Analyzing the MNVBCA All-State Teams: Class AAA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 Class AAA All-State Team tells the story of a historic season defined by Marshall's return to the throne, a surge of young talent in the metro area, and a deep pool of versatile athletes who can play multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marshall's "Perfect 10" Trio</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The headline of the 2025 season was the Marshall Tigers capturing their 10th State Championship, a Minnesota state record. Appropriately, the Tigers' dominance is reflected in their three senior All-State selections, who formed the backbone of their title run:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='492625' first='Reese' last='Drake']: A terminal attacker who saved her best for the state tournament, sharing a game-high 21 kills in the title match.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='261227' first='Avery' last='Fahl']: Perhaps the most versatile player in the class, Fahl's unique ability to set <em>and</em> dominate as a middle hitter made Marshall's offense nearly impossible to predict.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='448067' first='Brooke' last='Gillingham']: The conductor of the offense, Gillingham's leadership and distribution were flawless, culminating in a championship performance where she tallied 27 assists and 11 digs.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These three seniors leave behind a legacy that has permanently etched Marshall into the history books.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metro Challengers: BSM and Delano</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Marshall ruled the southwest, the Wright County Conference and metro area produced incredible depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Benilde-St. Margaret's (State Runner-Up):</strong> The Red Knights' run to the state final was powered by a mix of veteran savvy and youth. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='509918' first='Sydney' last='Friedly'] and sophomore sensation [player_tooltip player_id='508163' first='Avery' last='Minor'] (2028, Right Side) represent a bright future for the program, proving they could hang with the state's best.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Delano's Triple Threat:</strong> Despite a heartbreaking postseason, Delano tied Marshall for the most All-State selections with three, showcasing just how talented their roster was. [player_tooltip player_id='490819' first='Lexi' last='Champeau'] (2026, Setter), [player_tooltip player_id='838841' first='Sydney' last='Pink'] (2026, Outside Hitter), and [player_tooltip player_id='800422' first='Kaelyn' last='Wittwer'] (Libero) kept the Tigers ranked in the top 5 all season long.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Positional Breakdown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hybrid Setters:</strong> The "Setter/Hitter" hybrid is becoming the standard in Class AAA. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='199391' first='Caroline' last='Banks'] (2026, CDH) and [player_tooltip player_id='261227' first='Avery' last='Fahl'] (2026, Marshall) were selected not just for their hands, but for their ability to swing and block, allowing their teams to run complex 6-2 or modified 5-1 systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["453086"],"_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-695d8e20973ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DeBoer is a dynamic dual-threat player and was recognized for her rare ability to run a high-octane offense while remaining a significant scoring threat herself. She finished the 2025 season with an impressive 780 assists (8.7 per set) and maintained a remarkably high .400 hitting percentage, recording 198 kills through strategic and well-timed setter dumps and front-row attacks. Her 225 digs and 34 aces further highlighted her all-around excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Their Weapons:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["338415"],"_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-695d8e2097462"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ogdahl is a dynamic six-rotation player standing at 5'11". She was a primary offensive engine for a Willmar team that finished the season with a strong 21–9 record. Ogdalh learned her selection by leading her team in kills per set (3.3) and finishing her career with over 825 kills, including 225 kills in her senior campaign alone. Known for her consistency and heavy arm, she also anchored the Cardinals' backline with 235 digs and 34 aces during the 2025 season, solidifying her reputation as one of the most reliable and high-impact pin hitters in the Central Lakes Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["200387"],"_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-695d8e20974f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bouten stands at 6'2" and was recognized for her overwhelming physical presence and dominant scoring ability. This made her an offensive threat who stressed out defenses. Her selection was fueled by a standout season in which she served as the focal point of the Thunder's offense, recording massive performances, such as a 29-kill match against Big Lake. Bouten is a versatile six-rotation player with a booming armswing. She will be playing for South Dakota School of Mines in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["584821"],"_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-695d91068ca16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tarnowski was recognized as one of the most versatile and powerful attackers in the state. She was celebrated for her ability to terminate plays from anywhere on the net with a lethal arm. Her selection was fueled by her role as a high-impact, six-rotation player who combined offensive production—including a dominant 29-kill performance against Chisago Lakes—with stellar defensive reads and serve receive. A leader for the Zephyrs, Tarnowski's athleticism and ability to execute complex out-of-system swings established her status as a premier talent in Class AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["207307"],"_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-695d8e209757f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='808055' first='Miracle' last='Jensen'] was a standout senior Outside Hitter for St. Cloud Tech, and this marked the second consecutive year she earned All-State recognition, highlighting her consistent dominance as one of the premier attackers in Central Minnesota. Standing at 5'10", Jensen was the go-to for the Tigers' offense, and she led the team in kills and served as a critical six-rotation player who contributed significantly to both the defensive backline and the front-row attack. Her elite athleticism is put on display no matter the sport she is playing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive Anchors:</strong> The selection of liberos [player_tooltip player_id='800422' first='Kaelyn' last='Wittwer'] (Delano) and [player_tooltip player_id='893905' first='Addison' last='Walsh'] (Austin) highlights the grueling nature of Class AAA rallies. Their ability to keep the ball alive against heavy hitters like Drake and Pink was the difference-maker in tight matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747273"],"_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-695d8e209760b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barrick was often competing closely with peers from Alexandria in Section 8AAA. She was a dominant force at the net, so it was no surprise when Barrick was a repeat All-State selection. She finished her career as [program_tooltip program_id='432166' first='Grand' last='Rapids']'s all-time leader in blocks, holding the school records for both single-season (146) and career blocks (over 326). Her 6-foot frame and defensive instincts helped her control matches defensively. Barrick is committed to play at Gustavus Adolphus College, which further proves her status as one of the premier hidden gems in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Matilda Dube","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stewartville","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695d8e20977df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dube was a standout senior Middle Hitter for Stewartville High School this past season. She was a force at the net, Dube was a statistical leader in Minnesota, finishing the season with 101 total blocks (ranking among the top in Class AAA) and 201 kills on an high .362 hitting percentage. Her dominant play was a cornerstone of the Tigers' success, and that culminated in a 3rd place finish at the State Tournament, where Dube was also named to the All-Tournament Team after a powerful 15-kill performance in the final match. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["817198"],"_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-695d8e2097874"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staloch's selection was likely underscored by her status as one of the most efficient attackers in Minnesota, finishing the season with a remarkable .424 hitting percentage, which led several state leaderboards. Standing at 6'0", Staloch was a dominant presence at the net and led the Jaguars in multiple categories, including kills per set (3.7) and total blocks (48). She has been noticed for her volleyball IQ and ability to run quick tempos. Staloch was the focal point of a Jordan offense that enjoyed a 12-game winning streak during the 2025 season, which helped cement her reputation as a top talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492629"],"_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-695d8e20978fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson earned her selection through a dominant final season where she led her team in both efficiency and net defense, posting a team-high .357 hitting percentage and 79 total blocks. Standing 6'0", Peterson was a central figure in the Storm's historic season, which included a Section 8AAA Championship and a strong showing at the State Tournament. Scouts and coaches recognized her not only for her statistical production—including 256 kills—but also for her high volleyball IQ and the infectious energy she brought to the court as a veteran leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Youth Movement</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike the senior-heavy Class AA team, the Class AAA roster features a surprising number of underclassmen, signaling that the balance of power may shift in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sophomore Stars:</strong> It is rare for sophomores (Class of 2028) to crack the All-State First Team, but [player_tooltip player_id='800216' first='Caroline' last='Anetipa'] (Outside Hitter, Cretin-Derham Hall) and [player_tooltip player_id='508163' first='Avery' last='Minor'] (Right Side, BSM) did just that. Anetipa's power on the outside for a State Tournament team was particularly impressive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Junior Leaders:</strong> Players like [player_tooltip player_id='490152' first='Josie' last='Anderson'] (Outside Hitter, Sauk Rapids-Rice) and [player_tooltip player_id='461571' first='Kendall' last='Dahlen'] (Libero, Jordan) are poised to be the face of Class AAA next year. Anderson led the Storm to the Consolation Championship, scoring 16 kills in their final match.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead to 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Marshall graduating their "Big Three," the door is wide open for a new champion in 2026. Benilde-St. Margaret's, returning key pieces like Minor and Friedly, looks like the early favorite. Meanwhile, Sauk Rapids-Rice brings back arguably the best outside hitter in the class in [player_tooltip player_id='490152' first='Josie' last='Anderson'], setting the stage for a potential shift in power from the southwest back to the central/metro regions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->