PrepDig Gauntlet: The Best and Worst

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepDig Gauntlet exceeded all expectations. Having scouted tournaments across the country, I can confidently say that every single court at this event was packed with high-caliber volleyball. There were no easy matches for any team. The house was filled with top Midwestern teams, and the level of play was distinctly different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The athletes appeared more robust and physically imposing, with frames that suggested greater muscle mass and strength. In other words, they were athletically built and strong. From the very first match on day one, the teams were ready. I didn't see a single player in pajama pants or half-heartedly warming up. Players collectively warmed up together, running and stretching as a team. I was particularly impressed by one team watching film on their upcoming opponents without their coach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This led to a style of play that can only be described as aggressive. These girls were swinging hard, and when they got blocked, they swung even harder. Tips were minimal and usually came from setters in offensive attacks. The number of covered blocked balls was massive. The game looked and felt closer to watching boys' volleyball due to its power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best aspect of the Gauntlet was the level of competition. The worst thing is that we don't have this tournament in California. However, we are bringing this high-caliber event to Florida on May 31, 2025, at the IMG Academy. Mark your calendars to experience this exceptional volleyball event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At this Gauntlet, several powerhouse athletes emerged as prospects to watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon']: A Superstar in the Making</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon'] is ranked #1 in Missouri, and it's easy to see why. I first met Shaye at the Kansas City UA Camp, where she dominated as one of the youngest players in the gym, winning the MVP. You can read her write-up at the <a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/02/ua-next-kansas-city-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UA Next Kansas City Camp here</a>. Since then, I have covered her at qualifiers, camps, and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C64uEypv1HN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USAV NDTP</a>, and one thing remains consistent: this kid keeps getting better. Every time I watch her, her fundamentals and mechanics are noticeably improving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watching Shaye in a match is entertaining, but observing her warm-up is like witnessing a collegiate superstar in the making. Scouting her warm-ups and practice sessions offers a true sense of her athletic ability. Scouting games allow us to see how she competes and provide college coaches with a better idea of her character and problem-solving skills. After witnessing both on several occasions, I can confidently say that Shaye is an exceptional all-around prospect who excels in every area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moreover, Shaye is articulate, mature, and confident in her interactions on and off the court, not just with me but with everyone she meets. The best thing about Shaye is that she is destined to be a Division 1 superstar. The worst thing is that she doesn't live in California, limiting my opportunities to cover her more frequently. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["475339"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66679721ca699"} --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-m_1csgMV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-m_1csgMV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Maggie Kurpeikis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the first time I saw Maggie Kurpeikis play, and I have to say I was completely impressed. Maggie possesses a lean, athletic frame and demonstrates exceptional skill in hitting the sweet spot on the ball, delivering a fast-paced arm swing that consistently results in points. She serves as an offensive weapon in both the front and back row, successfully executing a variety of sets. Maggie showcases proficiency in serving, passing, and blocking, demonstrating versatility across all aspects of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me the most was her ability to score point after point, fully contributing to her team's win. Curious about her consistency, I asked her coach between sets if she always performed at this level or if she was just having a lights-out game. His response affirmed Maggie's talent, stating that she is consistently great and already garnering significant attention from the country's top colleges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie and her mom after the match, and they were both delightful. The best thing about Maggie is her unwavering consistency in converting plays into points. The worst is that she doesn't play on the California circuit more often, which limits my opportunities to cover what will be a captivating journey. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["479571"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66679721ca711"} --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-qgl5sf-B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-qgl5sf-B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Morgan Stewart</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan Stewart of FC Elite stood out as one of the most energetic players I've witnessed on the circuit this year. Her energy, fire, and follow-through were truly remarkable. Watching Morgan play volleyball is an experience in itself—I could watch her all day and never get tired of it. Her on-court swagger, not just for herself but also for her teammates, is awe-inspiring. She possesses such an electric personality that it draws crowds to her matches. Whether she's serving aces, dominating at the net, or shutting down hitters, Morgan is a game-changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As an immediate fan, I had the opportunity to interview Morgan and ask her about her energy. You can see her response<em> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8AKxBUsTu1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em>. The best thing about Morgan is her on-court vibe, not only for her own success but also for her teammates. However, the worst part is that her time on the high school circuit is coming to an end. I'm more than sure she enjoyed the ride, as she aptly said, "Life is a volleyball game and I am the DJ." Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["178232"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66679721ca75f"} --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8AJL2DsdnW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8AJL2DsdnW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mesaiya Bettis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mesaiya Bettis was not overshadowed by the huge game her middles were having at the tournament; instead, she absolutely held her own. Her athletic build is lean and strong, and her serving, passing, and powerful attacks have earned her a spot on the Iowa State Volleyball roster. The best thing about her is that she never stops swinging, consistently delivering aggressive plays. The worst is that I did not discover her on the circuit until now. She is a dynamic player whom I would have personally loved to provide more exposure to. We wish Miss Bettis the best of luck at Iowa. Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["117880"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":549456,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66679721ca7c1"} --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-cbaAMrJR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7-cbaAMrJR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linku0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>This event was stacked with talent, and I had the privilege of witnessing several other top performers who left a lasting impression.</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":549431,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-evyn_taylor_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549431" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549430,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-maggie_kurpeikis_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549430" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549437,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-charlotte_hayes_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549437" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549436,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-jasmine_meyer_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549436" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549448,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-shaye_witherspoon_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549448" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549435,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-lauren_cortina_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549435" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549442,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-abigail_shoene_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549442" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549433,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-addison_newblatt_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549433" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549439,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-natalie_ptacek_720_ec35a8.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549439" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549443,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-carly_slusser_720_d73c36.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549443" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549447,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-keira_schmidt_720_8f5d0a.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549447" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549444,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-lily_jones_720_b81210.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549444" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549434,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-mckenna_payne_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549434" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549440,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-mesaiya_bettis_720_7eb716.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549440" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549441,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-tamia_maddox_720_137b49.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549441" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549445,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-avery_freeman_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549445" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549446,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-addison_torain_720_6d132d.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549446" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":549438,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/pdtp-pdg-bella_bullington_720.jpg?1718064016" alt="" class="wp-image-549438" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery -->