6 Athletes From The Winter Classic Ready For Breakout Club Season
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Wisconsin teams are in full force after almost a month into play. I’ve been to a couple tournaments already. After the Winter Classic, I got some new names on my radar. Most committed players are already in our rankings, but here are some…
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Continue ReadingWisconsin teams are in full force after almost a month into play. I’ve been to a couple tournaments already. After the Winter Classic, I got some new names on my radar. Most committed players are already in our rankings, but here are some names that will be looking to have a breakout club season, get on the radar, and move up the rankings in 2020!
Clare Wellenstein – 2021 – 6’0 – Middle Blocker – DSHA – Milwaukee Jrs 17-Elite
Wellenstein may not have been the go-to player for DSHA with senior captain power on the pins, but DSHA always has a strong schedule and their players come away with a lot of experience. She is a middle blocker who could also be a strong right side, and DSHA has produced a lot of successful athletes and has a history of success at the WIAA Division 1 level. Wellenstein brought a strong offensive presence with smart routes and a heavy arm for Milwaukee Jrs at the Winter Classic.
Grace Hanel – 2021 – 6’1 – Pin Hitter – Oak Creek – Milwaukee Jrs 17-Elite
Hanel is a solid prospect out of Oak Creek with a heavy swing, wicked float serve, good movement, and a lot of potential. After being a varsity starter and playing a rigorous schedule with Jr’s, Hanel should be accustomed to a faster pace to help her lead the Knights in 2020 for a strong senior season. Hanel could play on either pin, and she is one of the go-to attackers for Jrs this season.
Izzy Gianniou – 2021 – 5’5 – Setter – Menomonee Falls – Milwaukee Jrs 17-Elite
Gianniou was a solid setter for Juniors at the Winter Classic, but it should be interesting to see how she develops as the season goes on. The 17-Elite squad features attackers Clare Wellenstein and Grace Hanel. Gianniou has sound footwork and a strong serve and is also an excellent defender. There should be a number of new names to take note on the 17-Elite crew.
Molly Lawlis – 2021 – 5’10 – Middle Blocker – Pacelli – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
Ice 18 National has always been a strong program in Central and Northern Wisconsin, always in position to compete with top teams in the state and represent at bigger tournaments, such as the Adidas President’s Day Spectacular. Lawlis is so solid in the middle and on the right side with smart timing and strong blocking. She had a solid season for Pacelli, earning Conference Player of the Year,and will carry that momentum playing up an age in the club season to help her find a college program.
Natalie Harris Natalie Harris 5'7" | DS/L Racine Case | 2023 State WI – 2023 – Outside Hitter – Wisconsin Jrs 15-1
I had fun watching Harris in a tight match. She really elevates and has quite a rocket of an arm. Harris has a strong serve with a gnarly cross court float that gives passers a fit and takes teams out of system. She is young, but gutsy and aggressive.
Riley Angst Riley Angst 5'9" | DS/L Brookfield Central | 2023 State WI – 2023 – 5’8 – Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist – Brookfield Central – Milwaukee Jrs 15-Elite
Angst made her way onto a varsity roster this fall and had the opportunity to learn from Minnesota commit, McKenna Wucherer. This experience and the fact that Central will be graduating a pair of pins gives Angst a pretty great opportunity in 2020. I do believe this will be a big season for Angst as she prepares for a big fall. She already has a fast swing, strong block, and can defend the deep corners.
Keep These Players On Your Radar:
Abby Fregian – 2021 – 5’6 – Outside Hitter – Waukesha West – Midwest Penguins 17-Black
Alayna Ritter – 2020 – Setter – Lake Country Lutheran – Midwest Penguins 18 Black
Brooklyn Montgomery – 2021 – 5’6 – Defensive Specialist – Mosinee – Wisconsin Ice 18 Purple
Ellie Hartson – 2020 – 5’10 – Setter/Right Side Hitter – Merrill – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
Hailey Boelter-Eberhardt – 2021 – Setter – Pewaukee – Midwest Penguins 17-Black
Jordan Karlen – 2022 – Setter – Milton – Capital 17 Adidas
Kaitlyn Flaa – 2020 – Outside Hitter – Lake Country Lutheran – Midwest Penguins 18-Black
Laren Baldowsky – 2020 – 6’0 – Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker – Burlington – WI Juniors 18-Elite
Lauren Shields – 2020 – 5’6 – Outside Hitter/Libero – Newman – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
Robyn Kirsch – 2021 – 5’7 – Outside Hitter – Wausau West – Wisconsin Ice 18 Purple
Sammie Seib – 2021 – 5’6 – Outside Hitter – Catholic Central – WI Juniors 17-1’s
Sydney Lilienthal – 2021 – 6’0 – Pin Hitter – Wisconsin Valley Lutheran – Wisconsin Ice 18 Purple