High School News: Who’s Driving the Momentum? 5 Standouts to Know

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   In North Dakota, the early part of the high school volleyball season has already revealed a few players who don't just contribute — they control the flow of a match. These are the athletes who thrive in high-pressure moments, delivering the big kill, the timely block, or the defensive stop that flips momentum back to their side. When the energy starts to shift, they're the ones dictating where it goes.   Across the state, five names are standing out for the way they've elevated their teams and influenced outcomes. They're not just in the rotation — they're driving the action. Each of these 2027s brings something different, but all five show traits that project well to the college game: efficiency, adaptability, and a competitive edge that fuels their teams. They're uncommitted now — but they won't stay off recruiting boards for long.   Let's take a closer look at who's making waves this week.    [player_tooltip player_id='809826' first='Paetyn' last='Strand'] | 6'0” | Middle | Class of 2027   Strand is a middle who brings size, fast feet, and a clean blocking platform. She's disciplined on her close, consistently sealing seams and pressing across early to take away hitters' vision. Offensively, she runs quick-tempo sets effectively and has shown the ability to adjust to imperfect balls — a critical trait for a middle at the next level. She swings with range, capable of scoring off sharp angles or tooling high hands. Strand is a competitor who already looks comfortable operating in a high-pace system.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='724925' first='Jaelynn' last='Jackson'] | 6'0” | Middle | Class of 2027   Jackson is physical at the net and reads hitters exceptionally well. She doesn't just get touches — she takes space and neutralizes opponents with her ability to close hard and press deep into the court. Offensively, she's efficient in transition, with a quick first step that keeps her available for her setter. She attacks with a heavy arm and has the patience to wait on her approach, which allows her to score against bigger blocks. Jackson plays with an edge and brings an energy that elevates her team's intensity every time she rotates up front. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='883410' first='Mazie' last='Tjernlund'] | 5'9” | Setter | Class of 2027   Tjernlund is leading North Dakota in assists, and it shows in the rhythm her hitters are in. She runs a clean, balanced offense, distributing with tempo and keeping blockers off balance. Her hands are consistent, she locates with precision, and she has the vision to identify and exploit mismatches. What stands out most is her ability to deliver a hittable ball when pulled off the net — she stays calm in chaos, which is a skill that translates directly to the college level. Add in her willingness to attack second contact and keep defenses honest, and you have a setter who elevates every piece of her offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='835077' first='Lucy' last='Falk'] | 5'11” | Outside Hitter | Class of 2027   Falk brings the tools of a six-rotation outside — steady in serve-receive, efficient in transition, and confident as a point scorer. She has a high contact point that allows her to swing over the block, but also the shot variety to score off speed, tips, and deep corners. She reads the block well, making smart decisions with her swing, and doesn't give away points with errors. In the back row, she's reliable in both serve-receive and defense, keeping her team in system. Falk has the poise and volleyball IQ to be trusted as a primary attacker. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='534965' first='Dalena' last='Aamot'] | 6'1” | Middle | Class of 2027   Aamot brings the length and presence you want in the middle — 6'1” with a fast arm and a frame that makes her a consistent blocking threat. She moves well laterally, reads the set early, and gets her hands across quickly to take away angles. Offensively, she attacks with a heavy arm on both quicks and front-1s, and she shows patience in her approach that keeps her in rhythm even when the tempo is fast. What separates her is her ability to finish plays — whether it's putting away a transition ball or closing out a long rally with a smart swing. Aamot has the ceiling to be a go-to middle who can run with pace and anchor a defensive front. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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