Five Set Thriller: Highlights and Prospects From Waconia vs. Benilde St. Margaret
The state of Minnesota was full of activity Thursday night with the Gophers making their season debut, the state fair, high school football, but lets not forget about high school volleyball being in full swing. The five set thriller between…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Minnesota was full of activity Thursday night with the Gophers making their season debut, the state fair, high school football, but lets not forget about high school volleyball being in full swing. The five set thriller between Waconia at Benilde-St. Margaret’s was the best way to kick off Labor Day weekend which featured some of the states top players that ended with Waconia coming out on top 19-17 in set five after being down 0-2. Here are some of the highlights and prospects to note from this match that will be tough to top throughout the year. The bar has been set for potential top matches at Prep Dig Minnesota!
-For being the first week of official competition, both teams looked to be in mid season form. Going into the match it, the battle between two of the top outsides in the state with BSM’s Maizy Jackson, a Northern Iowa commit and Waconia’s Kali Wolf who is the top prospect for 2020 in the state of Minnesota. Obviously being a heavy hitter is what gets the glory and the momentum being a top outside, but for both of these athletes what really sets them apart is their defense and ability to score out of the backrow. Wolf was on point with her serve receiving which ultimately kept Waconia in the match. Jackson was just as good on serve receive and being in the right spot and available to swing at all times. They play six rotations, never come off the court, and are so vital to their team’s success. However, what I was surprised by was that they were not in the front row together, going swing for swing. Wolf started in right back (a deadly server) and Jackson in left front.
-Waconia ran a 6-2 always having three hitters in the front row, while BSM had Junior Sarah Luong running the show with a 5-1. Luong is definitely one to keep on the radar for setters in the Class of 2020. Extremely quick, athletic, and can push the ball from pin to pin she has all the tools. What sets her apart from other setters is her volleyball IQ. She caught the Waconia defense off guard multiple times with a setter dump on the second contact to land right in the campfire. There were times I thought for sure she would go on two, but then would push to the outside.
-Not only was this a match of two outside hitters, but also libero vs. libero. Juniors Haley Hewitson for BSM and Claire Segner for Waconia were the ones who were taking pace off the heavy swings of Wolf and Jackson all night. For someone outside of volleyball think of their duty as to guard the best offensive player on the basketball court and try and hold them to ten points where their season average is 20 points per game. Not only does their defense keep the ball in system, but controls the momentum as well.
Patience Williams and BSM celebrate a block in the BSM vs. Waconia match on 8/30/2018-Watchout for Patience Williams. The Junior transfer from Fridley is one of Prep Girls Hoops top Class of 2020 basketball players, but it was her turn to take to the volleyball court for BSM Thursday night. Her hang time and athleticism was the best on the court. She is definitely learning the game, but being able to touch ten feet and add another dimension to her team will be fun to watch develop over the season
Class of 2020 Prospects To Keep On The Radar:
Kali Wolf – Outside Hitter – Class of 2020 – Waconia
As I mentioned previously, the defensive skill set for Wolf is what sets her apart as one of the top players in the state. A Northern Lights 16-1 member last year, Wolf needs just a small opening to hit a shot down the line, but can also hit an extreme angle on the pin. She maintains the same body language whether they are up or down and is such a consistent force for the Wildcats. Wolf has two sisters (Jessica and Taylor who play at Green Bay in the Horizon League, with Taylor being named Freshman of the Year last year). With the new recruiting rules in effect, Wolf will be able to make her official visits this year instead of waiting until a Senior to do so. She is definitely on the list of plenty of schools.
Sarah Luong – Setter – Class of 2020 – Benilde-St. Margaret
Luong may only be 5’8, but she can flat out play and compete. Great feet, smooth release, and an extremely high IQ and savvy for the game is what makes her so great for her team. Keeping the defense off balance and being the main orchestrator for the offense is expected of all setters, but very few can do it at a high level.
Luong of @BSMVolleyball catches Waconia off guard late in the rally. High IQ player. Up 22-17. pic.twitter.com/ROQ88iRJQB
— Prep Dig Minnesota (@PrepDigMN) August 31, 2018
Haley Hewitson – Libero – Class of 2020 – Benilde-St. Margaret
Hewitson recently made the switch to libero, but you would never expect that. Her athleticism in the backcourt and physicality puts her in position to receive a hard driven ball. There were plenty of times where a dig by Hewitson would swing the momentum in favor of BSM.
Claire Segner – Libero – Class of 2020 – Waconia
Segner starts her game from the service line where she can put a laser right above net putting the opposing team in the scramble from the start. With Segner and Wolf in the backrow it more than likely results in the Wildcats being in system. Segner had the job of defending Jackson from BSM and was able to have some great touches to keep the play alive throughout the whole match.