Big Time Performers At AAU 18 Nationals Day 1 and 2
Title Photo Cred: so.jean photography The writing was on the wall, there was a chance that the 18s teams from Minnesota could come away with some big wins at the AAU National Tournament. They have done that and more with…
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Continue ReadingTitle Photo Cred: so.jean photography
The writing was on the wall, there was a chance that the 18s teams from Minnesota could come away with some big wins at the AAU National Tournament. They have done that and more with all of the teams still in the hunt. Whenever teams are successful there are a few athletes who seem to be stepping up in big ways. Here are a few from Minnesota (and Wisconsin) that are having quite the tournament so far.
Kaitlyn Bakke – Kokoro 18-1 – Setter
Committed to Waldorf University
Bakke is so smooth, under control, and is able to put up a hittable ball for all of her hitters, she can find what’s open, the best matchup, and doesn’t force the play, just having a knack for where to distribute. At the same time, defenses have to respect her to go over on the second contact because she knows when to catch the defense sleeping.
Angela Denney – Kokoro 18-1 – Outside Hitter (Title Photo)
Committed To Illinois-Springfield
Denney is so electric with her style of play with how she can swing, block, and celebrate. Kokoro 18-1 had a huge day and Denney has been a consistent force behind that success. Denney has been apart of winning teams with Forest Lake High School who has been to the state tournament the past couple of years. She will be heading to Illinois-Springfield which is NCAA Division 2.
Avery Elfering – Kandi Elite – Libero/Outside Hitter
Committed to Sioux Falls
Elferling is a spark on the court whether she is wearing the libero jersey or swinging from the pin. A natural libero, but with some injuries on the Kandi Elite squad, Elfering has been able to step in and play multiple positions. So athletic. Playing libero, Elfering just has a really natural knack for the ball, she can take pace off a hard swing and keep KEVC in system, but yet she is really solid with her footwork and under control. After a 6-0 start to the week, Kandi Elite is hoping to build off their momentum to finish off the tournament.
Maddy Guetter – SWMNVB 18-1 – Outside Hitter
Committed to Augustana
I saw Guetter play this fall in the high school season and I think she has added inches to her vert and is continuing to attack at a high contact point. Her ability to score points is the perfect combo to a Lydia Suessner in middle for Southwest. Guetter will be future teammates with Piper Asche of Kandi Elite at Augustana, who will have a really solid recruiting class coming in later this summer.
Abby Larson – Kokoro 17/18s – Middle Blocker/Right Side
Larson is from the Class of 2020 and will be a Senior at River Falls High School (WI) which will have a loaded team this Fall. Larson brings a ton of athleticism where she can block, tip, throw, and swing to score points. She’s creative, she’s IQ, she has a lot of qualities that allows her to be used in plenty of ways for Kokoro 17/18s that is still in the drivers seat with two days left of competition.
Isabelle Roefs – Kandi Elite – Right Side
Committed to Central Connecticut State
Roefs has been coming up in big moments with her swing and her block. With a high contact point, Roefs is able to hit down the line or cross court, she can even come out of the middle and find a deep corner. Whether its Roefs or Wedel blocking on the right side, they are creating a tough shot for the opposing outside hitter which allows their ball control to take over and keep their own side in system.
Carly Wedel – Kandi Elite – Setter/Right Side
Committed to South Dakota State
Wedel’s play at the net has been so big for Kandi Elite . She’s been doing it all as a setter and right side hitter, but it might be her blocking that has been the biggest gamechanger. Strong, athletic, and natural when it comes to her positioning and getting her hands pressed across the net has really been taking the opposing outside hitters out of their game.