Conference Check-in: Northern Lakes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Anthony Wayne remains unbeaten in Northern Lakes play, there is a log jam right behind them of a handful of teams that will continue to battle for second as they prep for the postseason. Ranked #1 in Division 2, Anthony Wayne is one of the most offensive teams in the state and feature some key performers that helped lead them to a state runner-up finish in 2024. Their tough overall schedule, along with the weekly tests in this league, should have them poised for another deep run. Here's a look at the top teams and their stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ANTHONY WAYNE GENERALS</strong>: 16-1 overall | 11-0 NLL<br><strong>Key Players: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839903' first='Charley' last='Gardner'] (4.2 k/s, 8.3 d/m); [player_tooltip player_id='828450' first='Leah' last='Pike'] (3.9 k/s, .455 eff., 4.2 a/s); [player_tooltip player_id='227830' first='Mallory' last='Pike'] (3.7 k/s, 9.3 d/m); [player_tooltip player_id='412607' first='Jessie' last='Kennelly'] )4.5 d/s, 1.7 a/s_; <strong>Alayna Rieger </strong>(6.4 a/s)<br><strong>Notes:</strong> This team's offense is varied with high quality pieces that can flat out score points. The growth in impact from Gardner is likely the x-factor as she went from performing behind the Pike duo to leading this team offensively this season. They collectively are averaging 14.3 k/s on a team efficiency of .327. As [player_tooltip player_id='828450' first='Leah' last='Pike'] (*pictured) is now contributing as part of their setting duo, this team's three-headed offensive effort is highly valuable and productive and could lead them to the state crown in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PERRYSBURG YELLOWJACKETS</strong>: 14-5 overall | 9-2 NLL<br><strong>Key Players: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='403536' first='Katie' last='Pahl'] (5.7 k/s, 10.6 d/m); <strong>Casey Ng</strong> (8.6 a/s, 9.7 d/m); <strong>Mia Brandeberry</strong> (2.4 k/s; 1.1 b/m); <strong>Ali Cherry</strong> (13.2 d/m)<br><strong>Note: </strong>Pahl is the league's offensive leader and is performing at her best in her senior season with as she has terminated 382 total kills and is approaching 1,000 career kills. Their only two league losses came are 3-0 results versus Anthony Wayne. Their next big match is versus Northview on Tuesday with keys to their success being more balance that could alleviate some of the workload from Pahl although she can get it done on a 42% kill rate through her high volume of swings, which is just over 900 on the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CLAY EAGLES</strong>: 11-6 overall | 9-2 NLL<br><strong>Key Players:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='261337' first='Hayden' last='Rodriguez'] (10.1 a/s, 6.9 d/m); [player_tooltip player_id='727793' first='Emelia' last='Goetz'] (4.9 k/s, 40 service aces); <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='356397' first='Jadyn' last='Kennedy'] </strong>(10.1 d/m); <strong>Maddie Franke</strong> (3.1 k/s, 8.3 d/m)<br><strong>Notes: </strong>Rodriguez is one of the most experienced and dynamic setters in this Ohio senior class. She has had a lot of success in both the high school phase of her career as well as during club as she has been teamed with some of the high profile prospects in this league. Goetz is a dynamic attacker with aggressiveness, athleticism and some of the best arm speed in the league. They have some key wins over Northview and Ross, and are one of the few opponents to take Anthony Wayne to an extra set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ROSS LITTLE GIANTS</strong>: 13-3 overall | 8-3 NLL<br><strong>Key Players:</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845775' first='Kilee' last='Kidd']</strong> (3.1 k/s); <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819902' first='Tierra' last='Parker']</strong> (2.7 k/s, 1.4 b/m); <strong>Breyelle Biller </strong>(2.3 k/s; 9.3 d/m); <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='846147' first='Ryla' last='Smith']</strong> (7.4 a/s, 7.6 d/m)<br><strong>Notes:</strong> Smith is a sophomore leading this offense from the setting position. She has done a good job of creating some balance among their primary trio of arms. Their ability to collectively score is key to their competitiveness in big matches. This balance includes the athleticism and big arm from Kidd, a solid middle presence on both sides of the ball from Biller, and versatility from the lefty attack from Parker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NORTHVIEW WILDCATS</strong>: 11-5 overall | 7-3 NLL<br><strong>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='807453' first='Talia' last='Twigg'] </strong>(2.7 k/s, 9.8 d/m); [player_tooltip player_id='592201' first='Frankie' last='Ramsdell-Washington'] (2.5 k/s, 3.4 b/m, .305 eff.); <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822804' first='Brianna' last='Langenderfer']</strong> (2.5 ks/, 1.3 b/m); <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847396' first='Jade' last='Hagan'] </strong>(11.1 d/m); [player_tooltip player_id='574427' first='Alayna' last='Sauer'] (9.8 a/s, 7.1 d/m)<br><strong>Notes:</strong> The Wildcats have one of the more dynamic athletes in Ramsdell-Washington occupying the middle. Sauer has improved her impact as a setter, elevating this team's overall production and offensive success. Twigg has impressive qualities with good range and control of her arm. The Wildcats have good pieces with a gauntlet of a remaining schedule with Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg, Ross, and Gilmour Academy ahead. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other NLL Top Performers:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831387' first='Davinee' last='Harris']</strong> | Findlay: 4.0 k/s; 11.1 d/m</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='837429' first='Ruby' last='Suter']</strong> | Bowling Green: 2.8 k/s; 6.3 d/m</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807717' first='Sophia' last='Harshman']</strong> | Southview: 2.2 k/s; 10.6 d/m</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732858' first='Azhi' last='Allen']</strong> | Napolean: 13.6 d/m</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799413' first='Taylor' last='Brown']</strong> | Whitmer: 10.5 d/m</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->