The “Fab Five” of the #PDChiTownClassic
Picking out the best of the best is no easy feat. There were plenty of “Top Performers” throughout the weekend across all age divisions, but there were a few players who seemed to be extra dominant. They are all committed,…
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Continue ReadingPicking out the best of the best is no easy feat. There were plenty of “Top Performers” throughout the weekend across all age divisions, but there were a few players who seemed to be extra dominant. They are all committed, they will definitely contribute at the next level and are essential to their team’s success. Here is the “Fab Five” of the Prep Dig Chi-Town Classic.
Gianna Trotter coming up big again for @FCEliteVB 18 Navy. They close out set one against CVA 17 Adidas 25-23 #PDChitownClassic pic.twitter.com/ApGSgrmxlt
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) February 13, 2022
Gianna Trotter – FC Elite 18 Navy
Outside Hitter
Committed to Minnesota State – Mankato
If we had a Top Player award, Trotter would be the one. The most dominant attacker on the top team in the gym. Trotter was extremely dominant from the outside this weekend as FC Elite 18 Navy took home the title of the 18s Division. Her offensive game has evolved from a power player who would just blast away to someone who can roll shot over the block and use the block to her advantage. Coaches want their attackers to be aggressive and that is exactly Trotter, she swings big and came up with big kill after big kill all weekend.
On a side note, Trotter has been a Prep Dig success story. I first saw Trotter play as an 8th grader at the Dells JVA Showcase when she was up on the 15s for Fond du Lac Fusion. This athlete with a big leap, explosive arm, and fun demeanor was definitely one to have on our radar. She came to our showcases, played with her Fond du Lac teammates at our Fall League when their high school season was moved to the spring due to covid, and it was a very happy moment to see her sign with Minnesota-State Mankato for volleyball and track where she excels in jumping and throwing events.
Article on Trotter from 3/27/2018 previewing the Badger Region Championships
Gianna Trotter – FDL Fusion 15 Purple – Class of 2022 (Fond du Lac)
Athleticism and power is what Trotter brings to the table. A soon to be Freshman at Fond du Lac, she will be one to watch as she develops a back court game and a variety of shots to go with her power!
Super athletic middle for @topflightvbc 18 Elite Jacey Lambert out of the middle. She is committed to @Harding_VB – she plays with great urgency and physicality #pdchitownclassic pic.twitter.com/K4ltaDZJni
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) February 12, 2022
Jacey Lambert – Top Flight 18 Elite
Middle Blocker
Committed to Harding
It doesn’t take long to notice the explosiveness of Lambert where you just say “Wow”. Lambert is a 5’10 middle blocker who plays with great intensity, athleticism, physicality, and has so many positive intangibles about her game that everyone sees it. When she runs a shoot or slide she is looking to make a dent in the floor. What allows her to be able to do this is how she will relentlessly work out of the middle transitioning from the block to being able to get a really good swing on the ball. Her energy is contagious and her game will translate to the next level where she could play any of the front row positions. Her ability to attack off one foot will score her points at Harding, an NCAA D2 in Arkansas.
Big arm out of the Grand Rapids area. Aerin Baker of Impact Dynamic 18s. She is electric. Committed to D3 power @CalvinVball pic.twitter.com/NVvbN9sJrQ
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) February 12, 2022
Aerin Baker – Impact Dynamic Training 18 Carrie/Kelly
Outside Hitter
Committed to Calvin
Absolutely electric. Impact Dynamic Training is out of Grand Rapids, MI and they brought a strong group of teams to the Chi-Town Classic. Lot of length and athleticism, as well as great fundamentals. Baker is one who just catches your eye right from the hitting lines. Those skills with a perfect set in a hitting line translates to the match where she is a threat to score in every rotation. She might be pushing 5’9, but she gets up and contacts high. She is also the type of outside hitter who can score out of system which is key to any successful squad. Calvin College is next for her where they are a D3 powerhouse where they finished the 2021 season with a 32-4 record and were national runner-up to UW-Eau Claire.
Paige Miller – FC Elite 17 Navy
Libero
Committed to Ohio State
Such a gamer. Miller is one of the best athletes on the court at all times and her anticipation and winning edge is what every team needs. She is able to neutralize top outside hitters and is also the type of libero who takes control in scramble and garbage situations – you know the ones where its off the block, a setter dump, an unconventional play she can clean up and find a way to put it in system for her side of the net. Miller will head to Ohio State as a libero, but she is a state champion in softball where she controls third base much like she does from the libero position. Cleaning up the bunts, taking control of the inbetween plays, and above all else – finding ways to win.
Forgot about this highlight reel of @MeghanScholz of @WisconsinIce going on a tear at the #PDChitownClassic – the 2023 @DePaulVball commit really showed how she can take over a match! Three plays in a row. pic.twitter.com/tqP3NfWe7x
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) February 15, 2022
Meghan Scholz – Wisconsin Ice 17 National
Middle Blocker
Committed to DePaul
There are moments for Meghan Scholz that are definitely “Wow”. She is long and extremely physical out of the middle. Her ceiling of potential is extremely high and each time she steps on the court she continues to improve. Last summer, her recruiting blew up and college coaches found her out of Northern Wisconsin. She will head to De Paul following high school (Class of 2023). She is showing she can control the front row with her block and is now showing she can score in multiple ways.