Best In The West: Southern Plains Thunder Prospects
Prep Dig Kansas features athletes from the Western part of the state.
In this article:
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<p>The [program_tooltip program_id='430193' first='Kansas' last='Networks Volleyball Club'] is hosting a tournament on February 17 and 18.</p>
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<p>I scouted three matches on Saturday in the 17U Division.</p>
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<p>One team who showed up ready to play was the Southern Plains Thunder. I scouted their first match of the day which was a two-set victory over KS Networks 17-6. The Thunder roster is made up of athletes from Southwestern Kansas programs.</p>
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<p>This was an interesting team to watch because they are super young. The majority of players are playing up an age group, play multiple sports, and have no real vision yet for their future.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='530214' first='Lily' last='Pfaff']</strong>, 5'7”, RS, Dodge City, '27</p>
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<p>Pfaff was the one player I talked to who said she was more than committed to playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Her play did not disappoint either. The freshman from Dodge City finished with five kills, three digs, and two serve receptions in the early morning victory. She plays with a bounce in her step and communicates well. She's the leader of this squad and that says a lot considering her age. She is a player that community college coaches at Dodge City, Garden City, Colby, and Seward County should write on their 2027 scouting board.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='785562' first='Makiah' last='Kliesen']</strong>, 6'0”, MH, Spearville '26</p>
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<p>The most physical athlete in the Thunder is Spearville's Kliesen. The sophomore from Spearville can play six rotations and should continue to hone her skills in club all. She finished with two kills, five digs, and two blocks for Southern Plains. She can jump and has a nice swing.</p>
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<p><strong>Taegin Liggett</strong>, 5'4”, S, Ness City, '26</p>
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<p>Liggett was the player that took me by surprise. She can really jump for her size and is a smooth setter. I got the impression that volleyball might not be the multiple-sport prospect's best sport, but she can play. She filled up her stat line with three kills, four digs, and four serve receptions.</p>
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<p><strong>Kenzie Preisner</strong>, 5'9”, MH/OH, Spearville, '25</p>
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<p>Preisner is another physical athlete. I got the feeling I did not see her best match, but she can be disruptive at the net. She had two blocks and three kills for the Thunder. The Lancer prospect's ceiling is probably at the NAIA level, but if she fully commits to the sport she will no doubt improve her stock.</p>
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The Kansas Networks Volleyball Club is hosting a tournament on February 17 and 18.
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