10 All-State Performers Who Missed The X
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Obviously, when a player makes it to the final stage of the state tournament they are going to get a lot more attention. Local papers, news stations, and state coaching associations are more likely to take notice and earn individual…
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Continue ReadingObviously, when a player makes it to the final stage of the state tournament they are going to get a lot more attention. Local papers, news stations, and state coaching associations are more likely to take notice and earn individual awards. But, let’s look at who were some of the top playmakers that didn’t make the trip to the MSHSL State tournament at the Xcel Energy Center. Here are some that I found were notable.
Bettis is a big time playmaker and has a way of making those around her better. She is solid in serve receive and can expose the flaw in a block effortlessly. She is a huge pickup for Iowa State and will be looking for another big season with Northern Lights 17-1.
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Hoecke is on the radar of all the big division 1 schools. She is a dominant presence at the net and a dynamic attacker whether she is running a route in front or behind her setter. Hoecke simply can’t be left off this list because when she steps on the court, she can’t be ignored.
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Bjorklund is a swiss army knife player that is dominant in all that she does. She is a stellar setter, dominant block, dynamic attacker, and smart defender. Bjorklund should be an early candidate for the 2026 Ms. Baden award.
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Caffee is surely receiving plenty of postseason awards as well as preparing to head to the Ohio State University. She presents a daunting block that stresses attackers out and runs a number of routes that make her unpredictable as an attacker. Caffee has a nose for the ball that helps her know just when and where the ball will be attacked and she’s waiting there to block it.
Gilk and a high powered Champlin Park crew had the unfortune of being in the same section with Wayzata. While they couldn’t quite make in out of the section, their season was still something to be proud on. Gilk, a Minnesota commit, is a 6 rotation wrecking ball and will be a force going into her senior season.
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Everytime I see Christianson she is leveling up her all around play. She is a 6’2 setter but she is a 6 rotation player any way you look at it. It will be interesting to see what colleges will be knocking on her door in less than a year. Christianson is already competing with some of the best in the nation.
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Consistent and dependable liberos are worth a million bucks. Bicknese had a solid freshman season and will only get better. Chatfield may not have made it to the X but Bicknese could help them get there in the next couple years.
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Kocon is one of the best athletes in the game. She can do it all, including being a ferocious left handed attacker and stifling blocker. Her hands are quick and clean with great location on the ball.
Burns may not have made it to the X but she will turn heads with the MN Select 16-1 crew. She’s a consistent 1st contact and has experience playing with older players at a high level. This could be a breakout club season for her.
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DeBoer will be a player to watch as she makes a move from Kandi Elite to MN Select. She will continue to play up an age group and play against top competition. As a setter she is quick, smart, and consistent on the 2nd contact.