The Road to State: ND Class AA Must-Watch Athletes on Deck

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":906364,"width":"758px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/image_6beeb5.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-906364" style="width:758px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The brackets are set. The stage is built. And starting Thursday, everything resets. Records don't matter. Momentum doesn't matter. It's an entirely <em>new season</em>—one where the top eight teams in North Dakota step onto the state floor knowing one thing: anyone can beat anyone in November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tournament play has a way of revealing the truth. It shows who's prepared, who's poised, and who's built for late-set pressure when a stadium is on its feet. And this year's field is loaded with elite hitters, high-IQ setters, and liberos who can take over a match with their first contact alone. As Prep Dig Dakotas gets ready to cover the entire weekend, here are the players you absolutely need to know—athletes who have carried their teams all season and could very well shift the outcome of the entire bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TOP HITTERS TO WATCH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the lights go up at state, high-level hitters define the moment. This group brings firepower, athleticism, and the ability to score out of system—exactly the traits that win championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bismarck Century</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle'] (Middle)</strong><br>Heinle is one of the most dynamic middles in the field. Fast off one foot, able to run the slide anywhere on the net, and a major threat in transition, she forces teams to honor the middle from first point to last. Add in her block timing, and Century has a true weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor'] (Outside)</strong><br>Taylor is a high-volume six-rotation outside who thrives in big-match environments. She brings a heavy arm and the ability to score even when the set isn't perfect—something Century will rely on as the tournament tightens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Horace</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833318' first='Jordan' last='Christofferson'] (Outside)</strong><br>One of the most electric pins in the state. Christofferson plays fearless and thrives in pressure. If she heats up, Horace's entire energy level shifts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834062' first='Kendall' last='Mueller'] (Outside)</strong><br>Mueller is the steadying force every great team needs. Her ball control, shot range, and ability to keep rallies alive make her essential to the Hawks' rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>West Fargo Sheyenne</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf'] (Opposite)</strong><br>A true matchup problem. Metcalf's length and versatility create issues for blockers, and her ability to score from the right pin changes Sheyenne's offensive balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828350' first='Reilly' last='Bryant'] (Middle)</strong><br>Bryant brings quickness and efficiency in the middle. She runs fast tempos, closes blocks well, and is a big reason Sheyenne can control the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Minot High</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839942' first='Kynsli' last='Gillmore'] (Outside)</strong><br>Gillmore is a playmaker in every sense. Six-rotation, confident, and smart, she has the ability to take over rallies with her vision and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752780' first='Everette' last='Deschamp'] (Outside)</strong><br>Pure power and explosiveness. Deschamp plays with an edge and gives Minot another go-to terminal option when the match tightens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>West Fargo Packers</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722412' first='Ellee' last='McIntosh'] (Outside)</strong><br>McIntosh is one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the field. She plays with pace, elevation, and a “give me the ball” mentality that shines in tournament settings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724985' first='Aurey' last='Morris'] (Opposite)</strong><br>Morris is efficient and reliable, providing the Packers stability on the right side and another layer of scoring depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bismarck High</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810011' first='Rosalyn' last='Brunelle'] (Middle)</strong><br>A strong interior presence who reads hitters with precision. Brunelle's defensive impact and transition offense make her a major factor for BHS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828255' first='Jordyn' last='Rood'] (Middle)</strong><br>Rood is powerful, disciplined, and consistent. She's a key piece in keeping BHS in system and competitive against high-tempo teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jamestown</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835077' first='Lucy' last='Falk'] (Outside)</strong><br>Falk's shot variety and ability to handle volume make her a standout. She can attack seams, go off-speed, and create scoring opportunities out of tough situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809789' first='Marielle' last='Anderson'] (Middle)</strong><br>Anderson brings quiet consistency and a strong blocking presence. For Jamestown, she is the heartbeat of their net defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Fargo Davies</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724925' first='Jaelynn' last='Jackson'] (Middle)</strong><br>A true force in the middle. Jackson's blocking can dictate entire matches, and her ability to score in front or behind the setter adds unpredictability to Davies' offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832136' first='Fallon' last='Passanante'] (Outside)</strong><br>When Passanante gets hot, look out. She brings firepower, momentum-shifting swings, and the confidence to take the big swings late in sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LIBEROS TO WATCH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State tournament runs are built on first contact. In a field this competitive, serve-receive and floor defense will be the difference-maker—and these liberos are elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck Century — [player_tooltip player_id='724966' first='Kinley' last='Pedersen']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Horace — [player_tooltip player_id='725659' first='Joslyn' last='Asplin']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West Fargo Sheyenne — [player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Minot High — Camdyn Varty</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West Fargo Packers — [player_tooltip player_id='203420' first='Raina' last='Chwialkowski']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck High — [player_tooltip player_id='738323' first='Alannah' last='Kemmis']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jamestown — [player_tooltip player_id='794920' first='Jetta' last='Peterson']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fargo Davies — [player_tooltip player_id='806056' first='Katelyn' last='Krenz']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From reading attackers to controlling seams to stabilizing serve-receive patterns, this group sets the tone for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SETTERS TO WATCH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>November volleyball belongs to setters who can control pace, manage mismatches, and stay steady when pressure hits. These floor generals will shape the entire tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck Century — Abby Fosland</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Horace — [player_tooltip player_id='724960' first='Courtney' last='Heiser']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West Fargo Sheyenne — [player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Minot High — [player_tooltip player_id='748825' first='Mackenzie' last='Dufner']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>West Fargo Packers — [player_tooltip player_id='723033' first='Callie' last='Gienger']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bismarck High — [player_tooltip player_id='725017' first='Aspen' last='Roaldson']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jamestown — Hannah Attleson</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fargo Davies — [player_tooltip player_id='725013' first='Quinn' last='Skari']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each brings a combination of tempo control, leadership, and the ability to run an offense built for postseason success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FINAL THOUGHTS: WHO'S BUILT FOR THE MOMENT?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the top eight teams locked in, the energy shifts to who can elevate their game when it matters most. The state tournament is all about resiliency, momentum swings, and players who aren't afraid of the moment. Every team in this field has weapons. Every team has experience. Every team has a path to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But only one will manage the chaos of tournament play and raise the trophy on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll be there for every set, every momentum shift, every rally, and every athlete who steps into the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>It's tournament time. Let's go.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->