Wabaunsee Chargers Are Talented And Deep

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wabaunsee Chargers hosted a tournament on the first day of the 2024 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, their first match went three sets which threw off the schedule. I watched the Chargers' last set in a loss to Axtell and then scouted their first set against Heritage Christian Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was impressed by the depth and overall athleticism on the Wabaunsee roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a quick report on four prospects who caught my eye on the first day of what will surely be an exciting high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617606' first='Elise' last='Ford']</strong>, 5'10”, RS, Wabaunsee, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ford is a physical and strong front-row athlete. This was my first time seeing her compete in person. She is currently unranked but can look to be added when the class of 2026 Kansas rankings are next updated. She finished with two kills in the set that I scouted. I liked her approach and was impressed with how she stayed focused on the match when she was not in the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617604' first='Reese' last='Michaelis']</strong>, 5'8”, S, Wabaunsee, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michaelis is another unranked athlete I saw play for the first time. She has quick feet and communicates well. She adjusted well to bad passes and did not panic when the team was out of system. The junior setter dished out eight assists in the first set against Heritage Christian. She has an accurate serve to boot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='529955' first='Grace' last='Zeller']</strong>, 5'9”, MB, Wabaunsee, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zeller had the best set for the Chargers. She is currently ranked No. 85 overall by Prep Dig. She had the best all-around skills of any prospect I watched closely. She can play six rotations and moves well laterally. She finished with four kills, two digs, and four serve receptions in the first set. She plays with poise and does not get rattled in long rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='516248' first='Talen' last='Orton']</strong>, 5'9”, MB, Wabaunsee, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orton is currenlty ranked No. 80 in the Kansas Class of 2027. She played front row only for the Chargers. She has a big reach and had two kills against Heritage Christian. She can improve her stock by tightening up her blocks. She elevates well and will improve by gaining more experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->