The Finale at NLQ/Jan. Thaw-My Standout Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day 3 – The Finale at the NLQ/Jan. Thaw – and what a thrilling conclusion it was! These past few days have been packed with intensity, as fresh talent emerged and seasoned veterans fought tooth and nail for that coveted bid to Dallas. The energy was electric, and every court I visited had its own exciting moments. So many players, so many impressive performances, but the real question is: who truly stood out on the last day? Let's dive in and take a closer look!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722208"],"_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-67a042b656b22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Josalyn is a game-changer. At 6'0", this 2028 setter already plays with the poise and precision of a seasoned veteran. When she's in the front row, her stealthy setter dumps catch opponents off guard every time. She's not just making an impact—she's dominating, and she's only getting started. With her size, skill, and IQ, she's a must-watch player this season. If you're looking for a setter who can outplay veterans and take control of the court, Josalyn needs to be on your radar.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727727"],"_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-67a042b656b7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leyton was a player that immediately caught my attention with the energy she brought to the court. As a setter, she was a true workhorse—running the offense with confidence, precision, and hustle. For the class of 2029, it's never too early to start watching rising talent, and Leyton is one to keep on your radar. With her leadership and relentless drive, we're only going to see more of her as time goes on.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["729589"],"_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-67a042b656bc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sylea instantly caught my attention as I was heading to another court—before I knew it, I was staying put, and she was one of the reasons why! This 2028 standout is a queen at the service line, delivering floating serves that drop out of nowhere and powerful strikes that are nearly impossible to defend. But she doesn't stop there—her presence at the net and on defense is beyond her years. Sylea is already on our watch list for the upcoming rankings, and she should be on yours too!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Morgan Manthey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Kairos","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a042b656c69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan is a name to remember. This 2029 libero plays with composure beyond her years, staying calm and controlled under pressure. When the game gets chaotic, she's the one re-centering her team. Her court coverage is elite—she reads plays effortlessly and keeps the defense locked in. Morgan covers like a boss, and trust me, you'll want to keep your eyes on her!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727991"],"_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-67a042b656cb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Masiella never disappoints. She is a fierce competitor with a relentless drive that sets her apart. What truly stands out is her coachability—she absorbs feedback and executes it flawlessly. Don't let her size fool you; she delivers a powerful attack that keeps defenders on their heels. Her energy is contagious, lifting up her teammates and fueling every play. Masiella is a player you want on your side when the game is on the line!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727997"],"_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-67a042b656cf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baylor is making a strong case for the top rankings in ND Prep Dig 2028. She owns the backcourt, reading plays before they happen and moving with precision to make impossible saves look effortless. For a freshman, she's already at the top of her game, showcasing elite instincts and court awareness well beyond her years. The real question is—just how high will she rise? I can't wait to find out!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724922"],"_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-67a042b656d35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makayla is the top setter for ND's Class of 2027, and she plays like it. She brings unmatched energy, commanding the court with confidence and precision. From the moment she steps on, she owns the game—running routes, reading the defense, and making split-second decisions that set her team up for success. If you haven't watched her yet, make sure she's on your list this June!~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253955"],"_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-67a042b656d76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zoie, a senior, consistently caught my attention throughout the NLQ. Her court awareness was undeniable—always in the right place, covering, and making game-changing plays. She hustles with intensity and brings the kind of energy that lifts her team. She has committed to Bellevue University, and they are lucky to have her!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Megan Geraets","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dell Rapids St Marys","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Sanford-Sioux Falls","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67a042b656df7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Megan was a dominant force at the net, shutting down tough hitters with her impressive blocking skills. As a middle blocker, she showcased her versatility by running different routes and executing them flawlessly. Her ability to read the game and react quickly made her a key player on the court.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724985"],"_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-67a042b656e3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aurey is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Her hitting combines incredible power with flawless placement, making her attacks nearly impossible to read or stop. Every swing is calculated, and she knows exactly how to exploit the defense. That's exactly what she did this weekend—she rose to the occasion and elevated her game even more. College coaches, put her on your list!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've seen some incredible young talent on this list—players who are sure to make a name for themselves in the coming years. And let's not forget the veterans who have dedicated countless hours to honing their skills, proving just how much experience can elevate a game. Whether it's the fresh faces or the seasoned athletes, one thing is clear: these players are making us fall even more in love with the sport of volleyball, showcasing passion, drive, and excellence with every play they make. The future of the game is bright, and we can't wait to watch it unfold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a>&nbsp;for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After following our page, take the next step and&nbsp;<strong>subscribe to PrepDig</strong>! 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