High School Preview: Fargo North Experience Matters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>This article was shared with 150+ college coaches.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Join PrepDig with 30% off using code:&nbsp;<em><strong>digdakotas30</strong></em></strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fargo North returns many girls who know what it feels like to compete in big matches, and that's hard to overlook. You can't replace experience, and this group has plenty of it. Because of that, I think the Spartans have a real opportunity to be in the mix when state tournament conversations start later this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For me, it starts with [player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden']. Gretchen steps up, controls the back row, and leads with energy and confidence. Many players look to her for redirection and to calm down. The back row just looks steadier when she's on the court. She reads hitters well, makes quality first contacts, and has a way of settling things down when rallies get chaotic. Every team needs someone they can count on defensively, and I think Gretchen fills that role for Fargo North.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='728600' first='Adley' last='Matter'] has had a strong club season, and I believe she will bring everything she has learned and jump into a bigger role this coming season. She's competitive, she's aggressive, and she isn't afraid of the moment. Adley can score from the outside, but I also like the confidence she plays with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] has no problem stepping into the leadership role as a setter, and that isn't easy when you are expected to make decisions with older girls that will affect everyone on the court. Lucy has no problem doing that, and this year she is going to excel and run the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='724993' first='Anna' last='Halverson'], committed to Augustana, is going to get attention, and rightfully so. At 6-foot-1, teams know where she is, but what I appreciate is that she understands how to use that size. She closes blocks, takes away angles, and gives Fargo North another offensive option in the middle. Her presence alone changes how opponents attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='730965' first='Kate' last='Montplaisir'] may end up being one of the players people don't talk enough about. Middles do so much work that doesn't show up in highlights. Kate embraces that part of the game. She gets touches, works to close blocks, and does the little things that help teams win. Those players become really important by the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The depth on this roster shouldn't be overlooked either. [player_tooltip player_id='836112' first='Meredith' last='Pladson'], [player_tooltip player_id='745942' first='Lila' last='Pladson'], [player_tooltip player_id='953668' first='Claire' last='Carr'], [player_tooltip player_id='953654' first='Ella' last='Franklin'], [player_tooltip player_id='953655' first='Ella' last='Blaine'], Alexis Lee, and [player_tooltip player_id='828407' first='Nyjah' last='Owens-Lee'] all give Fargo North valuable experience and options. Seasons are long, and teams need contributions from more than six players to make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't know if Fargo North will be everyone's pick heading into the season, but I do know this group has enough experience and talent to make people pay attention. They've been through the highs and lows together, and I wouldn't be surprised if they're playing some of their best volleyball when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hold on tight because Class AA is going to be very interesting this season. Summer is here, and these girls are wasting no time getting in and getting ready for the school season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple: to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. 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