Locked In On Illinois – Winter Classic Names and Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome Prep Dig Illinois!&nbsp; This past Sunday I was locked in.&nbsp; In the groove where I was able to see plenty of Illinois athletes at the Winter Classic at the Baird Center in Downtown Milwaukee.&nbsp; When I go to a tournament that is convention center style, I bounce from court to court where I mark the uniform number, the team, and a little bit about what impressed me about the player. This could be something I'm consistently seeing or something as small as a big moment where an athlete stepped up.&nbsp; Here are the names of athletes I was able to see and get some notes on.&nbsp; This means there is a good chance there could be evaluations to come on these athletes this week or even over the course of the season.&nbsp; Here are the names to know.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734403"],"_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-696ff3d98ce51"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coastal Carolina has found a nice pipeline to Illinois with [player_tooltip player_id='504014' first='Peyton' last='Heatherly'] of 1st Alliance and [player_tooltip player_id='734403' first='Daniella' last='Hopp'] of Fusion. Hopp and her Fusion squad had quite a semifinal match with Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold in the semifinals. Talk about a clash of power.  Hopp is a six rotation hitter who is able to take a big approach and a violent arm swing.  She is the type who can score in bunches.  There were plays she had that I noted where even though she might not be scoring, she's making positive touches on the ball and showing some big time athleticism.  This Fusion squad is going to win a lot of matches in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750142"],"_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-696ff3d98cef4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zumerchik was so impressive for [program_tooltip program_id='432158' first='Attack' last='VBC'] 16 Select. She stood out right away for her squad who ended up finishing second overall in 16 Open.  Zumerchik has quite the armswing where she's not afraid to let it rip from the outside.  She has a lot of speed as well where she is quick to the ball and can go down the line or sharp cross. She effectively used the block to her advantage as well.  Her play and energy was contagious for a squad who played with no fear. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["931782"],"_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-696ff3d98cf6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was a little surprised when I saw [player_tooltip player_id='931782' first='Bella' last='Knoll'] was uncommitted for [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite.  She's 6'2, left handed, and provides a really solid block for the club out of Rockford. I was able to see the [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] vs. I AM VBC quarterfinal that was a three set thriller in favor of I AM.  There are a lot of talented athletes on this VC squad, many whom are uncommitted from the Class of 2027.  For a program looking for a multidimensional right side who can score points and block Knoll should be on the list. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["563045"],"_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-696ff3d98cfd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I know I had seen Burns play before in 2025 and it was fun to see her and the [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite team take the court in Milwaukee.  They would finish second in the 17/18 Premier Division.  Burns ia a setter/right side combo player that has so many attributes that are positive for her side of the net.  She runs the middles really well with tempo while also being able to push it out to the pins.  As an attacker she swings big with her left hand and can take it from a variety of angles.  Above everything is her ability to compete, she wants to win and will play whatever role her team needs. </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":"Ella Wilkowski ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029 ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32925","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Riverside Brookfield ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"1st Alliance","_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-696ff3d98d0d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is an example of where hustle gets noticed.  No kill was record, Ella Wilkowski just made a big play and showed effort.  I was watching the 1st Alliance 15 Silver vs Iowa Rockets 15R game which was extremely tight.  She was in serve receive in left back, the pass went to the sideline where she was able to pass it back into play while navigating the chairs, and then sprinted to her base position in right front.  Again, no kill recorded, but it was the hustle and effort that led her team to living another play in the rally.  Well done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Names To Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>62 - [player_tooltip player_id='918857' first='Sara' last='Chvatal'] - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>25 - [player_tooltip player_id='781326' first='Anna' last='Crittenden'] - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>32 - [player_tooltip player_id='909196' first='Ellery' last='Hartmann'] - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>40 - [player_tooltip player_id='781970' first='Annie' last='Tracy'] - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9 - Elizabeth Rifenburg - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>26 - Sloan Degnan - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>22 - Ella Wilkowski - 1st Alliance 15 Silver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>22 - Lauren Flamme - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 15 Tsunami</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>23 - [player_tooltip player_id='851084' first='Harper' last='Temple'] - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 15 Tsunami</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 - Lauren Kirk - 1st Alliance 15 Gold</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12 - Katriana Zumerchik - [program_tooltip program_id='432158' first='Attack' last='VBC'] 16 Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14 - [player_tooltip player_id='750128' first='Brooklyn' last='Chesna'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432158' first='Attack' last='VBC'] 16 Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>51 - [player_tooltip player_id='754967' first='Jayna' last='Huff'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432158' first='Attack' last='VBC'] 16 Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>28 - [player_tooltip player_id='848833' first='Kaleigh' last='Hatchett'] - 1st Alliance 16 Black&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>52 - [player_tooltip player_id='434898' first='Nora' last='Dunn'] - 1st Alliance 16 Black&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>80 - [player_tooltip player_id='775380' first='Eva' last='Truss'] - 1st Alliance 16 Black&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>22 - Brenna Garrigan - [program_tooltip program_id='432158' first='Attack' last='VBC'] 16 Select</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 - Livia Tobin [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 151 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 - Ali Bertelsen - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 151 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1- Hadley Murphy - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 151 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Natalia Tobin - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 151 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 - [player_tooltip player_id='809891' first='Taylor' last='Haas'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7 - [player_tooltip player_id='931778' first='Kate' last='Lathers'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>36 - [player_tooltip player_id='583911' first='Emerson' last='Payne-Brennan'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>22 - [player_tooltip player_id='828479' first='Khiara' last='Thomas'] [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8 - Hialey Pizzolato - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>21 - [player_tooltip player_id='931782' first='Bella' last='Knoll'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 171 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Angelika Krob - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 16 Tsunami</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>31 - [player_tooltip player_id='758563' first='Lauren' last='Smith'] - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 16 Tsunami&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>26 - Cassidy Tellers - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 16 Tsunami&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>28 - Madison Mastalarz - [program_tooltip program_id='431933' first='New' last='WAVE'] 16 Tsunami&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>56 - Alaina Flynn - 1st Alliance 16 White</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>32 - Lila Brown - The Edge 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>45 - Elyse Kennedy - The Edge 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11 - [player_tooltip player_id='800134' first='Delanee' last='Cooley'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 17-1 National&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17 - [player_tooltip player_id='734403' first='Daniella' last='Hopp'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 17-1 National</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>27 - Joelle Pye Blacknard - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 17-1 National</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>23 - Ally Stevenson - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 17-1 National&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19 - [player_tooltip player_id='530742' first='Serena' last='Bauer'] - MOD Elite 17 Blue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5 - [player_tooltip player_id='809458' first='Campbell' last='Johnson'] - MOD Elite 17 Blue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>40 - [player_tooltip player_id='530741' first='Kate' last='Andersons'] - MOD Elite 17 Blue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 - [player_tooltip player_id='530749' first='Courtney' last='Owen'] - MOD Elite 17 Blue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16 - [player_tooltip player_id='808652' first='Erin' last='Skidmore'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 16-1 National</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9 - [player_tooltip player_id='789743' first='Mya' last='Mikos'] - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 16-1 National&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>42 - Zoriana Malone - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 16-1 National&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>28 - Evelyn Ross - [program_tooltip program_id='429102' first='Club' last='Fusion'] 16-1 National&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>44 - [player_tooltip player_id='563045' first='Adelaide' last='Bruns'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13 - [player_tooltip player_id='546207' first='Harper' last='Neill'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11 - [player_tooltip player_id='546205' first='Erin' last='Bruce'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>73 - Victoria Brents - [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>28 - [player_tooltip player_id='546209' first='Kara' last='Schubert'] - [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] Adidas 16 Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Elizabeth Herakovich - MOD Elite 15 Black&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>19 - Ruby Nielsen - MOD Elite 15 Black</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->