Class 1A: The Dominant Blockers
One of the most exciting parts of any volleyball match, blocking is an important skill in any team’s defensive system. A good presence at the net is vital for teams willing to make deep runs in tournaments and these five…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most exciting parts of any volleyball match, blocking is an important skill in any team’s defensive system. A good presence at the net is vital for teams willing to make deep runs in tournaments and these five schools will have some of the best in business at the Washington state Class 1A in the upcoming season.
Katie Rainville – Middle-Blocker – Senior – Chelan
Katie Rainville was a key player in Chelan’s State Championship triumph in 2019 and it wasn’t only because of her game-winning point against King’s in the final. The 5’9” junior middle-blocker, a dual-sport athlete who also plays basketball, was a force at the net during the entire season, being the team’s leading blocker. Unsurprisingly, she appeared in the All-State first team.
Noelle Alberda – Middle-Blocker – Junior – King’s
Noelle Alberda was part of a terrific middle-blocker duo for King’s which appeared in the All-State second team and also featured fellow sophomore Annika Ruud. With a 5’11” frame, Alberda had no trouble in making her presence felt at the net especially because she combined it with good lateral speed and timing and was also very good in reading the opponent’s movement.
Rae Wartelle – Middle-Blocker/Outside Hitter – Sophomore – Annie Wright
Rae Wartelle was as impressive as it gets during her sophomore season. The six-footer, who plays as a center for the Gators’ basketball team, made a significant impact with her blocking game, which generated 56 of the team’s 92 points during the season. Her most prolific performance at the net was against West Seattle in October, when she registered ten blocking points.
Brooke Mattila – Middle-Blocker – Senior – King’s Way Christian
Brooke Mattila has been a factor for King’s Way Christian in each of her three seasons in high school volleyball and she did it also in 2019, when she helped the Knights finishing seventh at the State Championship. At 5’9”, Mattilla is a capable blocker and she led her team in that department for the second time in three seasons with 47 points. Her game at the net earned her an honorable mention for the All-State team.
Alyssa Radke – Middle-Blocker – Senior – Connell
Connell didn’t qualify for the State Championship, but the Eagles’ absence didn’t impact the huge season junior middle-blocker Alyssa Radke had with the team. The 6’0” junior middle-blocker had a career-high 36 blocks (averaging 0.6 per set) and earned a spot in the All-State second team.