A and AA candidates for Ms. Baden 2018
One of the highest honors in high school volleyball is to be one of the finalists for Ms. Baden. Typically the top players in the state can be found in the metro area or at one of the many…
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Continue ReadingOne of the highest honors in high school volleyball is to be one of the finalists for Ms. Baden. Typically the top players in the state can be found in the metro area or at one of the many 3A schools. This year two of the seniors chosen come from much smaller schools, but definitely deserve the recognition. The Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association will announce the winner from the finalists at the state tournament banquet Wednesday, November 7th.
Four of the 5 nominees teams will be playing in the state tournament, most in AAA. Lakeville North is represented by Elizabeth Junke, but her team was beat by rival Lakeville South . Junke had a great match with 24 kills and 21 digs. Therefore, Lakeville South will be the 3rd seed in 3A.
Champlin Park will be the 2nd seed and represented by their star setter, Izzy Ashburn.
Lastly, Shakopee HS is the 5th seed and their outside, Rachel Kilkelly has a good chance of winning this prestigious award. The other two nominees are from much smaller schools but both are the 1 seed in their class.
Peyton Suess, from Kasson Mantorville (AA) is a favorite for the award. Kasson has approximately 600 students enrolled 9-12 at their high school, which is much smaller when compared to competitors Kilkelly at Shakopee 1,700 10-12th grade. But she has not let her small-town status hold her back. The power hitter will attend Wake Forest next fall. This year Wake Forest struggled, currently 8-18, so it is possible she will be able to step right in and contribute. They will likely use her on the outside and in the back row, similar to how the Komets have. She’s been one of the main reasons Kasson has taken control of their conference and class. She holds the record for kills and blocks at Kasson-Mantorville and also has the most career kills of any of the Ms Baden potential winners. Look for her and her team to have a huge tournament; there is a strong possibility her name will be called for Miss Volleyball Wednesday.
Lydia Sussner, is the other small-town superstar. This multi-sport athlete has let her school’s teams to great success in volleyball and basketball. Although she seems to favor basketball, she will put everything into her final high school tournament before going to college at SMSU. After a hard fought 2nd place finish last year, we know she is hungry for the state championship. With a long list of accolades, it won’t surprise anyone if she is crowned Miss Volleyball 2018: 2-time MNVBCA All-State; 3-time All-Conference; 2018 Camden Conference MVP; 2017 & 2018 three-time All-Tournament Team; 2018 Class A Showcase MVP; Class A State Tournament Team.