All Eyes on Class AA Standouts as Postseason Play Begins

<!-- 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 road to the state tournament is officially underway as Class AA section tournament play kicks off today across Minnesota. With powerhouse programs, highly ranked teams, and plenty of talented athletes battling for a chance to advance, this postseason is shaping up to be an exciting one. Class AA is loaded with talent this year, from dynamic attackers and dominant middles to versatile six-rotation players and young standouts who have made a big impact on their teams. Some of these athletes have been on our radar for years, while others have recently caught our attention with their impressive play. As the competition heats up and every match becomes more important, these are some of the Class AA standouts we can't wait to watch as they look to help lead their teams one step closer to the state tournament.</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":["810563"],"_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-6adeb6929f918"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fluid, fast, and dynamic, middle [player_tooltip player_id='810563' first='Alexa' last='Lilly'] has made a huge impact for powerhouse New Life Academy, currently ranked No. 1 in Class AA. Lilly is exceptionally quick in her movements, transitions effortlessly, and has the ability to get up and terminate with impressive consistency. Averaging 3.3 kills per set with an outstanding .476 hitting percentage, she has established herself as one of the most efficient attacking threats in the class. Her quickness, athleticism, and ability to find openings in the defense make her incredibly difficult to stop. She is equally effective defensively, recording 58 blocks this season and making her presence felt on both sides of the net. Lilly is a difference maker at the net and a big reason New Life Academy has been so successful this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["939411"],"_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-6adeb6929f9b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fourth-ranked New London-Spicer has put together an impressive 23-1 season, and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='939411' first='Harper' last='Olness'] has emerged as a big part of that success. Not only has the young standout earned her way into the starting lineup, but she has quickly become one of the team's most productive players. Olness sits at or near the top of the stat sheet for her team in several key categories, including kills, serving aces, and blocks. Making that kind of impact as a freshman on one of the top-ranked teams in Class AA is impressive. She will certainly be a young player to keep an eye on as New London-Spicer makes its postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738972"],"_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-6adebf9f943f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lewison is a highly effective middle who has become a big part of Minnewaska Area's offense as the Lakers look to make another run to the section championship match. She is quick, constantly on the move, and does an excellent job making herself available as an attacking option. What makes her especially dangerous is the connection she has with her setter, who knows how to find her in transition and put her in position to score. With 188 kills and an impressive .427 hitting percentage this season, Lewison has proven to be an efficient and reliable offensive weapon. She is equally valuable defensively, recording 48 blocks and making her presence felt at the net. Her quickness, movement, and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball make her a middle who will be exciting to watch as Minnewaska Area battles through section tournament play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["997202"],"_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-6adebf9f9445e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gorden is a huge presence at the net, making an impact not only with her attacking ability but also with her blocking. I first stumbled upon this young pin/middle during last year's club season and have been keeping a close eye on her development ever since. She brings a physical presence to the front row, challenging opponents on both sides of the net. With her Jackson County Central team sitting at 19-6 and battling its way through section tournament play, Gorden is one of those young standouts I'll be excited to watch as the competition heats up. She has the tools to make an impact, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do on the postseason stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757697"],"_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-6adebf9f944af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Esko is currently ranked No. 6 in Class AA, and one of the electric, athletic players making big waves for the Eskomos is [player_tooltip player_id='757697' first='Maren' last='Bailey']. Bailey is a strong, dynamic attacker who consistently finds ways to put the ball on the floor. Whether her team is in system or out of system, she has the ability to take a big swing and terminate. She does an excellent job in off blocker defense, transitioning quickly into the offense, and putting herself in position to deliver another powerful attack. Her athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities make her an exciting player to watch as Esko makes its postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523205"],"_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-6adebf9f944fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most dynamic six rotation players coming out of southeastern Minnesota is 6'2" outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='523205' first='Anndi' last='Frie']. I first discovered Frie about two years ago when I watched her play JV as an eighth grader, and even then, I knew she was destined for big things. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to improving every aspect of her game, she has developed into quite the player and has become one of the reasons Dover-Eyota has climbed into the Class AA rankings at No. 9 for the first time. While Frie possesses a big, powerful, and lethal swing that can put the ball away in a hurry, it's the other parts of her game that have impressed me just as much. Her growth in serve receive, blocking, and backcourt defense is evident, and it's clear she has put in the work to become a more complete player. With Dover entering the Section 1AA tournament as the #1 seed, we can wait to see all of these skills on display.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->