Bemidji's Jessica Yost (Photo by Michael Much).
Jessica Yost
Sr., MH/OH, Bemidji
Yost proved to be a go-to player for the Lumberjacks this past fall, powering her way to 525 kills, 70 solo blocks, 304 digs and 31 service aces. "Jess led the Lumberjacks this season in kills, blocks and was second in digs. She is extremely athletic and talented. She has great court sense and a threat offensively and defensively." -- Bemidji coach Teresa Colligan
Q: Give me a short scouting report on yourself as a player. What are your strengths?
A: I play all-around and set the school record for the number of kills in a season. Good court awareness.
Q: Can you tell us one unusual thing about yourself that others may not know?
A: My first sport was gymnastics, but they told me I was too tall.
Q: What's the best part of playing high school volleyball and why?
A: The competitiveness and the way you become a family with your team.
Q: Tell me about the outlook for your team this year. Why will you have a successful season?
A: We hope to challenge for the section title. We were a young team last year and we're coming back with more experience.
Q: What are the strengths of your team?
A: We never gave up, we have big hitters and our defense is strong.
Buffalo's Alexa Thielman (Photo by Michael Much)
Alexa Thielman
Sr., OH, Buffalo
Thielman gives the Bison a good well-rounded game, as she claimed All-Mississippi 8 honors as a junior. The 5-foot-7 outside hitter totaled 158 kills, 22 blocks, 286 digs and 55 service aces. "Plays great defense and is also an asset offensively. Is an intense player, team leader." -- Buffalo coach Michelle Macalena
Q: Give me a short scouting report on yourself as a player. What are your strengths?
A: I play all the way around. I'm always talking and am a vocal leader on the court.
Q: Can you tell us one unusual thing about yourself that others may not know?
A: I don't know about anything unusual, but I do have a twin brother!
Q: What's the best part of playing high school volleyball and why?
A: Forming a bond with your team and all the fun experiences you go through with them.
Q: Tell me about the outlook for your team this year. Why will you have a successful season?
A: We aren't losing too many players and those we are losing can be filled by the underclassmen. We are doing more things in the off-season than the previous.
Q: What are the strengths of your team?
A: Communicating and passing. A lot of our practice is passing, passing, passing.