2026 Prospects who Stunned at State
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The freshman class did not disappoint at the WIAA State Championships. Players who had their first-ever shot at a state trophy delivered big-time performances and played like seasoned veterans. There were highlights from several 8th graders as well, but that’s…
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Continue ReadingThe freshman class did not disappoint at the WIAA State Championships. Players who had their first-ever shot at a state trophy delivered big-time performances and played like seasoned veterans. There were highlights from several 8th graders as well, but that’s a story for another time. Here are some of the most impressive 2026 players from the SunDome.
Gabriella Thompson Gabriella Thompson 6'0" | OH Camas | 2026 State WA
Gabriella Thompson Gabriella Thompson 6'0" | OH Camas | 2026 State WA
The Papermakers are a team with stars in libero Halle Reiter and outside Kendall Mairs, but freshman Thompson showed that she is a part of the Camas offense long term. With good length, she has a good block touch and more than held her own in a matchup against an explosive and talented Curtis squad. She held well up in serve receive and took her best swings from the right side.
Quitquit was ready to run the offense for Kennedy Catholic right away. During the club season, she showed her versatility in attacking and setting for her PSVA 15 team, it’s the setting that stood out at the state tournament. She is very quick and instinctive on defense and can push the ball confidently to the pins. Any size she gives up is made up for by her spring and strong hands at the net, she is one of the top setters to watch in the 2026 class.
Hannah Artman
Hannah Artman
Artman is an athletic long middle with a great deal of potential in the middle. She tracked the opposing hitters well and has the reach and press to make the attacker feel her presence at the net when she blocks one on one. She was aggressive with her swings against Ferndale, finding the floor and moving the ball around the block.,
Janho is always in the right position to cover a block or get a hand on a ball headed out of bounds. She kept the Cougars in system with precise passing and stellar serve receive, and with Layne Dent on the outside to put the ball away, Cascade Christian is in a good position to make another big run at state in 2023. The feisty libero has good secondary skills, with a good attack from the back row and excellent location when she sets the second ball.
Liljenquist has quick feet and strong hands, two of the best qualities possible in a setter. She has a quick reaction to shots straight at her, popping up digs and keeping plays alive for Cedar Park. Well trained, you can see the consistency of her movement to the ball, she is squared up to her hitters and able to accurately backset. Running the 5-1, she will continue to find ways to become a greater threat at the net, she has the athleticism and coordination to put balls away when she is in the front row.
Grafton was playing at an extremely high level for a freshman in her first state tournament. She is a point scorer and understands how to get the ball to an open spot from either pin. She did her most damage at state for the right side, but scored outside and coming down the middle as well. With tips, rolls, line shots, and hard-angle smashes off one foot, Grafton scored in multiple ways.