The Journey Behind The Minnesota Rankings
Rankings might seem like drawing names out of a hat, putting them on a board, and just seeing how things all fall into place. If it were only that easy as we gradually release class by class, the updated version of our Minnesota player rankings heading into the 2019 club season.
Last year when I was covering primarily Wisconsin, I was ranking four classes (2018-2021). I’ll admit I was way off initially on some athletes, not having seen them play as much or maybe I just saw one of their “off” matches. The key behind any rankings, which I’ve done for Wisconsin three different times and now Minnesota is to watch A LOT of volleyball and also be completely transparent.
Some of the events I have been to in the past year would include Northern Lights Qualifier, Wisconsin Badger Team Camp, Southwest Minnesota Challenge, The Class A and AA Showcase, BSM “ Dig Pink ” Tournament, The Midwest Fall Classic at St. Michael-Albertville, all sessions of the state tournament, and single game matches ranging from North Branch down to Kasson. Each event I attended, I made sure to take down names, bring them back to the spreadsheet, enter them in and highlight in green showing that I have seen them play “live”. Have I seen every player in the state play live? No. Have I seen every player who is ranked play live? Almost. In this year’s Senior class there are over 150 players ranked. I made it a priority to get to as many matches as I could as well as talk to high school coaches, club coaches, and officials on various athletes I would see play. We also have other writers in Minnesota I would check in with on what they were seeing in their areas of the state.
When it comes to some of these athletes, it’s honestly like splitting hairs. Is a setter more valuable than a outside hitter? A middle only plays half the rotations, why would they be higher than someone who plays all six? A libero is great, but they don’t score points (but are responsible for saving plenty of points). Even in talking with college coaches the same argument goes along with scholarships. Would a coach would give a libero a four year full ride, or only two. What position do you value more? In taking a look at the top 10, even the top 30 athletes in Minnesota they are so deep and talented.
As for statistics, they are helpful, but not a be all, end all. The eye test is more valuable which is why I value the time spent in the gym. Quite frankly, I love it. I love watching the game, the analysis, and oftentimes find myself riding the highs and lows of the teams I continue to follow.
The journey of ranking players is far from over. This will be a constant cycle of evaluation. I have my club schedule mapped out with plenty of dates in Minnesota with the Molten Series, Big City Luau, Northern Lights Qualifier, and Stars and Stripes. I will also be attending the January Thaw in Omaha, JVA Jamboree in Milwaukee, Omaha and KC over Presidents Day, and the Showcase in the Dells. Oh….and don’t forget our Prep Dig Gauntlet in Madison, WI on June 1 and 2.
Let the NEXT season begin!
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