Scouting and Keys To The Match: #1 Oconomowoc vs. #2 Arrowhead
Matchups like this don’t happen very often where it’s a legit #1 vs. #2. Oconomowoc and Arrowhead are number one and number two in the WVCA and Prep Dig polls. Multiple future college athletes, two great programs, lots of talent,…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMatchups like this don’t happen very often where it’s a legit #1 vs. #2. Oconomowoc and Arrowhead are number one and number two in the WVCA and Prep Dig polls. Multiple future college athletes, two great programs, lots of talent, and one great match. Here is a little bit of a closer look into Oconomowoc vs. Arrowhead.
Arrowhead
Arrowhead might be on of the more physical teams in the region with their size and strength at every position. The Warhawks have taken the Brookfield Central title with a three set win over the BC and most recently dropped a three set championship match to Oconomowoc. With a 30-3 overall record, the three losses Arrowhead has suffered have been to Brookfield Central at the Joust, Kettle Moraine at the Charger Challenge, and Oconomowoc at the Sprawl.
Committed Athletes:
Aubrey Hamilton – Notre Dame
Hamilton is Prep Dig’s top Class of 2020 athlete with her ability to score from anywhere on the court. She is a six rotation outside hitter with an approach that is aggressive and a swing that is terminal.
Elise Schneider – Wofford
Schneider is a threat from the middle or the right side. A strong athlete who can create a lot of mismatches with her block will be key in being able to shadow Oconomowoc setter, Tayler Alden when she attacks on the second contact.
Josie Salzman – Pittsburg State
Pittsburg State is a Division 2 school in Pittsburg, Kansas. Salzman brings a variety of skills to the court with her ability to swing from the pin or be a reliable defender in the backrow.
Madi Tolzman with the swing for Arrowhead.Prospect Alert:
Arrowhead has a team full of future college athletes. Emily Larson is a Senior libero who would be a great catch at the next level, really smooth in serve receive and getting the Warhawks in-system. Monica LaFleur is 6’3 and gets better each time she steps on the court, one of the big rising prospects in the Class of 2021. Lindsay Krznarich puts up a strong block and can play on the right side or the middle. An impressive start to her varsity career is Madi Tolzman. Long, athletic, and well trained on the outside – Tolzman is a glimpse into the Warhawk future, but she still has plenty of damage left to do in her Sophomore year. Jade Stefan is a Junior setter running the offense, earning AAU All Star honors last summer.
Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc got a taste of what it’s like to play on the big stage last year when they advanced to the state title match, losing to Burlington. A season that far exceeded expectations, but in 2019 they have back with a mission of unfinished business. Their only loss came in the opening tournament of the season to Appleton North.
Committed Athletes:
Tayler Alden – Northern Iowa
The top setter in the Class of 2020 in Wisconsin is a dual threat with the ability to dish and score with a lethal left handed swing.
Sharkus, Crawford, and PozorskiCaitlin Crawford – South Carolina
Tahya Pozorski – Jacksonville State
Ashley Sharkus – Eastern Illinois
The trifecta of defenders for Oconomowoc are some of the best in the state. With three Division 1 backcourt defenders, this is tough to top. All work well together, they are able to keep Oconomowoc in system, and have been so consistent throughout their careers.
Prospects To Watch:
Maleah Howe is the second-ranked player in the Class of 2022 in the state of Wisconsin. The six rotation outside has all the tools to ball control and score. Kaitlyn Bingham is a Junior pin who can score points with the best of them as well. Keep an eye on middles Haley Koch and Lizzy Danelski who are high IQ and know how to defend and score points to the deep corner. Cordelia Kearns is on the right side and will be one of the top players when we transition our Class of 2023 Watch List to Rankings.
Keys To Win:
Oconomowoc Has To Get The Ball To Alden:
Tayler Alden is one of the best setters in the region, but if she’s scrambling just to keep the ball alive, then she can’t do what she’s best at which is attach and set a quick tempo ball. With the three senior defensive dandies, that will be key for Oconomowoc to keep their offensive flowing and having options for all of their attackers.
Arrowhead Needs To Stay Balanced:
Aubrey Hamilton is as good of an outside hitter you’ll find, but Arrowhead has a roster full of great athletes who can score in multiple ways. If the Warhawks can get Schnieder, La Fleur, and Krznarich it will create more open looks for Hamilton. Tolzman will play a big part in the front row when Hamilton goes to the back row. This will be a great opportunity for her to step up big in a highly contested match.
Quick Start for Arrowhead:
Arrowhead is going to have to throw the first punch and for Oconomowoc to play from behind. The Warhawks are best when they are in control of the tempo and the match. However, if Oconomowoc can get off to a quick start, get charged up with their momentum they are tough to stop. If the Coonies can do that, it might be an early night.