PD Gauntlet: New and Familiar 2026s To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is gearing up for a big summer where they are “officially” able to start talking to college coaches in regards to the recruiting process.&nbsp; The Prep Dig Gauntlet will be the final event before the phone lines can open on June 15.&nbsp; Listed below are some names that are familiar as well as new.&nbsp; I've seen plenty of volleyball this spring along with more highlights and videos on BallerTV that I am ready for a big summer of coverage.&nbsp; Get to know these athletes who will be at the Prep Dig Gauntlet.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Reagan Lesley is an outside hitter for Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno.  She packs a punch with her swing where she can really terminate on an inside, fast tempo set.  This team is accustomed to a fast paced offense where they can terminate the seam.  Lesley not only can swing away from the pin, but she can be utilized in offensive schemes out of the middle and on the right side in serve receive.  She is dynamic where she can score in multiple ways where she can take it a variety of angles and change up speeds.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780258"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["260948"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kylie Lambert was impressive at the Prep Dig Chitown Classic where Top Flight 17 Elite took home the title.  Lambert is a 5'7 setter who can put the ball on the money for her attackers.  She is also very sound defensively in their 6-2 system.  A 2026 playing up on the 17s squad, she is one to know heading into the summer with a solid all around game.  Another 2026 on this Top Flight 17 Elite squad is Elizabeth King who was very impressive from the pin.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780305"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510453"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I didn't know much about Ashlyn Graf prior to this club season, but she is really trending up among the Class of 2026 middle blockers in Wisconsin.  At 6'1, Graf has the length, height, and physicality to take control of the front line.  Her approach touch is 9'9 where she has a very high ceiling in her ability to leap, terminate, and block.  She is very quick in transition, getting out of her block and being available to run the middle with a variety of tempos.  She may have started 2024 quietly, but she is ready to make some noise this summer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780390"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["222076"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 5'11, Abby Schoene of Rockwood Thunder is one to know as a setter from the Class of 2026.  She has plenty of length where she can attack in the front row and the defense has to respect her whenever she jumps.  She can defend in the backrow, block in the front row, and dish to all of her attackers with a variety of tempos.  She is a pure playmaker where she can create something out of nothing for her team to score points.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780410"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220349"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another physical and dynamic middle blocker in the 16s field of the Prep Dig Gauntlet is Teagan Pocius of Rockwood Thunder 16 Elite.  The 6'0 sophomore has plenty of physicality where she knows how to terminate.  She can take the ball left or right, finding the deep corner or thumping it on the ten foot line.  There are times where she can utilize a throw or tip, she will attack off one foot, however being in system and swinging with aggression is where Pocius can really succeed.  Rockwood Thunder 16 Elite earned a Liberty big from the Northeast Qualifier in Philly.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780493"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319759"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"There is a scary upside to the game of Alaina Pollard of 1st Alliance 16 Gold.  At 6'0, Pollard has some big time springs where she is touching above ten feet and has had some big time highlights blocking and attacking.  Her hang time is special where she is able to make adjustments in mid-air.  The 1st Alliance 16 Gold team has been on fire in the past two months where they won the Salt Lake Qualifier and won the Indy Cup last weekend with a loaded field.  They will have their eyes on the prize in 16 Open in Vegas come July.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780516"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["491005"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'3, Hughes is another 2026 middle blocker that is on the rise.  She has quite the wingspan at the net where she can take control defensively.  Her upside will be fun to see progress where she has plenty of athleticism and physicality.  This is a high powered 16 Silver team that I got to watch quite a bit at MEQ in March.  They have earned a 16 National bid for Vegas and will be a sneaky good team at the Prep Dig Gauntlet next month.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde87805ca"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["326069"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another 2026 middle to have on the radar will be Dunja Savis who plays for Adversity 16 Adidas out of Chicagoland.  Savic has a major physical presence where she takes a big approach and isn't afraid to swing big. At 6'2, she has the high touch and physicality that are a great blend when it comes to a strong block.  She has a high motor.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780648"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1748722609250840816","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1748722609250840816 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["504441"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I was able to see Landerud play during the high school season, specifically for her McFarland High School squad in the state semifinals.  She hits the ball square every single time.  She is part of the Sting United 16 Red team out of the Madison area where they have had a really successful season earning a 16 National bid.  Landerud holds down one of the middle positions where she has a fast twitch swing and has had some huge highlights this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde87806e2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Barkheim is part of the Northern Lights 16-2 squad where she can play all the way around.  The outside hitter has the ability to take it line or cross court depending on what the defense gives her.  She is also an outlet out of the backrow for her team as well.  She preps at Chatfield High School, a small school in the Rochester area where they have a very young and talented core returning where they will hope to make a run this fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde878075e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249663"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mortenson has been very dynamic for FC Elite 16 White this season.  With a diverse skill set, Mortenson can play in the backrow as well as attack from the outside and right side.  She has a high contact point where she can really snap on the ball at multiple angles.  She preps at Sheboygan Falls High School and will be one to watch in her upcoming juniors season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde87807d8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226810"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Warrick is a high flyer on the outside.  She approaches with speed and has such a violent arm swing where she is not afraid to be aggressive.  Her skill set allows her to be an all around player for Circle City 16 Purple.  This team has a bid to Vegas in the 16 National Division which the Gauntlet will be a great warm up for many of these teams who could see ach other in Milwaukee and at nationals.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664cde8780853"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->