Menomonie Sprawl Stars Bound For A Big Season
Some of the biggest tournaments happen before school is in session and the Sprawl held in Menomonie at UW-Stout is one that includes 40 teams. And the Sprawl did not disappoint to bring upsets, surprises, and some really great competition. …
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Continue ReadingSome of the biggest tournaments happen before school is in session and the Sprawl held in Menomonie at UW-Stout is one that includes 40 teams. And the Sprawl did not disappoint to bring upsets, surprises, and some really great competition. After 15 hours bouncing between 2 gyms, keeping an eye on the schedule, trying not to stay in one place too long, all in an effort to see each and every team there. Out of 40 teams I was able to see 36. 4 teams I had horrible luck trying to catch in action. After going through my notes, pictures, video clips, and researching rosters here are some of the standouts from the Sprawl that are bound for a big season!
Anika TorgersonAnika Torgerson – 2023 – 6’1 – Setter/Outside Hitter – Turtle Lake
Torgerson is a solid athlete who can do a little bit of everything for her team. She also plays great defense at the net and has nice setting hands. When Torgerson gets a nice set-up, she has a high contact and nice swing to make her quite dangerous.
Anna Cunningham – 2020 – Middle Blocker – Wausau West
Cunningham has a hard-heavy swing while also being able to run a nice slide. She can hammer the 5 corner or cut back for the 1 corner. Cunningam sees the block well and can take a strong swing around it. She also has a strong serve that works the seams and gives passers a fit.
Brooklyn Montgomery – 2021 – 5’6 – Setter/Pin Hitter – Mosinee
Montgomery is so smooth as a player and can really play any position. After playing for Wisconsin Ice 16 Purple as an outside hitter, she faced some really large blockers but has a real knack for tooling and making smart shots. Montgomery has a killer serve down the sideline and is a very deceptive setter with the ability to run a quick offense. She has an incredibly high volleyball IQ and would make for a solid addition for a college program.
Dorci Walker – 2022 – 6’0 – Outside Hitter – Columbus Catholic
Walker is such an athlete who has an explosive attack from the outside pin. She takes on a captain’s role in just her sophomore season. Walker has a high contact point and can hit the line and find high hands for tooling. She sets up a huge block and can serve a strong corner.
Elise Johnson – 2020 – 5’4 – Setter/Pin – Newman
Johnson has been playing for Newamn and been part of a defensively gritty winning culture. She may not have a resume loaded with accolades, but she knows how to win and will continue to help push her team this fall. Johnson is small but really smart in finding a way past the block and deadly with roll shots over the block stinging the sideline. She is super scrappy to save the ball out of the net, handle the tight pass, and working hard to set absolute butter.
Haley Graetz – 2022 – 5’10 – Middle Blocker – River Falls
Graetz is part of a dominant River Falls group that is looking for another trip to the Resch this year. Graetz had just over 180 kills in 2018 and has quickly made her presence known. She has a smooth roll to the 4 corner, runs a great slide route and elevates so high. Gratz is so athletic, and she shows it off with a hard cut off a 3 ball. She will be one learning the ropes to leadership this year for the Wildcats who were dominant at the Sprawl.
Hanne Johnson – 2022 – 5’11 – Setter/Outside Hitter – Grantsburg
Johnson is a hidden gem heading into only her Sophomore year of high school. She is a do-it-all player that puts up a big block, sets, consistent in serve receive and is a go-to hitter. Johnson gives her hitters plenty of opportunities to hit a range of shits with well-placed sets.
Jordan Pagac – 2021 – Middle Blocker – Rice Lake
Pagan has a heavy swing and can hit a great cut back. She partners that with a soft roll shot over the block or pounding the ball off a great slide approach and she can be deadly. Defensively she owns the net and puts up a big block.