Class of 2022, 2023 Athletes Reaching New "Heights"

For many of these Freshmen and Sophomores, their is an eagerness to improve, compete, and continue the recruiting process as play resumes. I always see a huge improvement from 15s to 16s, especially with the longer, taller athletes seeing improvement after countless repetition of footwork on slides, block to transitions, and more reps with their setter. All of a sudden it just seems to click, and then the confidence comes with it which makes them even more dominant. Here are some Class of 2022 and 2023 athletes who have the length and talent to note. [caption id="attachment_92778" align="alignright" width="390"] Ifill[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="31585" first="Kendal" last="Kemp"] - Northern Lights 16-1 (MN) - Class of 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="31583" first="Sienna" last="Ifill"] - Northern Lights 16-1 (MN) - Class of 2022 Kemp and Ifill are two of the top 2022 recruits in Minnesota and provide plenty of length with Kemp in the middle and Ifill on the right side. Kemp has been on the radar since she was in 8th grade and definitely has the Big Ten type build and athleticism, along with being 6’6 to compete among the best. Ifill’s blocking ability and high touch is unreal (as seen in the picture).   [player_tooltip player_id="81253" first="Morgan" last="Daugherty"] - Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold (WI) - Class of 2022 The evolution of [player_tooltip player_id="81253" first="Morgan" last="Daugherty"] has been a fun one to watch. As a 15s she had the height and athleticism, but now in her 16s year she has the ability to score in multiple ways including being really dangerous in running the slide. Daugherty is extremely physical and will definitely be a 2022 athlete to be on the early call list June 15. [caption id="attachment_53621" align="alignright" width="349"] Dunaway[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="91880" first="Kyla" last="Dunaway"] - FC Elite 15 Navy (WI) - Class of 2023 Dunaway is another Freshman who is a standout in basketball and volleyball, standing at 6’3. She has already received offers in basketball to the in-state Division 1 Wisconsin schools while also being an attacker to know in the Class of 2023. Dunaway can play in the middle or on the right side. Her length gives her an advantage to really shutdown an opposing attacker with her block and also score points with her swing.     [player_tooltip player_id="91860" first="Meghan" last="Schultz"] - MVP 15 Blue (WI) - Class of 2023 Schultz was a key player for Motion Volleyball Program out of the Milwaukee area where she is a dominant middle blocker. At 6’3, Schultz brings a heavy swing and can cut some sharp angles making it really difficult for the other side to get a clean pass up to the setter.   [player_tooltip player_id="58784" first="Brenna" last="Schmidt"] - Nebraska Juniors - Class of 2022 Ital Lopuyo - Nebraska Juniors - Class of 2022 This duo is dangerous. With Schmidt at 6’5 and Lopuyo at 6’7, they are a long and physical tandem to have together as a middle blocker and right side. Schmidt plays out of the middle while Lopuyo plays out of the middle or the right side. Lopuyo has a major upside (literally) being 6’7 with a lot of raw athleticism. Her best volleyball is ahead of her with plenty of coaches who will be hoping to add both of these athletes to their program.   [player_tooltip player_id="79686" first="Anika" last="Ivester"] - Adrenaline (IA) - Class of 2023 Ivester attends Xaver High School out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she didn’t see much time on the court this past high school season, but she played two age levels up for club this past season. For sure 6’3, nearing 6’4, Ivester plays out of the middle and will be one to keep tabs on as she progresses through the ranks. Xavier has a deep roster of Seniors where Ivester can contribute this season as well as seasons to come.   [player_tooltip player_id="79704" first="Kalvyn" last="Rosengarten"] - Six Pack 15U (IA) - Class of 2023 Rosengarten had a breakout performance at the Iowa State Tournament where her high school team of Wapsie Valley finished as the Class 1A state runner-up. At 6’3 and extremely agile, Rosengarten knows how to find the deep corner to score points and is a physical blocker at the net.   [player_tooltip player_id="31574" first="Emma" last="Goerger"] - MN Select 17-1 - Class of 2022 Goerger is 6’4 and playing up on the MN Select 17-1 squad, part of the Class of 2022. Goerger is a middle blocker out of Wayzata who recently won a state title in 2019 in Minnesota’s largest class. After graduating several key players, Goerger will be stepping into a bigger role to score plenty of points and be a major defensive presence.   Northern Lights 15-1 The wingspan of this team is dangerous. The squad comprised of some of the top 2023 (and some 2024) athletes definitely has some scary potential with eight athletes who are at least 6’0 tall. This team kept knocking off plenty of top teams at Triple Crown to finish in the final eight.