Conk Invitational Player Preview Part 1

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outstanding teams and players collide at Kentwood!</h2>   The Kentwood Conk Invite is a one-day, sixteen-team tournament that always attracts a tough field of teams from different classifications and leagues across the state. The 2024 tournament has several state contenders ready to compete from the 4A, 3A and 2A ranks. We highlight senior stars, high-flying newcomers, and underclassmen ready to make their mark in the first of two previews.   Puyallup- South Puget Sound 4A    Sheppard is a four-year varsity starter for the Vikings, her experience will be critical for a young team in the tough SPSL. The Cal Poly Humboldt commit has excellent location on her sets and the size to make plays at the net.       The 6'0" sophomore is aggressive as an attacker and can play the middle or on the pins. Kerlee is taking swings as a right side for Puyallup in the early part of the season, taking on opposing outside hitters as a blocker.    Ridgefield-Greater St. Helens 2A    The Spudders senior setter will be counted on to lead her squad after the departure of multiple experienced stars from last season. Curran has terrific size, good athleticism, and big game experience to lean on when a match is on the line.     Hanes will be a go-to attacker on the pin for the Spudders and has already racked up double-digit kills in contests this season. Hanes is athletic with good timing as a blocker, and Ridgefield is a program that understands how to develop young players.    Mercer Island- KingCo Conference 3A    The hard-hitting left-hander is always ready to take an important swing to try to close out a set. Prophater has the skill to attack out of the back row as an opposite, and Mercer Island is not afraid to find her in any situation.     The 2027 prospect can play the middle or take swings from the pin. At 6'0", Shea has a high contact point and attacks with power, she gives Mercer Island another consistent threat on the front line.    Capital- Puget Sound League 3A    Williams is one of the top players in the Puget Sound League, and Capital has had success playing the 6'3" senior on the pins and in the middle. The senior had a terrific club season for Dakine and shined at Nationals playing primarily on the right side.       Mikkelsen is a do-it-all setter and right-side playing all the way around for Capital. The senior has the hops to put down kills or make a clutch block, and smooth feet and hands when she is moving the ball around as a setter. Mikkelsen doesn't come off the floor and is a critical part of Capital's success.    Camas-Greater St. Helens 4A    Mairs is playing full-time at the setter position for Camas this season before moving on to San Jose State for her college career. The #2 overall player in the class can fling the ball pin to pin for her talented set of attackers and is always a threat to score on her own when she is in the front row.     The dynamic middle continued to develop and refine her powerful game during the club season for NPJ. Stephen has strong hands as a blocker and is difficult to stop when she is running in system.    Olympia- South Puget Sound 4A    The 6'3" Holstrum is playing on the outside for Olympia, and her leverage and power as an attacker cause big problems for opposing blockers and defenders. The Seattle Pacific commit is a tremendous blocker herself and teams take their chances testing her big press at the net.       The 2026 MB plays with speed and energy and is adept at crushing kills off fast tempo sets. Wilson gives Olympia athletic play in the middle and fires up the squad when she makes a big play.    Kentwood- North Puget Sound League 4A    Western Washington secured a verbal commitment from Skagen for next season. She is a complete six-rotation outside hitter and is excellent in serve receive and in the back row. Skagen is comfortable attacking out of the pipe and gives Kentwood extra options when they run their offense.     The senior setter is headed to Tiffin (OH) to play her college ball next season, Akolzin will bring great hands and good decision-making for the Dragons. Kentwood is an experienced, senior-heavy team with a chance to make a run in the postseason playing in the competitive NPSL.    Kelso- Greater St. Helens 3A    McGregor is athletic and has a motor that won't stop when she is playing in the middle. She is an aggressive blocker and attacker at the net, and her energy and excitement help keep her team motivated on the floor.     Grafton is a dynamic all-around player who won't come off the floor for Kelso this season. She can run tempo on the outside, attack from the back row, and hammer a ball on a "two" in the middle. Grafton helps her team in all phases of the game and has a high volleyball IQ when she plays.