What High Schools Programs Are Building Momentum In The Offseason?
Once the high school season is done, athletes tend to scatter a bit, others may play together over the winter, and plenty are juggling plenty of other activities in the offseason. We are currently in off season mode when it…
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Continue ReadingOnce the high school season is done, athletes tend to scatter a bit, others may play together over the winter, and plenty are juggling plenty of other activities in the offseason. We are currently in off season mode when it comes to high school, but that doesn’t mean that high school teams aren’t building momentum. Here are some high school teams that are building some big time momentum this offseason.
Wayzata
Last year Wayzata ran into the buzzsaw that was Champlin Park, losing in the sectional final to the eventual state champion. Those Sophomores and Juniors who showed flashes of greatness are now upperclassmen and will be a heavy favorite heading into the season in Class AAA. Some key Seniors are in place with Elizabeth Helmich (James Madison) who is so terminal with her left handed swing on the right side as well as recent commit to Elon in North Carolina, Lily Emlong in the middle. Olivia Johnson will be quarterbacking the offense and will be a great catch at the next level. On the pins are Sophie Jesewitz who is a 6’3 outside who can plan on either pin, creating a huge mismatch as well as high flyer Kate Long.
Mayer Lutheran
The Crusaders were knocked off in the first round of the Class A state tournament by Cinderella story Medford. They have unfinished business on their mind with a very physical and athletic lineup coming back starting with Seniors Olivia Tjernagel (Northern Iowa), Claudia Stahlke, and Anna Wachholz. Tjernagel and Stahlke have been a force in the middle and will continue to cause mismatch problems. Keep an eye on Class of 2022 pin hitter, Lilly Wachholz, she is 6’2, athletic and is bound for a breakout season as a Sophomore.
Marshall
After losing a marathon five set match to North Branch to finish second in Class AA, SWMNVB has been the home for plenty of Marshall athletes who made some big waves at AAU Nationals in Orlando last summer. Mia Schniable might be the best libero in Class AA, she will be back for her Senior year as well as all around player Logan Sherman who can swing and set. Bria Morris on the pin will also be a big time point scorer. Marshall continues to build off their tradition and always have a scrappy team that is tough to score against.
South beat crosstown rival Lakeville North to get to the state tournament and finished third in Class AAA. With losses to graduation of Jasmine Mulvihill on the pin (Concordia) and Alena Molden at libero (New Mexico) there will be spots to fill, however with an extremely strong Junior class behind powerful pin hitter Ava Moes and setters Jasmine Weideman and TEagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] Starkey they will still have plenty of power.
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Stewartville
Kasson-Mantorville was the thorn among a rosey season for Stewartville. And guess what? They return all but one player and will feature some high caliber athletes in Kaitlyn Prondzinski and Erin Lamb who are major forces at the net offensively and defensively. The Tigers have their eyes on the prize to get to X this season with a talent, well balanced squad.
Other Teams To Note
North Branch – Cianna Selbitschka will be returning for her Senior year after leading the Vikings to a state title in 2018.
Southwest Christian – Mackenzie Close and Madeleine Lemkuil will be back and will have a talented group of incoming Sophomores to work with.
Concordia Academy – With Kira Fallert in the lineup and swinging from the pin you can never count out Concordia Academy