2B State Championships: Players to Watch
In this article:
There is a sixteen-team field ready to compete starting today in the Yakima SunDome for the top spot in the 2B class in Washington State. These are some of the players to keep a close eye on during the two-day…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere is a sixteen-team field ready to compete starting today in the Yakima SunDome for the top spot in the 2B class in Washington State. These are some of the players to keep a close eye on during the two-day tournament. Potential breakout stars, rising underclassmen, and senior standouts ready to leave a lasting mark in their very last high school match.
Lauryn York
Lauryn York
Colfax comes into the tournament as the #4 seed, and York has helped lead the way this season, both setting and attacking for the 16-2 overall Bulldogs. She is dynamic and jump sets to keep the offense fast and feeds her great middles nice high sets on the quick attack. She is part of an awesome 6-2 pairing with fellow S/OH senior Josia Gibb, who is talented, quick and brings great energy to the court. The Bulldogs will need them both operating at a high level to challenge for a top four spot.
She has been covered here previously, but make sure to watch sophomore middle Brynn McGaughy. She is a coveted basketball recruit, but she has tremendous potential in volleyball with elite size, fluid movement and a fundamentally sound swing.
Taylor Galbreath
Taylor Galbreath
Galbreath has battled through an injury to team up with her two freshman sisters and make a run at state possible for the Broncos. She is a gritty player with a live right arm, and she is more than willing to get on the ground and make a tough save. She handles middle back on defense, and provides scoring punch from the outside, she has a scorching line shot when given the right set. There is joy in her game, she is extremely positive and plays with wonderful energy.
Keira O’Neill
Keira O’Neill
O’Neill is a rangy junior middle who has dominated play at the net this season. Napavine looks for her in any position across the front row, and she is adept at finding empty spots in the defense. She has a knack for finding the back corner and works hard to put up a solid block. The Tigers have a first-round rematch against Toutle Lake, who have an excellent attacker of their own in junior Grace Hadaller. These two squads are well acquainted and this will be a difficult match-up with the familiarity of the teams.
La Connor relies heavily on the Western Washington recruit, and she has a special all-around game that can take over a match at the 1B level. Marble should pass 400 kills and 500 digs for the season during the tournament, capping a remarkable four-year career with over 1500 kills and 1500 digs. She makes the Braves a threat to win it all, and the team has challenged themselves to play tough non-league opponents this season. Abby Udlock is the junior setter running the offense, she will get the ball to Marble early and often.
Highlights
Brooke Blain
Brooke Blain
Blain is a strong and consistent force in the middle for the Timberwolves, and she works hard to pin putting up a big block against opposing attackers. The setters for Goldendale keep her off the net on offense, and she works the back corners, moving the ball around the defense with good court vision. Taryn Rising on the outside is the other part of the one-two punch for Goldendale, she is athletic and aggressive, giving the Timberwolves a strong duo to rely on as they chase a state trophy,
Stella Peterson
Stella Peterson
Petersen is a powerful, explosive player who also brings the touch when needed. Her beach experience shows with her solid all-around game, Manson will look for her in the pipe attack when things are messy on offense, she can swing away from the back row or cut in an off-speed attack if needed. Petersen has put up multiple 20-kill matches this season, but the Trojans have other options available on the front line including Camille Hutton and Barbie Espinoza. Manson is a strong challenger for the title, their offense will be a difficult matchup in the SunDome.
Rhegan O’Neil
Rhegan O’Neil
Kamala is the favorite going into the State tournament, and O’Neil is arguably the best setter in the 2B ranks. A senior who acts as a coach on the floor, left-handed, and tough as nails, O’Neil has been on a mission to take home the state title this season. She has been on fire from the service line, mixes in attacks at the net at perfect times, and finds the best matchup for her teammates consistently. The 2B Central MVP will be working hard to send mom and coach Jen O’Neil out with a state championship in her final season coaching the Chinooks.
Zoe Omlin
Zoe Omlin
Omlin is a ball of energy for the Lancers, and the sophomore libero has posted 20 digs in a match multiple times this season. She has been crucial in setting up the team’s attackers for success, passing well in serve receive and gritting out tough covers when they are blocked. The Lancers have a good mix of experience and youth, senior setter Ellie Denny is a great athlete with sneaky skills at the net, and she looks for her sister Kendall Denny when a big swing is needed.