JVA Jamboree – Prospects On The Rise (In State and Out)

This weekend featured teams from five different states with plenty of talent in each class.  With most of the 17s and 18s being committed, this gave the 15s and 16s a chance to take center stage at getting a little bit of recognition.  Here are a few prospects that have not committed, but definitely are on the rise from the state of Wisconsin as well as a few to note from Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota.  

Lauren Spaulding, Outside Hitter – Sheboygan North – WVA 18 Black

Spaulding has still not made her decision on where she will play college volleyball, but her stock continues to rise for WVA 18 Black.  Spaulding is a solid six rotation outside that is very consistent, can use the block to score points, and terminate in a one on one situation.  As one of the primary passers for WVA, she had become a go-to outside of Emily Scott in the middle to score points.  Mentally strong and scrappy, Spaulding would be a great late get for any program.

Nicole Pozorski, Setter/Right Side – Mukwonago –  Milwaukee Sting 16 Black

Pozorski is definitely following in the footsteps of dual threats to come out of Milwaukee Sting.  With a smooth release, steady footwork, and a powerful swing from the right side, Pozorski can do a little bit of everything for Sting 16 Black.  Pozorski, who plays for recent state tournament participant, Mukwonago, will be a key player for this high school next season.  Sting Black had a solid tournament, with their only loss coming to Illini Elite going to extra points in the third set before losing 20-18.  Keep an eye on Pozorski through the club and high school season next Fall.  Mukwonago should have a very solid team.

Josie Salzman, Outside Hitter – Arrowhead – Milwaukee Sting 16 Black

Salzman has an incredibly heavy swing from the outside.  Whether it is hitting cross court or off the block she swings with authority.  Salzman comes from Arrowhead high school which is always full of solid athletes and volleyball players.  With her athleticism and aggressiveness she can score points in a hurry.

Natalie Johanknecht, Middle Blocker – Oshkosh West – WVA 15 Black (Pictured Above)

Quick hops.  Johanknecht is a solid 6 feet tall, but with how she approaches and jumps her quickness is what takes her game to an elite level.  She is able to run a fast temp and put the ball down before the block is even up.  Middles can be effective in a variety of ways, but what Johanknecht can do that most cannot is transition and get to the ball much quicker than most at the 15s level.  As her game continues to develop, she will become stronger and one to keep high on the radar with the ability to play at multiple front row positions.

Linnea Willer, Outside Hitter – Freedom – FC Elite 15 Navy

Willer is a 6’1 physical outside for FC Elite 15 Navy who was player with a lot of power this weekend.  After seeing FC Elite 15 Navy play multiple times, Willer has progressively gotten better each time out.  Saturday night she had solid approaches and playing very high and aggressive.  FC Elite was in a tough pool and manage to scratch out two wins against Illini Elite 15 Cardinal and Chicago Elite before falling to MN Select.  Willer was one of the more consistent players for Elite and was key to their success.

Maddy Dokken, Outside Hitter – Stevens Point – Wisconsin Ice 16 Purple

Dokken is able to put quite a swing on the ball.  She is long and athletic with the ability to score points for Ice which was one set away from advancing to Championship bracket play, losing to D1 out of Michigan in the third.  Dokken plays for Stevens Point, and will be a key to their success.  

Kiersten Kraus, Right Side/Setter – Neenah – FC Elite 15 Navy

Very athletic, extremely dynamic, Kraus can play multiple positions and six rotations.  FC Elite Navy has three very strong setters with Kraus being one of them, but has mostly been playing on the right side.  Saturday night against MN Select, Kraus was able to play all the way around setting in the back row and playing right side.  In baseball and softball teams have a utility player who can play any position and in football there are recruits who are classified as athletes meaning they could be molded into any position.  That is the best way to classify Kraus, with the athleticism and tools to play any position, a definitely sleeper in the Class of 2021.  

Out of State Prospects To Note

Aliyah Carter, Outside Hitter – Dubuque Wahlert (IA) – Adrenaline 17 Rox (IA)

Talk about a high flyer.  Carter approaches from the outside where she takes off near the ten foot line.  A very athletic and explosive player with plenty of power makes her very entertaining to watch.  She has Division 1 written all over her, but it’s a matter of where.  As an undersized outside she may not at first look the part, but watch her swing and it’s very impressive.

Addie Vanderweide, Outside Hitter – Michigan Volleyball Academy 16 National

Vanderweide is playing up a level with the 16s which mostly consists of 2020 prospects, but Vanderweide is from the Class of 2021.  At 6’0, Vanderweide is so powerful and physical at the net, but also has the quickness to skills to play in the backrow.  She has got to be high on the list of Division 1 prospects to be coming out of MVA which has plenty of athletes on the 16s team that have the ability to play at the Division 1 or 2 level.  They didn’t drop a set all weekend and were playing at a speed that no one could catch up to.

Skylar Gray, Outside Hitter – Maple Grove, MN – MN Select 15-1

Much like Carter, Gray stands at 5’10, but has a violent arm swing that powers through most blocks with the capabilities of putting a dent on the floor.  There is no easy swing to receive from Gray.  With her on the pin, MN Select is capable of scoring points at any time.  There is much to be said about quickness and Gray has it all around.