BRQ – 15s and 16s Liberos Lockdown on Defense
Wearing the libero jersey, there is some swag that goes along with it, and also an extra responsibility they carry that they need to carry the defense and make their presence known. I was blown away by the high level…
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Continue ReadingWearing the libero jersey, there is some swag that goes along with it, and also an extra responsibility they carry that they need to carry the defense and make their presence known. I was blown away by the high level libero play at the Badger Region Qualifier this past Sunday from the athletes in the 15s and 16s division. They are gamechangers, momentum changers, call them what you want, but their are making a big impact on their side of the net.
Paige Miller Paige Miller 5'10" | DS/L Kaukauna | 2023 State WI – FC Elite 16 Navy
One of the best overall athletes in the gym, Miller owns the left back area on her court. She is long, athletic, and so dynamic. Miller is also a star on the softball diamond and is the type of athlete where she can make an impact doing whatever she wants. She is solid in serve receive and can take pace off the ball and keep her FC Elite 16 Navy team in system. Her positive body language and intensity on the court is contagious. She was a key piece to FC Elite 16 Navy earning an American bid this weekend.
Elle Kennedy Elle Kennedy 5'5" | DS/L Howards Grove | 2024 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 15 Black
I saw Kennedy play quite a bit this past summer and fall at various Prep Dig events where she showed plenty of promise, but this past Sunday she was at another level. Her ability to cover a large part of the court as well as keep her side in system was very key. She is scrappy and plays with some grit which is always fun to see from young athletes on the rise. She will begin her high school career at Sheboygan North as part of the alternate fall season this week.
Olivia Baierl Olivia Baierl 5'8" | DS/L Howards Grove | 2024 State WI – FC Elite 15 Navy
Baierl had her “Moment”. When FC Elite 15 Navy was taking on an extremely physical Sting 15 Gold squad, Baierl was able to dig the big swings of Anna Bjork Anna Bjork 6'3" | MB Oconomowoc | 2024 State #54 Nation WI , Rylea Alvin Rylea Alvin 6'2" | MB Randolph | 2024 State WI , and Melia Johnson Melia Johnson 6'2" | OH Slinger | 2024 State #140 Nation WI . Not only was she popping the ball up, but she was getting those hard swings in system where FC Elite seemed to build more momentum with each dig and each touch. Even being down most of the second set, it was the consistent ball control where they just kept the play going one rally longer, which allowed them to claim the 15 National bid and championship.
Meredith Bock – I AM VBC 16 Red
I AM VBC is on the rise, this club has continued to make gains at all age levels and their 16s were able to advance to the final six of their age bracket. A balanced and very athletic squad, their first contact to get in system is very consistent from Meredith Bock. Bock is really smooth in the backcourt and has an athleticism that allows her to get touches that other defenders would not be able. With her range and athleticism, she will be one to watch for college coaches who can be a hidden gem from the Class of 2023.
Molly Berezowitz Molly Berezowitz DS/L Burlington | 2023 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 16 Black
Pure gamer. Berezowitz always performs big in the big moments as she is accustomed to high level competition and thrives off a pressure packed situation. She is one who has that presence on the court where she is making eye contact with all of her teammates, she is constantly moving between points, bringing synergy to her team. She can serve receive, take pace off the ball, anticipate the second contact, and just finds a way to keep the ball alive in a scramble situation. Such a fun athlete to watch.
Ava Rank Ava Rank 5'5" | DS/L Kimberly | 2023 State WI – FC Elite 16 White
Rank is another athlete who has really made some huge gains since this past summer and fall. She is a leader on her 16 White squad where she has a controlled platform that allows her to keep her offense in system. This FC Elite 16 White squad is dangerous with a lot of length in their front line and steady defenders like rank and Ella Brinkoff too. Rank will start her high school season this week for Kimberly.
Georgia Koscielak Georgia Koscielak 5'6" | DS/L Whitefish Bay | 2024 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 15 White
Koscielak is another athlete who has a major presence on the court with her team. She owns the backrow and is not only a leader with her ability, but her intangibles. That was evident in just the first set I watched her play. Solid fundamentals and a spark to her game as well. What I really enjoyed about this 15 White squad is that they were consistent with their fight and energy all day. I could watch this team and not know if they were up ten or down ten because they kept fighting, consistent effort.
Kati Goba Kati Goba DS/L Wisconsin Lutheran | 2023 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
Goba is quietly effective, she makes the routine plays, she gets to the spot where she is suppose to be, and she is incredibly consistent. I say this time and time again, a libero diving into the bench doesn’t define success for that position. Success for a libero is being able to make difficult plays look easy which is something that Goba definitely provides for a high powered offense.
Claire Luoma Claire Luoma 5'8" | DS/L Franklin | 2024 State #85 Nation WI – Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold
Luoma’s style is that she is so under control, no matter how big the game or the moment, she is incredibly under control and reads the other side of the net extremely well. Consistency, and relentless work ethic to improve, and a gritty competitor, she is one who makes an instant impact and has been a big reason 15 Gold has had a successful season so far.