Standout Setters at The SLC Showdown Showcase

Washington setters played exceptionally well at the Salt Lake City Showdown Week 1 Showcase, and an Idaho prospect also nabbed a Top Performer award to ensure our neighboring state was represented. The Week 1 Showcase was a two-hour event where players competed hard, had fun, and matched up against players from across several USAV regions. Here are five setters who had outstanding performances on Friday night.    Court coaches loved Jacobson's positive attitude and encouragement for her team. They mentioned that she had to be reminded not to chase down and dive after balls well off the court the night before the tournament started! Her relentless approach and skilled overall play at the setter position earned her a well-deserved Top Performer award. Jacobson continues to develop into a leader on the court, doing all the right things to improve the players around her.     The 2028 setter from Skyview High School in the Northern part of Vancouver, WA, has tremendous upside. Long and athletic, Bennett has a high release on her sets and can move around the court to reach errant passes. She played effectively on the right side as a blocker at the Showcase, slowing down attackers and attacking as a setter with a decisive left-handed dump. Bennett will develop with touches and strength; her build and athleticism are ideal for a young setter.     Wallen displayed her quickness and precise footwork throughout the Showcase. She plays six rotations for her Excel NW 16 Gold squad, and her all-around skills served her well during drills and six-on-six play. Wallen was on the ground playing gritty defense, then would pop up and deliver a clean set to her attackers. She did a terrific job squaring up and made good choices when she found a favorable matchup for her team.     Loosli was named a Top Performer; the Skyline (ID) junior had court coaches raving about her "defense first" play at The Showcase. Setters are notorious for releasing before defending; Loosli not only defends first but also handles big swings and off-speed with her solid platform and quick reactions. One court coach pointed out her accurate serve as another terrific part of her game; Loosli has excellent fundamentals setting the ball, and as a player overall.     Trask showed her versatility at the Salt Lake Showcase, stepping in to play the right side, middle, and setter position. During the six-on-six session, the freshman from Glacier Peak looked comfortable chasing down the second ball and coming under control to deliver a well-located set. It helped that she has played multiple positions already, she had solid footwork along the net and in transition. Trask's good hands were on display as she set the second ball accurately out of the right side and middle when things got messy for her team on first contact.

Washington setters played exceptionally well at the Salt Lake City Showdown Week 1 Showcase, and an Idaho prospect also nabbed a Top Performer award to ensure our neighboring state was represented. The Week 1 Showcase was a two-hour event where players competed hard, had fun, and matched up against players from across several USAV regions. Here are five setters who had outstanding performances on Friday night.