Club Tracker: Five of MN’s Best Uncommitted Seniors
Minnesota has long been a hot bed for prep volleyball talent with the 2020 class being no exception. With a several athletes set to trail ahead towards some high quality and competitive college programs next fall, there remain a few…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota has long been a hot bed for prep volleyball talent with the 2020 class being no exception. With a several athletes set to trail ahead towards some high quality and competitive college programs next fall, there remain a few athletes still uncommitted that will be a great addition to a roster at the next level. Here are five seniors and where to find them playing this season. According to the various club websites, each athlete is currently uncommitted.
Olivia Johnson
Olivia
Johnson
5'10" | S
Wayzata | 2020
State
MN
– 5’9 | S | Club Team: MN Select 18-1
As the primary setter for Wayzata during the recent high school season, Johnson may be the unsung hero as the floor leader directing a high powered offense that claimed the 2019 class AAA state championship. Her stock as a college prospect elevated over the past few months as she has proven to be composed, competitive, and a good decision-maker in managing a very strong corps of attackers. She has good footwork in pursuit of the second contact and distributes through both pins with good touch, extension, and location. She can deliver a variety of tempos in maintaining good command of her offense. She will be a great addition at the next level.
Ellie Dammann
Ellie
Dammann
6'1" | MB
Waconia | 2020
State
MN
– 6’0 | MB | Club Team: Northern Lights 18-2
A varsity player since the 8th grade, Dammann has good court presence as a middle blocker and utilizes her athleticism well on both sides of the ball. Defensively, she gets her elbows to the tape when blocking as she puts good pressure on opposing hitters upon elevation. She has good eye work to track the opponent’s offense and gets herself into good position to jump and press across the tape. On the offensive side, she works hard in transition to get herself available and is effective with her opportunities both in front of the setter on a quick option or overhead off of one foot. She has good arm speed that generates good pace and has also displayed good vision to be able to swing aggressively around the block. Playing for a solid Waconia team, she has great competitive experience.
Christine Jurgens
Christine
Jurgens
5'11" | MB
Eagan | 2020
State
MN
– 5’11 | OH | Club Team: M1 18-1
A 2019 class AAA 1st team all-state honoree for Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”], she helped her team to a runner-up finish at the state tournament. Jurgens is athletic and utilizes all of her lift off the floor to her advantage when attacking or blocking. She elevates well through her approach pattern and contacts the ball consistently at the peak of her jump, allowing her to beat most blocks. She also has good arm speed that will get the ball on the defense with good pace. Her quickness is also an asset to her defense at the net as she can close down hitters fast when blocking with quick hand penetration across the tape. Jurgens can terminate through a variety of attack points. Her versatility is true as she can contribute as a six-rotation attacker, score from both pins, and she has spent time during her prep career as a setter.
Sami Hilley
Sami
Hilley
5'10" | OH
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
– 5’11 | MH/S | Club Team: MN Select 18-2
Throughout the high school season Hilley showed great versatility in her dual role as setter and middle hitter for Champlin Park. A 2019 class AAA all-state 1st team selection, she has good volleyball IQ and has the ability to contribute in a variety of ways offensively. As she can bring some good heat, her strength is in her vision and awareness of what is in front of her when swinging. She can tool the block with her power as well as swing through various locations of the opposing court with good arm control. She also can swing through multiple attack points off of one or two feet and in front or behind the setter.
Rylie Rios
Rylie
Rios
5'10" | DS/L
Totino-Grace | 2020
State
MN
– 5’11 | OH/L | Club Team: Northern Lights 18-3
Rios has good ball control mechanics and can play defense well in the back row, which makes her an intriguing prospect as a defensive specialist or libero given her height and length. She has good platform skills and creates effective angles to get her offense in system more often than not. She also has offensive tools as she can score as an outside hitter. She has good footwork and jumps well, which leads to good arm work and court awareness to move the ball around as she swings. Her offensive effectiveness is exampled by the 26 kills she totaled in a tough 3-2 loss in the section finals to complete her high school career.