Impactful MN Players From Small Towns We Can’t Wait to See

Athletes from small towns often bring the most passion and pride to the court (I should know, I was one of those athletes from a small town - population of 600). Players from small towns possess raw athleticism, high levels of determination, and are usually on the courts long after others have gone home. These qualities make them resilient, competitive, and are simply players we can't wait to watch. Below are some from small towns that we can't wait to see take the courts in the next couple of months as the club season kicks off.   Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for up to date event coverage, stories, and more.    Coming off a hot high school season, I am excited to see Griffin in the club season. With another year of development and leadership under her belt, Griffin is set to impress…especially as she plays up a year on Havoc's 17 National Team. This lefty right side is set to lite up the court. She is a lefty (my favorite) with a wicked swing that can generate points going sharp cross and stuns opponents down the line. She also has a dynamic serve that generates points for her team routinely.     LaMott is one of the those players that you need to constantly keep an eye on when she is on the court. She will take big, quick swings out of the middle, from both pins, run a gap, and so on. If the ball is sent her way, her team knows she is going to do something with it. LaMott is highly successful due to the fact that moves to the ball, knowing how to position herself for success. Only a freshman, LaMott is only going to keep getting better and better.     Anderson is a 6'1” freshman that can play a multiple positions. I have seen her in the middle and more recently as a setter. While it is important to be versatile, I think the most impressive growth has been at the setter position. Running the varsity offense as a freshman for Bemidji, Anderson had a standout season. The setter has excellent court vision, sets a consistent ball in both location and height, and threw down some crafty setter dumps to score her team points. Due to her height, Anderson possesses a big reach that comes in handy as setter. She can jump up and get balls off the net or dump them over when passed too close. We can wait to see her take her skills to [program_tooltip program_id='449749' first='Northern' last='Revival'] and lead the team in whatever position they need.     Baker-Layman is an up and coming outside hitter that is a true dynamic weapon. She transitions quickly allowing her to be available on every play. She is a very versatile player as she can attack confidently from both pins and can put down an array of shots that keeps defenses guessing. Her ability to read and adjust to the block sets her apart from other freshman as she knows how to go around it, up and over it, or through it banging it off blockers. Essentially, she finds a way to score when the ball is set her way making her a key “go to” player in tense moments.     Mertens proved she can be a versatile offensive weapon this past high school season by attacking from pins and out of the middle. As an underclassman, she stepped up and showcased not only confidence but her willingness and adaptability to do whatever is needed for the team. It also showed her potential for play at the next level. We can't wait to see her bring athleticism, versatility, and competitiveness to the courts as she plays up a year for Havoc on the 17 National team.

Athletes from small towns often bring the most passion and pride to the court (I should know, I was one of those athletes from a small town - population of 600). Players from small towns possess raw athleticism, high levels of determination, and are usually on the courts long after others have gone home. These qualities make them resilient, competitive, and are simply players we can't wait to watch. Below are some from small towns that we can't wait to see take the courts in the next couple of months as the club season kicks off.