First Look: High School Players Ready to Step Up
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Washington players will have a break from any official school practices from August 1st till the start of the season on August 21st. It’s a three-week stretch that players can use to recharge and rest, after a club season that…
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Continue ReadingWashington players will have a break from any official school practices from August 1st till the start of the season on August 21st. It’s a three-week stretch that players can use to recharge and rest, after a club season that may have stretched from January to July- with tryouts for the next club season just finishing for most.
A month from now, several teams will be in action across that state, starting their pre-season schedule, before every team across the state launches into action after Labor Day. Who are some of the most impactful players returning for teams projected to make a state tournament run?
2022 4A Champions Graham-Kapowsin will be trying to replace Hailey Brockway, an impossible task give the quality and quantity of her play. That leaves the field open for a new champion. Here are two players that could help their team make a run in 4A.
Mairs is a great two-way player who played up at 18’s for Excel NW 18 Lux this club season. Camas just missed the medal round last year at the Sundome, and they return quality talent at most spots on the court. Mairs can terminate from any spot on the court, and she is a dynamic setter when she steps into that role. Camas has been knocking on the door over the last few seasons, expect Mairs to have a huge junior season for the Papermakers.
Ensign will be the floor general as the setter for Curtis, a team that captured 5th place last season in 4A and returns a large part of the roster. It will be up to Ensign to find a dynamic group of talented attackers, and that’s her strength. She can push the ball pin to pin, with accuracy and confidence. 10 of 14 return for the team, and several contributed at a high level last season. The Vikings will be a tough out for anyone this season.
Lakeside parlayed a strong and connected group of seniors and a select few talented underclassmen to the 3A title over Mead. Both teams lost key players, who might step in to power their way to the title this season?
The Lake Washington libero may be a bit under the radar, but her team should be back at the Sundome challenging for a state trophy this season. The Kangs will be strong at setter and overall defensively, Yoel can go get the toughest angle swing, she is extremely quick to the ball and knows her angles in serve receive. If it’s defense you want to see, Yoel will bring it!
Peninsula had a great run at state, expect to see it again this season. They will be dynamic up front, with the 6’2″ Sneva holding down one middle spot. She is powerful as an attacker and can get up and pound the seam or the quick. If the Peninsula defense can find ways to keep Sneva and fellow middle Samantha Karjala Samantha Karjala 5’10” | MB Peninsula | 2026 WA fed the ball consistently, opponents won’t be able to find an answer to the Seahawk’s attack.
Highlights
The Auburn Riverside Ravens have a great group of talented players returning, who had just a taste of the state tournament last season. A loss in a play-in game left this group hungry, and Danielson played that way during the club season for Dakine. She is athletic with a big-time arm swing and has made the move to the pin out of the middle. Danielson will lead a squad with 11 returners, her ability to terminate is a difference maker in a tight match, and the Ravens will have her as go-to when the going gets tough.