Osage vs. Humboldt Regional Final: Players To Note At The Next Level

Prep Dig Kansas covers live summer event in Topeka.

Chris Fitzgerald October 30, 2018 @ 05:53 PM

A regional final is always filled with some nerves which includes excitement, some anxiety, but talking to most players they will be filled with nervous excitement - parents, it's probably just a whole different ball game of nervous energy. When you are a coach and parent like Andie Olson of Osage you get to experience a little bit of both!

At Prep Dig, we really focus on the promoting of players across all levels. We cover all levels of volleyball and cover volleyball year round with the intent that “every player is worth covering”, not just the players who are heading for the Big Ten or Big 12. In Clear Lake Monday night, there were plenty of players on both sides of the net who definitely have a future at the next level. In this article, I’ll talk about the prospects, the top players, but stay tuned for a piece later in the week that will focus on Osage and their commitment to service, being strong community members, and in turn has built a culture within their program that makes it more than just a match.

A pink rollercoaster...just another night at the gym. pic.x.com/vvtm8FjQ0L
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) October 30, 2018

Top Prospects From the Osage vs. Humboldt Regional Final

Sydney Midlang - Osage - Senior - Middle Blocker

One of the top athletes in the gym. Midlang isn’t your middle blocker who is 6’2 and just powers her way through the block to score points. So dynamic and quick, Midlang rarely will get a ball stuffed back at her. The connection she has with fellow Senior, and Coach Olson’s daughter Rylie who will be heading to Grand View next year is something that has been built over years and years of playing together. Midlang can hit the sharp angle, find the deep corner, or go high hands off the block to score points. Such a fun athlete to watch.

Danielle Johnson - Osage - Sophomore - Outside Hitter

So solid, leading the team with close to 300 kills, just averaging over 3 per set really doesn’t do justice to what Johnson can do on the court. A six rotation outside who is extremely solid in serve receive, she allows Rylie Olson to work her magic as a setter without having to move much. To only be a Sophomore and to have this versatile skill set is rare. She is climbing up the charts to be a 2021 outside hitter to watch in the entire state. Will be fun to see her compete at state and in the club season.

Jori Hajek - Humboldt - Sophomore - Outside Hitter

Hajek can flat out fly! I was so impressed by her jumping ability and craftiness on the pin. She brings such energy to the court and is a threat to score from anywhere. I could definitely see her at the next level as a libero or DS who could provide a swing and a spark for any team. Humboldt was scrambling with the tough serving and pressure put on by the Osage offense, but Hajek was always there to tip to zone four or bring a huge swing out of the backrow.

Carlie Thompson - Humboldt - Junior - Libero

Thompson is so solid in the backrow. Osage is a tough serving team, they serve you deep, they serve seems, and their put a float on the ball that will drop anywhere. Thompson was extremely reliable, but also just had a really calming presence on the court. Lots of athleticism with the ability to give her setter a chance to put up a great ball for her hitters to terminate.

Kaebre Sullivan - Osage - Freshman - Middle Blocker

Watch out! Midlang may be graduating, but Sullivan is going to be so dangerous out of the middle for the Green Devils. She already is! For only being a Freshman, she is a smart hitter. As a middle blocker you want to swing left or right because more than likely the block is going to be lined straight up. Sullivan was finding the open spot on the court and was taking aggressive swings. For playing in her first regional final you would have never guessed. A lot of composure and maturity on her part which can be attributed to the Senior leadership on this team leading by example.