Best of the Backrow – Top Team Defenses
Most teams are lucky to have one libero they can depend on, but a whole backrow full of athletes who can serve receive and tilts the momentum one way when they can consistently get the ball to the setter in…
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Continue ReadingMost teams are lucky to have one libero they can depend on, but a whole backrow full of athletes who can serve receive and tilts the momentum one way when they can consistently get the ball to the setter in system. Big time attackers are great as are setters who can put the ball on a dime, but if they are running all over the court to save the first contact, it sure makes it tough to show what the offense can do. Here are a few of the top team backrows in the state.
Oconomowoc
Three athletes who are backrow specialists have committed to play at Division 1 schools next year. Caitlin Crawford (South Carolina), Tahya Pozorski (Jacksonville State), and Ashley Sharkus (Eastern Illinois). These three have been playing together for a long time and have the experience to go with it. The Raccoons can also add in Tayler Alden (Northern Iowa) when she is in the backrow along with some upcoming talent will be extremely strong and deep with their passing.
Burlington
Burlington has been known for their serve and serve receive game since…forever. They are strong, dependable, and well trained. This upcoming season will feature a trio of Juniors with Sam Naber (Marquette), Amanda Viel, and Mackenzie Leach. Viel and Leach were both named All-Stars at AAU Nationals and had a major club season at Milwaukee Sting. Burlington is the back to back defending state champions who will have some holes to fill through graduation, but with a solid first contact the new attackers will be in system with their backcourt and with Senior Kaley Blake (UW-Milwaukee) setting.
Howards Grove
Saige DamrowThe makings of a very dangerous team in Howards Grove at Wisconsin Team Camp was evident after they won the camp title. Saige Damrow, the incoming Freshman who has already committed to Wisconsin was able to play with her high school teammates. Mackenzie Holzwart is the returning libero with a really athletic style and a big time gamer. Throw in Karissa Kaminski who has committed to Dayton as a libero and there is quite the trifecta of passers for the Tigers.
Watertown
Watertown had a huge year in 2018 and despite losing their top libero in Sheridan Dettman, they will still return some top passers for 2019. The Senior class will be really strong with their passing in Samantha Gray, Danielle Weissenrieder, and Isabelle Schauer. Schauer is a strong defender as a setter and at the net as well, she will continue her volleyball career at Belmont, a Division 1 school in Nashville, TN.
Appleton North
North always has a strong ball control team, this isn’t just their liberos and defensive specialists, but their outside hitters and setters. Megan Piton (Colorado Christian), Grace Demetrician, and Madisen Miller are part of the libero and defensive specialist crew, but Brooke Bolwerk (Minnesota State-Mankato) at setter and Brianna Cantrell on the pin are solid as well.
Waukesha West
West will have some spots open due to graduation from last year’s semifinal team, but they will return two of the top defenders in the Milwaukee area. Anna Holland is one of the top liberos in an incredibly deep Class of 2021, but another backrow athlete who can also play on the pin would be Abby Fregien. Fregien is a libero for the Badger Region High Performance team.