New Names with Big Talent at the MN State Tournament

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of my favorite things about covering the Minnesota State Volleyball Tournament is getting the chance to watch players I haven't seen much, or sometimes at all, during the regular season. I always go into the tournament with a list of familiar names I'm excited to watch, but it's the unexpected discoveries that make it even more fun. There are always a few players who catch my attention and have me wondering how I hadn't come across them sooner. This year was no different. There were some big time attackers who could take over a match, versatile players who seemed to be involved in everything, and others who simply impressed me with their athleticism, court awareness, and the way they competed. Some were already major contributors for their teams, while others showed flashes of just how good they could become. Below are a few new names that caught my eye at the state tournament. They certainly made an impression, and I have a feeling this won't be the last time we're talking about them.</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":["1065029"],"_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-6af9cf9f19a48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jensen is a quick, athletic middle with a fast arm swing that makes her a fun player to watch. She moves well along the net and loves to work in tandem with her setter, running a quick offense that can be difficult for opposing blockers to keep up with. She is comfortable attacking the quick from both in front of and behind her setter, giving her offense some nice versatility. Her speed, timing, and ability to move around the net make her a tough matchup for opposing defenses. Jensen helped Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa make an impressive run to the state championship match, where they finished as state runner up. Her performance throughout the tournament also earned her a well deserved spot on the All-Tournament Team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1065030"],"_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-6af9cf9f19a86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I haven't had the chance to watch New Life Academy a whole lot this season, but when I did, it was hard to miss [player_tooltip player_id='1065030' first='Hannah' last='Hanson']. She is one of those players who seems to be involved in just about every play. As a six-rotation outside hitter, she does a little bit of everything for her team. She is solid in serve receive, holds her own defensively in middle back, and knows how to find ways to score from the pin. Rather than relying on power alone, Hanson does a nice job varying her shots, whether she's attacking down the line or finding the deep cross court corner. Her versatility and ability to contribute in so many areas make her a valuable player on the court and one we are excited to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1065042"],"_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-6af9d2029db90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller had her work cut out for her at the state tournament, but she definitely rose to the occasion. She is a quick, athletic libero who reads opposing attackers well and does a great job putting herself in position to make plays. She was solid in serve receive and constantly on the move defensively, whether she was covering her hitters, chasing down a tough ball, or running through a dig to keep a play alive. What impressed me most was her ability to stay active and make plays even when the ball wasn't coming directly her way. She brings great energy to the backcourt, and her speed, defensive instincts, and willingness to go after everything make her a fun player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1065056"],"_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-6af9d8e1a52e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Effhauser is a young middle with a ton of promise and plenty of potential to develop into a dangerous offensive weapon. She has the ability to put some power behind her attacks, driving the ball deep into the corners, but also shows a nice feel for the game by adjusting her shots when needed. Whether she's taking a big swing, mixing in a well placed push, or dropping a tip into open court, she is learning how to keep opposing defenses guessing. As she continues to gain experience and develop her game, Effhauser will definitely be one to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1065090"],"_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-6af9de28a30c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the biggest upsets of the state tournament came when Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa knocked off highly ranked Fillmore Central in the semifinals to earn a spot in the state championship match. One of the biggest playmakers in that victory was outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1065090' first='Laken' last='Anderson'], who made her presence felt on both sides of the ball. Anderson is a well rounded six rotation outside who isn't afraid to take big swings, whether she's attacking in system or making something happen out of system. She has the ability to generate kills even when the set isn't perfect, but her contributions go well beyond her offense. She was also solid in the backcourt, coming up with big digs, while making an impact at the net with her blocking. Her versatility and ability to contribute in so many areas made her a valuable piece of BBE's impressive run to the state finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->