Five Stock Risers from Pool A of the LPS Classic

<p>Finally, we’ve reached the Pool A portion of our analysis following the LPS Classic. Let’s get to it!</p> <p>For this list, I wanted to give you some players that exceeded expectations at the event. Pool A was a great setting to make a big impression, as four elite teams battled it out in round-robin play. Elkhorn South, Norris, Bellevue West, and Papillion-La Vista all took turns making big-time plays inside Prasch Gymnasium. After play concluded, I came away with five players that look to be rising up in the minds of scouts and fans alike.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109586" first="Reagan" last="Hickey"] - 5’8 S - Papillion-La Vista - Class of 2024</strong></p> <p>Being a freshman setter is tough. Carrying the expectations of setting for last year’s #1 seed in Class A might be even harder. Both of these points describe the adversity that Hickey faces. Luckily, she has the skills to overcome these circumstances. She runs a great offense that allows her big hitters to get in a rhythm. The Monarchs have experimented with the setting position this year, but Hickey looks to be on the verge of a breakthrough. As she continues to find her groove within this talented team, she will be poised to lead this historically dominant program into the future.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="37546" first="Maisie" last="Boesiger"] - 5’6 S - Norris - Class of 2022 (Nebraska Commit)</strong></p> <p>I’ve seen a lot from Norris lately. I’ve written at length about the great hitters they have on the roster. Now it’s time to give props to the setter who puts it all together. Boesiger is a Nebraska commit who has made waves by being able to do almost anything. She has flawless tempo sets to the pins, makes opposing middles freeze, and generally does everything you want in a setter. Her floor defense is spectacular, too. The point here is that Boesiger will undoubtedly be able to deliver on whatever she is asked to do at the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106606" first="Annie" last="Millard"] - 5’6 OH - Elkhorn South - Class of 2023</strong></p> <p>Elkhorn South remains undefeated. Again, this is a team I’ve been watching for a while, and it’s no question why they’re so tough to beat. This roster has versatile pin hitters like Millard who can step up in any given match. Millard in particular had some clutch swings that gave the Storm the momentum they needed to triumph over Norris. Her elevation negates her smaller frame, and her quickness will serve her well when she transitions to a big role in the backcourt. Who may topple this talented team remains to be seen.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="109670" first="Kaitlin" last="Thiebauth"] - 5’9 RS - Elkhorn South - Class of 2022</strong></p> <p>The Storm is undeterred after the unfortunate loss of [player_tooltip player_id="82561" first="Brilee" last="Wieseler"] due to injury. They just keep winning. Thiebauth has done an admirable job stepping up at opposite. Like a lot of Elkhorn South’s players, she can crack down balls in the front row while still having the finesse to handle backcourt defense. It’s a testament to how deep this undefeated team really is.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58785" first="Kealy" last="Kiviniemi"] - 5’11 RS - Bellevue West - Class of 2022</strong></p> <p>Kiviniemi is one of those special gadget players that can do things that you just don’t expect. In her trip across the front row, you can find her swinging on the left pin, blocking in the middle, and vice versa. Then, she’ll rotate into the backcourt and pass half the court in a few rotations. It’s a lot to ask of a player, but Kiviniemi excels at it all. I’m not yet sure what position to project her at the next level, but that’s certainly not a bad thing.</p>