Closing Out the Regular Season: Chaska Invitational Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final tournaments of the regular season have officially wrapped up, with the Chaska Invitational taking center stage this past weekend. It was another great opportunity to watch talented athletes compete, check back in with familiar faces, and get a first look at some players who were new to our radar. From powerful attackers and versatile 6 rotation players to impressive defensive standouts, there was plenty of talent on display. Below are a few of the players who caught our attention, delivered strong performances, or simply made us take notice for the first time.</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":["1053476"],"_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-6ad623ed22238"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cedar Mountain brings an unconventional style of play to the court and it is one that keeps opponents guessing. With multiple players taking on setting responsibilities and balls frequently being pushed over on the first or second contact, they play at a fast pace. In the middle of this organized chaos is Kleinschmidt, a versatile player who takes on several different roles for her team. She is a strong middle attacker with a powerful arm swing, but her contributions go well beyond the front row. Kleinschmidt also steps into a setting role in the back row and plays left back after serving, showing off her defensive abilities and all around skill set. Moving between these responsibilities takes endurance, quick reactions, and a strong understanding of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["698692"],"_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-6ad633d3dc65c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the opportunity to check back in with Martin this weekend to see how the powerhouse pin hitter was progressing and she certainly did not disappoint. Martin continues to impress with her powerful arm swing and ability to consistently terminate the ball. She attacks with confidence, takes aggressive swings, and has a knack for finding ways to put the ball away. Her numbers speak for themselves, as she is averaging an impressive 3.6 kills per set while hitting at a whopping .314. That is an outstanding hitting percentage for an outside hitter, especially considering the volume of attacks and the variety of sets that come her way. Martin continues to show why she is such a dangerous offensive weapon, combining power with efficiency and making the most of her opportunities at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836610"],"_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-6ad633d3dc6aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobson is a fiery pin hitter who isn't intimidated by a big block, even when facing defenders who have a height advantage. She plays with strength and confidence, consistently taking aggressive swings and challenging blockers at the net. What stood out to me was her ability to recognize what was in front of her and find ways to score, whether that meant using the blockers' hands to her advantage or finding a seam between them. She doesn't shy away in tough situations either and brings an aggressive, competitive mentality to every attack. Her fearless approach and ability to find ways around a block make her a tough attacker to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522732"],"_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-6ad633d3dc6f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mittelstadt is an impressive senior libero who has been making an impact on the court for years. She is extremely reliable in serve receive, but what really separates her from others is her ability to cover an incredible amount of ground. Mittelstadt reads the game exceptionally well, reacts quickly, and seems to have a sixth sense for knowing exactly where the ball is going. Her anticipation allows her to move efficiently, taking smart angles and putting herself in position to make plays that many defenders simply can't reach. Her experience, quickness, and natural defensive instincts make her a steady presence in the back row and a player who continues to impress every time I watch her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805574"],"_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-6ad633d3dc73e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hall made an impact from all areas of the court, showing the versatility and consistency that make her such a valuable six rotation player. She was strong in serve receive, providing a steady presence in the back row while also making an impact offensively. Her quick, powerful arm swing stood out, especially with her ability to vary her attacks. Whether she was taking big swings cross court or taking an aggressive swing down the line, she kept defenders guessing and showed she could score from multiple angles. Beyond her offensive skills, Hall brought a confident, competitive presence to the court. She was a vocal leader, played with intensity, and was someone her teammates could rely on throughout the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->