setter, Emme Bullis.
Alexis Boling – Waukesha West – Milwaukee Sting
Boling may be one of the most physically powerful hitters in the states from the middle. Last year for Midwest Penguins she really started coming on strong being named to the GLPL All Tournament Team, to making the Badger Region High Performance team, helping lead Waukesha West to a state tournament appearance, and now will make her way on the Milwaukee 16 Gold team. Boling is six feet tall, but is extremely active and athletic to score points and get the big block.
Kaitlyn Riley – Catholic Memorial – Milwaukee Sting
Riley has an incredibly high ceiling and is continuing to improve each time she steps on the court. A smooth and athletic player with a high reach and the ability to hang to adjust her shot as well as create a mismatch for the other side of the net. Riley was part of Sting 15 Black last year, but will definitely make an impact for 16 Gold this season.
Camryn Lukenbill – Burlington – Milwaukee Sting
Lukenbill was out for a bit with an injury during the high school season, but was absolutely money for Burlington when they went on to repeat as state champions. The combination with her and setter, Kaley Blake was so smooth. Lukenbill is solid on the slide and getting from pin to pin.
Hattie Bray – Wautoma – FC Elite
Bray is in the ten foot club with an approach at ten feet, brings a springy and athletic style of play. Earlier in January, Bray played up on the FC Elite 18s team in the Open Division of the Northern Lights Qualifier in Omaha and hung with the big kids with her block. Fellow 2021 setter, Brooke Mosher and Bray were double blocking on the pin and were a major block against some of the top outside hitters in the country.
Emma Mans – Fort Atkinson – FC Elite
Mans brings a lot of strength to the net with a solid block and quick snap on an uptempo ball. Playing for FC Elite 16 Navy, this group is very dynamic and deep with solid passing which allows them to run their middles.
Names On The Rise
Molly Lawlis – Pacelli – Wisconsin Ice
Lawlis has been a big part to the strong start by Wisconsin Ice 16 Purple. Athletic, quick, and efficient Lawlis is able to connect and communicate well with her setters with a fast swing attacking the seam of the block.
Brianna Geurts – De Pere – FC Elite
The progress Geurts has made from her 15s to 16s year has been a major swing (no pun intended) where she can play in the middle and also on the pin. With a heavy swing and strong block, she can make a huge impact for her team in multiple ways. There is no secret that FC Elite is a strong team for 2019, but they have depth and athletes who can play multiple positions.
Monica LaFleur – Arrowhead – Milwaukee Sting
Like Geurts, seeing LaFleur progress from her 15s year to her 16s year was like watching a new player. LaFleur has was a competitive swimmer growing up and picked up volleyball late. She is athletic with a quick whip for an arm and a high motor to get from pin to pin. A standout at the Prep Dig Top 250 as well as the AVCA Phenom Showcase, LaFleur will add firepower to the middle for Arrowhead who will bring back a loaded roster of talent.
Maggie Allaman – Sun Prairie – Capital Volleyball Academy
Allaman was the unsung hero of Sun Prairie this fall, making a state tournament appearance with a roster full of underclassmen. Allaman is 5’10 and just is an all around solid player. She makes a great combo in the middle with Maia Johnson from Madison Memorial.
Randi Welhoefer – Oshkosh West – Milwaukee Sting
Welhoefer is 6’2 and starting to come into her own. Welhoefer was with Wisconsin Volleyball Academy and will now be with Milwaukee Sting 16 Black. A high touch and really solid on the slide, Welhoefer definitely has some great volleyball ahead of her. Oshkosh West will be extremely solid with a strong Class of 2021.
More Names To Know!
Martina McGrath – Hartford – Milwaukee Sting
Elsa Shepherd – Pewaukee – Milwaukee Sting
Lizzy Danelski – Oconomowoc – Midwest Penguins
Lakyn Graves – Milwaukee Sting – Sussex Hamilton
Sydney Bitenc – Wauwatosa East – 414-Milwaukee Elite
Looking for a great way to prepare your team for Nationals or end your season on a high note? Look no further than the Prep Dig Gauntlet!
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