A dozen to watch on the volleyball court this season

The WDA has its share of talented players on the court. Several teams return experienced players who have been in their share of high-stake matches. Here’s a look at a dozen of the top players to keep an eye on this fall.

Bismarck High: Jordyn Rood
The junior’s handiwork is often on display each match for the Demons. The all-WDA middle hitter led her team in blocks a season ago, but also brings a strong hitting game. She is quick to see where the defense is set and can make split-second adjustments to placing balls over the net. Jordyn is at her best when she gets involved in nearly every point for the BHS. Her positive attitude and energy rub off on her teammates.

Bismarck Century, Atrianna Backman
The senior is a second-year starter and three-year letterwinner for the Patriots. Her energy and competitiveness makes her a valuable piece on the court. She is versatile by her ability to stay in all six rotations. The all-WDA player has a high volleyball IQ and can anticipate quickly where the play is going.

Bismarck Legacy, Brooklynn Felchle
The junior is the lone returning starter for the Sabers, but she is a good one to build a new team around. Her size and leadership skills will be counted on, especially early, as players settle into roles. The all-WDA selection can dominate play at the net and brings enthusiasm and passion to the court.

Bismarck St. Mary’s, Mataya Messer
The junior fills a big spot on the court for the Saints. Her athleticism and size make an imposing force at the net as well as in the back row. The multi-sport athlete has that will-to-win mentality that few possess and the all-conference player’s leadership qualities are valued.

Dickinson, Jenna Nelson
The junior had a breakout season a year ago for the Midgets. She led her squad in kills and digs and was among the conference leaders in both categories. Nelson is particularly strong at the net where she is an aggressive hitter, but can fill the gaps quickly and defend. For her efforts, she earned all-conference and all-state honors. She put in time during the summer to hone her skills and made the USA All-Star 19U North Country team that competed in Iowa. Like other standouts, Jenna has set goals for herself and wants to do anything to help her team succeed.

Jamestown, Edie Hegerle
The junior has played in a lot of big matches in a Blue Jay uniform and has been a big-time contributor as well. She was an all-WDA and all-state selection last season and led the conference in assists and among the league leaders in digs. However, her strength is her all-around game. She is a gritty player that never gives up on a point and is comfortable in any spot in the rotation. Her positive energy and leadership are noticeable on the court.

Mandan, Lilly Thomsen
The senior emerged last season as a key contributor at the outside hitter position for the Braves. Her impact can be seen all over the stat sheet. She not only was a producer at the net with over 160 kills, but Thomsen was steady on the back row with over 200 digs. Her serving is also a strength. Her experience and ability to read the play make her one of the smartest players on the court.

Minot High: Raegan Terrel
The senior captain is the vocal and emotional leader for the Majettes. Playing her spot in the back row as libero, she fills a vital role in handling opponent’s kills and serves. Her quickness and solid positioning enable her to keep points alive for her team. Terrel led the squad in digs a season ago and was also the squad’s top server. Her experience will be called on as new players adjust to bigger roles.

Minot North: Cadence Shipman
The senior outside hitter will be leaned on to play a big part in the Sentinel’s inaugural season in the WDA. She is an all-around player capable of filling every spot. She will be particularly valuable at the net, providing offense as well as keeping points allow in the back row.

TMCHS Belcourt, Mia Lavallie
You would be hard-pressed to find something Mia Lavallie doesn’t do well for her squad. The senior has quite a lot of roles to fill on the court. Her strong passing put her in the setter post, but she will also be key component in the Braves’ attack at the net as well as in the back row competing points alive with her digs. Her quickness to respond to the ball and her ability to read the play, make her a difference maker for TMCHS.

Williston, Madison Collings
The senior is one of the most experienced players in the conference, suiting up for varsity matches since her freshman season. Her poise and calming influence are important for her team, especially in tight matches. The all-WDA performer
led her team in kills and was among the conference leaders. She is the type of athlete that embraces the challenge of stepping up for her team in a big spot.

Watford City, Fallon Sampsel
The senior will play a pivotal spot in the Wolves’ lineup. Her compete level, energy and positive attitude will be key as the team faces plenty of stiff competition. The multi-sport athlete led her team in blocks last season and her presence along the front row will be important. She is expected to be one of the team’s scoring threats in the middle hitter position.

Photo: Raegan Terrel, Minot High