Top Teams, Athletes, and Rising Prospects of 16s in 2021

Today marked the official end to the 2021 season. We started with limited spectators, masks for everyone, and plenty of protocols in place. Whether teams finished in Orlando or Vegas for their national tournaments, there were plenty of moments and athletes worth revisiting in the season that was 2021. The Class of 2023 are now talking with college coaches and will be starting their recruiting journey to their next step. Plenty of depth in this class and some exciting moments to see in the future. <img class=" wp-image-147806 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/DSC05996-e1625522834147-300x175.jpg" alt="" width="448" height="263" /> Top Teams Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold was oh so close to grabbing a USAV Open bid with multiple day three gold bracket finishes at Qualifiers. They finished third in the National Division at USAV and were the Badger Region Qualifier Champions. FC Elite 16 Navy, Capital 16 Adidas, and MVP 16 Blue all had big seasons with strong finishes in some big events. When it came to head to head competition, FC Elite 16 Navy defeated MVP 16 Blue early on in January at the Prep Dig Resolution, Capital was able to take FC Elite twice (JVA Jamboree and Prep Dig Gauntlet), and Motion 16 Blue won a huge crossover match against Capital 16 Adidas to advance to the Gold Bracket of AAU 16 Premier with a three set win over CVA.   Top Athletes <img class=" wp-image-147805 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/DSC05219.jpg" alt="" width="435" height="290" /> [player_tooltip player_id="61819" first="Lily" last="Wagner"] - MKE Sting 16 Gold Wagner can do it all and is a major catalyst for Sting 16 Gold who just finished 3rd at USAV Nationals. An outside hitter who has all the shots in her repertoire and is so solid as a defender. She could see a future at the collegiate level as an outside hitter or libero. Her versatile skill set has also provided her plenty of success on the sand as well. <img class="size-medium wp-image-147804 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/MeghanSchultz-e1625522600638-300x292.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="292" /> [player_tooltip player_id="91860" first="Meghan" last="Schultz"] - MVP 16 Blue Schultz is a physical and dominating presence out of the middle where she can hit the ball square and is highly efficient. She earned All Star honors for MVP 16 Blue who finished in the Gold Bracket of 16 Premier at AAU Nationals. She will start a busy July as she hits the hardcourt for basketball with Flight Elite, one of the top club basketball programs in Wisconsin. <img class=" wp-image-147803 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/GraceGrocholski.jpeg" alt="" width="432" height="288" /> [player_tooltip player_id="91875" first="Grace" last="Grocholski"] - MVP 16 Blue Grocholski just finds a way to score points. She always has and continues to prove she's one of the top dual athletes in the state where she is a top five prospect in the Class of 2023 for basketball and volleyball. Her Kettle Moraine High School team will be a top team to contend with this fall in Division 1. <img class=" wp-image-141870 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/05/Screen-Shot-2021-05-11-at-11.40.28-AM-251x300.png" alt="" width="337" height="403" /> [player_tooltip player_id="91878" first="Paige" last="Miller"] - FC Elite 16 Navy Miller won a state title in softball for Kaukauna High School, then hopped on a plane to compete at USAV Nationals in Vegas the next day. Miller is the top libero in the Class of 2023 out of Wisconsin and her range and athletic ability highlight her resume of skills. She is constantly talking on the move, providing a spark for any team she is on. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="91906" first="Elena" last="Dragani"] to [player_tooltip player_id="91886" first="Rylee" last="Duessler"]. 2023 combo. <a href="https://x.com/stingvb1988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stingvb1988</a> 16 Black will be another top team at the Prep Dig Gauntlet. <a href="https://t.co/whrpg6W9Jd">pic.x.com/whrpg6W9Jd</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1393942475413262341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> [player_tooltip player_id="91906" first="Elena" last="Dragani"] - MKE Sting 16 Black Dragani is another one who had a next level performance in her 2021 club season. She showed that she can command the court as a setter. From hitting the right tempos to putting her attackers in position to score and even taking some herself, she is one to keep tabs on throughout the summer.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> [player_tooltip player_id="91895" first="Molly" last="Berezowitz"] doing WERK at libero! And a huge stuff by [player_tooltip player_id="91901" first="Bella" last="Lipski"] <a href="https://x.com/stingvb1988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stingvb1988</a> <a href="https://t.co/Easl7vLZEP">pic.x.com/Easl7vLZEP</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1399115469655773184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> [player_tooltip player_id="91895" first="Molly" last="Berezowitz"] - MKE Sting 16 Black Berezowitz continues to impress with her athleticism and intangibles. She's not only solid in serve receive and taking pace off a hard driven ball, but she can pick up the tips, put up a clean second ball, and it a major spark with her teammates. Berezowitz and Miller have competed on the hardcourt their whole careers and were also opponents at the state softball tournament with Berezowitz playing second base for Burlington. <img class=" wp-image-146004 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/06/20-Addison-Schmotzer-Capital-16-Adidas-2-crop-4306x2828-1624048834-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="477" height="313" /> [player_tooltip player_id="91887" first="Addison" last="Schmotzer"] - Capital 16 Adidas Schmotzer has a major upside to her game as a middle blocker. She's long, dynamic and plays extremely high above the net. She has flashes of former Capital middle blocker, [player_tooltip player_id="32724" first="Kiana" last="Schmitt"] who is currently a MB/RS at Creighton. She will be entering her Junior year at Edgewood where they will looking to make a return trip to the state tournament.   Newcomers <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We have a champ! I AM VBC takes home the title in the 16S division 🚨 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdbattleninthevalley?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdbattleninthevalley</a> <a href="https://t.co/4JQAeH2SrF">pic.x.com/4JQAeH2SrF</a> — Prep Dig Circuit (@PDCircuit) <a href="https://x.com/PDCircuit/status/1388943123313790985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> I AM VBC 16 Red I AM VBC out of the Grafton area is a club on the rise. Their teams were highly competitive in the Badger Region Power League, had a strong showing at the Badger Region Qualifier, and took home the 16s title at the Prep Dig Battle in the Valley. Meredith Bock is an uber athletic Libero who provides a solid first contact while Lillian Bandle out of the middle is full of intensity and has a powerful game. <img class=" wp-image-141603 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/05/Myla-Glaser.jpg" alt="" width="461" height="307" /> [player_tooltip player_id="82954" first="Myla" last="Glaser"] - [program_tooltip program_id='431537' first='Midwest' last='Penguins'] 16 Black jumps like a deer and has a major upside to her game out of the Middle for [program_tooltip program_id='431537' first='Midwest' last='Penguins'] 16 Black. A strong attacker and blocker, Glaser always has the opportunity to score points in bunches. MWP 16 Black competed at the 16 American level in Vegas and had a really solid all around squad. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Solid combo for <a href="https://x.com/CapitalVbAll?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CapitalVbAll</a> 16 Adidas with Evin Jordee and [player_tooltip player_id="91856" first="Ellie" last="Gustafson"]. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdgauntlet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdgauntlet</a> <a href="https://t.co/GH8xNbVBVR">pic.x.com/GH8xNbVBVR</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1399106262768488453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> [player_tooltip player_id="91856" first="Ellie" last="Gustafson"] - Capital 16 Adidas I saw Gustafson last summer at our showcase where she showed a lot of promise, but seeing her almost a year later and her strength and overall game is at a different level. She's jumping higher, hitting the ball harder, and is going to have a huge junior season this fall. She is definitely one to have on the radar for college coaches. [caption id="attachment_146475" align="aligncenter" width="500"]<img class="wp-image-146475 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/06/IMPACT-16-NATIONAL-6-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /> Mya Kapalko (left) and Izzy Grace (Yellow)[/caption] Izzy [player_tooltip player_id="91933" first="Isabella" last="Grace"] -Impact 16 National Grace has exploded in the past year! Really springy on the outside and a solid six rotation player, she reminds me a lot of [player_tooltip player_id="90597" first="Aida" last="Shadewald"] of Sauk Prairie who recently committed to Wright State. As her all around game progresses and she starts scoring points from the backrow she will be tough to stop. <img class="size-medium wp-image-147802 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/BerlinTroendle-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Berlin Troendle - VHawk Xtreme 16 Adidas Troendle will be a sneaky one who has been a little under the radar where she is a fast twitch middle and can get up quick. Around six feet tall, Troendle is extremely athletic and fast along the net and can also adjust on the fly in order to score points and find a block. <img class="size-medium wp-image-147801 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/MAdisonBerger-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /> Maddison Berger - SWVBC 16 Blue Berger really stood out at the Prep Dig Gauntlet. She was one of our top performers at the event and provided plenty of firepower. She has a really heavy swing and will be looking to lead Waukesha South this fall.   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Always fun watching [player_tooltip player_id="119417" first="Sydney" last="Selburg"] if <a href="https://x.com/westoshavball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@westoshavball</a> and <a href="https://x.com/WiJrs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WiJrs</a> run the show. This is a really athletic 16-1 squad! <a href="https://t.co/ltYEY3Elo0">pic.x.com/ltYEY3Elo0</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1363147481018695681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> [player_tooltip player_id="119417" first="Sydney" last="Selburg"] - [program_tooltip program_id='431479' first='Wisconsin' last='Juniors'] 16-1 This is 16s squad for Juniors had some big wins this year and was consistently competing at a high level. Selburg is a left handed setter who can hit all the tempos and be offensive when needed. She connected frequently with outside hitter Abigail Alan who also had a big season for Juniors. <img class=" wp-image-147810 aligncenter" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2021/07/DSC07701-e1625523226667-300x290.jpg" alt="" width="398" height="385" /> Jacqueline Yancy - FC Elite 16 White As a 15s and even the start of 16s, Yancy was finding her spot dabbling in all of the front row positions, but the second half of the club season was Yancy's time to shine on the outside. Long, athletic, and a high contact point, Yancy was a major point scorer for FC Elite 16 White. She will be an incoming Junior at Howards Grove where they will be looking to win their third consecutive state title.   Top Matches Sting 16 White vs Capital 16 Adidas - Prep Dig Gauntlet Sting 16 White was coming off a tough loss while Capital 16 Adidas was on a red hot streak where they hadn't lost in a few weeks. This was a must win for Sting 16 White to stay on the Gold side of the tournament. This match did not disappoint as they closed down the gym in three set thriller in favor of Sting 16 White.   MWP vs I AM VBC - Prep Dig Battle In the Valley At 14-8 in set three, I AM VBC 16 Red was in the driver's seat just needing one more point to seal the deal for the Prep Dig Battle in the Valley championship. However, MWP 16 Black made a furious comeback to make it 14-13, before I AM was able to scratch a point out to bring home the title.   FC Elite 16 Navy vs Capital 16 Adidas - Prep Dig Gauntlet The championship match of the Prep Dig Gauntlet did not disappoint between Capital and FC Elite. Two solid programs, evenly matched, battle tested, and building huge momentum into nationals this would go into three sets with Capital 16 Adidas taking the crown.     <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The <a href="https://x.com/PrepDig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepDig</a> circuit is coming in 2022! Powered by . 📝 Unmatched coverage 📆 Flexible schedule 🔥 Elite competition Interested? Let us know ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/1F82xS87sZ">https://t.co/1F82xS87sZ</a> Learn more! <a href="https://t.co/AIBOxB5KJ3">https://t.co/AIBOxB5KJ3</a> <a href="https://t.co/9u6HUSq1vU">pic.x.com/9u6HUSq1vU</a> — Prep Dig (@PrepDig) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDig/status/1400499351638757378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>