Minnesota Defenders at the Top of the Leader Board

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense doesn't always get the spotlight, but these backrow standouts are putting up numbers that are impossible to overlook. From piling up digs to handling hundreds of serve receive opportunities, some of Minnesota's top defenders have been the steady presence their teams can count on point after point. Whether they are experienced seniors closing out their high school careers or underclassmen already making their mark, these players have worked their way toward the top of Minnesota's defensive leaderboards.</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":["893905"],"_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-6ac3ef6643b27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Austin is having a stellar season in Class 3A, posting a 14-6 record so far, and senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='893905' first='Addison' last='Walsh'] has been a big part of that success. Walsh leads the state with 393 digs while averaging an impressive 7.1 digs per set. She has also been rock solid in serve receive, handling a whopping 375 receptions with just 17 errors. Her ability to cover the court, keep balls alive, and consistently deliver in serve receive has made her a key piece of Austin's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["736287"],"_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-6ac3ef6643bd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Drinkall may only be a sophomore, but she is already an experienced presence in the back row for Rushford-Peterson. The libero has been leading the Trojans defensively since eighth grade and continues to be a steady force this season. Drinkall has racked up 379 digs while averaging an impressive 7.2 digs per set, consistently keeping plays alive and providing a strong defensive presence for the Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808561"],"_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-6ac3ef6643c4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Clippers are off to a red-hot start in Class A, putting together an impressive 19-2 record and libero Thompson has been a huge part of their success. She has anchored the back row with 343 digs while also making an impact in other areas of the game, adding 23 aces and 41 assists. Thompson's steady defense, ability to track down everything, and tough serving have helped set the tone for the Clippers throughout their strong start to the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["447961"],"_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-6ac3ef6643cda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bemidji State commit [player_tooltip player_id='447961' first='Kenna' last='Hennessey'] is spending the final months of her high school career doing what she does best...making an impact in the back row. Hennessey has handled an impressive 415 receptions while racking up 314 digs, showing just how much court she covers defensively. She has also been a force from the service line, adding 48 aces on the season. The senior continues to be a steady presence in serve receive and defense while making the most of her final high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1048900"],"_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-6ac3f223bbb4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wallfred may be new to the libero position, but the sophomore has quickly settled into the role and made an impact in the back row. She has already racked up 298 digs while taking on a huge serve receive load with 470 receptions. Wallfred has also contributed 34 assists and 11 aces, showing her ability to impact the game beyond defense. With two more high school seasons ahead of her, we can't wait to see her continue to grow her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->