2027 Outsides Bringing the Heat at the PNQ

<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>These sophomore standouts caught our eye at the Pacific Northwest Qualifier in Spokane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>This group didn't just hammer down kills; they played defense with hustle and grit, served tough <em>and</em> in, and encouraged their teammates when the team hit a rough patch on the court. Look for these players to keep working hard, racking up kills and bringing home wins this club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>The Dakine Warriors 16 squad captured the USA Division Championship, doubling up on Qualifier Bids on the season. We start and finish this look with their talented outsides!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499402"],"_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-67de1afb34471"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson is quick off the floor and moves well when playing the back row and off-block defense. The 2027 outside is tough to tip on and has kept improving, playing a full-time six-rotation OH role for Dakine. Nelson has the verticality to adjust to sets on the outside, roll and chip to open spots in the defense, or swing away when there is a gap in the block. Her emergence as a consistent passer in serve-receive has helped propel her Dakine team forward, and she contributes an accurate jump float from the service line that is hard for teams to handle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459078"],"_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-67de1afb344d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='459078' first='Kaylin' last='Gines'] is the go-to attacker for RVC 16 Allen, playing all the way around and taking big rips from the pipe and both pins. In a match against Kokua 16, Gines worked the edges of the block and scored to the deep corner, all while getting on the floor defensively to dig out tips and chase down deflections. The Mary Walker star has excellent size and a lively arm; her defensive work continues to develop and improve as she faces challenging club competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499406"],"_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-67de1afb34520"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The PSVBA outside was on fire versus EXCEL 16N White, scoring with powerful shots to the angle and showing off her athleticism running a fast-tempo attack orchestrated by setter [player_tooltip player_id='501666' first='Olivia' last='Puttler']. EXCEL eventually squeaked out a three-set win, but Guardipee put defenders on notice with her outstanding play. The Puyallup sophomore has leveled up since a good state tournament run and is developing into an excellent all-around player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/84dlNwDPFxw?si=33WLUhu5n9VCXM5N","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/84dlNwDPFxw?si=33WLUhu5n9VCXM5N </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722843"],"_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-67de1afb34568"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Chelan 2027 plays with all-out effort and heart, and she will not get cheated when she is takes a swing. NCWVBC pushed Dakine hard in a day two pool play match, dropping a three-set battle. Kunz was all over the court, flying around to make digs and chase down deep balls to the corner while keeping the North Central Washington VBC 16 offense humming. She is a player to watch as Chelan will be chasing another state title next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20197167/67c5dafd787f4097b5e78a63' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37957af7db"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["515093"],"_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-67de1afb345b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shockwave has played a full schedule of tough opponents this club season- Bilodeau consistently delivers points with her big arm swing from the outside. She is quicker in transition and has good footwork, and the Kamiakin sophomore is adding smart shot selection to her power game. She will push hard shots to the back corner and hits a ball with pace and location when she swings from the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["333217"],"_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-67de465780480"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a clutch player who delivers the big blows when Dakine needs a kill to finish off an opponent. She torched a swing down the line for a kill on an out-of-system set to get to match point, then Dakine front line blockers [player_tooltip player_id='488617' first='Angelique' last='Bernard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='554223' first='Kayla' last='Baker'] finished the championship in style with a monster block for a three-set win over OVCV G16. Smith plays a terrific all-around game, consistent in all phases, and betters the ball when things get sticky. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/7MjVQDXqAGU?si=hYhEdJkGRBq2f_F1","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/7MjVQDXqAGU?si=hYhEdJkGRBq2f_F1 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SALT LAKE CITY SHOWDOWN SHOWCASE WEEKEND 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Are you headed to Salt Lake for the April 5th—7th Qualifier? We always have a great group of Pacific Northwest teams at the Showdown, and I will be covering the Showcase for Washington players. Michael DeLeon is the Event Director- Mike is an experienced hand from Prep Dig Texas and California. He is a fun, encouraging leader, and his events are always fast-paced and competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Showcase information and registration are available here: https://events.prepdig.com/e/1454/register/salt-lake-city-showdown-showcase-weekend-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the PNW players already on the list:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='571372' first='Violet' last='Dougherty'] 2028 5'10" Juanita<br>Addison Loosli 2026 5'7" Skyline<br>Madeleine Glynn 2028 5'8" West Linn<br>[player_tooltip player_id='760422' first='Jasmine' last='Geck'] 2027 5'10" Union<br>[player_tooltip player_id='531755' first='Kjersti' last='Jacobson'] 2026 5'10" Ferris<br>[player_tooltip player_id='760695' first='Kendall' last='Olsen'] 2027 5'7" Cheney<br>Heidi Presthofer 2028 5'6" Jesuit<br>[player_tooltip player_id='739971' first='Kindell' last='Day'] 2027 5'8" Lakeland<br>[player_tooltip player_id='748115' first='Chiara' last='Cooper'] 2027 5'10" Columbia River<br>[player_tooltip player_id='748319' first='Ella' last='Bennett'] 2028 5'9" Skyview<br>[player_tooltip player_id='748918' first='Ariana' last='Decker'] 2028 5'6" Camas<br>[player_tooltip player_id='720857' first='Ella' last='Wallen'] 2027 5'4" Skyview<br>Emilie LaSala 2028 5'11" Cathedral Catholic<br>[player_tooltip player_id='750289' first='Aimee' last='England'] 2028 5'1" La Center<br>Sawyer Hanley 2028 5'9" South Eugene<br>[player_tooltip player_id='755081' first='Leah' last='Rauch'] 2027 5'5" Skyview<br>Acacia Taylor 2027 6'0" Rigby<br>[player_tooltip player_id='755525' first='Kiley' last='Harris'] 2027 5'8" West Valley<br>[player_tooltip player_id='753412' first='Keira' last='Trask'] 2028 5'9" Glacier Peak<br>[player_tooltip player_id='534518' first='Alyssa' last='Box'] 2028 5'7" Glacier Peak<br>[player_tooltip player_id='534519' first='Sarah' last='Box'] 2028 5'8" Glacier Peak</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->