Beyond the Big Names: Hidden Gems of Section 1AA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Section 1AA is absolutely loaded with talent and big name players. A lot of those athletes have been in the spotlight for years and by now everyone knows what they bring to the court. Rather than revisiting the same names, I wanted to highlight some of the players who may not always grab the headlines or top the stat sheets but make a huge impact every time they step on the floor. These players are very important as without them their teams would not have as many wins in the "win" column. Since I coach in this section, I have had a front row seat to see these players up close throughout the years and their contributions deserve to be recognized. Here are a few that will be big impact players for their teams this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for up to date event coverage, stories, and more.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["768046"],"_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-6a383ffbeadd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hamilton's growth over the past year has been tremendous. Along with becoming more efficient with her timing at the net, both as a blocker and attacker, she has also grown into a leader for her club team and I anticipate will take on a bigger leadership role at La Crescent this fall. With the Lancers poised to improve on their record from last year, Hamilton will be key to their success and one of the players they will for sure lean on throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909828"],"_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-6a383ffbeaeca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I think Lake City is one of the sleeper teams and has the potential to pull off some upsets this season. Greenawalt is a big reason why. She's the type of player you always have to know where she is on the court because if you don't, she can take over a set. She does a little bit of everything well. She is a reliable passer, plays strong defense, and can terminate the ball away with power. When teams start scouting Lake City, Greenwalt is the player they need to focus on because she impacts the game in so many ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831995"],"_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-6a383ffbeaf5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cannon Falls is another team I expect to be right in the mix for the Section 1AA title. They are well balanced, especially in serve receive and setting, so it is going to come down to their hitting. The good news is they have a pretty talented group of hitters to lean on also. One of those hitters is junior outside attacker Emma Templin. She had a strong season last year with 195 kills, 12 blocks, 180 digs, and 19 aces. If Cannon Falls is going to make a run in the post season, she is definitely one of the players they will be counting on again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["643678"],"_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-6a383ffbeb053"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peter is a utility player who primarily plays out of the back row for PEM. Last season, she racked up 18 kills, 414 digs, 34 aces, and 40 assists. Basically, she does a little bit of everything to help her team stay competitive. Her strong play also earned her All-Three Rivers Conference honorable mention recognition. Heading into this year, she will bring a steady, reliable presence to the back court for a a team that is continuing to build and improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930642"],"_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-6a3844d9ec4d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paizley Lange is one of the hardest working players on the court. She may not always get the same attention as some of her teammates, but she played a huge role in why Caledonia was so successful last year. The right side sets a strong block, rarely gets tooled, and provides a steady offensive threat from the right side. What I like most about her game is how quickly she makes adjustments and self corrects. Lange will be an important piece for this strong Caledonia team this upcoming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522707"],"_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-6a3847063db56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I know Chatfield and Caledonia are getting most of the preseason attention, but I think Dover-Eyota could be a legitimate contender for the Section 1AA title. They seem to have a well balanced roster without any glaring holes. Frericks is one player I expect to take on a bigger role this fall. Last year, she was able to contribute from the right pin and be a steady blocking and attacking option. With another year of development at Southern Minnesota Volleyball, she has continued to grow her game and will likely be an important piece of this DE team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->