Hidden Gems No Longer – These Athletes Are Ready To Take Charge
They were hidden, they may have been a surprise last year as up and coming players on the rise, however they are ready for the next step. Leaders with their body language and how they take charge with their play…
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Continue ReadingThey were hidden, they may have been a surprise last year as up and coming players on the rise, however they are ready for the next step. Leaders with their body language and how they take charge with their play on the court. This isn’t an added pressure for these athletes, they have put in the time, the work, and now they can step up and really shine in this upcoming season. Who are the once hidden gems, that are no longer hidden?
Jordan Berglin – Pewaukee
The evolution of Berglin from a 15s player where she could jump high and was overall springy to where she is now as a physical attacker, (who can still jump high) is a testament to the time put in the gym. Pewaukee has a really solid balance and will be a team to creep up on some of the big time programs this year. Berglin has pop on her swing, she can attack out of multiple spots in the front row, and her overall aggressiveness will be a huge spark for the Pirates this upcoming season.
Big swing by Jordan Berglin for Pewaukee, using the block and always jumping out of the gym. pic.twitter.com/1Icj8y2maO
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) July 7, 2019
Elle Truckenbrod – Kettle Moraine Lutheran
Last season KML had Ari Miller, the standout middle blocker who just found a way to score points and was an emotional leader. Truckenbrod came on in a breakout Sophomore season and was a major part of a state runner up team where she also earned All-State honors. This season, Truckenbrod will be receiving a large number of swings and with her overall athleticism, physicality, and court vision, that will result in plenty of points for KML.
Brooke Clement – Bay Port
Bay Port is loaded with athletes – in all sports. Winning a state title in basketball and a state tournament in soccer provides a culture that allows for success in all sports. Clement has the athleticism and the skill to go along with it. Playing for club for Howard-Suamico Inferno out of the Green Bay area, Clement has been able to really develop an all around game and will be one of the top outside hitters in the FRCC with the likes of Katie DiRaimondo of Manitowoc Lincoln and Lizzie Binder of Sheboygan North.
Tatum Catalano – Germantown
Catalano has shown that she can play a variety of positions from being a middle blocker her 15s year to now developing an all around game where she will be highly effective on the pin. Speed is the name of her game, fast to the ball on her approach and can rip a big crosscourt shot or a roll over the block. Germantown is no longer a sleeper either. This squad is full of all around athletes and some young talent coming up that will make them a contender for the next few years and beyond.
Ella Collins – Lakeside Lutheran (Title Photo)
Collins has developed into one of the more dominant outside hitters in her class. A big time club season has landed a spot at Eastern Illinois once she is done with her prep career. Lakeside Lutheran will be a definite contender at the state level and with a pin like Collins who can score in and out of system will make them a threat to make it to the Resch. This isn’t the first tie Collins will be hoping to get to the Resch, she played a part in Lakeside Lutheran’s 2017 state title as a Sophomore.
Sussex Hamilton – The Class of 2021
Last year this group was a little bit inexperienced. For some, their first time on the varsity court playing against some of the top talent in the state. They took their lumps, but seeing them at the the Prep Dig Summer League on Sunday night there was just a different body language, a look of confidence. Kayla Lewinski is a pin who can play on either side, Lakyn Graves who can terminate and block out of the middle, and Katelyn Lefler and Janelle Steumpfig setting has the Chargers with multiple options.
Evvie Kaczkowski – Lake Country Lutheran
For Lake Country Lutheran, there was Brooke Anderson leading the way on the pin and is now starting her Sophomore year at Iowa State and then Jennifer O’Keefe who had over 400 kills in last year’s repeat of a state title. Kaczkowski is next in line to be the go to point scorer for the Lightning who will be playing up in Division 2 this year after winning the past two titles in Division 3. Kaczkowski plays with a care free style, but don’t let that fool you with how she can put the ball away. The Lightning is deep with ball control and when they are in system they will be a dangerous team to stop.