Hidden Gems To Watch At Stars and Stripes
Division 1 schools may be quiet over Memorial Day weekend, but this weekend will be prime time for some Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA schools to get a look at some of the top talent coming to the Minneapolis…
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Continue ReadingDivision 1 schools may be quiet over Memorial Day weekend, but this weekend will be prime time for some Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA schools to get a look at some of the top talent coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Minneapolis is in the heart of the Northern Sun Conference which is one of the top Division 2 conferences in the nation. The athletes listed below would be a solid pick up at the next level and all within a close drive to plenty of top programs in the Midwest.
Madelyn (Maddie) Rettler – Milwaukee Sting 17 White – Pin Hitter
Class of 2020
Rettler has been a strong player for her high school team, but has really shown her versatility this club season with the ability to play on either pin. With a really live arm, and big swing she can score points. Sting 17 White is a gritty group and will be playing in the 17 Premier Division at Stars and Spikes this weekend.
Sydney Sommers – Kandi Elite 17-1 (KEVC) – Outside Hitter
Class of 2021
Sommers is part of a Kandi Elite team that is full of extremely dynamic athletes. With Makayla Snow (Northern State) and their middles in Lexi Pew (Minnesota State-Moorhead) and Ellie Danielson (Minnesota State-Mankato), there are some future NSIC stars. Sommers has a big arm on the outside and will be relied upon to score some key points for Kandi Elite this weekend.
Aubree Bucheger – IW 17-1 – Libero/DS
Bucheger has a gritty on court presence where she moves extremely well and has a high IQ in the backrow. Bucheger has spent time as an outside on the pin, but is developing into a strong defensive player. With her mom also being her high school head coach, she has been around the game for years. High character and academic athlete, she will be a solid pick up at the next level with her athleticism, ability to adjust, and play multiple positions.
Lizzy Fortune – Capital 17 Navy – Setter
Another coach’s daughter, Fortune is a setter for McFarland High School and for Capital 17 Navy where she can also play a little bit of defense as well. Fortune set her high school team to a sectional runner-up finish in 2018 and will be back for more in her Senior season. A solid athlete that is accustomed to a winning culture.
Bella Halcomb – Sting 16 Black – Libero/DS
Milwaukee Sting 16 Black is no longer sneaky good, the secret is out that this team can compete with any “Open” level team after winning the Central Zone 16 Premier Division as well as an elite eight finish at 16 Open JVA World Challenge. Halcomb is a defensive specialist who has been a libero for Catholic Memorial out of Waukesha, Wisconsin which is a Milwaukee area powerhouse. With Halcomb and Amanda Viel in the backrow there is always a solid first contact for Sting 16 Black to terminate in system.
Alayna Westenberg – Capital 16 Adidas – Middle/Right Side
Westenberg comes from a really successful high school team in Watertown out of Wisconsin where she was a key contributor as a Sophomore. With the ability to play in the middle or the right side she gives herself options as to how to contribute. A high contact point combined with a heavy swing she can really terminate on a variety of tempo sets and can attack off one foot as well.
Yaiza Franco – MN Select 17-2 – Middle Blocker
Franco definitely brings a dominant presence to the net offensively and defensively. MN Select 17-2 has had a really strong season, highlighted by a top four finish at Northern Lights in the USA Division. When Select can get into system Franco is always a solid option where she can run with her setter and terminate straight down or go deep corner to find the open spot.
Ryley Frye – Northern Lights 16-2 – Setter
Frye is extremely athletic and can really run the show. A prep from Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in the Minneapolis metro, she has been setting varsity since her 8th grade year (In Minnesota, athletes can play varsity as early as 7th grade). With her athleticism, she will definitely be a solid pick up at the next level with a solid skill set and the ability to make a play.