Stock Risers from the Heartland Crossroads Tournament
I’m back in the gym. What a feeling! After a ton of uncertainty as to whether we would even have a season right now, I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to see a bunch of talented athletes hit the…
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Continue ReadingI’m back in the gym. What a feeling!
After a ton of uncertainty as to whether we would even have a season right now, I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to see a bunch of talented athletes hit the court. Let’s do it again really soon.
Saturday’s destination was “The Swamp” at Lincoln North Star High School, where five great teams from around the region participated in a round-robin competition.
As always, I’ve got some players that stood out after a morning full of intense action. We’re starting with a group that elevated their play and exceeded expectations.
Let’s meet some of them now.
Jaleigh Adams-Tuls Jaleigh Adams-Tuls 6'0" | MB Columbus | 2021 NE – 6’0 MB – Columbus – Class of 2021
Adams-Tuls was the big gun for Columbus throughout the tournament. You could hear her swings from the other gym. She’s such a challenge to defend because her lateral quickness and effortless elevation are at a level that you don’t see from small-school prospects very often. This middle blocker will clearly be the focal point of the Discoverers’ offense through the rest of the season.
Sadie Evans Sadie Evans 5'10" | RS Columbus | 2021 NE – 5’10 S – Columbus – Class of 2021
Regardless of which attackers Columbus had at the net, Evans consistently dished out great sets that kept her offense rolling. Her biggest strength is her ability to keep her pin hitters in rhythm on passes that drift off the net. Evans is a seasoned veteran who looks like the perfect leader for an experienced Columbus squad.
Bridget Smith – 5’9 S – Millard West – Class of 2021
Speaking of experienced setters, Millard West has a great one of their own in Smith. The Wildcats had a strong offensive rhythm throughout the day that was largely engineered by their senior leader. Smith was deceptive, gritty, and notched several kills of her own along the net. This might, in fact, be the year of the senior setter.
Such a versatile @mw_volleyball team running a unique system, with Sadie Millard Sadie Millard 5'9" | MB Millard West | 2022 State NE as a six-rotation middle blocker. Senior setter Bridget Smith runs a great offense. pic.twitter.com/Z6KqD39ZTb
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 5, 2020
Sadie Millard Sadie Millard 5'9" | MB Millard West | 2022 State NE – 5’9 MB – Millard West – Class of 2022
Millard is a fascinating player. She’s a middle blocker who never leaves the court. This versatile junior can spring off the floor and hammer balls from the front row, then rotate into the backcourt to pass and take swings out of the pipe. There’s really nobody like her. Millard’s knack for changing the game in so many ways will make her stand out as her career moves forward.
Grace Williams Grace Williams 6'0" | MB Fremont | 2022 State NE – 6’0 MB – Fremont – Class of 2022
Another heavy-hitting middle blocker to make an impact at the tournament, Williams brought infectious energy and enthusiasm to her Tigers team. Her length and power were difficult to counter, as she hit at indefensible angles with some serious pace. The Fremont bench lit up several times on Saturday as Williams put up some monster blocks. In a class full of talent, don’t forget about this middle blocker.
Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE – 5’7 OH – Elkhorn South – Class of 2022
Weeks was an emotional spark for a dominant Elkhorn South team playing without Brilee Wieseler. This junior outside hitter showed a complete game by swinging hard in the front row and laying out on defense. She’s an incredibly athletic player whose skill will make her a leader among her talented teammates.
Kylie Weeks Kylie Weeks 5'7" | OH Elkhorn South | 2022 State #151 Nation NE with the set-one clincher for @eshsvb! pic.twitter.com/Xk9dVOBFGO
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) September 5, 2020
Maddie Henry Maddie Henry 5'8" | OH Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE – 5’8 OH/DS – Elkhorn South – Class of 2023
This tough-minded defender was the key to several of the Storm’s long scoring runs. A breakout performer in a win against Millard West, Henry seldom let a ball hit the floor. Aside from holding down the backcourt, she served up darts that were impossible to handle. Multi-talented players like Henry could make a huge difference in Elkhorn South’s pursuit of a state title.