Freshmen Ready To Take On “The Sprawl”
At some point, Freshmen forget they are Freshmen (I think?). They are a month into the school year, they have 20 matches under them, and now its volleyball. The learning curve is crazy when they first start, but with experienced…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAt some point, Freshmen forget they are Freshmen (I think?). They are a month into the school year, they have 20 matches under them, and now its volleyball. The learning curve is crazy when they first start, but with experienced upperclassmen guiding them through the sometimes bumpy road that is a Freshman year, they are no longer Freshman – they are just another part of the team.
This weekend will be yet another really stacked tournament with the West Bend Sprawl with play starting on Friday night and concluding Saturday afternoon. Some of the top Freshmen in the state will be playing against some top competition, but after seeing what they did at the Charger Challenge I have no doubt they will keep on progressing during these big moments.
Cordelia Kearns – Oconomowoc
Last year it was Maleah Howe, this year it was Cordelia Kearns. Oconomowoc has a standout Freshman combined with veteran Senior leaders where are able to blend right in. Kearns has found a spot on the right side where she is scary good with her ability to terminate and block. Averaging over two kills a set and right near 120 for the season, her wingspan and high contact is something that is fun to see for a Freshman and is the needed addition to take Oconomowoc to the next level.
Kyla Dunaway – Kimberly
From seeing Dunaway at the FVA Fall Classic to open the season to now, her body language is just different. She’s smiling more, she’s celebrating, yes she’s a Freshman, but now she’s just part of the team. A dynamic athlete who can play in the middle or on the right side, she is also one of the top basketball players in her class as well. A strong block and a high IQ for being in the best position to get her hands up to adjust the attacker’s plan.
KC Fortune – Appleton North (Title Photo)
Fortune played an expanded role for North this past weekend where she went from a front row outside hitter to a six rotation outside. Long and athletic, standing at just over six feet tall, Fortune has the all-around skills to succeed in any rotation. Fortune and Dunaway were teammates this past club season at FC Elite and will be all too familiar by the end of the season where North and Kimberly have already played three times this year (North 2-1) and have the potential to play three more times with their FVA Conference match on October 3.
Madelin McGath – Brookfield East
McGath has all the physical tools you want to see in the middle with a long reach, high contact, and the ability to get from pin to pin. For a Freshman middle to adjust to the speed of Varsity offenses is no easy feat. This takes time, there are going to be mistakes, but over the course of the season there will be growth. Brookfield East is making steps in the right direction with some young up and coming athletes.
Ava Rank (#4) celebrating an ace.Ava Rank – Kimberly
Rank started the season out as a backup defensive specialist, getting some solid reps in practice and was able to come in here and there when Kimberly was up big. An injury to libero, Lauren Elliot has put Rank in the regular defensive rotation. The top libero for the One Wisconsin 14-1 team last year, Rank is quick, athletic, and definitely has the foundation you want to see in strong defensive players.
Sydney Lugvisen – Union Grove
Union Grove is quietly having themselves a big season and this upcoming weekend will be a chance for them to prove to the rest of the state what they are all about. Lugvisen has herself in the regular playing rotation where she is averaging nearly two kills per set. She is led by top Seniors Karlee Lois and Olivia Dir. Union Grove has a tough pool to start out their Friday night with Kimberly, Falls, and Neenah.