NLQ Preview: Mizuno Northern Lights 16-1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've already done a preview on a <a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/03/northern-lights-qualifier-preview-fc-elite-16-navy/">Wisconsin team</a> heading to the Northern Lights Qualifier in the 16 Open division so I thought I would pick a Minnesota team as well. This "neighbor" competes at an extremely high level and was strong as 15's but has been touted as one of the best teams in the state of Minnesota this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love the strength and physicality at the net from [player_tooltip player_id='117645' first='Addison' last='Mattes'], [player_tooltip player_id='177424' first='Keira' last='Schmidt'], and [player_tooltip player_id='283773' first='Carly' last='Slusser']. Schmidt is easily one of my favorite middles to watch because she is so in-your-face with her energy and active play at the net. She also has really impressive lateral speed to go with her 6'4 frame. Mattes brings a huge amount of experience after training with USAV NTDP and trips to the X in December for East Ridge. Slusser I haven't seen with this particular group but I know she can attack effectively from anywhere on the court so I'm excited to see how this lineup plays out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since we are talking about highly effective attackers, let's talk about [player_tooltip player_id='117880' first='Mesaiya' last='Bettis']. Bettis can fly and is already reaching well above 10ft. Her explosive jump, smooth approach, and lightning fast arm make her an indispensable weapon on either pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group has some serious depth with their pin hitters including the steady [player_tooltip player_id='177421' first='Ava' last='Ball'], [player_tooltip player_id='177426' first='Mia' last='Weaver'], [player_tooltip player_id='229827' first='Kate' last='Holthaus']. These are all really reliable and effective pin hitters that can do a little bit of everything and they know how to score points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt is run by a very solid [player_tooltip player_id='177422' first='McKenna' last='Garr'] who may be one of the most athletic liberos I have seen in the 2025 class. She is consistently making great reads, big defensive plays to not only keep the play alive but also put her team in system. Garr makes sure this team can be terminal in every phase of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='211521' first='Reese' last='Axness'] operates as a natural leader and while new to the club she should be a pretty seamless addition. She is a very physical setter who can make things happen when she gets the ball in her hands. Axeness is also a sound defender and has an instinctive feel for distributing the ball to her attackers. She will be a catalyst for their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->