Top 250 Expo GameChangers
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Dig. The Prep Dig Minnesota Top 250 Expo did not disappoint. Volleyball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport full of variables and chaos.…
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The Prep Dig Minnesota Top 250 Expo did not disappoint. Volleyball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport full of variables and chaos. We are lucky enough to come across some exceptional athletes that possess a combination of athleticism, skill, and strategic volleyball IQ that sets them apart. In this article we will take a closer look at some of those GameChangers we saw today.
Bjorklund will take over a match because she is strong in whatever contact and context. If she is playing defense, nothing is landing on her side. If she is setting, she will deliver the ball consistently to her attackers. If she is hitting, she will terminate for the point. But her skills aren’t all. She plays with a calm maturity about her. And she’s really strong, athletic, with great footwork and you can tell those around her trust her leadership.
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DeBoer is sure to have a career that will be remarkable whether it’s with her high school or in club. Whatever she touches turns to gold and her impact on a match is immeasurable. DeBoer strikes me as a player that will have an influence on the game well past her prep career. As a setter, DeBoer has great footwork, and a nice quick release of the ball and an ability to move it around effortlessly.
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Janssen seemed to start out a little nervous and tight but it didn’t take her long to warm up. And once she got going she just kept getting better as the session went on. Janssen has a nice high contact and very quick wrist snap. When she got into the middle positional she was running a clinic on how to get on top of the ball and I’m pretty sure I saw a couple bounce in front of the 10 ft line.
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Reed was a complete unknown to me before today but that is forever changed. Today she showed off her electrifying playing style when she would just pound the ball with no mercy and get everyone on her court excited. Her arm is an absolute rocket and when you watched her play she looked like she was having the time of her life. Reed was taking huge rips on the ball and putting the roof on opposing attackers.
I was excited to see Panagiotopoulos had made the transition to a pin hitter. While she has such a heavy swing and can pound the ball, she also has solid ball control with the first contact. Her explosive jumping, powerful attacks, and remarkable court vision make her a gamechanger when she steps on the court.
Kusnier is a dominant force on the court with a powerful attack and confidence that others want to follow. I’m impressed with the amount she has grown since seeing her playing in club last season. She has a high contact point and really fast swing on the ball. Kusnier just seems to be able to picke her spots on the court and place them right where she wants. She is a smart player that can reshape and mold the course of a match.
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Peterson’s energy and communication alone make her a gamechanger in a match. She just seems like she is always ready for what’s coming next and nothing surprises her. Peterson also does a really nice job controlling a hard driven ball and making it a settable ball that her team can terminate. As a defender she just seems to push the boundaries of her position enough to solidify her status as a high level bro.
Michaelis had a HUGE high school season and I think she is due for a break out club season. She could be a real dominant force with her exceptional skill and athleticism. She not only has the length but also an explosive jump and electric swing. As a lefty she does a great job of getting her feet around the ball. Michaelis has a very high contact point and fast swing to score points with ease.