5 Take Aways From Wave 2 (15s and 17s) of Minnesota Squads at AAU Nationals
Minnesota teams are ready to roll – or should I say are rolling into Day 2 after Day 1 just finished for these squads in the 15s and 17s. AAUs in Orlando has always been a top place for Minnesota…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota teams are ready to roll – or should I say are rolling into Day 2 after Day 1 just finished for these squads in the 15s and 17s. AAUs in Orlando has always been a top place for Minnesota clubs to finish their season, while a few will do double duty and compete at USAV Nationals in Indy, most will be capping off a great season. Through the first day there are already some story lines to keep an eye on with the teams representing the North Star State.
MN Select 15-1 Prevails
I have seen MN Select 15-1 at the JVA Jamboree in Milwaukee, Molten Series, The Showcase in the Dells, and Northern Lights. They have been so close to winning some big three set matches against some high quality opponents. No better time to capitalize than nationals. With points going back and forth against Illini Elite in 15 Open pool play, they were able to snag the third set in dramatic fashion 21-19. They will be in pool play tomorrow against Boomers (FL), VC United (IL), and OT (FL).
The Machine of Northern Lights 17-1
Northern Lights is always going to be solid up and down there lineup across all teams, but watching Lights play this morning it almost looked like a choreographed dance. The passing was on point, their 6-2 offense has three hitters who are always available to hit, and they made it through Day 1 without dropping a set. However the last match against Shockwave out of Kansas did have the scores 26-24, 25-23. Winning close matches such as the one versus shockwave can still give a lot of momentum for a team heading into more close matches throughout the week.
Familiar Faces
I always find it funny when teams take a plane ride to go 1,500 miles and play a team that is across town. Northern Lights 17-1 will be taking on Kokoro 17-1 tomorrow during pool play. Kokoro was seeded second in their pool today, but finished third after two losses to KIVA and Pittsburgh Elite. Kokoro has all the weapons to compete with Northern Lights and also the familiarity. That always brings up the question would you rather play a team you are almost too familiar with or a team you know nothing about. For some, ignorance is bliss. Will be interesting to see if this matchup can light a spark under Kokoro after a tough Day 1.
Power In The Premier
Minnesota clubs found success in the Premier division with the top being Kokoro 15-1, this group was one of the top four last year for 14 Club and are building off that momentum. MN Select 15-2 and 17-2 both went 2-1, Northern Lights 15-2 went 2-1, as well as M1 17-1. Once again two Minnesota clubs will be battling each other with Kokoro 15-1 vs. Northern Lights 15-2 in Day 2 of pool play for 15 Premier.
The Overall Depth of Minnesota and the Midwest
There is no mistake that Minnesota clubs come down to Orlando and find success. The Northern Lights 13-1 squad just captured a national title. Other teams from Minnesota will be in the hunt over the next week as well. With top tier competition in their backyard that teams play against within their own club, the Molten Series, and even during the high school season it puts the overall play at a standard that is at a much higher level. Who else will be in the hunt. KIVA out of Louisville, Kentucky has programs up and down across all levels that are tough to beat. Munciania out of Muncie, Indiana as well as Sports Performance out of the Chicago area. There are also the local favorites out of Florida such as OT and Top Select. Then there are the Midwest perennial powerhouses such as Milwaukee Sting, Nebraska Elite, VC Nebraska, Michigan Elite, and Legacy out of Michigan. No wonder the Big Ten has found success recruiting out of their backyard.