Note: All stats listed are from the 2019 season.

District 12

Our Redeemer’s: For six straight seasons, the Knights have represented Region 6 at the state tournament. ORCS finished fourth at state last year, and the Knights remain in pursuit of their first-ever state title in any sport.

Annie Folden and Tea Boeckel graduated and committed to play volleyball at Minot State University. An experienced group of upperclassmen will lead ORCS this season.

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Our Redeemer's junior setter Eden Olson sets the ball during a practice held earlier this week.

Coach’s quote, Kara Nunziato: “When you become a senior, you do have a sense of pride for the program. You want to leave a legacy, not a ghost, in the gym. They want to be leaders that will carry the next group, the next group and the next group forward.”

Outside hitter Macy Lindquist (115 kills), utility player Halle Vibeto, middle hitter Olivia Nelson (42 total blocks) and libero Kendal Braun (251 digs) comprise the senior core. Seasoned juniors include Eden Olson (994 assists), Sydney Popinga (151 kills), Cheyenne Lang (84 aces), Emily Brugman and Calli Weekley.

“Every year, we push our limits,” Braun said. “We get to where we need to go – the state tournament. That all starts in practice, especially these first couple of weeks. We’re working really hard to get to that next level.”

Des Lacs/Burlington: A senior-laden bunch will take charge for the Lakers, who finished third in the region last season. Setter Addyson Hughes (854 assists), defensive specialist Ava Willie (60 aces) and hitter Zoey Reed (302 kills) are All-District seniors who return this season.

Seniors Brynley Benno, Kylie Kramer, Reese Sys and Megan Schaefer provide valuable depth. Krysta Berard (48 blocks) and Emily DeGree (100 kills) are juniors who contributed last season.

Coach’s quote, Tarra Hysjulien: “Behind the leadership of our seven seniors, we look to use our experience to guide our season. We have one of the best setters in the state with a plethora of offensive options.”

Glenburn: After earning a fourth-place finish in the region, the Panthers return four seniors. Outside hitter Lila Farden, outside hitter Hannah Hagen, middle hitter McKenna Rolland and setter Nadia Post will take the court for the final time as Panthers.

Juniors Lorelei McIver and Megan Lahtonen add more layers to Glenburn’s group.

Coach’s quote, Katie Dufner: “McKenna Rolland and Lorelei McIver hitting and blocking out of the middle are going to help lead our team with their aggressive and explosive presences. Nadia Post brings her knowledge of the game and consistency to the floor. Outside hitter Hannah Hagen is also bringing her fire and leadership on our side. We have a few new players – we are excited to see what they’re going to bring to the floor.”

Bishop Ryan: Development during a 23-13-2 season gave the Lions confidence. Ryan’s formidable nucleus remains intact for this year’s campaign.

Coach’s quote, Nick Theis: “This team has grown a lot. Where we started a couple years ago and where we are now, they can do a lot more. They’re really excited about learning the game. We’ve incorporated drills where they get to play every position. Every girl is comfortable in knowing the game and filling in a spot for a drill. That’s been a lot of fun to see.”

Returning starters include junior middle/outside hitter Sydney Upton (352 kills), senior middle/outside hitter Sylvie Kramer (252 kills), senior outside hitter Nora Kramer (70 aces) and senior outside hitter Maddie Hedberg (349 digs).

“I’ve always had great leaders and role models to look up to,” Sylvie Kramer said. “It means a lot that I get to be that for other people. I love representing this school because I’ve had a lot of family here. Just being able to represent Bishop Ryan, it’s really special.”

The Rest: Other teams in the district include Mohall/Lansford/Sherwood, Lewis & Clark/Berthold, South Prairie and Surrey.

MLS features several returners. Of that group, junior Kylie Abernathey posted 125 kills, sophomore Allison Undlin tallied 26 blocks and sophomore Emma Southam served 22 aces.

Last season, the Mavericks finished 14-17. Head coach Justice Brown returns to the sidelines for MLS.

After coaching the Bombers for 10 years, head coach Brooke Storro stepped down for two seasons. Storro will coach Berthold for the 2020 campaign.

Upperclassmen include Kennedy Limke, Ashley Seaver, Cashley Brown, Piper Sorenson, Lynzee Schepp, Mandie Davison, Natalie Helfrich, Emily Wilson and Ava Lee.

A balanced mix of players will work together for South Prairie this year. The solid group of returning starters features senior setter Mariah Braasch (150 assists), senior outside hitter Makayla Berg, junior middle blocker McKynna Stenberg (188 kills, 188 digs), junior middle blocker Molly Frey (21 blocks) and sophomore outside hitter JyliAnne Striha.

“Our strength this year is definitely our team communication and work ethic,” South Prairie head coach Kayla Palczewski said. “We have a lot of young girls and girls who started playing varsity at a young age that are now upperclassmen and expect a lot out of our younger girls. Our middle blockers have height, agility and leadership that our team really looks to revolve around. It should be a fun year to see what these girls can do.”

Surrey boasts a proficient front line. Senior hitters Katie Aberle, Tenlee Newport and Zoe Muller bring a healthy amount of experience to the court.

Head coach Chantel Fruhling takes control of the Mustangs this season.

District 11

Rugby: The Region 6 runner-up finished with a 31-5 record last season. A host of returning players will bolster Rugby’s roster this year.

Senior middle hitter Brooke Blessum notched 546 kills last year, while senior setter Sarrah Blessum dished out 537 assists. Senior Bella McCabe added 148 kills, and junior outside hitter Brooke Anderson tallied 290 digs.

Key sophomores include Mykell Heidlebaugh and Peyton Hauck.

Coach’s quote, Jessica Fritz: “We are lucky to be returning two All-State selections from last year in Brooke Blessum and Sarah Blessum. The team has been building off our success from last season and has been working hard to improve on our weak areas. We are continually working on communication and team chemistry to bring the team together more after months off.”

TGU: Last season, TGU finished second in the regular-season district standings. After guiding the Titans to a 19-9 record, head coach Erica Hjelmstad will lead TGU.

Two well-rounded starters return to the court. Senior setter Emma Dragseth finished last season with 227 assists, 48 aces, 19 kills and 125 digs. Fellow senior Grace Schmitt, an outside hitter, posted 127 kills, 34 aces and 136 digs last year.

Other TGU upperclassmen include Kayla Hanson, Averie Lageson, Cheyanne Lunde, Dazey Sevland, Lita Prellwitz and Melanie Fosness. Sophomores Ana Mohagen and Iliana Arias will suit up for the Titans.

Velva: As they embark on the 2020 season, the Aggies look to build off last year’s positive momentum. Velva’s roster is rife with experienced upperclassmen.

The battle-tested seniors include Reagan Hildre, Grace Pfenning, Camryn Volk, Madison Effertz, Elizabeth Parmenter, Rylee Frantsen, Sophie Hackman and Jade Lohnes. The junior class features Whitney Schepp, Jadyn Sandy and Caroline Bodine.

Coach’s quote, Cassidy Peterson: “We had some key seniors last year get hurt and were not able to join us for the season, but we adjusted well. We didn’t finish quite as high as we hoped and had some ups and downs throughout, but finished strong at districts and had lots of improvements. Overall, we only lost two playing seniors from last season and have six returning main players who are now seniors. We have so much talent this year, and these girls have worked hard to prepare.”

The Rest: Nedrose, Bottineau, Drake/Anamoose and Westhope/Newburg round out the district.

Four seniors will aid Nedrose during their season. Setter Kaelie Eggen and middle hitter Noelle Overton will join hitters Aurie Winkler and A’Lexis Crawford.

A loaded cast of juniors features middle hitter Sophia Svystunova, outside hitter Madison Hayes, outside hitter Alexis Lancaster, outside hitter Alexis Aragon, libero Kaylie Gruber, and hitter/defensive specialist Kaylee McRoy. Chelsey Raymond will coach the Cardinals this year.

Setter Mya Troska, middle hitter Whitni Peck and libero Sabra Peterson will serve as Bottineau’s captains. All three players provided major contributions last season.

Troska handed out 514 assists, Peck added 52 kills and Peterson notched 638 digs. The Stars finished 11-15 in 2019.

“All the girls have been working extremely hard and are very enthusiastic about this season,” Bottineau first-year head coach Becky Moen said. “We will focus on building a fast offense and a strong defense. The school has purchased new weight room equipment that we plan on using weekly to gain strength, condition and increase our agility.”

Four starters return from last year’s Drake/Anamoose squad. Players to watch include sophomore middle hitter Rylee Martin, sophomore outside hitter Jamie Lemer, junior outside hitter Riley Hauff, sophomore middle hitter Taryn Sieg, junior setter Jazzlynn Hase, senior libero Alexis Hase and senior outside hitter Shania Martin

Last season, Hauff averaged nearly seven kills per game and finished the year with an 86% success rate on her jump serves.

“We are young, but the girls are strong and have been putting in many extra hours in and out of the gym to prepare for the new season,” Drake/Anamoose head coach Annie Jo Arnold said.

Myah Radtke and Trinity Arnason are captains of Westhope/Newburg’s group. Ellie Braaten and Ava Hermes also bring experience to the roster.

The Sioux will hit the floor under head coach Kimberly Braaten.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.

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