Top Prospects 2021- Utility Players

<p>  The transition from high school to college can be a difficult one.  Playing time is different, everyone is taller and stronger, and the pace is faster.  Fortunately, for many top-ranked prospects, their athleticism and versatility will make the shift easier.  </p> <p>These seniors have a variety of skills and untapped positional potential; prospects sure to make any program better:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116983" first="Paige" last="Erickson"]</strong><em> - Chatfield</em></p> <ul> <li>The 5’9’’ hitter spent her high school career playing as a middle hitter.  She is an explosive jumper and elite blocker.  She finished the season with a kill percentage of 0.359.  Erickson has a fundamentally sound platform and was often used in the back-row too.  The All-Conference senior has been a key contributor for the Gophers since ninth grade.  She has a tough jump-serve and picks up technique quickly.  This is the type of athlete you could use anywhere on the court.  The culmination of her agility, passion and fundamentals would make her a perfect middle or outside hitter for </li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72050" first="Taylor" last="Kroening"]</strong> - <em>Fosston</em></p> <ul> <li>The Fosston volleyball team had a perfect record - not dropping a single set all season.  Kroening was the offensive leader.  She and setter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72069" first="Kora" last="Norland"],</strong> (5’6’’/sr.) compliment one another.  The pair undoubtable would have returned to the state tournament had there been one.  In their junior season they made it to the 1A state semifinal.    Her style of play is effortless<a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EeJGD">-watch here</a>.  Taylor would be ideal outside or defensive specialist at a big school.</li> </ul> [caption id="attachment_118542" align="alignright" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-118542 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/12/libby-e1607050260543-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> <span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo: Twitter @MNSELECT</span>[/caption] <p><strong>Libby Mattilla</strong> <em>- Robinsdale Armstrong</em></p> <ul> <li>Mattilla is a true utility player.  We have seen her as an left-side hitter with her high school team, as a middle with her club team (MN Select), and even as a stand in setter.  She had an astounding 165 kills this year and finished her varsity career with 449 digs, 101 ace serves and 118 set assists.  At 5’10’’ she has the size and speed to make an impact in <em>any</em> position and<em> any</em> division.  She recently committed to play at the University of St. Thomas.</li> </ul> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="72051" first="Tabitha" last="Heller"]</strong> -<em> Shakopee</em></p> <ul> <li>This feisty back-row defender has the size and strength it takes to dig some of Minnesota’s biggest hitters.  This year she had a season high 19 digs vs Prior Lake.  Some games they used her as the Libero out of left back and others she played as a defensive specialist out of middle back; and she always had long service runs for Shakopee.</li> </ul>