Players to watch at St James Volleyball Slam (Afternoon Wave)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will venture into the afternoon matches (bolded in the schedule below). This is to ensure that each team and player a more dedicated coverage and preview. We continue with the 2:00 PM match with Olathe Northwest against Liberty High School (Missouri).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>Slated Schedule for Saturday, August 27th:</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><em>8:00 AM || Olathe East (6A) vs Blue Valley (6A)</em></li><li><em>9:30 AM || Lawrence Free State (T5 6A) vs Blue Valley North (1st 6A)</em></li><li><em>11:00 AM || Shawnee Mission Northwest (T5 6A) vs Blue Valley Northwest (6A)</em></li><li><em>12:30 PM || Lee's Summit West (MO) vs Blue Valley West (2nd 6A)</em></li><li><strong>2:00 PM || Olathe Northwest (3rd 6A) vs Liberty (MO)</strong></li><li><strong>3:30 PM || Bishop Miege (3rd 4A) vs St. Teresa's Academy (MO)</strong></li><li><strong>5:00 PM || Washburn Rural (4th 6A) vs Saint Thomas Aquinas (3rd 5A)</strong></li><li><strong>6:30 PM || Lansing (1st 5A) vs St. James Academy (2nd 5A)</strong></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Olathe Northwest vs Liberty (MO)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":220032,"width":254,"height":382,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall2021-7192-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-220032" width="254" height="382" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='119707' first='Skyler' last='Pierce'] attacks the ball in a match against St James Academy (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This match is my wildcard match of the day that's worth its price of admission. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olathe Northwest returns a strong core of players both offensively and defensively. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119707' first='Skyler' last='Pierce'] (Nebraska commit) is the number one player in Kansas and the country. Add in Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119724' first='Jillian' last='Huckabey'] to the mix and the duo will be tough to contain. The Ravens' offense is not done yet and return Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119705' first='Lauren' last='Roediger'] in the middle. On top of that, the backcourt is heavily defended by Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119703' first='Emmy' last='Sher'] and Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='185632' first='Alex' last='Klukvin']. Sher, Klukvin, and Pierce/Huckabey in serve-receive formation? Good luck finding a hole to serve against them. In short, Olathe Northwest is a heavy favorite to return to State this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our friend up north at Liberty (Missouri) isn't too shabby either with the Mullen sisters, Senior <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepdig.com/player/ashley-mullen/" data-type="players" data-id="99216" target="_blank">Ashley</a> and Sophomore <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepdig.com/player/abigail-mullen/" data-type="players" data-id="153930" target="_blank">Abigail</a>. [player_tooltip player_id='99216' first='Ashley' last='Mullen'], committed to UCLA, will run the offense as Liberty's setter while "Gail" plays a 6 rotation opposite. [player_tooltip player_id='153930' first='Abigail' last='Mullen'] was a part of the U.S. Girls U19 Team, capturing the gold medal at the Pan American Cup in late July. The sisters and Liberty Lady Jays are complimented with [player_tooltip player_id='99215' first='Brooklyn' last='Young'] (Central Missouri commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='152129' first='Jocelyn' last='Renfro'] as their pin hitters, while [player_tooltip player_id='102558' first='Grace' last='Toney'] is in the middle position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: Olathe Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"align":"center","className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Bishop Miege vs St Teresa's Academy (MO)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Miege will rely on [player_tooltip player_id='152166' first='Ali' last='Olson'] to be the leader this season. The Senior middle blocker is their go-to player and the ball will find its way to Olson wherever she is on the court. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='173376' first='Lauren' last='Lopez'] is a key integral for Miege to be successful this season. Lopez, no stranger to high-level play as a solid 6 rotation outside, can hammer the ball, be smart and crafty in shot selection, and make a big-time defensive play. To complement the offense, Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119689' first='Ava' last='Martin'] will return as setter while Junior Gabby Anderson will defend the backcourt as the libero. Martin is the glue to the team and will be utilized as an offensive weapon in the front row. Anderson is hoping to improve the Lady Stags receiving number with her calm and consistent platform.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":219892,"width":448,"height":298,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":"is-style-default"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized is-style-default"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall2021-6771.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-219892" width="448" height="298" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='123468' first='Brynne' last='McGhie'] preparing to set [player_tooltip player_id='101697' first='Reagan' last='Fox'] (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Teresa's Academy returns a good core this season. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='123468' first='Brynne' last='McGhie'] is back to lead the offense alongside Senior pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='101697' first='Reagan' last='Fox']. McGhie (Pepperdine commit) uses her intelligence to make intelligent and effective decisions on the court. Fox (Rutgers commit) will be an impact player for the Stars. She has a great athletic frame and a high volleyball IQ, allowing her to play consistently at a high level. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='216417' first='Piper' last='Newton'] and Margot Randall will pester opponent's hitters with block touches in the front row. Both are athletic middles who work hard to get available in transition. Senior Liliana Saxe returns as the libero with additional back row coverage in Senior Isabella Stockwood and Marykate Roder. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='219742' first='Isabel' last='Glover'] was the only freshman contributing consistently as a middle and right side. "Isa" will transition to the right side to provide solid blocking and offensive options. Some key elements to watch for the Stars will be new faces in Sophomore pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id='219776' first='Madeline' last='Sallee'] and three incoming Freshmen in Winifred Sprague (middle/pin), Elizabeth Scanlon (pin), and Lily Stuart (setter).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: St Teresa's Academy</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"align":"center","className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Washburn Rural vs Saint Thomas Aquinas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":219893,"width":599,"height":399,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall2021-6913.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-219893" width="599" height="399" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='120008' first='Brooklyn' last='DeLeye'] powers through a triple block for the kill (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washburn Rural will return its top player in [player_tooltip player_id='120008' first='Brooklyn' last='DeLeye'], a Kentucky volleyball commit, Gatorade Kansas Volleyball Player of the Year, and Kansas 6A Player of The Year, just to name a few accolades. DeLeye is like a magnet to the ball, finding its way to her wherever she is on the court. Rural also returns both [player_tooltip player_id='120044' first='Taylor' last='Russell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='201027' first='Jada' last='Ingram'] from their All-State selection. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119699' first='Zoe' last='Canfield'] returns as a setter while recording 439 assists and 53 service aces for the team last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":219886,"width":254,"height":380,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall-7095-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-219886" width="254" height="380" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='119725' first='Tatum' last='Grimes'] attacks the ball against Lansing in the 2021 St James Slam (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saint Thomas Aquinas returns 7 players for the 2022 season. Loaded with next-level players, Aquinas is looking to 4-year varsity player [player_tooltip player_id='150076' first='Betsy' last='Goodenow'] (Yale commit) to put up a blocking clinic this upcoming season. Senior Libero [player_tooltip player_id='152165' first='Reagan' last='Anderson'] (Wichita State commit) will be the defensive anchor for the Saints. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119725' first='Tatum' last='Grimes'] and Senior [player_tooltip player_id='152161' first='Ashlyn' last='Reeves'] will continue to be Aquinas' go-to players in the middle. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='153937' first='Alea' last='Goolsby'] is back to the left pin. Watch for Goolsby to jump out of the building having a jump reach of over 10 feet! With all the firepower in their offense, it's always good to have your setter back into the lineup in [player_tooltip player_id='119691' first='Kelsey' last='Schenck']. Schenck is a smart decision-maker and floor general for the Saints. Be on the lookout for incoming Freshman Alayna Vaeth to contribute to Aquinas' success in some way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: Saint Thomas Aquinas</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"align":"center","className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Lansing vs St. James Academy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":219897,"width":256,"height":385,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall2021-7102-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-219897" width="256" height="385" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='120045' first='Skylar' last='Weaver'] hits a cut shot for the kill (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The main event is a rematch of the Kansas 5A 2021 State Finals and will have a different look this upcoming Saturday. Lansing lost 8 Seniors while St James 3. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='120045' first='Skylar' last='Weaver'] will have a dominant role in defending their state title as a 6-rotation outside hitter. Weaver is a 2-time All-State and 2-time All-League Player for the Lady Lions and will look to her leadership as the most experienced player in the squad. [player_tooltip player_id='119810' first='Anna' last='Laincz'] returns to the starting lineup as well, with her position yet to be determined. Laincz played as Opposite in the last two years for Lansing and may switch to the left pin to compliment Weaver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":219894,"width":255,"height":382,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/08/StJamesSlam_Marshall-7334-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-219894" width="255" height="382" /><figcaption><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">[player_tooltip player_id='119718' first='Ava' last='Spachek'] attacks the ball during the 2021 St James Slam (Photo by Marshall Goenawan)</mark></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St James will have their squad ready with a slew of varsity returners. Junior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='119718' first='Ava' last='Spachek'], a 3rd-year Varsity player, is a dynamic athlete and a high flyer with a fast arm. Sophomore "Setter" Sensation [player_tooltip player_id='154039' first='Reese' last='Messer'], arguably the best setter in the 2025 class, will run the offense for the Lady Thunders with her crafty tempo sets. St James will have no issues passing the ball as they return four DS to their varsity lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='119694' first='Mya' last='Bolton'], played as a libero last year, led in digs with over 500 for the season, and [player_tooltip player_id='150067' first='Heidi' last='Devers'] (Kansas commit) is a huge compliment coming in as a DS. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='119723' first='Julia' last='Headley'] will join the varsity squad and will make an immediate impact as one of SJA's go-to players on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction: St James Academy</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"align":"center","className":"is-style-dots"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking for the earlier matches preview? Follow the link to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prepdig.com/2022/08/players-to-watch-at-st-james-volleyball-slam-morning-wave/" data-type="post" data-id="217200" target="_blank">St James Volleyball Slam (morning wave)</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Revision for Blue Valley volleyball team: Senior Kate Peterson is committed to NC State to continue her athletic career after high school. Senior Tiana Simmons and [player_tooltip player_id='214647' first='Kaitlyn' last='Stout'] (both committed to Emporia State) will be huge contributing to Blue Valley's offense while [player_tooltip player_id='214643' first='Brooklyn' last='Farris'] will be the X-Factor for the Lady Tigers. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='150078' first='Caitlyn' last='Cobb'] decided to forego her Senior year due to previous injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A short history behind St James Volleyball Slam is that women's sports were not given any attention, let alone media coverage. St. James Academy's Head Coach Nancy Dorsey was persistent to create a change in this scenario, met with community leaders and media outlets to create this wonderful event for girls volleyball. The 13th annual "Volleyball Slam" televised event has grown from one match, to two matches to now having 8 matches and 16 teams highlighted at the event.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->