Tenacious Setters at Badger Region Champs
In this article:
There is nothing easy about being a setter, and you are expected to touch the ball with consistency, both psychologically and physically, every time it comes over the net. The setter must lead the team and make lightning-fast smart decisions. It…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere is nothing easy about being a setter, and you are expected to touch the ball with consistency, both psychologically and physically, every time it comes over the net. The setter must lead the team and make lightning-fast smart decisions. It can be a tough job when the stakes are high.
The Badger Region Championships are the final tournament for many teams across the state that don’t go on to compete in national competition. I love seeing how this tournament brings out some of the grittiest play. These setters worked hard to better the ball every time they made contact and didn’t back down from a challenge. These players were the spark and fire for their teams.
#43 – Andie Spies – 2024 – 5’10 – Fort Atkinson – Capital 16 Adidas
Spies plays so fearlessly, and she does a great job working against the flow to keep opposing blockers on the move. Spies sees the court well, is naturally athletic, explosive, and led her team into a fun championship match in the 16 Open division!
#2 – Emily Dickmann – 2023 – 5’10 – Whitefish Bay – I AM VBC 16 Red
Dickmann runs a fast offense with her middles and uses both pins to wear down the opposing blockers. She has good peripheral vision and timing to find the perfect moment for a sneak attack. Dickmann doesn’t shy away from the tough plays and taking risks.
#12 – Kamryn Kaminski Kamryn Kaminski 5'7" | S Howards Grove | 2024 State WI – 2024 – 5’5 – Howards Grove – FC Elite 15 White
Kaminski has definitely improved and mat
ured as a player since the last time I saw her play. Her release is cleaner, plus she is more attentive on defense, making some really good reads during their semi-final against Impact 15 National. Kaminski makes herself a crucial piece of the lineup and battles for the big plays when a pass goes tight to the net. She isn’t afraid to put faith in her middles for a faster tempo attack.
#49 – Emily Bruss Emily Bruss 5'9" | S Pulaski | 2024 State WI – 2024 – 5’8 – Pulaski – Milwaukee Sting 15 Black
Bruss was a fun, energetic player to watch this fall at the Prep Dig Tournaments. She made a switch of clubs and looks like she is still working out a few kinks, but she still makes her scrappy plays, smart set choices, and reads the other side of the net well.
#21 – Olivia Bartels – 2023 – 5’5 – Lakeside Lutheran – River City 16 Blue
Bartels is the definition of taking charge of the court. She was always at work with her teammates to find a way to score and supporting them on every point. Bartels’ movement on the court was quick and dynamic, and she always found a way to get the job done.
#9 – Paige Guld Paige Guld 5'3" | S Newman Catholic | 2024 State WI – 2024 – 5’3 – Newman Catholic – Wisconsin Ice 15 Purple
Guld is a smart setter who plays a big role for her squad. Her lack of height is made up for in grit, scrappy defense, smart plays at the net, and communication with her hitters. Guld moves the ball around extremely well and connects with some really big hitters.
#24 – Sydney Hoeft – 2023 – 5’10 – Port Washington – I AM VBC 16 Red
Hoeft always manages to find the hot hand and make big plays exactly when her team needs them. She is a fun setter to watch because she is always actively involved and she makes quick decisions. Her ability to read the pass quickly makes her an efficient setter who gives her hitters plenty of options.
These setters were really impressive the first weekend of Badger Region Champs. Whether they were dishing out drool-worthy sets or throwing themselves across the floor to save a pass gone wrong, they were steady and motivated on every single point. These setters were poised and enthusiastic as they led their squads to some big wins.