Week 3: Key Matches on Wednesday & Thursday

We are learning a lot about teams across the state from recent early-season results. With a handful of competition dates in the books some questions are being answered while other questions are seemingly generating more curiosity regarding just how this season is going to play out when it is all said and done. The following matches will provide some great information about key teams and a handful of individual athletes regarding their value and how well they can carry their teams forward. WEDNESDAY (9/4) Lakeville North @ Champlin Park These two powers face off early in the season and will certainly generate some fireworks regarding the competitive nature of their team play as well as the potential of several big stars to break through for a signature performance on a big stage. The Panthers of Lakeville North (3-0) are putting pieces together after the graduation of some key athletes and facets to their 2018 roster, which saw them fall just shy of the state tournament in class AAA. However, they return a host of talent that is being relied upon to carry a heavier load as primary contributors in their respective roles, which has led them to a #4 ranking in the most recent poll. Among those back and leading the Pathers’ effort is junior outside Maddy Hornyak (Prep Dig #14). In their recent victory over a very good East Ridge team, Hornyak hammered home 29 kills on a .225 attack percentage while amassing 16 digs for the double-double. Fellow junior outside Savannah Polzin added 13 kills in the offensive effort. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id="10020" first="Halle" last="Wolfe"] (Prep Dig #16) is one of the best in the state as she showcased her skills in collecting 29 digs in the win. Junior middle Abbey Milner (Prep Dig #60) is another Panther to keep an eye on as she has provided steady contributions with her arm over their three matches. For Champlin Park, the defending class AAA state champions, they have started their 2019 season with a 1-2 record opening with two tightly contested five-set losses to Wayzata and Moorhead. This is a great opportunity for them the follow-up their recent 3-1 win over Forest Lake with a signature victory on their home floor. Their two primary offensive weapons are in senior [player_tooltip player_id="71651" first="Jordan" last="Stalpes"] (Prep Dig #6) and senior [player_tooltip player_id="57481" first="Sami" last="Hilley"] (Prep Dig #10). These two hitters are 1 and 2 in total kills on the season respectively for Champlin Park as Hilley also leads the team in assists. Stalpes leads the team in service aces and is second in total digs. Defensively, the Rebels are led by senior captain [player_tooltip player_id="71679" first="Megan" last="Panser"] (Prep Dig #58). In order for Champlin Park, currently ranked #6, to keep this close and give themselves a shot, they will need additional help from senior middle [player_tooltip player_id="71665" first="Hannah" last="Prasky"] (Prep Dig #17) and senior opposite [player_tooltip player_id="57506" first="Jensen" last="Luehrs"] (Prep Dig #69). Prediction: Lakeville North in four sets. THURSDAY (9/5) Minnetonka @ Prior Lake The Lakers of Prior Lake are currently 0-2 to start the season but don’t let that record fool you considering the teams they have played (East Ridge; Northfield) and some of the individual talent they host. Junior middle [player_tooltip player_id="71944" first="Camille" last="Libert"] (Prep Dig #10) can bring in offensively and if the ball control is in place she has great potential to be a dictating factor. Another factor is sophomore outside [player_tooltip player_id="31577" first="Julia" last="Hanson"], recently identified as Prep Dig’s #1 prospect for the state’s class of 2022. She is athletic, fluid in her movement, and already displays great range with her arm. The Skippers from Minnetonka are currently 2-2 on the season with recent losses to Lakeville North and Shakopee. However, they do have a significant win over Stillwater. Leading the offense for Minnetonka is a collection of athletes that span the classes including senior middle McKenna Eggers (Prep Dig #39), junior middle [player_tooltip player_id="58029" first="Kali" last="Engeman"] (Prep Dig #27), and sophomore outside [player_tooltip player_id="31611" first="Abby" last="Stanwood"] (Prep Dig #54). This has potential to be a very close match and will heavily be weighted towards the team that can consistently serve and pass well enough to get their respective attackers the opportunities they need. Prediction: Minnetonka in five sets. St. Michael-Albertville @ St. Louis Park STMA enters this match at 3-0 on the season with a recent huge win over then-ranked New Prague. For their effort, the Knights jumped into the current poll landing at #9 in class AAA. They have a balanced squad regarding their offensive arsenal and have displayed some great defensive effort around the court to help neutralize opponents. One standout athlete on both sides of the ball thus far is junior middle [player_tooltip player_id="72060" first="Emma" last="VanHeel"] as she has been effective around the setter on offense and in getting her hands over the net to send the ball back on defense whether in tandem or solo. She gets good support on the pins in senior Kala Henderson (Prep Dig #14), senior Sam Palmer (Prep Dig #134), and junior Liv Carel (Prep Dig #67). Senior [player_tooltip player_id="57532" first="Sophie" last="Fritz"] (Prep Dig #99) and sophomore Cyn Henderson share the setting duties and have this offense rolling at times. St. Louis Park will definitely pose some problems for the Knights given the offense they are capable of among a trio of juniors. They are led by pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id="58052" first="Hannah" last="Howell"] (Prep Dig #51) who has potential to score from either side with good elevation and a nice arm. Faith Johnson can also produce on both sides of the ball while junior middle Raegan Alexander will be a critical factor and one to watch if they can get her the ball and also with her ability to get up and block. The Orioles have also received good contributions thus far from senior Mikaila Winward and junior [player_tooltip player_id="72065" first="Kendall" last="Coley"]. Prediction: St. Michael-Albertville in four sets.