PD Gauntlet: 16 Premier Standouts

Bringing together top talent from across the midwest, the Gauntlet serves as a showcase for high level teams that have distinguished themselves throughout the season. With superb competition, the Premier Division delivered on every front, featuring standout performances, thrilling matchups, and players rising to the occasion when it mattered most. Among the many impressive efforts, some players separated themselves from the pack. Here are a few of the Premier Division standouts who made their mark at the Gauntlet.   Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for up to date event coverage, stories, and more. Use code "AVG30" for a discount on your initial membership.    Jahimiak is a talented six rotation outside hitter who does a lot of everything. Her strong, fast arm swing and impressive vertical allow her to be a consistent offensive threat, capable of scoring against a variety of defenses. In serve receive and the back row, she passes efficiently and provides stability, making her a reliable all around player. Having watched her develop over the last two years, it has been impressive to see her continued growth. She consistently performs with composure, never getting rattled, which makes her a valuable and dependable player for this stacked [program_tooltip program_id='432160' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432076' first='[program_tooltip program_id='430137' first='[program_tooltip program_id='429142' first='MVP' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] team.     Edwards was a new setter to jump onto my radar at the Gauntlet due to her ability to efficiently run an offense and make high level decisions. She is quick, composed, and consistently puts her hitters in good situations. She did an excellent job reversing the offense and going against the flow of the defense, while also recognizing and feeding the hot hand when needed. Beyond delivering consistent sets, she routinely showcased good decision making which not only demonstrates strong court awareness but also a heightened understanding of the game. Edwards is a setter on the rise and one that I can't wait to see again.     Smith is a big time player that plays much bigger than her stature thanks to her strong vertical and powerful arm swing. She attacks with confidence and utilizes a wide variety of shots, making her difficult for defenders to anticipate. She can deliver sharp swings, go down the line, and her off speed is equally as hard to pick up. She is also a dependable defender who contributes consistently in the back row. As a six rotation player, she serves as the backbone of her team, providing scoring, stability, and leadership on both sides of the ball.     Hunt showcased a solid skill set in the setter position and did a great job running a 5-1 offense for her team. She consistently delivered well placed sets to the pins while effectively involving her middles to keep opposing blockers guessing. In key moments, she demonstrated strong court awareness and confidence by using well timed setter dumps to create scoring opportunities and shift momentum to her team. Taking into consideration her height, athleticism, and skill set, Hunt is not only a fun setter to watch, but one to keep tabs on as well.     Mason is a quick libero with with sharp, deliberate movements who consistently positioned herself well and moved efficiently to the ball. Her serve receive was a major focal point for her team as she provided steady and reliable passing that helped keep he team in system during the course of both days of the Gauntlet. She also showcased strong court awareness and confidence in the back row, communicating effectively and taking command of the defense. Overall, she combined solid skills with strong communication and leadership, making her a standout for her team and the tournament.

Bringing together top talent from across the midwest, the Gauntlet serves as a showcase for high level teams that have distinguished themselves throughout the season. With superb competition, the Premier Division delivered on every front, featuring standout performances, thrilling matchups, and players rising to the occasion when it mattered most. Among the many impressive efforts, some players separated themselves from the pack. Here are a few of the Premier Division standouts who made their mark at the Gauntlet.