Class Of 2019: Athletes On The Rankings Rise
The Class of 2019 rankings were updated. We don’t pick at random, but rather the rankings are a long process that are not taken lightly. We talk with club and high school coaches, college coaches, directors, and spend a LOT…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2019 rankings were updated. We don’t pick at random, but rather the rankings are a long process that are not taken lightly. We talk with club and high school coaches, college coaches, directors, and spend a LOT of time in the gym watching players. We don’t always get to see everyone we rank in person, but we do our best. While this is our senior class, there will be many more commits, especially at the Division 3 level, over the spring.
Here are some athletes from the 2019 Class who made a jump in the rankings. Most are names that are very familiar, but there are a couple that aren’t household names, and some are still looking for a home for the 2019 season. Let’s take a look at the players that made a rise in the Class of 2019.
Maddie BerezowitzBerezowitz And Eske, Dynamic Defense
I have experience as a defensive player, and therefore, I am usually a tougher critic of defensive players. I, unfortunately, haven’t gotten to see Alyssa Eske (Milwaukee King – Sky High – Committed To Illinois) play yet, but knowing the type of college program she is committed to, she must be top notch. Eske is committed to Illinois, and Berezowitz is committed to Kentucky.
Berezowitz, along with Ari Miller (Kettle Moraine Lutheran – Committed To UW-Milwaukee) in the middle and Briana Scuric (East Troy – Committed To Northern Illinois) on the outside, will be key pieces for Sting 18 Gold. Berezowitz and Scuric play with an extremely high volleyball IQ. They are familiar with covering a lot of court from their high school seasons and should be able to adapt to the college game fairly seamlessly based on the training they’ve had, along with the challenging schedules both clubs will be playing this year.
Hannah Vanden BergKoch And Vanden Berg: Stars Of FC Elite 18 Navy
Maddie Koch is a 6’2 Outside Hitter from FC Elite 18 Navy and is the Wisconsin Gatorade Player Of The Year. Hannah Vanden Berg (Little Chute – Committed To Marquette) played a huge role in Little Chute’s trip to the Resch this fall. Both will be impact players in their college programs. They have solid training at FC Elite, which also means they know how to work hard.
Muff: Rise To Top 20
Kennedy Muff (Westosha Central – Sky High – Committed To Flagler) has been one to follow this year and has moved up about 12 spots. She is definitely a six-rotation player who is a great pickup and someone around which Flagler could build a program. She will have some tough power league matches, a big qualifier, and national warm-ups this season. This will be exciting to see how she does this club season and in the fall!
Anna NeradNerad Back On The Radar
Anna Nerad (6’1 – Middle Blocker) was a major part of Waukesha West’s postseason run that fell just one match short of the state championship match. She is playing for Motion MVP 18 Blu with Chyna Bacchus (5’9 – Outside Hitter – University School of Milwaukee). who is also an unsigned Class of 2019 prospect. Nerad is able to play in the middle or on the pins and has a fast powerful swing. Being adaptable is helpful when looking to play at the college level. She has the ability to adjust and has a huge advantage over those athletes who have only played one position their whole career.
Shoopman Moves Into The Top Ten
Laura Shoopman (Westosha Central – Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold – Committed To Oral Roberts) was a huge part of Westosha Central’s success in 2018. I have seen Shoopman play in high school, and this is an athlete with so many tools that make her so lethal. Her jump serve is laser beam lethal. Shoopman is the go-to right side for Sting 18 Gold. She plays with such a high volleyball IQ and owns a fast hard swing.
Keri WalkerWalker, High School Setter And Middle Block
Keri Walker (Wisconsin Premier 18 Teal) of Living Word Lutheran was a solid setter and middle blocker leading them to a state semifinal match and a consistent force for the Timberwolves for 4 years. She is an active playmaker who is reliable, and extremely athletic. Walker has the chance to be an immediate impact at the next level. She has committed to Northern State and has all the tools to contribute at the Division 2 level. Walker is an athlete who knows how to win and has a variety of skills. She also has a great work ethic, playing two work horse roles: as a middle, working pin to pin, and also as a setter, chasing down passes and finding the hot hand.