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<p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>*Please note that stats are always changing; these were the most current numbers available at the time of publication.*</em></strong></h3>
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<p>In volleyball, the setter is often called the quarterback of the court, and there's a reason for that. They dictate the pace of the game, read the defense, and make split-second decisions that can turn a tight rally into a point-winning attack. A great setter combines vision, precision, and leadership—making sure every hitter is in the best position to succeed while keeping the opposing defense guessing.</p>
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<p>This season, several high school setters across North Dakota are not just filling the role—they're thriving. These athletes have already surpassed the 200-assist mark, showcasing consistency, high volleyball IQ, and the kind of court control that college coaches crave. Let's take a look at the top performers so far, sorted from highest to lowest assists:</p>
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<p><strong>Adri Panchot – Velva – 324 Assists</strong><br>Panchot is running the court with poise and confidence, delivering precise sets that let her hitters attack from any spot. Her ability to read blockers and adjust on the fly makes her a nightmare for defenses.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748825' first='Mackenzie' last='Dufner'] – Minot High – 324 Assists</strong><br>Dufner matches Panchot in volume but brings a different flavor—she has a quick release and can run multiple tempos, keeping the front row off balance. Her leadership shows in every rotation, constantly communicating and keeping her team in sync.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725013' first='Quinn' last='Skari']-Fargo Davies – 322 Assists</strong><br>Skari is a reliable playmaker who uses precision and anticipation to keep the offense moving fluidly. Her ability to disguise sets makes her difficult for opponents to predict.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883410' first='Mazie' last='Tjernlund'] – EKMHS (Edgeley) Co-Op – 302 Assists</strong><br>Tjernlund combines consistency with vision, finding open pins and delivering high-tempo sets that allow her hitters to strike before the block can react. Her court awareness continues to elevate her team's offense.</p>
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<p><strong>Mya Glynn – Ellendale – 299 Assists</strong><br>Glynn demonstrates excellent timing and touch, placing sets in tight windows that challenge even the most disciplined blocks. Her steady hands and decision-making under pressure make her a setter to watch.</p>
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<p><strong>Carly Wolf – New England – 298 Assists</strong><br>Wolf's versatility stands out. Whether running quick middles or looping outside sets, she maintains accuracy and control. Her communication and leadership on the floor are evident every rotation.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883396' first='Nora' last='Balvitsch'] – Fargo South – 294 Assists</strong><br>Balvitsch showcases patience and vision, balancing tempo balls with quick hitters. She creates opportunities not just for kills but for her team to maintain momentum in long rallies.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='713562' first='Julia' last='Heidt'] – Grafton – 291 Assists</strong><br>Heidt runs a clean, fast-paced offense, giving her hitters confidence to attack. She's especially effective in transition plays, reading the defense and pushing tempo to maximize scoring opportunities.</p>
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<p><strong>Brynn Francis – Minot North – 283 Assists</strong><br>Francis is all about consistency and placement. Her ability to run clean sets under pressure allows her front-row attackers to execute confidently and efficiently.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756200' first='Sophia' last='Heringer'] – SCHS (Bismarck) – 258 Assists</strong><br>Heringer combines speed with court awareness, delivering sets that put hitters in prime attacking positions. She reads the defense well, keeping the ball away from blockers.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman'] – West Fargo Sheyenne – 258 Assists</strong><br>Richman's precision and leadership help stabilize her team's offense. She keeps the rhythm consistent and pushes tempo when the team needs quick points.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725017' first='Aspen' last='Roaldson'] – Bismarck – 257 Assists</strong><br>Roaldson demonstrates a high volleyball IQ, making decisions that elevate her hitters' opportunities. Her fast sets keep the opposition guessing.</p>
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<p><strong>Hannah Attleson – Jameston – 236 Assists</strong><br>Attleson excels in distributing the ball evenly across her hitters, keeping defenses moving and unable to focus on one option.</p>
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<p><strong>Taya Ressler – Shanley – 228 Assists</strong><br>Ressler shows both vision and poise, running multiple offensive options effectively. Her ability to make smart decisions on the court is a highlight of her game.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723033' first='Callie' last='Gienger'] – West Fargo High – 216 Assists</strong><br>Gienger demonstrates strong fundamentals, combining accuracy with intelligent set selection to create point-scoring opportunities.</p>
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<p>These setters are not just tallying assists—they're leading their teams, controlling the tempo, and setting up attacks that define matches. For college coaches, watching these players is a lesson in understanding how vision, timing, and leadership on the court translate directly into team success.</p>
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<p>Whether it's high-tempo quicks to the middle, outside sets into tight windows, or distributing evenly to multiple pins, these athletes are proving that the setter's role is as much about decision-making and leadership as it is about physical skill.</p>
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<p>With the season in full swing, these players continue to impress, and we can't wait to see how they finish the year. Their ability to combine skill, poise, and game intelligence makes them top candidates to follow as rising talent in North Dakota volleyball.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>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. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>
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<p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>
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