Don’t Count Them Out: My SoDak 16 Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong> <strong>Join PrepDig and get 30% off with code "digdakotas30."</strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram @prepdigdakota.</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class AA SoDak 16 is here, and while the top seeds have earned their attention, don't overlook the talent coming from the other side of the bracket! Postseason volleyball brings a different level of intensity, and one big performance can change the direction of a match. Rankings may tell part of the story, but they don't tell you everything about the players stepping onto the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've picked a handful of athletes outside the top five teams who have my attention heading into this week's matchups. Whether it's their ability to put balls away, control the backcourt, or make plays when their team needs them most, there's talent worth following.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["888711"],"_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-6af0b6a56aa09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='888711' first='Brooklynn' last='Weeg'] is a young middle who has plenty to gain from the intensity of the Class AA SoDak 16. Her development at the net makes her an intriguing player to follow, particularly with her blocking timing and ability to move laterally to close against the pins. When facing a higher-seeded opponent, controlling the middle becomes even more important. Getting her hands across the net, closing attacking seams, and forcing hitters to adjust their swings can disrupt an offense accustomed to scoring quickly. On the attacking side, Weeg's involvement in first-tempo connections gives her team another way to challenge the opposing block. She's a 2029 prospect with room to grow, and these are the types of postseason matchups that can reveal just how far a young middle's game is coming. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899062"],"_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-6af0b6a56aa45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When the offense gets pushed out of the system and the opposing block knows where the ball is going, that's when an outside hitter has to find another way to score. [player_tooltip player_id='899062' first='Bryley' last='Peterson'] is one of my favorites to watch in those situations. The SoDak 16 is a different level of defensive prep, and it takes more than a hard swing to find success at the pin. Peterson's ability to adapt her approach, identify the block, and create attacking angles will matter when her team needs a tough side-out. High hands, finding the deep corners and staying aggressive against a well-formed double block are the details that can keep a lower-seeded team in striking distance. A couple of big kills can completely change the energy of a set, and Peterson has a chance to be part of that conversation. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806589"],"_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-6af0b6a56aa6b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='806589' first='Maggie' last='Mcguire'] brings another name into the SoDak 16 conversation, and the attacking decisions she makes against a prepared defense are worth following. Strong teams won't give pin hitters many uncontested swings, making the ability to recognize openings and adjust at contact especially valuable. Whether it's attacking through the seam, using the outside hand of the block, or changing pace to find an uncovered area of the court, Mcguire has opportunities to challenge the defense in different ways. The biggest test comes when rallies extend and the offense has to reset after a difficult dig. Staying available, getting back into her approach, and making the next swing count can keep her team competitive. Those offensive details deserve attention beyond where a team sits in the bracket. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903455"],"_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-6af0b6a56aa91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the tougher jobs going into the SoDak 16 is [player_tooltip player_id='903455' first='Alivia' last='Miller'], running an Aberdeen Central offense that will need to find scoring opportunities against postseason competition. Miller has played both sides of the ball, posting 375 assists and 231 digs in 2025. What's interesting about her is her decision-making when teams start taking away primary attacking options. Knowing when to push tempo to the pins, keeping the middle involved, and delivering a hittable ball after an imperfect pass can make a difference in how effectively Aberdeen Central handles pressure. A setter doesn't need to make the biggest play to change a match. Sometimes it's seeing the right matchup and getting a hitter in position to finish. Every possession counts, and Miller has a chance to show that side of her game. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790096"],"_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-6af0b6a56aab1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='790096' first='Carighan' last='Klatt'] is a prime example of why the conversation shouldn't stop with the top five seeds. Watertown has an outside hitter with proven offensive production, and Klatt's 219 kills during the 2025 season give opposing defenses a reason to prepare for her. The challenge in the SoDak 16 is finding ways to maintain that production when blockers begin loading toward the primary scoring option. Klatt's approach to timing, ability to challenge the high hands, and willingness to attack through difficult situations will be important for the Arrows. When the pass pulls the setter off the net, the outside often becomes the safest attacking option, but that doesn't make the swing any easier. If Watertown is going to push Brookings, Klatt's ability to finish tough rallies and deliver critical side-outs could play a major role. She's one of the players I wouldn't overlook simply because of the number beside her team's name. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752847"],"_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-6af0b6a56aace"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another compelling storyline in the SoDak 16 is [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'], a setter who can change a match's flow without getting a kill. Rapid City Stevens will need to find their offensive rhythm against Yankton, and Larsen is key to that effort. You have to look more closely at her distribution, location consistency, and ability to recognize blocking matchups. If the opposite middle goes to an attacker, the setter has to recognize the adjustment and create another scoring chance. That could mean speeding up the outside connection, working the right pin, or keeping the middle involved when the pass allows. If Larsen is able to make those decisions and keep her hitters feeling confident, Stevens could remain in the hunt. The SoDak 16 will be a chance to see how she handles the responsibility of running an offense when the margin for error narrows. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816281"],"_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-6af0b6a56aae9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='816281' first='Maddie' last='Bos'] rounds out my picks with a position that can make a huge difference in a postseason matchup. Brookings' net battles will be crucial against a higher-seeded opponent, and Bos can have a significant impact on both sides of the ball. The defensive challenge starts with reading the setter, getting in a good position, and being disciplined on the close when the attack goes to the pins. Even if a block doesn't result in an immediate point, taking away an angle or forcing a controlled touch gives the backcourt another chance to keep the rally going. Coming out fast in transition and staying open for a first tempo connection can keep the opposing middle from getting out early to the sideline. Bos can influence the match without leading the team in kills or blocks. Her ability to influence the net battle could be a big piece of Brookings' postseason push. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple: to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. 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