MN Northern Lights Top Teams 2019

<p>  Minnesota Northern Lights club looks to continue their dominance as one of the premiere programs in Minnesota Volleyball.  They had 16 players who were names to the All-State Team/Honorable mention for 2018 along with 12 chosen for  the All-Metro team by Star Tribune.  So much of the state's talent has chosen Northern Lights to grow their talent in the off season.  </p> <p>  Lights provides players with some of the top coaches in the state, focused conditioning and physical training and the best competition JVA can offer.  With an incredible 33 teams this winter, it can be hard to know where to focus, as all will be filled with talent.  Here is a quick peek at the top 4 teams to watch this winter.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>14-1 <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Team strength: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">setting</span></span></p> <p>This young team is filled with talent from all over the metro and beyond.  Leading the way are two very talented up and coming setters: <a href="https://www.northernlightsjuniors.org/2019/player.php?year=2019&amp;id=445045&amp;team=141"><em>Ava Blascziek</em></a>- Century Middle School (Lakeville) and <em>Rylee Nelson</em>- Zumbrota Mazeppa.  Nelson was one of the main setters for the ZM varsity team this year.  We anticipate a 6-2 offense with lots of strong threats.</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">15-1</span>  </strong><strong style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 16px;">Team strength</strong><span style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px;">: defense</span></p> <p><strong> </strong> Coach <em>Franz Boelter</em> has compiled a dream team of rising stars of the metro area.  They include: <em>Sienna Ifill</em>- Eagan, <em>Bailey Leek</em>- Lakeville North, <em>Madeline Lipetzky</em>- Shakopee, and <em>Abigail Jandro</em>- Bethlehem Academy.  With most players not graduating until 2022 there is sure to be lots of growth and improvement as these players train to fill in roles at their high school. </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">16-1</span> </strong>  <strong style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 16px;">Team strength:</strong><span style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px;"> hitting and serving</span></p> <p>Of course any time <em>Walt Weaver</em> gets a new team, you know it is going to be great.  The price these families pay will be well worth it to have a year under his guidance. Stewartville's star <em>Erin Lamb</em> will make the long commute for practices and tournaments.  <em>Ava Moes</em> from Lakeville South is coming off a great season too.  Other top athletes on the team include: Emma Tortenson- Northfield, <em>Peyton Evanstad</em>- Fairbault, and <em>Camille Libert</em>- PLHS</p> <p>Look for this team to be ranked high in the nation early on!</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>17-2</strong> </span><strong style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 16px;">Team strength:</strong><span style="font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px;"> blocking/middle attack</span></p> <p>We like this team because of the mix of talent.  The team is made up of players from some of the top programs in the state.  Even though it is not the top 17's team, the season is sure to be filled with a number of big wins.  Top players include: <em>Mikayla Coops</em>- Belle Plaine, <em>Ally Peterson</em>- Kenyon Wanamingo, <em>Shayla Hustad-</em> Cannon Falls,<em> <a href="https://www.northernlightsjuniors.org/2019/player.php?year=2019&amp;id=457498&amp;team=172">Aliciyanna Mixson-Black</a> </em>and <em>Courtney Cahill</em>- Woodbury.</p>