2021’s to Watch: Athletes Ranked Among 41-50

<p>Prep Dig Minnesota recently revealed the top 50 ranked athletes in the class of 2021. As the state of Minnesota has a rich history of producing high quality talent with the high school and club programs, these athletes will undoubtedly be ready for the next level when all is said and done with their prep careers and carry that legacy forward. Below are some notes for a few athletes ranked from 41-50 among the class of 2021.</p> <p><strong>Riley Walsh</strong> - 5'11 | OH | Breck H.S. | M1 16-1 | Prep Dig #41<br /> A bit unrefined mechanically in her footwork and arm swing but can score points based upon her athleticism. She maximizes her tools well. Good elevation and ability to jump high and hit hard makes her difficult to defend. Good blocking and defensive instincts. She competes well and as she develops better timing and gains more balance in the air she will begin to climb these individual player ranks. She was an Independent Metro all-conference selection.</p> <p><strong>Paige Thibault</strong> - 5'7 | L/OH | Watertown-Mayer H.S. | MN Select 16-1 | Prep Dig #43<br /> A Wright County all-conference selection as she helped lead Watertown-Mayer to the class AA state tournament. Versatile and athletic enough compete as a six-rotation athlete during her high school season, leading her team to the final weekend of competition. Crafty enough to score points as an undersized outside hitter but it is her ball control and defense that sets her apart. She has great instincts and can make difficult plays look effortless. </p> <p><strong>Abbey Milner</strong> - 6'3 | MB | Lakeville North H.S. | Prep Dig #44<br /> Was a stable part of the deep Lakeville North attack this past high school season. The experience she gained among those athletes and in the ultra-competitive South Suburban Conference will pay dividends for her going forward. Although not a primary factor in the Panther's high-powered offense, she proved herself capable of hanging with the elite junior and senior athletes in her ability to terminate the ball and defend from pin-to-pin. She has good upside.</p> <p><strong>Rachel Wieber</strong> - 6'0 | OH/DS | Northfield H.S. | Northern Lights 16-2 | Prep Dig #47<br /> Definitely underrated regarding her ball control ability. She has great length and range and tracks the ball well with her footwork and platform angles, putting her offense in system often. Defensively, she displays some of the best athleticism, patience, and vision that often leads to successful pursuit of the ball. Primarily utilized as a serving and passing specialist in the back row during the high school season, she executed her role effectively. College coaches should be watching her closely as she continues to compete and develop her overall skills with one of the better U16 teams in the region.</p>