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…
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Continue ReadingWe 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
Halle Wolfe
Halle
Wolfe
5'7" | DS/L
Lakeville North | 2020
State
MN
(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
Jordan Stalpes
Jordan
Stalpes
5'10" | DS/L
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
(Prep Dig #6) and senior
Sami Hilley
Sami
Hilley
5'10" | OH
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
(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
Megan Panser
Megan
Panser
5'8" | MB
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
(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
Hannah Prasky
Hannah
Prasky
6'0" | MB
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
(Prep Dig #17) and senior opposite
Jensen Luehrs
Jensen
Luehrs
5'11" | MB
Champlin Park | 2020
State
MN
(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
Camille Libert
Camille
Libert
6'1" | MB
Prior Lake | 2021
State
MN
(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
Julia Hanson
Julia
Hanson
6'0" | OH
Prior Lake | 2022
State
#57
Nation
MN
, 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
Kali Engeman
Kali
Engeman
6'1" | MB
Minnetonka | 2021
State
MN
(Prep Dig #27), and sophomore outside
Anna Shoemaker
Anna
Shoemaker
5'11" | OH
Minnetonka | 2022
State
MN
(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
Emma VanHeel
Emma
VanHeel
6'0" | MB
St. Michael-Albertville | 2021
State
MN
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
Sophie Fritz
Sophie
Fritz
5'6" | OH
STMA | 2020
State
MN
(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
Hannah Howell
Hannah
Howell
6'0" | OH
St. Louis Park | 2021
State
MN
(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
Kendall Coley
Kendall
Coley
6'1" | MB
St. Louis Park | 2021
State
MN
. Prediction: St. Michael-Albertville in four sets.