Badger Region Championships 18 Open: All-Tournament Selections
This all-tournament team is so loaded with talent and speaks volumes about what Badger Region Volleyball is all about. There were ties, tight matches, upsets, and opportunities to redeem previous losses. This tournament had it all, while showcasing some of the…
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Continue ReadingThis all-tournament team is so loaded with talent and speaks volumes about what Badger Region Volleyball is all about. There were ties, tight matches, upsets, and opportunities to redeem previous losses. This tournament had it all, while showcasing some of the best volleyball in the region. At Prep Dig, we enjoy being a little unconventional sometimes, so here is an All-Tournament Team with numerous categories to identify not only the best players, but other key contributors.
The Dependable
These athletes put the ball away. Whether they get the point using power or a variety of shots, they know how to get the job done.
[player_tooltip player_id="32728" first="Addison" last="Barnes"]Addison Barnes Addison Barnes 5'11" | OH Neenah | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’11 – Outside Hitter – FC Elite 18 Navy – Committed to Loyola
Barnes can hit pretty much every shot. She has an aggressive approach and fast swing that makes her a go-to as well as a solid outlet for FC Elite throughout the whole tournament. Barnes is definitely a strong and effective 6-rotation outside that will do great things at Loyola.
Hannah Vanden Berg Hannah Vanden Berg 6'1" | OH Little Chute | 2019 State WI 2019 – 6’1 – Outside Hitter – FC Elite 18 Navy – Committed to Marquette
Vanden Berg is athletic, long, and has a high contact point. She swings high and sees the court well to mix in tips and shots. Vanden Berg can place the ball effortlessly and also put up a huge block.
[player_tooltip player_id="32739" first="Kayla" last="Lass"]Kayla Lass Kayla Lass 5'10" | OH Stevens Point | 2019 State WI 2019 – 5’10 – Outside Hitter – Wisconsin Ice 18 National – Committed to UW-Green Bay
Lass is athletic, physical, and can bring a ton of power. She was hitting around the block, over the block, and through the block in pool play. Lass is a strong 6-rotation outside that can not only really do it all, but do it all really well.
The Dynamic
These setters are no one-trick ponies. They can do a little bit of everything. Here are the top dynamic setters I managed to see this past weekend.
Brianna Merkel Brianna Merkel 5'11" | OH Franklin | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’11 – Setter – Milwaukee Sting 18 Black – Committed To Arkansas Tech
This Sting group is full of solid athletes at every position, but it is led by Merkel, who is very versatile in her skill set. This group is definitely underestimated, but they will be a fun group to watch in the late club season. Merkel will be a great addition at Arkansas Tech and a fun one to watch on the college scene.
[player_tooltip player_id="33087" first="Grace" last="Gilles"]Grace Gilles Grace Gilles 5'7" | S EC Regis | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’6 – Setter – Wisconsin Ice 18 National – Committed to Sioux Falls
Gilles is undersized to play the front row, but she runs a 5-1 for Ice, and she really holds her own in the front row. She has her hand on every second ball and is super scrappy on defense. What she lacks in height she makes up for in tenacity.
The Heartbreakers
These defensive phenoms command the back court and break the hearts of those opposing hitters that thought they had a kill.
Kayla Kraus Kayla Kraus 5'6" | DS/L Neenah | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’6 – Libero – FC Elite 18 Navy – Committed to Loyola
Kraus was everywhere on the court, making the job for those around her that much easier. She was getting so many touches and taking anything she could get a hand on. Kraus moves around the court with great athleticism and covers a ton of court space. FC Elite was on-point when having a solid first contact from Kraus.
Sarah Malone Sarah Malone 5'7" | DS/L Waunakee | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’7 – Libero – Capital 18 Adidas
Malone has a great platform and quick footwork that allows Capital to use their middles in system. She is a physical and scrappy defender who is everywhere and plays with a lot of passion.
The Terminators
Many of these players were leaders for their Varsity teams in 2018 and will be looking to make an impact at the next level in the fall. They have power and are just plain dominant at the net. Keep an eye out for these names at their colleges in 2019!
Cece Huhn Cece Huhn 6'1" | MB Plymouth | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 6’1 – Middle Blocker – One Wisconsin 18-1 – Committed to Northern Colorado
Huhn is a natural in the middle but really could play on either pin. The physicality that she brings to the net creates a lot of issues for her opponents. Her block is intimidating and frustrating for opposing hitters. And when you see her swing away, yikes! She will be a great addition for Northern Colorado.
Christina Roofe Christina Roofe 5'10" | MB Kettle Moraine | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 5’10 – Middle Blocker – Milwaukee Sting 18 Black
Roofe is a little undersized as a middle in the Open Division, but she holds her own. She has made so much progress this club season in lateral movement as well as quicker transitioning. When Sting 18 Black is in system, Roofe can terminate.
Kiana Schmitt Kiana Schmitt 6'3" | MB Waunakee | 2019 State WI – 2019 – 6’3 – Middle Blocker – Capital 18 Adidas – Committed to Creighton
Schmitt has a way of getting a touch on shots that I think even surprise her. She moves really well and has a variety of attack options. Schmitt is downright scarey when Capital is in system.
The Future
These athletes are playing up an age level or two and holding their own among the top 18’s players in the region. These will be players to continue to look out for in the next 1-2 years as they continue to develop and prepare for their college careers.
Brooke Mosher Brooke Mosher 5'11" | S Waterloo | 2021 State WI – 2021 – 5’11 – Setter – Waterloo – FC Elite 18 Navy – Committed to Illinois
Mosher is a smooth operator and has a demeanor that puts her teammates at ease and gives them confidence. She has great footwork, high volleyball IQ, and a quick clean release. She is playing up 2 age divisions, but you would never pick her out as being the youngest on the court.
[player_tooltip player_id="80182" first="Maddy" last="Dokken"]Maddy Dokken Maddy Dokken 5'10" | OH SPASH | 2020 State WI – 2020 – 5’10 – Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker – SPASH – Wisconsin Ice 18 National – Committed to UW-Parkside
Dokken has recently committed to UW-Parkside and will be a great fit. She is the ultimate team player, being a natural outside but having to step in as a middle hitter for her high school team and now her club team. She has the ability to cut a sharp angle or power through a split and has great body language towards her teammates whether they are up or down. She will be a definite force in 2019 and 2020.
Taylor Pagel Taylor Pagel 6'0" | MB Wausau East | 2020 State WI – 2020 – 6’0 – Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter – Wausau East – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
At six feet tall, Pagel is a strong, physical force at the net. She runs a variety of routes in and out of system. Patel can also play anywhere in the front row, and she is able to hit a hard cross shot or other shots in making her hits extremely effective. The year 2019 could be a huge year for the soon-to-be Senior.