15 Open Mizuno Northern Lights All Defensive Team
Berkley Mischler #35 In one of the articles I posted yesterday, I noted how there is so much improvement from the beginning of the season until now. Players might not necessarily be hitting harder or jumping significantly higher, but the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn one of the articles I posted yesterday, I noted how there is so much improvement from the beginning of the season until now. Players might not necessarily be hitting harder or jumping significantly higher, but the biggest underlying skill is the defense is better not just individually, but overall as a team. Teams have developed a sense of trust of who has what ball, blockers are timing much better, and the communication should be at an all time high. Here are some of the top defenders from the Mizuno Northern Lights 15 Open Division.
*No All Tournament members will be part of the All-Defensive Team
Berkley Mischler – FC Elite 15 Navy – Middle Blocker
FC Elite had a solid showing over the weekend, with big wins against CIS and Iowa Rockets and a narrow loss to Northern Lights, the club out of Appleton, Wisconsin was very competitive. Berkley Mischler controls the middle and plays extremely high. With her quickness and ability to get to the net is able to get into great position and really press over the net resulting in some big time blocks and momentum swings.
Myah ShipleyMyah Shipley – Central Iowa Select 15M – Middle Blocker
Shipley has a style very similar to Mischler. Quick on her feet and able to close quickly, Shipley works extremely hard for her team to be in the right position. Her ceiling is incredibly high for her potential and will be fun to see her develop into one of the top middles in her class in Iowa.
Gabrielle Schroeder – Iowa Rockets 15R – Libero
Iowa Rockets has plenty of firepower with their offensive attack and Kora Ruff being able to set on a dime, but much of the success of Iowa Rockets comes from having really solid ball control which starts with Schroeder. Schroeder is just in position and makes every play look routine.
Katherine Galligan – Nebraska Elite 15 Koa – Libero
Galligan runs the show from the backrow for Elite 15 Koa. She is able to take pace off of a hard driven ball and is able to keep everything in-system. Elite has Megan Schomers setting and with a solid first contact from Galligan, Schomers can distribute anywhere on the court. Galligan also has solid range where she able to cover plenty of ground.
Chloe Largent #14Chloe Largent – Central Iowa Select 15M – Middle Blocker
Largent is a great athlete. She can swing out of the middle or she could play on the pin as well, she can do it all. With Largent and Shipley in the middle there is always a consistent force blocking for CIS.
Alexis Moses – Iowa Rockets 15R – Middle Blocker
Moses is able to really reach and play high. Rockets has a team that is so high IQ that positioning is really key to their success. Moses teams up with right side Calia Clubb to make a big block on the right side.
Williams in the white libero jersey for Rockwood ThunderAllyson Williams – Rockwood Thunder 15 Elite – Libero
Rockwood Thunder was quite the buzzsaw this weekend in Minneapolis. Their all around defense is so tough where their percentage of being in system has to be ridiculous. Libero, Allyson Williams is able to call the shots, pass on a dime, and is solid in serve receive. 15 Elite is full of all stars that really mesh well together which is a huge part of their success.
Kylie Stremmel – MN Select 15-1 – Outside Hitter/Libero
Stremmel is strong all around defensively spending time as an outside hitter and even was wearing the ‘bro jersey at certain points this past weekend. Having a really solid all around athlete as a libero is such an advantage. Her experience hitting has to be an advantage when she is primarily focusing on passing. Again, a solid all around player.
Marlene Walters – Vital 15-1 – Middle Blocker
Walters is real close to being a breakout defender for Vital, a middle blocker who can reach high and read, she has a real potential to continue being dominate in the front row.