Prep Dig Alumni: Checking In On Class Of 2021
The Prep Dig site in Kansas was launched in the Fall of 2020. I created the initial rankings for the Class of 2021, which was the first class of volleyball athletes Prep Network ranked in Kansas. I was able to…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Dig site in Kansas was launched in the Fall of 2020. I created the initial rankings for the Class of 2021, which was the first class of volleyball athletes Prep Network ranked in Kansas.
I was able to attend a collection of scrimmages played at Washburn University on April 15. The spring tournament included 14 area colleges that featured multiple players that were ranked in the first Prep Dig class in the Sunflower State. Division II, NAIA, and JUCO clubs were all involved. The level of competition was intense and the four matches I watched were all close matches.
Here is a scouting report and update on that group of Prep Dig Alumni who were once highly ranked with their Kansas high school peers and now are sharing college courts with them. I was really honored to watch these young athletes again and appreciate the college coaches utilizing in-state talent to build their programs.
Jayden Jackson, S, Pittsburg State, Augusta
Pittsburg State’s Jackson was the highest-ranked player who competed in the scrimmage. The Augusta graduate was ranked No. 24. Jackson played in just 18 sets as a sophomore. She finished with 51 assists. I watched the Gorillas scrimmage against Hutchinson Community College. Jackson started as the setter and has a solid match. She can push the ball to the pin with power, and use a soft touch for a quick middle set. Her defensive game was on point against the Dragons as well.
Jaylen Stevenson, OH, Washburn, Spring Hill
Stevenson was ranked No. 30 in the Class of 2021. Stevenson led the Ichabods in kills during the 2022 season finishing with 386. She also racked up 392 digs and 41 total blocks during her sophomore campaign. I watched Washburn’s first scrimmage of the day against Benedictine. Stevenson was dominant early in the match. The Bods have taller players, but not many who can jump as high as Stevenson.
Natalie Trego, L, Newman, Andover
Trego was ranked No. 41 back when the first Prep Dig rankings were posted in Kansas. Trego played in all 114 sets played by Newman in 2022. She finished with 299 digs and a team-high 94.3 serve reception percentage. I watched Newman’s scrimmage against Kansas City Kansas Community College. Trego plays salty defense and makes a smooth first pass.
Reagan Bruggeman, OH, Benedictine, St. James Academy
Bruggeman was ranked No. 47 in the Kansas Class of 2021 rankings. Bruggeman led the Ravens with 284 kills in 104 sets played. I scouted Benedictine’s match against Washburn. Bruggeman had a good hitting match and Benedictine gave Washburn a run for their money.
Ivy Fink, OH, Royal Valley, Butler CC
Fink was ranked No. 55 in the class of 2021. She is a six-rotation fireplug who can do it all on the court. Fink led Butler in kills during her sophomore season with 396. She finished second on the team in digs with 436. Fink will be transferring to Pittsburg State after using up her two years of eligibility with the Grizzlies. I can’t get past the idea of how cool it would be to transition from a Grizzly to a Gorilla, two awesome mascots in my book.
Sydney Lentz, MB, Maize, Butler CC
Maize High School was one of the first schools in Kansas that quickly supported the Prep Dig vision and helped me out as an early scout. One player “back in the day” that stood out was Sydney Lentz. Lentz was ranked No. 71 when the initial rankings were released. She has one more year of eligibility with Butler after a Medical Redshirt Season. She played in 15 matches in 2022 finishing with 85 kills and 28 blocks – numbers that she will look to improve on in the fall of 2023.
Heading into the tournament, I also planned on featuring a report on players from the class of 2022, however, three of the four players on the list were from a school that was originally scheduled to participate in the event and then was replaced. So here is a quick note on one exceptional talent from the Class of 2022.
Iyannah Jackson, MH, Washburn, Lansing
The Lansing graduate was ranked No. 9 in the Prep Dig Kansas Class of 2022 ranking. Jackson played 37 sets during her freshman year for Washburn. She finished with 39 kills and 19 blocks. Jackson is still as dominant as I remember seeing her in the State Championship Tournament in Salina two years ago. She is big, athletic, intimidating, and hits the ball with authority.