Unstoppable Forces: Top Hitting Duos in Class 1 for 2028 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 1 should shape up for a great season, headlined by top returning 2028 players and featuring exceptional returning hitter duos. Here's a look at the standout pairs who are poised to make a significant impact this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Layla Watkins and Karlie Ashabranner – Gideon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This dynamic duo from Gideon finished 1st and 4th in kills among returning Class 1 pin hitters from the 2028 class, with Layla leading the charge at 546 kills and Karlie following closely behind with 433. Their contributions were pivotal in leading the team to the quarterfinals, where they faced the eventual state champions. Layla showcased her offensive prowess with a hitting percentage of .281, while Karlie added 262 digs to her impressive stats. Honed since childhood and influenced by their older siblings, they are determined to propel Gideon into a Final Four appearance this season, and both were all-conference, all-district, and all-state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sadie Kile and Lauren Martin – Winona</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats finished as runners-up last year, with Sadie and Lauren playing crucial roles in that success. Sadie, a powerful middle hitter, is making the transition to the outside this season and already boasts 1,068 career kills and 621 digs. Lauren has also stepped up her game significantly, accumulating 450 career kills and 720 digs. Known for her key performance at the Final Four, Lauren will move to libero this year, showcasing her versatility and defensive skills. Sadie has been All-State for her first two years, and Lauren has been All-Conference and All-District.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ayla Hawkins and Loryn Pierson – Bismarck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6'0”, these formidable middles were instrumental in Bismarck's historic run to their first-ever state championship. Both serve as significant blockers and versatile attackers on either pin, making them a challenge for opponents. Ayla, who missed her freshman season, finished with 369 kills last year, while Loryn has over 600 career kills in just two seasons. With their size and strength, they are expected to play a critical role in Bismarck's quest for another trip to the Final Four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kinley Lair and Braylyn Wood – Rock Port</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a class full of emerging talent, Braylyn and Kinley have made significant contributions to their team in their first two varsity seasons. Braylyn returns as the team's kill leader, with 293 kills last season, demonstrating her scoring ability as a 5'11” left pin hitter. Kinley, standing at 6'1”, finished with 210 kills and continues to improve each season. Known for her dominance in the middle, she thrives in a quick-tempo offense that maximizes her skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->