Team of the Week: Anthony Wayne Generals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals started the 2023 season 6-0 with a terrific set percentage as they are 15-2 in games played so far. Their record is unblemished in conference play as they are 2-0 to open up Northern Lakes league action with consecutive 3-0 wins over both Southview and Ross. Following a match at Findlay (4-2) this Tuesday, one of their biggest matches of the season looms ahead as they will face a solid St. Ursula (Toledo) team on Thursday. What is most impressive about this group is that they are competing well with a young roster as four of their key athletes are either sophomores or freshman. Overall, only one senior as seen action in all sets played so far. Here are some of the best prospects contributing to the Generals' success so far:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Dzierwa</strong><br>The junior libero was a 2nd team all-league selection in 2022 and is back to lead the defense and ball control phases for the Generals. With 756 total digs for her career, she had a career best season last fall with 390 digs for an average of 15.6 d/m. She has good reaction to the ball from her defensive position and can create range in all directions to keep the ball alive. Dzierwa has reached or surpassed the 20 digs mark in a match nine times in her career. She had a season best 17 digs in their 2-1 win over Mentor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403527' first='Leah' last='Pike']</strong><br>The sophomore Pike is the Generals' offensive leader to start 2023. She has been a reliable and productive option in the middle as she is averaging 4.4 k/s and leading the team in attacking efficiency at .474. She established a new career high of 16 kills in their 3-0 win over Ross only to best that one match later with 17 kills in their 2-1 victory over Mentor. She improved the quality of her game during the club season as a stock riser in the 2026 class as she understands well how to create good space to be able to swing through the full scope of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227830' first='Mallory' last='Pike']</strong><br>The primary offensive option for the Generals, the sophomore pin hitter has seen the most attempts thus far with 161 swing. In terminating 65 kills over six matches, Pike is averaging 3.8 k/s on a .286 efficiency. She had 247 kills in 2022 and is well on her way to surpass that output this fall. She is athletic with the ability to take a heavy swing with good movement and range in her shot selection. She has earned double-figure kills in three of their six matches so far, tying her career high of 15 kills in their recent 2-1 win over Olmsted Falls. Pike also contributes 6.7 d/m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='476378' first='Aubrey' last='Rieger']</strong><br>The junior setter is part of a setting tandem that shares the distribution role for the Generals. This team has potential for balance and depth of point scoring around the floor as they are averaging 13.1 k/s as a team. Rieger has assumed a significant role for this team in 2023 and leads their offensive effort with 6.6 assists per frame. She earned a career best 23 assists in their 2-1 win over Mentor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addy O'Shea</strong><br>Just a freshman, O'Shea has contributed well to their success as a floor leader and setter as she has earned 72 assists on the season for a 4.2 a/s average. She uses a high contact point that helps her relationship with her middles and opposite through quicker tempos. This team serves aggressively with 59 total aces on the season as O'Shea has earned eight of those, including three aces in the first varsity match of her career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732846' first='Charley' last='Gardner']</strong><br>Gardner, another freshman, is having an impressive start to her high school career. Currently averaging 2.2 k/s, she provides another reliable arm for the Generals as she is one of three attackers over 110 total attempts so far. She has good potential to develop into a primary point scorer as she is athletic and has a fundamentally sound arm in the air. She one of the best defenders on the team as she picks up 8.7 d/m while also showing good blocking mechanics to get up and over the net well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->