Scouting Practice: A Peaceful Practice In Goodland

Although the Eagles once sang about a “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” today I was at peace driving through Western Kansas listening to my favorite Western Movie Theme Songs.   One might ask, Deck, what are you doing in Western Kansas?   Today, I scouted the Goodland Gowgirls' practice on my way to Denver.   Some other inquisitive folks might well ask, Deck, what are your favorite Western Movie Theme Songs?   Thanks for asking, my top three are “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “Bite The Bullet.”   I reckon real inquiring minds might be asking, but Deck, the Kansas prep volleyball season starts Saturday, so why on earth are you headed to Colorado?   I'm on my way to Denver to watch the Chicago Cubs play in Coors Field, you sillies!   Before the grind that will be September, I decided to treat myself to a little Rocky Mountain Baseball.   Don't worry, while the Prep Dig Kansas content very well might dry up on Friday and Saturday, I will return with a report on Sunday, highlighting the matches I plan to scout next week.   This was my first time watching a team from Goodland since their football team knocked me and my Smoky Valley teammates out of the playoffs in back-to-back snow-packed football games in 1992 and 1993. Yes, I spent more time watching from the sideline than I did playing in those games.   I was impressed with the talent I saw on display this afternoon, and you can expect to see some new names in the Prep Dig rankings when they are updated in October.   Thank you, Goodland for having me out!   Go Cubs Go!   [player_tooltip player_id='835594' first='Makenna' last='Schick'], 5'9”, OH/MB, ‘28   Shick is a long athlete with a big reach. She has a solid platform and moves quickly. She led Goodland last season in both kills and blocks. During her freshman campaign, she recorded 207 kills and 66 blocks. I would expect her to have an even more productive season as a sophomore. She plays club ball for the Sunshine Academy.   [player_tooltip player_id='881259' first='Avery' last='Weibel'], 5'11”, MB, '29   Wiebel is a freshman to watch out for. She was taking reps in Goodland's first rotation. She plays a poised game and is an instinctive athlete. I was really impressed with her serve. It is hard and accurate. She also plays club ball with Sunshine Academy. That club plays in a region with teams from Colorado, so I am not that familiar with them. She can expect to be added to the rankings in October.   [player_tooltip player_id='815838' first='Libby' last='Cure'], 5'10”, MB, ‘26   Cure is a six-rotation athlete and is ranked No. by Prep Dig Kansas. She finished with 158 kills during her junior season. She is a multi-sport talent who is more than likely to pursue basketball over volleyball, but I would still recommend that JUCO programs in Western Kansas reach out and give her a look. She has had conversations with Cowley Community College, but no official offers, as of yet. She is a vocal leader on the court for the Cowgirls.   [player_tooltip player_id='881719' first='Hope' last='Biermann'], 5'8”, S/OH, '26   Biermann recorded 636 assists and 251 digs last season. I liked her athleticism and long arms. She practiced with an intense focus that you don't often see from high school athletes. She would like to be a music major and could add depth to a college roster.   [player_tooltip player_id='815657' first='Lauren' last='Linton'], 5'10”, OH, '26   Linton is a spunky athlete with a nice serve. Her serves have a late dive on them, making them difficult to return. She has recorded back-to-back seasons with 100-plus kills. She finished with 170 kills and 27 blocks in 90 sets last season. She plays with an infectious energy that all prep teams need.   [player_tooltip player_id='881252' first='Hayden' last='Short'], 5'6”, S, '27   Short appeared in just 25 varsity sets last season, but recorded 75 digs during that time on the court. I liked the way she moved and hustled for the ball during passing drills. She can also hit from the right side.   [player_tooltip player_id='833677' first='Karen' last='Moreno'], 5'7”, DS/L, '27   Moreno will wear the libero jersey for the Cowgirls. Last season, she finished with 139 digs and 210 serve receptions. She made consistent first passes and gave solid effort during the practice.

Although the Eagles once sang about a “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” today I was at peace driving through Western Kansas listening to my favorite Western Movie Theme Songs.