Dakotas HS News: Players To Watch This Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for something to do this week, I highly recommend heading to a gym and checking out some volleyball. There's just something special about this time of year—the fresh start to a new season, the energy of packed crowds, and teams eager to prove themselves. As routines settle back in, the court becomes the perfect place to feel that spark of competition again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it's JV or Varsity, you're guaranteed to see squads loaded with talent. Young players making their first mark, veterans stepping into leadership roles, and teams building chemistry point by point—it's all on display. The intensity of every rally, the sound of the student section, and the fight for early-season momentum make it one of the most exciting times of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, I've got a list of players on my radar—athletes who are ready to set the tone for their teams and deliver performances worth watching. Who are they? Let's dive in and shine the spotlight on some of the top names to keep an eye on as the season gets rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748060"],"_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-68b64c48f0019"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stevens High School junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748060' first='Addison' last='Benson']</strong> is a force to watch this week, bringing a dynamic presence at both middle blocker and right-side hitter. Benson has the length and timing to be a wall at the net, sealing seams and taking away prime hitting lanes with her disciplined block. Offensively, she swings with confidence, whether running quicks in the middle or stepping out to the pin to deliver a heavy ball down the line. Her ability to transition quickly from block to attack makes her a tough matchup, and her versatility allows Stevens to keep opponents guessing. With her athleticism, court awareness, and ability to change momentum on a single play, Benson is poised to make a big impact in the Vikings' upcoming matches.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["847829"],"_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-68b64c48f008d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847829' first='Bryn' last='Koistinen']</strong> is quickly making her mark at Watertown with her versatility at middle blocker and right-side hitter. Standing strong at the net, Koistinen brings a tough block that disrupts hitters and forces opponents to adjust their shot selection. Offensively, she runs quick attacks in the middle and can transition smoothly to the pin, where her ability to hit sharp cross-court or tool the block makes her a reliable scorer. What's impressive about Koistinen is her poise for a younger player—she stays composed in long rallies, transitions quickly from defense to offense, and brings energy that lifts her team. With continued growth, she's on track to become one of Watertown's most impactful front-row players this season.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["799405"],"_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-68b64c48f00de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799405' first='Taylin' last='Kleffman']</strong> is the backbone of Aberdeen Central's backcourt, bringing steady leadership and elite defensive instincts to the DS/L role. Kleffman reads hitters with remarkable precision, closing seams, tracking tips, and stretching for full-extension digs that keep rallies alive. Her serve-receive platform is clean and consistent, giving setters the first-touch control needed to run the offense efficiently. Beyond her technical skill, Kleffman's communication and energy set the tone for the team, directing coverage and keeping teammates locked in during high-pressure moments. This season, expect her to make game-changing plays, anchor the back row, and demonstrate why she's a player every opponent wants to avoid challenging.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[756875],"_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-68b64c48f0126"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spearfish sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833417' first='Julia' last='Billington']</strong> is already making waves as a dynamic outside hitter, blending athleticism with smart decision-making on every swing. Billington attacks from both the front and back row, using a combination of power and placement to keep defenders off balance. Her court awareness allows her to adjust mid-rally, find seams in the defense, and deliver clean kills that ignite momentum for her team. In addition to her hitting, she contributes consistently in serve-receive and back-row defense, showing the versatility that sets her apart. With a mix of skill, energy, and composure uncommon in a sophomore, Billington is a player to watch as Spearfish looks to make a strong push this season.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790230"],"_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-68b64c48f0169"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790230' first='Sydney' last='Krempges']</strong> is already making an impact for Lincoln High School as a versatile middle blocker and right-side hitter. Despite being new to the high school level, Krempges shows impressive timing at the net, closing gaps with her blocks and forcing hitters to adjust their attack. Offensively, she runs quick sets in the middle and steps out to the right side with confidence, delivering sharp hits that challenge defenders. Her ability to transition from defense to attack demonstrates advanced court awareness for her age, and her energy in both rotations lifts her teammates. Keep an eye on Krempges this week—she's a freshman with the tools and mindset to quickly become a key contributor for Lincoln's lineup.<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><em>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!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->