High School News: Hitters on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're in the middle of the no-contact dead period here in North Dakota, which can only mean one thing—we're almost back in action. The countdown to first serve is on, and while club season wrapped not long ago, the hunger for high school competition is real. It feels like ages since the energy of the state tournament, and if you're anything like me, you're ready to get back in the gym and see the fire these athletes bring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players have been grinding—refining footwork, sharpening timing on their blocks, dialing in their swings. With high IQ, next-level court presence, and relentless drive, this group is gearing up to make major noise this season. I've got a busy year ahead tracking talent across the state, and I am here for it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>College coaches, take note—this is your early list of must-watch players. Let's dive in.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748730"],"_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-688d7eb22c87d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='748730' first='Piper' last='Schmidt'] out of Flasher might not be the tallest middle on the court, but she more than makes up for it with her explosive athleticism and quick tempo game. She reads the set well, gets off the ground fast, and has a knack for finding seams in the block. With over 322 kills already in her high school career, Piper is proving she can terminate with the best of them. She's constantly working pin-to-pin and is a major presence in transition—always ready to press over on the block or turn it around for a quick one-ball. Heading into the season, she's a middle that's flying under the radar but is absolutely worth watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["811062"],"_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-688d7eb22c8d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='811062' first='Anya' last='Olson'] from Velva is a force in the middle who's been making noise across North Dakota. With over 682 career kills, she's a go-to option in system and a tough stop even when the set isn't perfect. Her footwork is sharp, her timing is clean, and she brings power behind every swing. Whether it's a quick 1 or a slide, Anya knows how to finish. Heading into her senior year, she's within striking distance of the 1,000-kill milestone—and if she keeps playing at this level, she's got a real shot at it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725016"],"_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-688d7eb22c91a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='828255' first='Jordyn' last='Rood'] from Bismarck High is a dominant middle blocker heading into her final season with 636 career kills—and she's not slowing down. Known for her fearless mentality, Jordyn doesn't hesitate to challenge big blocks and finds ways to score in high-pressure moments. She runs an aggressive tempo in the middle, whether it's quick 1s or crossing on a slide, and her ability to close the block makes her a true two-way threat. With her power, presence, and relentless work ethic, Jordyn is poised to make her senior year her best one yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["812361"],"_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-688d7eb22c95a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='812361' first='Chaskee' last='Schmidt'] from Flasher is a name that deserves your attention. A relentless force at the net, Chaskee racked up 276 kills in just one year of varsity play—and that's only the beginning. What truly sets her apart is her efficiency: with a kill percentage of 45%, she's one of the most effective attackers in the state. Whether it's a quick tempo set or a transition ball, she finds ways to terminate with confidence and control. With her explosive arm and high IQ, Chaskee is primed for a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831721"],"_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-688d7eb22c997"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='831721' first='Elli' last='Lloyd'] from Edgeley is a 5'8" outside hitter who brings both flair and firepower to the court. With over 476 career kills already under her belt, she knows how to score—whether it's tooling the block, hitting sharp angles, or finding the deep corners. Her volleyball IQ shines through in every swing, making her a reliable option in high-pressure moments. Elli plays with energy and confidence, and she's the kind of attacker who makes defenses scramble. Expect another big year from this dynamic hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 -->