New Names Rise At Prep Dig Stateline Slam

<p>What I really enjoy about new events in new facilities for Prep Dig is that I get a chance to see new athletes and teams. This weekend brought plenty of teams from Illinois and Wisconsin who had plenty of top performances and new names to have on our radar. From Northern Wisconsin to Central Illinois, here are some names to know that may be a little under the radar (for now) and hidden gems to have on the radar looking into the meat of the club season.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big swing by Sophie Dodd of <a href="https://x.com/wiblazevb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wiblazevb</a> - they take set one of the 16s championship at <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdstatelineslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdstatelineslam</a> <a href="https://t.co/QzTyaR7J9P">pic.x.com/QzTyaR7J9P</a></p> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1490374368358281217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Sophie Dodd - Wisconsin Blaze 16 Black</strong><br /> Some athletes can just flat out score and Dodd is one of those type of athletes. A little out of the norm, but highly effective, Dodd plays on the outside and is left handed which most would just keep her on the right side. With Dodd's ability to score points, she can go down the line or cross, and use the block to her advantage. She's a really tough matchup because teams are not use to seeing a highly effective left handed swing from the outside.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maggie Hahnke and off to a 🔥 start for <a href="https://x.com/wiblazevb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wiblazevb</a> up 7-3 of the <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdatatelineslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdatatelineslam</a> championship. <br /> <br /> Blaze and MWP are undefeated heading into the championship <a href="https://t.co/J1q8KEs3qT">pic.x.com/J1q8KEs3qT</a></p> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1490370949350363137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Maggie Hahnke - Wisconsin Blaze 16 Black</strong><br /> Hahnke was the top six rotation outside hitter in the 16s division, Hahnke was able to do it all for Blaze who would go on to win the 16s championship. Hahnke has really consistent ball control from serve receive to her defense. What allows her to really go the next level is her ability to hit is square from the backcourt and the outside. She is highly effective out of system and knows how to find the open spot and take what the defense gives her.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Keira Jahner - Wisconsin Blaze 16 Black</strong><br /> Every top team has a libero who can command the backrow which is something Jahner absolutely can do. She plays with confidence, she's fearless, and she can make all the routine plays as well as the ones out of her range. She preps at Fox Valley Lutheran High School out of Appleton which is always a strong program and full of strong defensive players. This Blaze team will be in action with some of the top club level teams in Wisconsin at the Champions Cup in Appleton.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Ellie Braun - Top Flight 16 Theta</strong><br /> Heavy swing. Braun is a six rotation athlete from Top Flight who can really hammer. She is definitely one where her teammates look to her to score points and lead the team. 16 Theta was a gold bracket team that showed plenty of potential, showing they are just a few points away from breaking through to that next level. Braun is one who can lead them there.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Alexis Rhodeman - Rapid Fire 18 Black</strong><br /> Rapid Fire 18 Black had a big weekend, finishing second in the 18s Division, dropping the championship match in three sets to Xtreme. Rhodeman is the libero for Rapid Fire and knows how to get her squad in system where they can run a quick tempo offense to their high powered attackers. She finds herself in the right spot, anticipates well, and is extremely dependable in serve receive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Huge left handed swing by right side Olivia Gustafson of Prime Time 17 Blue. This is a really aggressive squad, tight battle with Rapid Fire <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdstatelineslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdstatelineslam</a> <a href="https://t.co/pdaAwESw1p">pic.x.com/pdaAwESw1p</a></p> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1490113708076548098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Olivia Gustafsson - Prime Time 17 Blue</strong><br /> Huge fan of the Gustafsson's game. An extremely dynamic player this is a 2023 athlete to have on the radar. Her athleticism stands out above all with her ability to move and have an explosive jumping ability. In the front row she plays with no fear with how she attacks with her left hand on the right side, a true point scorer. When she heads to the backrow, she sets with a really smooth release. She can scramble to get her hands on the ball to get her teammates in a position to attack.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Grace Rodebaugh - Prime Time 17 Blue</strong><br /> Rodebaugh teamed up with Gustafsson and the rest of Primetime to take home the 17s title from the Stateline Slam. A long, athletic attacker from the outside, Rodebaugh hits a heavy ball, but she can also take a big approach and mix in a roll shot. She is definitely one to have on the radar on the list of 2023 attackers out of Illinois.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Lydia Bisenius - All In 160</strong><br /> All In is a small club out of the Crystal Lake area, but with every club there are always the hidden gems. Bisenius is another left handed right side out of the 16s division who is extremely athletic and springy, jumps like a deer. She was an extremely key play for this squad where she could terminate from the right side or find a way to better the ball to live another rally.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A lot of 🔥 with 🧊 - <a href="https://x.com/WisconsinIce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WisconsinIce</a> 15 National has been rolling all day, looking to close out their pool with an undefeated record <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pdstatelineslam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pdstatelineslam</a> <a href="https://t.co/GoUzKeXFLs">pic.x.com/GoUzKeXFLs</a></p> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1490137583690694658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><strong>Kirsten Hall and Amara Beaudoin - Wisconsin Ice 15 National</strong><br /> Wisconsin Ice brought home the 15s title from the Stateline Slam, continuing to add to a strong start to their season. This team has really solid ball control and two setters who can get their attackers in a position to terminate. Hall and Beaudoin are two middle blockers who have a major presence in the front row offensively and defensively. They connect extremely well with their setters and they know where to find the open spots. They scored plenty of points finding the deep corner and playing aggressively throughout the whole weekend.</p> <p><strong>Other Names To Know</strong></p> <p>Kylie Craig - JAG VBC 17 Red National </p> <p>Ava Nault - JAG VBC 17 Red National </p> <p>Jessica Porten - Precision 17</p> <p>Juliana Jakubiak - Precision 17 </p> <p>Arianna Griammarino - Top Flight 15 Theta</p> <p>Maeve Edmund - MWP 16 Black </p> <p>Lara Kavalauska - MWP 16 Black </p> <p>Kylee Skrzypchak - MWP 18 Black </p>