New Names, Highlights Coming From Prep Dig Fall League

Give 100%, that’s all we are capable of. Through plenty of coach speeches, TED Talks, and other motivational t-shirt sayings, “What It Takes Is What You Got”. What I’m trying to say is that we are all doing our best no matter what our situation is. The Prep Dig Fall League has been a place for these athletes to feel a sense of normal. Some are 100% virtual with their schooling, others five days face to face, and others somewhere inbetween. But for a few hours on a Monday night, we can celebrate, cheer, sweat, and ride the momentum rollercoasters of a couple matches of volleyball. Our normal, our happy place (You really can see the smiles behind the masks). Here are some new players to know as well as some highlights to note through three weeks of PDFL. [caption id="attachment_108150" align="alignright" width="218"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-108150" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/09/DSC00122-e1599676190949-218x300.jpg" alt="" width="218" height="300" /> Bolwerk[/caption] The Thunder Rolls….And Continues To Dominate The “Thunder” which is comprised of athletes who attend Appleton North High School have been extremely dominant. They are undefeated, have multiple weapons, and they only losses they have suffered all fall have been in Saturday events to Sterling (IL) which would have been ranked as one of the top teams in the country with four future Division 1 players. [player_tooltip player_id="80719" first="Brooke" last="Bolwerk"] and [player_tooltip player_id="80764" first="Grace" last="Demetrician"], the two Seniors have been the leaders from the first serve. Demetrician has the spark and energy to light a fire in her teammates while Bolwerk has the poise, calming demeanor, and savviness to come up with the big play in big times. They are making the most of their fall with nearly 15 matches under their belt with more to play. The Madison Crew There are a few teams coming up from the Madison area that have been making a big impact on Monday nights. Athletes from Columbus, Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Verona have been adding a new dimension to the league and have had some solid matchups with teams they typically wouldn’t see during the year. However, last Monday provided some sparks with the athletes who go to Middleton and Verona. Middleton squeaked out a three set victory, players celebrating, parents cheering, and like I’ve mentioned before - these athletes have 100% virtual school, this is their chance to be with their friends, be active, do what they love to do, and let the emotions fly. Even as a bystander I couldn’t help but feel that energy and excitement from that match. It DOES mean something! <img class="wp-image-111552 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/DSC00580.jpg" alt="" width="483" height="322" />   The Improvement of JV Squads The Junior Varsity teams look completely on week three compared to week one. Week one was a matter of figuring out rotations, where to stand in serve receive, and for some just to get to know each other on the team. By week three the rallies are longer, the aggressiveness is there, and the teamwork is coming together. Week 2 ended in a three set match with the Ripon JV and Thunder JV. A 16-14 win from the Ripon JV squad was a great way to end the night. Plenty of celebration and excitement through it all. Capital City is a group of athletes from the Madison area and has been a team who has showed superior ball control while two squads from Neenah have been dominant, especially “All About The Ace” where they have been dominant in all facets of the game. [caption id="attachment_111557" align="alignright" width="286"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-111557" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/DSC00902-e1602008134907-286x300.jpg" alt="" width="286" height="300" /> Coach and former player, [player_tooltip player_id="33152" first="Leah" last="Schlafman"] stepping into help her former high school team.[/caption] It Takes a Village Parents, families, and volunteers have gone above and beyond this fall. Teams are not allowed to be coached by their high school coaches according to inseason contact rules which leaves teams coaching themselves or may be coached by a parent, former player, or friend to the team. [player_tooltip player_id="33152" first="Leah" last="Schlafman"] who was part of Neenah’s teams from 2016-2018 under Coach Bruce Moriarty and current Head Coach Emily Bennett has been on the sidelines for "Ball of Duty" which is comprised of athletes who go to Neenah, including her sister Lexi Schlafman who is a Junior on the squad. Beth Heinz is another former Neenah Rocket who has been helping with the JV Squads. Each week there are former players back doing what they can to give back to their teams. Players You Need To Know <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> New on the radar 🔥 Calli Haus of Fondy Class of 2022 pin. She talks, calls the ball, super active, jumpy, athletic. Fun player to watch! <a href="https://t.co/XS16LU3bqq">pic.x.com/XS16LU3bqq</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1310752511528243200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Calli Haus - Fond du Lac Haus is a Class of 2022 outside hitter from Fond du Lac. She has everything you look for in an outside hitter with her aggressive approach, big swing, and is so solid in middle back. However, her intangibles and dispositions are what you want on your side of the net. She talks, she’s positive, calls for the ball, is available as an outlet on every play, and has that “It” factor on the court where others look to her, she has great maturity and poise that is something all teams need, but cannot necessarily be measured. Such a fun athlete to watch. [caption id="attachment_111549" align="aligncenter" width="471"]<img class=" wp-image-111549" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/DSC00995.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="314" /> LaScala[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91883" first="Jordan" last="LaScala"] and [player_tooltip player_id="91952" first="Evinae" last="Jordee"] - Middleton These two Sophomores are quite the combo for Middleton. Jordee is an ultra smooth setter with a left hand that allows her to attack, but she is also able to get to the ball to get her attackers involved. La Scala has a high contact point and a clear point scorer for the Cardinals. This squad plays with plenty of energy and has points where it comes down to how scrappy they are. They are young and definitely a group to keep tabs on. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> It’s just fun to see celebrations. Win or lose there were plenty throughout the night. Most of these athletes have virtual school all day. To cheer, scream, and celebrate...we all need it. <a href="https://t.co/38oKCNqGbU">pic.x.com/38oKCNqGbU</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1310763954352918533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> [player_tooltip player_id="91930" first="Payton" last="Chevalier"] - K-Town Chevalier is a Sophomore at Kimberly High School. I’ve seen Chevalier play the past couple of years, but this is a new [player_tooltip player_id="91930" first="Payton" last="Chevalier"]. She is jumping higher than ever and thumping swings on the ten foot line. This is a major gamechanger for this team when they have a double dose of middles in Chevalier and [player_tooltip player_id="91880" first="Kyla" last="Dunaway"]. The progressions from 15s to 16s is so fun and Chevalier is evidence of that with her ability to sky and swing or tip to the open spot. [caption id="attachment_111551" align="aligncenter" width="473"]<img class=" wp-image-111551" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/DSC00654.jpg" alt="" width="473" height="315" /> Raley on Right[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="81288" first="Taylor" last="Raley"] - Columbus Raley is the glue to this Columbus team who has been very competitive in this league. Raley is a six rotation outside who can defend, serve receive, and score points. Her experience playing for Capital is evident and is the one who wants the ball in big moments. A fun athlete to watch who can really rally her squad. <img class=" wp-image-111550 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/10/DSC00682.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="321" /> Izzy Coon - SMSA I know I’ve mentioned Coon before, but she definitely has an “X-Factor” for her squad where she is extremely athletic, can play multiple positions, and just makes things happen. She primarily has been a setter, but she is the swiss army knife where she can do anything for her team. Whether its being offensive, getting her squad to rise to another level, or come up with a big defensive play she is one you want on your side.