Unsigned Seniors To Keep An Eye On From Minnesota
The 18s club season is always a mixed bag with some athletes just keeping their skills sharp before they head off to their colleges they’ve been committed to, while others are hoping for that one last chance to make an impression for college coaches and find a place to play the next season. There is still a lot of really solid and available talent from the Class of 2019 in Minnesota.
These were the athletes I was able to watch live. I was able to get to two facilities on Sunday and did not get the time to head to M1. I still need to see the M1 18s as well as the 18s from Kokoro play. Again, still plenty of athletes out there for colleges who are looking to pick up a late gem or close in to finishing their recruiting classes. There will be plenty of talented 18s players this upcoming weekend at the NLQ 18s Qualifier/January Thaw in Omaha.
*All information as far as committed and class are found on their club websites.
Averi Sullivan – Vital 18-1 Gold – Outside Hitter – Class of 2019
Sullivan plays with fire. The springy outside hitter has a violent arm swing and physical style of play where she plays with no fear. Aggressive and dynamic, Sullivan was a big time point scorer for Vital on Sunday morning and will continue to be a go to player. Besides a powerful swing, she can see the open spot hitting middle back plenty of times for easy points.
Erin Shoemaker – Vital 18-1 Gold – Right Side/Pin – Class of 2019
Long reach, athletic, and a big block Shoemaker is able contribute in a variety of ways for Vital. The Minnetonka prep definitely would be a steal at the next level. On Sunday morning, Shoemaker was playing right side, but would be highly effective on either pin. With how she can reach and snap, it’s a mismatch for the defense and with her leaping ability, she can put up a massive block. With her and Sullivan on the pins there is always an outlet for Class of 2020 setter, Emma Martinson of Eden Prairie
Nicole Thompson – Crossfire 18-1 – Libero – Class of 2019
Part of Champlin Park’s state championship run, Thompson is the libero for Crossfire 18-1 where she definitely is the steady force in the backrow who is absolutely solid in serve receive and is in the right spot at the right time. She may be under the radar, but would be such a great fit at the next level being familiar with a championship culture and being in a gym with so much talent in Champlin Park.
Kelsie Sealock – MN Select 18-2 – Libero – Class of 2019
Gritty. Sealock has the quickness, skill, and athleticism where she can cover a lot of ground out of left back. The Osseo prep was an outside hitter and was dynamite out of middle back and on the pin with her high IQ for the game. With her main focus being on the backrow this upcoming club season, she definitely has a high ceiling for developing her game being a primary defender. Overall athleticism isn’t always measurable, but Sealock definitely has it and will be an important part of the success of MN Select 18-2 this eason.
Jocelyn Coffler – Northern Lights 18-Black – Libero – Class of 2019
Solid platform, very little wasted movement, and extremely solid in serve receive are qualities of all great liberos and Coffler fits into that mold. Northern Lights trains their defenders well and are so fundamentally sharp at all levels. Coffler was listed as an 18-Red member, but I saw her live as #30 for 18-Black when playing at MN Select Sunday. Listed as unsigned on the Northern Lights website she would definitely be one who would be a great late pick up at the next level.