Star Tribune writer Jim Paulsen ranks the top 10 volleyball teams in the Twin Cities and reveals a Dream Team, his picks for the top players in the metro area.
METRO TOP 10
- Wayzata: 57 straight victories and counting. And three Swensons to boot.
- Northfield: The state's best team to never make a state tournament appearance. Will this veteran squad get there this year?
- Lakeville North: The Panthers are building on last year's state tournament appearance and the return of five seniors, led by super setter Ava Blascziek.
- Rosemount: Behind six-rotation outside hitter Mya Cinnamo, the Irish are off to a strong start with victories over powers Stewartville and East Ridge.
- East Ridge: Runners-up to Wayzata a year ago, the Raptors have some big shoes to fill but plenty of candidates.
- Rogers: The Royals made their first state tournament trip last year and were impressive. Anya Schmidt, now a sophomore, was named to the all-tournament team.
- Eagan: A rebuilding year for one of the metro's elite programs. Expect coach Kathy Gillen to have the Wildcats back near the top by season's end.
- Champlin Park: There's a ton of skill, led by sophomore Carly Gilk, and the Rebels excel at ball control. But can they get past Wayzata in tough Section 5 of Class 4A?
- Chaska: With a core of four seniors back from last year's team that went 22-8, led by outside hitter Ella Christ, the Hawks will make life difficult for opponents.
- Eden Prairie: Coach Chad Becker calls Cameron Berger "the best senior setter in the state."
METRO DREAM TEAM
Front row
Olivia Swenson, Wayzata, outside hitter, junior. College: Gophers
Avery Bolles, Andover, outside hitter, senior. College: Colorado
Gabby Wachholz, Mayer Lutheran, outside hitter, senior. College: uncommitted
Annika Veurink, Southwest Christian, middle blocker, senior. College: Villanova
Setters
Stella Swenson, Wayzata, junior. College: Gophers
Cameron Berger, Eden Prairie, senior. College: Michigan State
Defensive specialist/libero
Kate Thibault, Watertown-Mayer, senior. College: Oregon
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Meet six exceptional high school athletes who happen to be football players
One is a Division I-level point guard. One is a small-class sprint champion. All are easy to spot when their athletic ability shows on the football field.
Sports
Podcast: Can the Lynx extend their dream season and win another WNBA title?
On Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand talked with Minnesota Star Tribune WNBA writer Kent Youngblood ahead of the Lynx playoff opener on Sunday at Target Center. Plus thoughts on the Twins, Vikings, Shohei Ohtani and fantasy football.
Sports
Reusse: Minnesota townball keeps on keepin' on ... with another Hall of Fame induction
A simple tradition has been going strong for decades, even when the cynical me thought it would decline in popularity.
Lynx
Everything you need to know about the Lynx and the WNBA playoffs
The Lynx will have the second seed and play Phoenix in the first round starting Sunday at Target Center.
Gophers
Gophers vs. Hawkeyes in their earliest meeting ever. Who has the edge? Randy Johnson's preview.
The Hawkeyes had won eight straight in this historic series before a controversial finish last season in Iowa City. To keep Floyd of Rosedale, the Gophers will need to overcome Iowa's stifling run defense.