AAU 16 Open Recap: Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno, FaR Out 16 Black shine

<p>The final age group in action at the AAU Junior National Championships in Orlando this week was the 16 Open and plenty of Michigan teams were in the mix. In the end, <strong>Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno </strong>and <strong>FaR Out 16 Black </strong>were a step ahead the others, landing themselves in the gold bracket on the final day of play.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2YcAvyv"><strong>RELATED: AAU 14 OPEN RECAP</strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/2X3m520"><strong>RELATED: AAU 15 OPEN RECAP</strong></a></p> <p><strong><a href="http://bit.ly/2FyjuY0">RELATED: AAU 17 OPEN RECAP</a></strong></p> <p>Michigan Elite found itself reaching the quarterfinals of the gold bracket after a 9-2 week, including a win over FaR Out in the opening round of the tournament on Friday. 16 Mizuno won its first eight matches of the week, which helped it get into the gold bracket. There, it bested FaR Out by scores of 25-22, 25-20.</p> <p>In the quarterfinals, 16 Mizuno was unable to get past <strong>Sports Performance 16 Elite</strong>, losing by scores of 25-17, 25-15. Sports Performance would go on to win the national title with a 12-0 week.</p> <p>Not surprisingly, <strong>Julia Bishop </strong>shined for Michigan Elite. The 2021 setter earned 16 Open All-American honors for her tremendous play. Like usual, Bishop was a great court general and ran a smooth offense while finding her chances to strike as well. The recent Michigan State commit is proving her value as one of the best 2021 players in the country.</p> <p>At the net, middle <strong>Charlie Atiemo </strong>was strong in Orlando and continues to improve with each match. Atiemo brings a lot of power and has great chemistry with Bishop over their years playing together in club and at Farmington Hills Mercy.</p> <p>Libero <strong>Rachel Jennings </strong>was also a standout for 16 Elite this week. Jennings has grown accustomed to big-match experience in her time with Novi and she is taking that into club season by proving she can handle any shots thrown her way. Her serve receive is on par with almost anyone.</p> <p>FaR Out 16 Black put up a 7-3 record over the week in Orlando, starting with a 7-1 mark entering the marquee matchups with <strong>Mizuno Northern Lights 16-1 </strong>and Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno.</p> <p>Leading FaR Out throughout the week was outside <strong>Jenna Reitsma</strong>. Reitsma is really having a big 12 months. She stepped out as a breakout player for Lowell last fall and has carried that into an impressive club season on a very talented roster. Reitsma has an all-around game that is going to land her some big college opportunities.</p> <p><strong>Aubrey O’Gorman</strong> also had a strong week for FaR Out. The 2021, 6-foot-3 middle proved she is a challenge on the national level for any opponent. Her striking is tough to stop and her block is tough to get past. The MSU commit has Lakewood looking like another D2 title contender coming into the fall.</p> <p><strong>Legacy 16-Elite </strong>had some trouble in pool play during the week, but finished the event out strong by winning four of its last five matches. Legacy took home the Diamond bracket title with a 29-27, 27-25 win over Triangle Black to land in 27^th place for the week.</p> <p><strong>Michigan Elite 16 Elite East</strong>, <strong>Five:1 VBC 16 Adidas</strong>, <strong>Unified 16-1, TeamD 16-Red</strong> and <strong>Michigan Elite 16 Elite West</strong> all competed in the Open as well, finishing in the bottom tier, but each had their high points. Five:1 actually finished the week strong by coming away with the amethyst bracket title.</p>