Leading the Offense: Junior Setters Putting Up Big Numbers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minnesota's Class of 2028 is loaded with talented setters who are putting up impressive numbers and making a major impact on their varsity teams this season. Many of these juniors have been running their offenses since their freshman year (and maybe even longer), and that experience is showing in their ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball, and lead their teams. From racking up hundreds of assists to contributing as attackers, servers, and defenders, these setters bring much more to the court than just setting the ball. As postseason play approaches, we're taking a closer look at some of the state's top-producing junior setters who have been delivering big numbers and leading the way for their teams.</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":["643669"],"_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-6acc30313d27a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stellmaker is one of those versatile players who makes an impact in nearly every aspect of the game. While she is committed to Southern Illinois as a setter, her ability to contribute offensively and defensively makes her much more than just a playmaker. This season, she has dished out 557 assists, averaging 8 per set, while also putting down 153 kills (2.2 per set), serving up an impressive 70 aces, and collecting 213 digs. Her all-around talent has helped her reach several major career milestones, including 1,000 digs, 500 kills, and more than 1,700 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747009"],"_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-6acc30313d2bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kate Thompson has been running the offense for Sartell since her freshman year, gaining valuable varsity experience and developing into a steady, reliable setter. She continues to do an excellent job directing the offense and finding ways to contribute in multiple areas of the game. This season, Thompson has dished out 498 assists while also recording 75 kills, 32 aces, and 188 digs. While Sartell has faced its share of challenges with a 9-17 record, Thompson continues to be a consistent presence on the court, using her experience and versatility to help lead her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["994932"],"_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-6acc34e5c2f9f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ranked among the top teams in Class A for several weeks now, Section 2A powerhouse Cleveland has its sights set on another trip to the state tournament. The Clippers are in a strong position to make another postseason run, and junior setter Jocelyn Kortuem is once again a big part of their success. Kortuem has been running the offense since her freshman year and continues to show why she is one of the top setters in Class A. With 750 assists this season, averaging an impressive 10 assists per set, she has been the driving force behind Cleveland's offense. Her experience, consistency, and ability to distribute the ball have helped keep the Clippers among the teams to watch as postseason play approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050803"],"_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-6acc34e5c2fd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Izzy Bird has been doing an excellent job directing the offense this season, helping lead her team to a 15-7 record. With 650 assists on the year, Bird has been a consistent presence on the court, keeping the offense moving and putting her hitters in position to succeed. She also reached an impressive career milestone this season, surpassing 1,000 assists. Bird continues to show her value as a setter, and her experience and steady play will be important as her team heads into postseason competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848360"],"_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-6acc34e5c300c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>put it all together</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sydney Benson is a rising setter who is now in her second year running the offense for Chanhassen. With 581 assists on the season, Benson continues to show growth in her ability to direct the offense, distribute the ball, and keep her hitters involved. Her experience on the varsity court is paying off as she continues to develop her confidence and consistency. Benson has established herself as a talented and reliable floor leader, and her ability to command the offense makes her a valuable piece of Chanhassen's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->