Who to Watch Wheaton Classic Invitational – Gold Bracket Solid Gold
St. Charles setter Kyla Lannert backsets as Sandburg’s frontline adjust to block The Wheaton Classic Invitational provides the top teams in the state an opportunity to shine. They have a chance to play what can arguably be considered the best…
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Continue ReadingThe Wheaton Classic Invitational provides the top teams in the state an opportunity to shine. They have a chance to play what can arguably be considered the best girls volleyball programs in the state. This tournament showcases some of the best volleyball players in the state, all at one tournament. The tournament concludes Saturday as 24 teams from 8 Pools are now split in Gold, Silver and Bronze Brackets with each bracket has players that shine on their own.
Not only does the Gold bracket have the top teams in the state, but the best players as well. Here’s who to watch in the Gold Bracket.
Taylor Landfair – 6’4, OH, Plainfied Central, Sports Performance VBC Minnesota
The tall outside hitter headed to Minnesota next fall, could easily be the best kill-getter in the tournament. She is listed as Prepdig.com’s #1 recruit in the class of 2020. In first round matches against Hinsdale South and Libertyville, Taylor couldn’t be stopped at the net. She was both a hitting and a blocking machine! As a back row player, Taylor holds it together, but that is the area of her game that could be stronger. Look for Plainfield Central’s first round opponent Marist go after Landfair in serve receive.
Camryn Hannah, 6’0, RS/S, Marist, Michio VBC, Clemson
Making an interesting match for Taylor Landfair in the quarterfinals will be Marist’s Camryn Hannah. If rotations work out, or not, Camryn and Taylor will collide at the net at least once during a set. What makes Camryn special is not only her ability to hit the ball hard, but also to set at a high skill level. They must be getting tired of this match-up as if they don’t see each other here, it’s definitely during club season! Camryn is ranked fifth among Prepdig.com’s 2020 class and is heading to Clemson after she graduates next year.
Ella Wrobel, 6’3, OH/RS, Plainfield North, Sports Performance
I can rattle off at least four other names to watch for Plainfield North that would be as equally as entertaining and talented in their own right. But the ability to do the “she’s a sophomore” chant makes Ella one to watch for. at 6’3 and a sophomore, gives Plainfield North something to look forward to in years to come. Another PrepDig.com 2022 Watch list member.
Gabi Croll 6’1, OH, Waubonsie Valley, Sports Performance VBC, Elon
A real tough player who plays with enthusiasm and heart, Gabi will control the tempo for the Warriors. She had a seven serve run in a first round victory against host Wheaton North in the first round. Gabi is also on the Prepdig.com Player to Watch list for 2020 Graduates.
Jessica Pappas, 5’11, OH/RS, Lincoln-Way East, 1st Alliance VBC, Wisconsin – Parkside
Given the opportunity, Jessica can take over a match. Plays the game above the net despite being under 6 foot tall. Also a Prepdig.com 2020 player to watch.
Hattie Monson, 5’4, L, Benet Academy, Sports Performance VBC, Notre Dame
If there is a libero that will not let a ball touch the ground, it’s Benet’s Hattie Monson. PrepDig.com’s #2 ranked 2020 Recruit will be heading to Notre Dame after her graduation. She will be a team leader and defensive juggernaut to solidify the Redwing defense.
Sophie Gregus 6’1, OH, Benet, Adversity VBC, Illinois
Outside of Landfair, Sophie is one of the best outside hitters in this tournament. She will be playing with a chip on her shoulder, wanting to win this tournament and prove Benet is the team to beat this year for the state title. Also ranked among the top players in the PrepDig.com 2020 spectrum.
Kaliegh has great command of the net with the ability to attack in any direction. She is a PrepDig.com 2020 player to watch and rightfully so!
Zayna Meyer, 6’1, S/RS, Wheaton Warrenville, Sports Performance VBC, BYU
Zayna Meyer will be taking her talent to BYU in the fall of 2021. She has a great pair of setter’s hands and blocks effectively at the net.
Match ups moving forward:
Quarterfinals:
All matches start on Saturday at 1pm at Wheaton Warrenville South
Match 1: Plainfield Central vs. Marist
Match 2: Plainfield North vs. Waubonsie Valley
Match 3: Sandburg vs. Lincoln Way East
Match 4: Benet Academy vs. Wheaton Warrenville South
Gib’s Projections:
Match One:
Marist vs. Plainfield Central
Despite a match up between two of the best seniors in Illinois in the Quarterfinals first match, look for the depth of Marist to carry them into the semis and the finals.
Match Two:
Plainfield North vs. Waubonsie Valley. Waubonsie Valley look prepared in Wednesday’s first round and could win this match in three sets. However, if the team that won the Effingham Crossroads Classic shows up, look for a Plainfield North win.
Match Three
Sandburg vs. Lincoln-Way East. I really liked what I saw out of LWE in play last week, however, Sandburg looked liked they were a fine tuned volleyball machine in the first round. Not sure that they can be stopped by anyone.
Match Four
Benet Academy vs. Wheaton Warrenville South. Having the benefit of watching WWS play early in the season, I know they will serve tough, play strong pins and a solid middle. They also have a solid libero in sophomore Darby Harris. Having not seen Benet play, but going off of reputation, I can’t look past the 2018 State and Wheaton Warrenville Classic Runner-up. Hattie Monson, Sophie Gregus and the Red Wings want to finish this tournament on top. Benet in three sets.
Semifinal One:
Marist vs. the Winner of Match Two. Marist in two sets: assuredly.
Semifinal Two:
Sandburg vs. Benet Academy. Whomever wins the first set, wins the match. This will most likely go three sets. Sandburg wants to prove they are the best team in 4A and needs to go through Benet and Marist to do that. Their first step is here. Benet does not want to be the tournament runner up for the fourth year in a row. This match is winner take all!
Finals:
Marist vs. The winner of Sandburg/Benet Semifinal
Marist needs to play their best ball now because this will be their toughest match of the tournament. If Sandburg or Benet has anything left from their semifinal duel, they have the upper hand from playing the tougher semifinal match. Toss up. The team that wins the final, will be the favorite in 4A for the state title. As in the past two years, it will go three sets.