Backcourt Battle: Class AAA State 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>Big swings bring the noise, but those unbelievable digs that keep a rally alive? That's when the entire gym erupts! The Class AAA State Tournament is bringing together some of the best competition in the state, and the battle in the backcourt will be one you won't want to miss! We're talking about players who refuse to let the ball hit the floor, take on some of the toughest hitters, and turn what looks like a guaranteed point into another opportunity for their team. With a state championship on the line, every serve receive, defensive read, and hustle play matters. These are the players who can flip momentum in a heartbeat, frustrate opposing offenses, and bring a whole new level of energy to the court. Get ready, because these backcourt battles could be some of the most exciting moments of the tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755318"],"_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-6af33f60d8f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='755318' first='Autumn' last='Anderson'] is a name to keep your eyes on when those big swings start coming! Her defensive positioning is an area to watch, especially when the opposing hitters begin working different angles. Getting behind the ball and keeping digs controlled can give her team another opportunity to attack. In a tournament where rallies can shift momentum quickly, Anderson could be an important piece of keeping her team's defense organized. <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":["792016"],"_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-6af33f60d8fe0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Don't overlook [player_tooltip player_id='792016' first='Autumn' last='Burns'] when the pressure starts building! Serve receive is one area to pay attention to, particularly against aggressive servers looking to push teams out of system. A controlled first contact allows the setter to keep multiple attacking options available. Burns could make a difference by helping her team establish offensive rhythm before the rally even gets started. <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":["793121"],"_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-6af33f60d9043"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='793121' first='Claire' last='Adolphson'] brings another defensive name into the Class AAA conversation! Reading the hitter and recognizing attacking tendencies will be important when facing some of the state's strongest offenses. Being in position to handle a hard-driven ball can turn a difficult defensive situation into a transition opportunity. Adolphson is one to watch when those long rallies start testing both sides of the net. <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":["642390"],"_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-6af33f60d90ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='800298' first='Avaya' last='Fontaine'] is another player who could make some noise with her defensive work! Her ability to move into coverage is an area worth following, especially when her teammates are attacking against a well-formed block. Keeping blocked balls alive gives an offense another chance to finish the point. Fontaine could provide some of those extra-effort plays that become especially valuable in tight tournament matches. <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":["1063155"],"_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-6af33f60d9129"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1063155' first='Josie' last='Corson'] is one to watch when the game speeds up and the ball is flying all over the court! Defensive range can be a difference maker, especially against hitters who can mix power with off-speed shots. Getting into space quickly and staying balanced through contact can keep rallies going. Corson could help her team score and make opponents earn every ball they put away. <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":["1063156"],"_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-6af33f60d9188"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1063156' first='Taylor' last='Mathiowetz'] is another name worth following in the backcourt battle! Transition defense is an important part of turning a tough dig into an offensive opportunity. Keeping the ball controlled and directing it toward the setter gives her team a chance to counterattack instead of simply sending a free ball across. Those transitions could be a big factor when matches tighten up at state. <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":["1063157"],"_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-6af33f60d91e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1063157' first='Annika' last='Radke'] belongs in this defensive conversation as teams prepare for the Class AAA State Tournament! Reading the opposing attack and adjusting to shots off the block can make a major difference against powerful hitters. Staying disciplined with court positioning helps limit the openings opponents are trying to find. Radke could play a valuable role in helping her team handle the offensive pressure throughout the tournament. <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":["508313"],"_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-6af33f60d9255"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='508313' first='Makenna' last='Roelike'] rounds out this group with another defensive name to follow! Communication and coverage become even more important when the intensity rises and rallies stretch out. Helping organize the floor, recognizing open areas, and keeping teammates connected can prevent easy points. Roelike could make an impact through the defensive plays that don't always fill the stat sheet but help teams stay in the fight. <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. 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