Friday Match to Watch: Northwest vs Bear Creek
It’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is progressing at full pace in the state of Washington and we’re all enjoying all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again. Twice a…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is progressing at full pace in the state of Washington and we’re all enjoying all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again.
Twice a week, we’ll use this space to recommend some matches to keep and eye on and, most importantly, some of the most interesting prospects you’ll want to watch if you have an opportunity.
For Friday, October 15, this is the match we recommend:
Northwest vs Bear Creek – 7.45pm
The team from the Northwest High School in Seattle currently sits in fifth place at the 1A Emerald Sound district with five wins and three losses. They have played just one match outside of league play and lost it, bringing their season win record to 5-4. The squad led by head coach Ryan Griffiths seems to have found its footing recently as they enter this match in the back of four consecutive victories.
The Bear Creek Grizzlies from Redmond are just one position ahead of Northwest in the 1A Emerald Sound district thanks to their eight wins and two losses in the league. Overall, the team led by head coach Joshua Tag is at 8-7-2 after recently bouncing back from a rough stretch of form with a win over Sultan.
Players to Watch – Northwest
Ariana Clarkson – Outside Hitter – Club: Sudden Impact – 2024
Ariana ‘Ari’ Clarkson has been leading Northwest’s offense this season, just her second with the team. A 5’11” outside hitter, she’s lethal when in system at the net and is the only player in the team to have reached double digits in kills at 105 (3.4 per set). Clarkson also leads the day when it comes to serving with 48 aces and ranks second in digs with 92.
Katie Nelson – Libero – 2022
Katie Nelson’s presence in the team’s backcourt offers a great deal of stability to Northwest. The 5’2” libero has been solid as usual this season and leads the team’s defensive efforts with 136 digs in just 28 sets, averaging nearly five per set. She’s also been able to score points for the team with her aggressive serving, which generated Northwest’s second-best mark of 38 aces.
Players to Watch – Bear Creek
Zoe Smith – Setter – Club: Northwest Juniors – 2022
Bear Creek has as many as five players in a similar range in kills and that’s due to the great distribution ran by Zoe Smith. The senior setter, who’s also been a viable offensive option for the Grizzlies herself with 40 kills, has handed out 245 assists so far in the season, averaging nearly five per set. The 5’6” setter also leads the team in aces with 63 (1.3 per set) and has also been a productive defender with 87 (1.7 per set).
Mackenzie Martin – Middle Blocker – 2023
A basketball and volleyball player for Bear Creek, Mackenzie Martin has proven to be a valuable asset for the Grizzlies. The 5’11” prospect has been an interesting offensive option for the team, tallying the team’s second-best mark in kills at 61, and also ranks second in blocks with 15. She’s also helped the team with 33 digs and nine aces.