Sophomore Attackers Peaking for Playoffs!
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The attackers in the sophomore class have a year of high school competition behind them and hope to peak offensively for the playoffs. As freshmen, many top players were important contributors or role players, and are expected to step up…
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Continue ReadingThe attackers in the sophomore class have a year of high school competition behind them and hope to peak offensively for the playoffs. As freshmen, many top players were important contributors or role players, and are expected to step up into greater roles this season. The players we spotlight here have taken the pressure of performing and proved they can get it done in just their second year of high school.
Replacing an all-time great like Olivia Strandberg was never going to be easy for Chelan or the player called upon to carry the load the next season. Strandberg left to play beach for Florida Atlantic after three state championships and Player of the Year honors. Hughbanks has been asked to fill the void left on the Goat’s offense and defense, and the talented beach and indoor prospect has been on point all season. She is called on to take swings at every spot along the net and in the back row and as freshman setter Brooklyn Foyle has become comfortable running the offense, the two have combined for big kill and assist numbers. Chelan played a challenging schedule early, and now it’s paying off with Hughbanks poised to lead another run at the State Tournament.
Sidhu is living the dream, she plays libero in club but gets to swing away as an outside for the Bear Creek Grizzlies. She has totaled 167 kills on the season while digging up 225 balls. Bear Creek is right in the thick of the playoff race in the ESC Chinook, tied for third with a 7-5 record. Sidhu is playing in serve receive like the skilled libero she is, and has the overall game to make huge contributions as an attacker.
Highlights
Brockett was a part of an excellent DaKine Volleyball Club squad during club, and she has continued to excel for North Kitsap in her sophomore campaign. All-League as a freshman last season, Brockett has a strong and accurate swing that she employs to terminate points from her outside hitter position. The 5’10, 2026 prospect is taking on more of a leadership role this season after the departure of talented Sophia Baugh. After some initial rough sailing in the non-league, the Vikings and Brockett have rolled in conference with a 12-0 record.
Highlights
If we are talking about sophomore attackers, Eichert has to be a part of the conversation. Lake Stevens is building up this season but is still very dangerous with elite pin Eichert taking 40+ swings a match. She hammered 18 against a very talented Wenatchee team in a recent loss and showed a sharp angle cut and her typical power game. Wenatchee has a tough home crowd advantage, the experience will serve Lake Stevens well on the march through the playoffs.
Laura Eichert Season Line: 363 kills on 805 attempts, .312 hitting percentage.
Highlights
Mt. Spokane is another team retooling, replacing multiple seasons of talented Ama and Allen siblings who set a high bar of success for the Wildcats. Neilson saw spot time as a freshman last season, her development was rapid during club and she is now a main option on the outside and the middle as a sophomore. She has excellent vision and feel for the block, and can turn her swing to score on a quick tempo or a medium tempo 2 ball. Nielson continues to develop defensively and in serve receive, and has the bend and athleticism to play in the back row.
The Lynden sophomore has embraced the right-side role and dialed in the footwork for the position. She hammered down 7 kills versus a tough Burlington-Edison team this week and setter Grace Rice knows how to find her with great tempo and location. Stephan’s blocking and heavy arm will play a pivotal role in Lynden’s run at a state title, the Lions will be battle-tested headed into the playoffs with hopes to knock off defending champions Columbia River.
Highlights
In her last four contests, Terry has led the Rams in kills and helped the team to a 3-1 record. The high flying attacker tallied 31 kills in a win over Bethel on a .578 hitting percentage, then followed that up with 12 kills and a .478 percentage against Emerald Ridge. As a prospect who has played middle for most of her career, Terry is displaying a tenacious ability to play backrow defense. She has averaged 11 digs per match over the last four, and has the athletic ability to run down deep balls or break on off-speed shots.