Junior Standouts: Stepping Up and Delivering 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>The Class of 2028 is loaded with talent, and this season, several juniors across Minnesota have stepped up and put together some impressive performances. From powerful attackers and versatile six rotation players to setters running their offenses and liberos anchoring the back row, these athletes are making their presence known. Some are putting up HUGE numbers, others are reaching career milestones, and many are taking on bigger leadership roles for their teams. What stands out about this group is not just their production, but the impact they are having on the court and the success of their programs. With another year of high school volleyball still ahead of them, these juniors are proving they are among the players to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for live event coverage, behind the scenes stories, player highlights, and the latest updates. If you want to get on my radar or feel like I may have missed you, please reach out to me on email at <a href="mailto:vanguilderamy@gmail.com">vanguilderamy@gmail.com</a>. I always love hearing from players, especially Minnesota athletes and I'm always looking for new players to watch and follow!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["995196"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ada5447a27a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bullerman is one of the most powerful and versatile junior attackers in Minnesota. An extremely athletic, aggressive, and explosive middle, she is a force at the net and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Averaging an impressive 4.8 kills per set while boasting a .348 hitting percentage, Bullerman has proven she can terminate at an incredibly high rate. Her combination of power, athleticism, and versatility makes her difficult to contain, as she consistently finds ways to put the ball away and dominate offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728577"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ada5447a282c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have watched Duppong play many times, and I still can't decide what impresses me more, her ability as a setter or as an attacker. She is equally impressive in both roles. Her extremely high volleyball IQ and exceptional court awareness allow her to be effective and efficient no matter what she is doing on the court. The junior has put together a monster stat sheet this season, recording 248 kills (3.1 per set), 268 assists (3.4 per set), 200 digs, 22 aces, 20 blocks, and 115 serve receptions. She reads the game incredibly well, makes smart decisions, and has the skill set to impact nearly every aspect of the game. If there were an award for the most versatile junior in Minnesota, Duppong would get my vote without hesitation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["803829"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ada5447a28a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Six rotation pin hitter McDonald is putting together a big season for East Grand Forks, helping lead the team to a solid 16-9 record. She has been a consistent offensive threat, racking up 214 kills (2.7 per set) while hitting .213. But her impact goes well beyond attacking, as she has also contributed 19 aces, 31 blocks, 184 digs, and 120 serve receptions. McDonald is the type of player who makes her presence felt in all six rotations, contributing on both sides of the ball. Her versatility, consistency, and leadership make her an important piece of East Grand Forks' success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["642379"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ada5447a2911"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have always been a fan of Sampson's game so I was pleased to see her among the top producing junior setters in Minnesota this season. She has put together an impressive stat line with 475 assists (8.8 per set), 57 kills (1.1 per set), 33 aces, 17 blocks, and 165 digs. I had the opportunity to watch her play again last week and what really stood out to me was the physicality she brings to the court. She plays with strength, confidence, and an aggressive edge that makes her a threat beyond just setting the ball. Sampson is a well rounded setter who can run an offense while also making an impact as an attacker, blocker, and defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["887249"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ada5447a297f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rymer is in her fourth year holding down the libero position for Lyle-Pacelli, and her hard work has paid off as she recently reached the impressive 1,000 career digs milestone. This season alone, she has racked up 365 digs, averaging 4.7 per set, along with 45 assists. She has also handled the bulk of her team's serve receive responsibilities, recording 338 receptions and averaging 4.3 per set. With four years of experience leading the back row, Rymer has proven to be a reliable and steady defensive presence who continues to make a significant impact for Lyle-Pacelli.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->