Fired Up Fourteens From The Badger Region Power League
It’s becoming that time of the year where we start peeking at the 14’s division to see if we can identify some of the up and comers. Who will find their way onto a varsity roster and who will be an…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s becoming that time of the year where we start peeking at the 14’s division to see if we can identify some of the up and comers. Who will find their way onto a varsity roster and who will be an immediate impact player? I took a look at the 14 Elite division at the Badger Region Power League, and the class of 2023 will NOT disappoint. Here are a few players who stood out over the weekend as I browsed the 14’s. Please feel free to comment and let us know where some of these kids will be attending high school!
Angelica Refinski – 2023 – Outside Hitter – Milwaukee Sting 14 Black
Refinski knows how to pump up her team. She is a not a prototypical outside hitter who is all over the radar because she is smaller. But that doesn’t mean Refinski is done growing, and she already has a great vertical, as well as the ability to handle a tight set. She was clutch for Sting 14 Black in crucial situations, and when she finds an opening, she destroys it. Refinski can score points down the line, power through the block, and can play all six rotations. She is a strong defender and sacrifices her body to get to the ball before it can land in the corner.
Karissa Fortune – Outside Hitter – FC Elite 14 Navy
Fortune plays with a ton of intensity and is a spark for her team with her high contact, strong aggressive swings in the split, and smart well-timed tips. She is definitely Elite’s go-to hitter whether she is in the front or back row. Fortune is also very strong in serve-receive as a solid six- rotation player.
Kati Goba – 2023 – Libero – Milwaukee Sting 14 Black
Goba infuses energy into this Sting squad with so many great touches. She leads a really gritty defense that doesn’t let much hit the floor. As the libero, Goba is quick, constantly talking before the serve and calling the shots for her hitters. She is tiny but she is fierce and should have some swagger because she is awesome. Goba is solid in serve-receive, plays with a high volleyball IQ, and covers her hitters. She has a low flat serve, is smooth taking the second ball, and is so athletic as a complete kamikaze.
Kyla Dunaway – Right Side – FC Elite
Dunaway is a powerful strong right side for FC Elite. She has the ability to “high-over” the block with a high snap to the 10 foot line or bring a heavy swing. Dunaway gets the ball in clutch situations and she delivers, whether she is going around, over, or through the block. She also sets up a huge block that gives outside hitters a lot of issues, since she must be at least 6’2.
Lexi Bugajski – 2023 – Middle Blocker – Milwaukee Sting 14 Gold
Bugajski is a big spark for her team. When she makes a play, it lights a fire for her teammates to feed off. Bugajski is fast in transition, works well around the block, and places smart soft tips right over the block. Best of all, she has a fast thumb-down swing when running a gap route to slice the ball down the net.
Lily Wagner Lily Wagner 5'11" | OH Germantown | 2023 State #118 Nation WI – 2023 – Outside Hitter – Milwaukee Sting 14 Gold
Wagner makes an impact with anything she does on either pin and has mastered rolling the block. She also has a hard low flat serve that sometimes she puts a late spin on. When Wagner was given the ball, she took a big approach, made high contact, and took a hard fast swing that was aggressive and fearless. I love seeing young players just go for it with nothing to lose.
Macey Grant – 2023 – Outside Hitter – Capital 14 Navy
Grant is a solid outside for Capital who just plays hard every play. She has the ability to hit a really nice line hit that finds the deep 1 corner. Grant will be a nice addition to the Verona program in the fall.
Savannah Spees Savannah Spees 5'7" | S Wausau East | 2023 State WI – 2023 – 5’7 – Outside Hitter/Setter – Wisconsin Ice 14 Purple
Spees is a hard swinging outside hitter who blows up the power alley. The future Wausau East prep is exciting to watch, even though she may not be the tallest player on the court. Spees is quick in transition and solid and scrappy on defense. She also sets up a big block and is a very strong server. The best part is that for a good portion of this club season, she has also been setting, so she is as well rounded as they come!