Breakout Performers At The Prep Dig Sizzle

<p>It was an energizing couple days at the Varsity Prep Dig Sizzle. It was so good to see high school teams back in action without as many restrictions.  I am hopeful we could have a “normal” season in the future!  If you didn’t make it to the Sizzle in person, I can tell you there was a lot of talented teams and players all under one roof.  And the best part was being able to find some new talent and new names. </p> <p>Here are some players who caught our attention in this summer Varsity tournament. </p> <p><strong><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-149262" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/Holmen-Chloe-Hammond.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />[player_tooltip player_id="149042" first="Chloe" last="Hammond"] – 2022 – Right Side Hitters - Holmen </strong></p> <p>Hammond made a big impression at the Sizzle with her ability to get the job done against some really big blockers. She showed her ability to be a clutch hitter when her team needed her the most. As a lefty, the right side is a natural placement. but her ability to swing hard when the block doesn’t close and then tool the block if they do will keep her in business on the pins. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148961" first="Emma" last="Grueneberg"] – 2022 – 6’0 – Middle Blocker - Cedarburg </strong></p> <p>Here is one player to make a big statement with Cedarburg at the Sizzle.  Grueneberg was the Bulldog’s big lefty who took swings comfortably out of the middle.  Her swing out of the middle was really natural and fluid, making it easy to forget that she is a lefty. Grueneber is really athletic, has a high contact point, and takes a big swing. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148860" first="Natalie" last="Johnston"] – 2022 – 5’11 – Middle Blocker – Appleton North </strong></p> <p>Johnston surprised me as Appleton North was working through a really large group of players. After a really successful Spring, Appleton North is seeing a high number of transfers, so this felt like an opportunity to look at them and the chemistry before the season starts. Johnston was a middle who helped lead the attack with consistency and always working to be available.  She was hitting from multiple routes and angles with a fast arm swing.  She gave Brookfield Central all they could handle in the championship of their bracket.  In an extremely talented Appleton North program, you don’t want to forget about Johnston. </p> <p><strong><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-149265" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/Kewaskum-Grace-Rochon.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />[player_tooltip player_id="149057" first="Grace" last="Rochon"] – 2023 – 5’7 – Outside Hitter - Kewaskum </strong></p> <p>Rochon takes a heavy swing in the split, and she is Kewaskum’s top returning offensive contributor.  She is a high-flying outside hitter with a fast arm. Rochon’s ability to score is propelled by her aptitude to get off the floor quickly and work around the block.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148970" first="Madison" last="Hunt"] – 2024 – 5’8 – Middle Blocker – Chippewa Falls </strong></p> <p>Hunt could reasonably play any position at the net.  Since she’s shown she’s comfortable taking a swing in front of the setter, she could play outside hitter; but as a lefty, she should be a natural on the right side. She could do it all. But wherever a swing is taken from this adaptable hitter is a key piece to the Cardinals attack.  She may be a bit smaller than most middles, but she is quick and effective and can work the angles really well.  This season could be a big one for Chi Hi with a number of key pieces returning from a solid 2020 season.   </p> <p><strong>Samantha Perlberg – 2023 – Outside Hitter – Chippewa Falls </strong></p> <p>Perlberg is very athletic. Chippewa Falls has their next great outside hitter, and it’s impossible to ignore Perlberg as she explodes off the floor and connects at such a high contact point.  She’s a highly intelligent hitter as she mixes up her shots and placement extremely well.  Perlberg will be dangerous the next couple seasons since she will be a junior this fall. </p> <p><strong><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-149253" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/Edgerton-Kate-Gunderson.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />[player_tooltip player_id="148973" first="Kate" last="Gunderson"] – 2022 – 5’8 – Setter - Edgerton </strong></p> <p>What makes Gunderson exceptional is her combination of grittiness and raw athleticism. Add great hands to the mix and she is an extraordinary asset for Edgerton. Gunderson has amazing command of her offense, and she really runs it with confidence.  This setter can attack as well, so you really can’t let your guard down when she is on the court. </p> <p><strong><u>Other Notables: </u></strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="148862" first="Claire" last="Bartol"] – 2024 – 5’10 – Outside Hitter – Berlin </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="148979" first="Courtney" last="Kirley"] – 2022 – 5’11 – Middle Blocker - Hartford </p> <p>Gabrielle Reiser – 2022 = 6’0 - Setter/Right Side Hitter – Berlin </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="148972" first="Halle" last="Runez"] – 2022 – 5’4 – Libero – DeForest </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="149044" first="Hannah" last="Soblewski"] – 2023 – 5’1 – Libero - Horicon </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="149039" first="Harley" last="Bartels"] – 2022 – Middle Blocker - Holmen </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/Cedarburg-Kaleigh-Pelikan-crop-4446x2919-1626754894.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-149251" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/Cedarburg-Kaleigh-Pelikan-crop-4446x2919-1626754894-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="148962" first="Kaleigh" last="Pelikan"] – 2022 – 6’0 – Middle Blocker – Cedarburg </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="148978" first="Kierstin" last="Kriewaldt"] – 2023 – Middle Blocker – Freedom </p> <p>Olivia Bartels – 2023 – 5’5 – Setter – Lakeside Lutheran </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="149043" first="Rayna" last="McArdle"] – 2024 – Setter - Holmen </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="148971" first="Sophie" last="Robinson"] – 2024 – Outside Hitter – Chippewa Falls </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>