Freshman Ignite A Fire At Adidas Charger Challenge
For most Freshmen, coming into high school, even if they have played club at the national level, need some time for adjustment at the high school varsity level. The game is faster, the players are bigger and more physical, and…
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Continue ReadingFor most Freshmen, coming into high school, even if they have played club at the national level, need some time for adjustment at the high school varsity level. The game is faster, the players are bigger and more physical, and there are all the other nuances that go along with the first month of high school.
When I go into a tournament, I honestly don’t look at the year of the player very often (between toggling MaxPreps roster pages, taking notes, pictures, and videos I still have to watch some volleyball”. I write down the player number, some notes, and then go back and find all the details. This past weekend there were plenty of freshmen who were making big impacts for their team.
Here are some early impact freshmen players I was able to see live at the Adidas Charger Challenge. The season is still young everyone, we got one tournament at a time (although I have fit multiple events in one weekend), but we will continue to keep our eyes out on top performances.
Gabriella Pitcel – Mukwonago – Middle Blocker
Extremely impressed with Pitcel. As a middle blocker around six feet tall, Pitcel is going to be a physical presence for Mukwonago (she already is). What I enjoyed most about Pitcel’s game is that she is a high motor type athlete getting to the pin to close the block, transitioning hard to be available to swing, and she actually swings. I see middles who tip and tip and tip again either because the connection is off or they aren’t in a position to swing. Pitcel has great hand contact and plays with such a spark, it’s contagious.
Madison Quest – DSHA – Outside Hitter/Right Side
At 6’3, Quest has already made her presence known in the Milwaukee area and her potential is on the up and up. DSHA is one of the top D1 squads with balance all around, but to have a player like Quest is an “X-Factor”, she is always an option for an attack even in the back court and out of system. Each touch, she is getting better. DSHA always has a program where they continuously get better throughout the season and this year will be no different.
Ava Reis – Kimberly – Outside Hitter/Right Side (Title Photo)
With Kimberly down a player for the weekend, Ava Reis was thrown into the fire and went toe to toe with the dogs. Reis was part of the FC Elite 14 Navy team that earned an Open bid to USAV 14 Nationals earlier this club season and her momentum has take her to compete on a ranked D1 squad at Kimberly. Her versatility and ability to adapt at the frontline is a strong suit. She will continue to develop and step in line in the tradition of strong pin attackers Kimberly always has.
Eva Finnessy – Hamilton – Outside/Right Side
Finnessy definitely looks like she needs to be on the varsity court with teams who are contending for state tournaments. She’s a physical athlete who plays with no fear. She will swing and look to score every time. With her IQ and court awareness, she also understands how to set the block and execute. Sussex Hamilton lost plenty of Seniors from their 2020 state championship team, but like any great program they are reloading. They have another Freshman in the middle to keep an eye on in Brooke Aslakson