Talent Runs Deep: Section 5AA Players Poised for Big Seasons

<!-- 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 5AA volleyball is loaded with talent and competitive programs across west-central Minnesota and the western Twin Cities metro area. Programs in Section 5AA include teams such as Dassel-Cokato, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Kimball, Maple Lake, Rockford, Spectrum, Watertown-Mayer, Legacy Christian Academy, PACT Charter, Providence Academy, Eagle Ridge Academy, Maranatha Christian Academy, Blake, Breck, and several other competitive programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Year after year, Section 5AA produces high level volleyball with a great blend of experienced players, rising underclassmen, and teams capable of making deep postseason runs. From powerful pins and athletic middles to steady setters and liberos, this section is filled with players who will have a major impact on their teams this fall. Below are a few of the athletes we can't wait to see take the court and make their mark in Section 5AA.</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. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["843595"],"_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-6a5b979c253d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gallagher is a true six rotation outside for Dassel-Cokato and was a big part of the offense helping the Chargers to a 21-8 season a year ago. She led the team with 256 kills while adding 212 digs, showing her value on both sides of the ball. Gallagher does a great job turning her body to attack down the line and her ability to find open spots makes her a consistent scoring threat. We can't wait to see more of this upcoming high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["794264"],"_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-6a5b979c25413"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Birkholz is expected to step into the libero role for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted this fall after spending last season as a right back defender. Last season, she proved to be a steady presence in both serve receive and defense. She handled a bulk of the serve receive, read tips well, and was able to come up with some big line digs. If the Lakers want to build on last year's success, Birkholz has the reliability and competitiveness to be a big part of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["815812"],"_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-6a5b979c25435"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Before a season ending knee injury cut her junior year short, Schindele was putting together a strong season for Kimball. In just 29 sets, she totaled 81 kills while averaging 2.8 kills per set, adding 113 digs, 116 receptions, 7 aces, and 8 blocks. After months of hard work in her recovery, we are excited to see her back on the court this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["996680"],"_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-6a5b979c25454"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the chance to watch Melgaard at AAU Nationals in Florida with [program_tooltip program_id='449558' first='AVB' last='Fire'] and it only made me more excited to see what she will do for Maple Lake this fall. The all conference setter totaled 589 assists, 225 digs, and 97 kills last season. She consistently puts the ball in great locations, makes smart decisions, and has the ability to be a strong leader for her team (especially in those big, tense moments). Combine that with her fierce competitiveness, and you have a strong setter that we can't wait to see dominate the courts this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801592"],"_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-6a5b979c25471"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ling is a libero who brings quick reactions, solid angles, and the nonstop hustle you want in the back row. Her strong defensive play earned her First Team All MCAA honors last season while helping PACT Charter to a 17-8 record. She is a true digging machine who has the ability to not only keep plays alive but also has the ability to make the tough defensive plays look routine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["890653"],"_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-6a5b979c25491"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the chance to get an up close look at Grande last season when my team faced her at the AA Showcase in Burnsville and she immediately stood out. She is long, lean, versatile, and has the ability to attack from either pin. As a freshman, she recorded 105 kills, 56 blocks, and 51 digs. With the graduation of key players, we expect Grande to take on an even bigger role this fall with Providence Academy and continue to make a big impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763400"],"_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-6a5b979c254ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bakken is a versatile pin for Spectrum who does a great job adjusting to any set that comes her way. She has the ability to get her feet to the ball, adjust to the block, and find open court with both line and cross court attacks. Her strong play helped Spectrum to a 22-7 season and she earned Second Team All Conference honors in the MCAA for her efforts. Bakken brings a smart, versatile presence to the pin and will be a key player to watch this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->