High School Preview: West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using the discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Reloaded and Relentless: Sheyenne Gears Up for Another State Run</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season's state championship match was nothing short of electric, and Sheyenne was right in the middle of it. Though they came up just short in that final battle, the Mustangs proved they belonged on the biggest stage, going toe-to-toe with the top talent in the state that no one will soon forget.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But don't let the graduation of a few key seniors fool you—this Sheyenne squad isn't rebuilding… they're reloading. The returning core has been grinding all offseason, showing up strong in club, building chemistry, and putting in high-level reps that are already turning heads. This group isn't playing just to stay sharp—they're competing like a team hungry for redemption, and they're doing it at a whole new level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Senior Leadership Sets the Tone</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class may be small, but it's loaded with grit and leadership:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725010' first='Marley' last='Budeau']</strong> returns as a veteran <strong>setter</strong> who runs a fast-paced offense and distributes with precision. She controls tempo, commands the court, and isn't afraid to take risks in transition.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810007' first='Nicci' last='Zeis']</strong>, a strong and versatile <strong>middle/right-side</strong>, brings physicality to the net with quick reads on the block and efficient swings off the slide and gap.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800195' first='Kia' last='Ray']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800251' first='Addi' last='Kill']</strong> lead the backcourt as two experienced <strong>defensive specialists</strong>, known for their court awareness, controlled passing, and relentless pursuit of the ball.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf']</strong>, a <strong>right-side hitter committed to Omaha</strong>, adds a powerful swing and blocks with discipline, often neutralizing opposing outside hitters.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808246' first='Siri' last='Martin']</strong>, another <strong>RS</strong>, brings depth and power to the front row, able to terminate high off the hands and play smart out of system.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Talent Returning to Dominate</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the returners, three athletes stand out as top-five prospects in their class:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724922' first='Makayla' last='Amundson'] (2027)</strong> has elevated her stock as a <strong>setter</strong> after a standout club season playing up an age division. She's confident running both a 5-1 and 6-2 and sees the court exceptionally well, adjusting set location mid-rally to keep blockers guessing.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722409' first='Peyton' last='Saxlund'] (2027)</strong> is one of the most <strong>versatile attackers</strong> in the region. Whether she's swinging from the left or right pin, she plays with poise and power and reads the block with ease. A six-rotation contributor who can also pass in serve receive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828350' first='Reilly' last='Bryant'] (2027)</strong> sits atop our Class of 2027 rankings—and for good reason. This <strong>dominant net presence</strong> is an explosive attacker and high-level blocker. Her combination of vertical, timing, and volleyball IQ makes her nearly unstoppable at the net. College coaches have already taken notice.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sophomores with National-Level Experience</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Class of 2028</strong> is stacked, and several players are already proving they belong on the varsity court:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728000' first='Olivia' last='Bratton']</strong> is a rising <strong>outside hitter</strong> with a powerful arm and high point of contact. She scores in transition, has solid shot selection, and plays with edge.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger']</strong> is a relentless <strong>libero</strong> who controls serve receive, reads hitters exceptionally well, and isn't afraid to lay out for game-changing digs.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman']</strong> is a <strong>setter/right-side hybrid</strong> with great hands and the ability to jump into attack mode when needed—creating matchup issues with her dual skill set.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826810' first='Kendal' last='Ray']</strong>, an <strong>OH/RS</strong>, brings athleticism and clean mechanics to both pins, with the ability to swing down the line or rip sharp cross.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Names to Track This Season</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the familiar names, several players are <strong>poised for breakout seasons</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743638' first='Casey' last='Deng'] (2028)</strong>, a long and explosive <strong>outside hitter</strong>, boasts an attack reach over 9 feet and can terminate both in-system and out-of-system.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728442' first='Shea' last='Olson'] (2028)</strong>, a <strong>DS/L</strong>, brings elite-level floor coverage and reads the game like a veteran. Her quick reads and clean platform make her a major asset in serve receive and coverage.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736810' first='Eleanore' last='Christianson'] (2028)</strong>, a rising <strong>middle/right-side</strong>, is a major riser on our board. Her footwork has improved drastically, and she's pressing over the net with authority. Keep an eye on her this fall.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724983' first='Taylor' last='Johnson'] (2027)</strong> is another name to circle. She's been developing fast and brings versatility and energy that could help Sheyenne in key rotations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Built to Win</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach <strong>Leah Newton</strong> enters her 12th season at the helm with one of the deepest, most competitive rosters in recent memory. The Mustangs' culture is built on grit, accountability, and a winning mindset—and it shows in the way these athletes carry themselves year-round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team knows the standard. They lift, rep, study film, and compete with purpose. Newton isn't afraid to mix lineups, challenge her athletes, or lean into young talent if it means finding the best formula for success. That flexibility and trust have made Sheyenne a perennial powerhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will they make it back to the title match?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Time will tell—but if offseason work ethic, depth, and leadership are any indication, don't be surprised if Sheyenne is right back in the hunt come November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let the season begin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading -->