BOLD Predictions for Prep Dig Summer League Gold Bracket
These predictions are going to be based on if the WHOLE roster is there. I’m not sure if this family is on vacation or this athlete is just going to rest. Half the time coaches don’t know either when it…
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Continue ReadingThese predictions are going to be based on if the WHOLE roster is there. I’m not sure if this family is on vacation or this athlete is just going to rest. Half the time coaches don’t know either when it comes to a summer league. This always makes for an interesting night and being at the Prep Dig Summer League Finals last year, there definitely is that atmosphere and feel which gets anyones blood pumping for big matches this upcoming season. Use this as bulletin board material, use it as fun, I’m just so ready to get back in the gym and do what I love to do in covering the athletes, coaches, and communities around high school volleyball.
Round of 16
Pewaukee with the block.
Manitowoc Lincoln vs. West Bend West – WINNER – Manitowoc Lincoln
Germantown 1 vs. St. Thomas More – WINNER – Germantown
Slinger vs. Pewaukee – WINNER – Pewaukee
Brookfield Central vs. Lake Country Lutheran – WINNER – Brookfield Central
Oconomowoc vs. Franklin – WINNER – Oconomowoc
Cedarburg vs. Hamilton 1 – WINNER – Hamilton
Hamilton 2 vs. Waukesha West – WINNER – Waukesha West
Wauwatosa West vs. Kettle Moraine – WINNER – Kettle Moraine
Out of all of these matchups there a couple that really stand out. Slinger vs. Pewaukee, BC vs. LCL, and Cedarburg vs. Hamilton. For Slinger and Pewaukee, they both have really solid athletes and are much improved in the past year. However, I’ll give Pewaukee the nod with the likes of Elsa Sheperd and Jordan Berglin along with Katie Gund being able to contribute in a variety of ways. I have a hard time counting out Lake Country Lutheran, they just find a way, however since I’m planning on all athletes being available and that means Mckenna Wucherer plays, BC will take the match. Cedarburg and Hamilton will see each other way too much this year. They will have common tournaments, and will be in a loaded sectional (which is still ridiculous). This may go to three sets, but I’ll take Hamilton based on their overall depth.
Quarterfinals
Manitowoc Lincoln vs. Germantown – WINNER – Germantown
Pewaukee vs. Brookfield Central – WINNER – Brookfield Central
Oconomowoc vs. Hamilton – WINNER – Oconomowoc
Waukesha West vs. Kettle Moraine – WINNER – Kettle Moraine
Manitowoc has been rolling teams this summer league, what a huge way for them to build momentum heading into the season playing tough competition each week. However, I think their run ends when they face Germantown. G-Town’s athleticism and physicality will be a lot for teams to handle this year. With Ole Miss recruit, Amber Bischel at libero and two really solid attackers in Tatum Catalano and Nikki Censky and throw incoming Freshman, Lily Wagner Lily Wagner 5'11" | OH Germantown | 2023 State #118 Nation WI they will be tough to stop. Brookfield Central will still be tough to beat with middle Morgan Daugherty, Maddie Weyker, and Abby Wucherer attacking and blocking at the net, they will be able to over take Pewaukee, but this should be a great battle. Oconomowoc and Hamilton – flip a coin here. Both have a lot of depth, great setting, but Hamilton really has an advantage in the middle. I’m going to go with a Charger win based on the all around pin hitters and their defense on the frontline. Waukesha West won the team camp last year and returning Alexis Boling, Anna Holland, and Abby Fregein. Really solid squad, but still some spots to fill. Kettle Moraine has been playing well all summer and will continue as they win round one of this Classic 8 Conference matchup.
Maddie Weyker of Brookfield Central
Semifinals:
Germantown vs. Brookfield Central – WINNER – Brookfield Central
Maddie Weyker of Brookfield Central
Hamilton vs. Kettle Moraine – WINNER – Hamilton
Germantown will have a lot of momentum, but I think BC will be a little too much for them at the net and will ultimately take the match. However, if GTown can provide a strong serve and serve receive game I think they can make this a little closer than expected. Both of these teams have high powered offenses, but will they be able to get in system?
Hamilton will again use depth to win this one with multiple lineups with two really strong setters in recent Illinois State commit, Katelyn Lefler and Janelle Stuempfig. Both of these athletes have developed into dual threats who can hit from the right side as well. Pick your poison when trying to defend Hamilton.
Finals:
Hamilton frontline at the net.
Brookfield Central vs. Hamilton
Can we call this round one? These two teams will be playing each other in the GMAC and potentially at the Joust, Charger Challenge, and the Sprawl. Oh, and will be in the same section (I really need to not be so salty about all these really good teams being together in the same section). A championship match in a tournament like this is a little bit dangerous. Obviously teams want to win, however there may be some athletes who have reached their max for jumps, swings, and the more tired an athlete is, the increase of injury. This is why I give the nod to Hamilton. They have a full roster of athletes who can contribute in a variety of ways. Outside hitter, Sarah Schrader (UW-Milwaukee) is a six rotation type athlete who can score without the big, booming swing. She leads by example and does so many positive things for her team. Round one and the Prep Dig Summer League Champion….
WINNER – Sussex Hamilton