Stars on the Rise: The PD's Bracket Buster 14s Division

At Prep Dig's Bracket Buster in Appleton, WI, some of the most intriguing performances aren't just coming from the expected names—they're coming from younger athletes playing up and holding their own.   Competing against older, more physical players is no small task. But for this group, the moment doesn't look too big—it looks like an opportunity.   Here are several young standouts already showing long-term potential:   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ava Babcock | MB | [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite']-Tritions 13 Red</h3>   Babcock is already showing the kind of presence you don't always see from a younger middle playing up. At the net, she brings active hands and a willingness to engage every rally, showing flashes as a developing blocker against older competition.   Offensively, she continues to grow into her role, working to establish timing and connection while still finding ways to be available in transition. What stands out most is her comfort level competing up—she's not hesitant, and that confidence is a strong foundation moving forward.   For a young middle, the tools are there, and the upside is clear as she continues to develop physically and refine her timing.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='918838' first='Brooke' last='Borel'] | Setter | [program_tooltip program_id='428659' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'] 14-White</h3>   Borel shows a developing command of the offense, bringing a composed presence as she works to distribute the ball against older, faster competition. She does a nice job staying poised under pressure, making playable decisions and keeping her hitters involved across rotations.   Her hands are clean, and she continues to build consistency in tempo and location—key areas for a young setter playing up. What stands out is her willingness to compete and lead, even in challenging stretches.   As she continues to grow into the position, Borel's foundation as a setter is one that should translate well over time.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nikki Shefchik | Libero | [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] Tritons 14-1</h3>   Shefchik brings a steady, reliable presence to the backcourt and doesn't shy away from contact against competition. Her platform control stands out early, keeping serve receive consistent and allowing her team to stay in system more often than not.   Defensively, she shows good anticipation and willingness to pursue the ball, extending rallies and giving her team second chances. There's a calmness to her game that translates well, especially in a fast-paced environment like Bracket Buster.   For a libero in this setting, it's about consistency and trust—and Shefchik is already building both.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Madelynn Koneman | OH | [program_tooltip program_id='428659' first='Wisconsin' last='Blaze'] 14 Orange</h3>   Koneman shows flashes of becoming a go-to option on the outside, bringing a confident approach and the willingness to take swings against established blockers. She doesn't look out of place offensively.   She works to stay engaged across rotations, contributing both in attack and in keeping plays alive when rallies extend. What stands out is her aggressive mindset—she's not just trying to keep the ball in play, she's looking to make things happen.   As her physicality and consistency continue to develop, Koneman has the foundation to grow into a reliable offensive presence.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='920943' first='Emery' last='Coots'] | RS | [program_tooltip program_id='429199' first='Hometown' last='Heat'] 14U Ignite</h3>   Coots brings a strong presence on the right side, showing a willingness to be available and take swings even when the tempo speeds up. She continues to adjust to the size and timing of the block while still finding ways to contribute offensively.   She stays engaged in transition and works to stay active along the net, showing developing versatility in her role. What stands out is her competitiveness—she doesn't shy away from the moment and continues to look for opportunities to impact rallies. Her court personality drives this team!   As she continues to refine her timing and build strength, Coots has the tools to become a reliable option on the right side.   Overall, the most impressive part isn't just that these athletes are competing—it's that they're contributing. Playing up, accelerating development, and having fun! This group is already showing signs of what they could become over the next few years.   Keep these names on your radar.   @prepdigduo

At Prep Dig's Bracket Buster in Appleton, WI, some of the most intriguing performances aren't just coming from the expected names—they're coming from younger athletes playing up and holding their own.