September 4 — The Spike provides a regular update on high school volleyball in the Mitchell area, focusing on standout teams, players, and achievements. This week, the Wagner Red Raiders are making headlines with their strong start to the season.
Based in Wagner, South Dakota, the Red Raiders have quickly established themselves as a formidable contender in Class A volleyball. After a successful run to the state tournament last year, where they finished eighth, Wagner has begun the current season with a 6-1 record. Their impressive streak includes six consecutive victories following a season-opening setback against Vermillion, a team that also received votes in the South Dakota Prep Media Class A volleyball poll released on August 31.
Since their initial loss, Wagner has shown remarkable resilience, dropping only one set across their next six matches. This early success can largely be attributed to the wealth of experience returning from last year's squad. Key players include senior middle hitters Ravyn Medricky, Brianna Fuchs, and Mateya Bruguier, along with junior outside hitter Hannah Holzbauer. Senior setter Braxton Nedved is also back, providing a strong foundation for the team's offense.
Head coach Stacey Knebel expressed her enthusiasm for the versatility and leadership within her team. "I just love the versatility that we have across the roster," she noted after a recent win over Mount Vernon/Plankinton. Knebel has been experimenting with different player positions, but she has also seen her seniors step up as vocal leaders on the court. "My key players are really stepping up and talking a little more," she added, highlighting the importance of leadership in their early success.
Central to Wagner's offensive strategy is setter Braxton Nedved, who has already recorded an impressive 146 set assists in just seven matches. In addition to her playmaking abilities, Nedved has contributed 23 kills and leads the team with eight service aces. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively has allowed Wagner to utilize a diverse array of hitting options.
Holzbauer has emerged as a standout offensive player for the Red Raiders, leading the team with 58 kills and a .256 hitting percentage, while also leading defensively with 61 digs. Medricky, standing at 6-foot-1, has added 38 kills, and both Bruguier and Fuchs have made significant contributions with 29 and 26 kills, respectively. Nedved's dual role as a setter and hitter adds another layer of complexity to Wagner's offense.
Knebel emphasized the impact of her returning players' leadership on the team's performance. "Ravyn, Braxton, and Hannah are hands down the biggest leaders I have," she remarked, noting their commitment to excellence and teamwork.
The depth of the Wagner roster has allowed for greater flexibility in player roles. Junior Mila Hopkins, who primarily served as a backup setter last season, has taken on a more prominent role as an outside hitter, further strengthening the team's attacking options.
After their initial loss to Vermillion, the Red Raiders rebounded by winning the Parkston Invite, where they defeated several strong teams, including Class B No. 3 Warner. Wagner surrendered only one set during the tournament, showcasing their dominance. They continued their winning ways by sweeping MVP and Chamberlain in subsequent matches.
Looking ahead, Wagner is set to host Platte-Geddes at 7:30 p.m. on September 8, aiming to maintain their momentum. With their experience from last year's state tournament, the Red Raiders are focused on translating that knowledge into consistent performance as they pursue another successful postseason run.
As Coach Knebel stated, the key to their continued success lies in their work ethic. "We just have to continue to practice hard every single day," she said, emphasizing the importance of commitment and effort in achieving their goals.
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