KNVBC Crossfire 15-2 Has Opponents In Its Crosshairs

The Early Bird ate the worm this morning. My pups woke me up in the middle of the night, and despite letting them sleep on my lap for an hour, I could not go back to sleep.   So now here I am publishing another Prep Dig Kansas scouting report before the roosters crow.   I had the pleasure of scouting a club volleyball practice/scrimmage on January 21 in North Topeka.   Members of the [program_tooltip program_id='430193' first='Kansas' last='Networks Volleyball Club']'s 15-2 and 15-4 teams competed with and against each other in a two-hour practice at Logan Elementary School.   Prep Dig Profiles have been created for each athlete; those not currently in the rankings will be added later this spring or early summer during the next round of updates.   I will have two reports on athletes from the event. Each of these athletes is in the Kansas Class of 2029, continuing the coverage of that class after updated rankings were released earlier this week. So, stay logged onto Prep Dig Kansas for another report later today.   I am also stoked to announce that Prep Dig Kansas, for the first time, has eclipsed the 300-subscriber benchmark. A hearty thank you to all for your continued love and support for Prep Dig Kansas and the sport of volleyball.   That's just subscribers originating from the "Kansas site," who are among "The Thousands" of fans of Prep Dig nationwide. However, that 300 number puts Kansas high on the tote board, which makes this lifelong Kansan blush with pride.   Here is a look at five players who stood out on the KNVBC 15-2 squad, also known as Crossfire 15-1.   I enjoyed the energy in the gym and would like to thank coaches Shanna Simpson, Myiah Soderberg, and Sidney Soph for the invite. It made my whole day! I appreciate it, ladies; I needed it!    Simpson's athletic frame stretches like "Gumby." She was all over the court during the practice. She is a heads-up player who was vocal and supported her teammates throughout the event. She has an accurate serve. Her defense is what caught my attention during the practice, but she is also a free swinger. Rossville will be loaded for bear next fall and will be looking for a return trip to the Class 2A State Tournament in Dodge City. Coming off the bench as a freshman, Simpson recorded 81 kills in 57 varsity sets played for the Bulldogs. She is currently ranked No. 67 overall in the Kansas Class of 2029. Simpson is a wildcard at an early age, as she also competes for Rossville's dance, cheer, and softball teams. She is not shy of the spotlight and will have all kinds of doors open to her.     If Simpson is Gumby, then her trusted sidekick "Pokey" is Rossville's Henry. However, there is nothing pokey about Henry's game. She plays with all gas and no brakes. The powerful lefty was the surprise of the night for this scout. She has a smooth swing, jumps well, and can adjust to the ball in midair. Henry is ranked No. 134 overall, but after seeing her play in person, and now that she has completed her Prep Dig Profile, I would look for her to move up into the Top 50 later this spring or early summer. As a lefty, she also plays first base for the Rossville softball team.     Washburn Rural's Hauschel was the tallest and the most physically athletic in the gym. She is also a multi-sport prospect who pitches and plays first base for the Junior Blues. Her approach can be a little choppy at times, but I think she is still growing into her six-foot frame. She can block and is quick. Like several other young athletes I share advice with, Hauschel has the potential to be more dominant if she improves her upper-body strength. I have not seen her play softball, but she looks like she could bang the ball over the fence like some of the great lefty-swinging first basemen I have seen play in person: Anthony Rizzo, Carlos Delgado, and Fred McGriff. Hauschel is ranked No. 86 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026.     Just when I think the depth of talent at Jeff West can't be any deeper, I run into another impressive Tiger athlete. Jeff West will look to be the King of the Pride next fall, and Crowson could very well be a key part of their continued winning formula. Crowson has a quiet frame, educated feet, and is willing to lay out to make tough digs. She was a human highlight reel while the two teams scrimmaged. She is ranked No. 180 by Prep Dig Kansas.     Zeller was my eyes, ears, and scout whisperer during the practice. Flip over the Holton prospect's Tarot Cards, and she has the role of future team captain and coach visible in her signs. She did not physically participate in the practice as she recently had a surgical procedure completed. Yet, she showed up at a club event to support her teammates from six different high schools. That kind of cross-community support did not exist when I was growing up, and it is an aspect of club ball I will always admire. Zeller had nothing but kind and encouraging words about her club and Holton teammates as I grilled her like a New York or Chicago Detective from Law And Order or Chicago PD. I hope I get to see her play when she is recovered. She is currently ranked No. 154 overall, early in the rankings process.

The Early Bird ate the worm this morning. My pups woke me up in the middle of the night, and despite letting them sleep on my lap for an hour, I could not go back to sleep.