Rock Creek And Hayden Play An “Instant Classic” In 4A Semifinals

Rock Creek And Hayden Play An &#8220;Instant Classic&#8221; In 4A Semifinals

Prep Dig Kansas covers live summer event in Topeka.

Jeremy Deckard November 2, 2024 @ 10:26 AM

In one of the best matches I saw all season the Rock Creek Mustangs defeated the Hayden Wildcats in a three-set thrilling semifinal match in the Class 4A State Tournament.   Rock Creek the No. 2 Seed will face No.8 Seed and defending state champion Bishop Miege in the championship match at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.   Hayden a team built around a deep freshman class did not achieve their state title dreams, but the Wildcats are built for multiple future trips to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='489775' first='Brynna' last='Zoeller'], S, 5'11”, Rock Creek, ‘26   Zoeller is ranked No. 12 overall in the class of 2026 and is the second highest ranked setter in the class behind a Division I committed setter. Her skills are top-shelf, and she is just a monster athlete. She is perhaps the most physically gifted setter in the entire state regardless of age group. Zoeller, she has a long wing span and uses that to her advantage when setting, tipping, or attacking. She also might be the best blocker on the team. She made an impressive sliding set from her knees that could make tonight's edition of Sports Center.   [player_tooltip player_id='219714' first='Ayla' last='Klingenberg'], OH, 6'0”, Rock Creek, ‘25   Klingenberg was picking up kills like Jason on Halloween. She is ranked No. 54 overall in the class of 2026. She recently announced her verbal commitment to Southeast Louisiana University.  She is a consistent hitter who is difficult to block. She hit cross-court or down the line with equal accuracy.   [player_tooltip player_id='714709' first='Tailyn' last='Kadavy'], OH, 6'0”, Rock Creek, ‘25   Kadavy was clutch for Rock Creek. She did not lead the team in kills, but she came up with a couple of key ones in crucial situations. She has a nice reach and solid blocking skills. Kadavy played her best ball in the winner-take-all third set against Hayden. Kadavy has verbally committed to play for Highland Community College.   [player_tooltip player_id='714714' first='Eliana' last='Prather'], OH, 5'10”, Rock Creek, ‘26   A Rock Creek prospect I was not familiar with was Prather. She is a solid compliment to Klingenberg as an attacker. She is quick and communicates well with teammates. She can play on the back row or front row and is able to elevate with the best of them. She should be added to the rankings when they are next updated.   [player_tooltip player_id='173373' first='Reagan' last='McGivern'], MB, 6'3”, Hayden, ‘25   McGivern was solid in her final high school matches. She made a couple of key blocks against Rock Creek. She carried the young Wildcats on her back in the second set which Hayden won. She is ranked No. 3 overall in the class of 2025 and has verbally committed to Villanova University.   [player_tooltip player_id='513606' first='Hailey' last='Schmidtlein'], MB, 6'0”, Hayden, ‘28   Schmidtlein has a lot of juice in her game. She is an attacking machine who can play six rotations as a freshman. She is currently the No. 1 ranked athlete in the Kansas Class of 2028.  She has a ton of volleyball ahead of her and the rest of her class of 2028 peers have three years to wrestle the No. 1 spot from her.   [player_tooltip player_id='460352' first='Ella' last='Foster'], DS/L, 5'4”, Hayden, ‘26   Foster was a defensive whiz for the Wildcats. Rock Creek was peppering balls at her the entire match and she gobbled them up like a professional jalapeno popper eater. She is ranked No. 31 in the Kansas Class of 2026 rankings.

In one of the best matches I saw all season the Rock Creek Mustangs defeated the Hayden Wildcats in a three-set thrilling semifinal match in the Class 4A State Tournament.