Big City Luau 17 Premiere: Five Uncommitted 2021 Athletes to Watch
The Big City Luau is a great early-season test for participating teams and serves to entertain volleyball enthusiasts in the greater Twin Cities area. Here is a look at a handful of athletes set to represent their respective teams in…
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Continue ReadingThe Big City Luau is a great early-season test for participating teams and serves to entertain volleyball enthusiasts in the greater Twin Cities area. Here is a look at a handful of athletes set to represent their respective teams in the 17 Premiere division, with competition set to take place for these squads at the National Volleyball Center.
Skya Favor
Skya
Favor
6'2" | MB
Hopkins | 2021
State
MN
– MN Select 17-2 | 6’2 | MB | High School: Hopkins
Favor has an infectious quality to her play that can make a big impact as a teammate and competitor. She also provides a work ethic and energy around the court that can inspire a higher level of play among her teammates. At 6’2, she has great length and she utilizes it well in all facets of the game. Offensively, she is very comfortable approaching off of one foot behind the setter and shows good momentum build in her footwork leading often to good power coming off of her arm. She can also overpower opposing defenses through a variety of quick attack points. Favor is also savvy in her court awareness as she can make herself available to attack in most defense-to-transition situations and can also score with finesse in reading the opponent’s defense. Favor and her MN Select teammates begin tournament play on Saturday at 4pm.
Gracie Pierson – SMB 17-Silver | 5’9 | OH/Opp | High School: Lake City
A Lake City high school product, Pierson is a steady contributor on the pins. At 5’9, she has above average elevation and, when combined with good balance in the air, she is capable of hitting with good power and movement around the court. She can cut the ball sharp, turn it down the line, and hit high off the block or through the deep zones of the floor. She appears to be equally effective from both the left and right side. Pierson also has good skill and presence with her ball control and defense. Look for her and her teammates as they begin play as the #6 seed on Saturday at 4pm.
Isabelle Mrozek – KEVC 17-1 | 6’0 | MB | High School: Rocori
Mrozek is a high energy middle that can overpower opposing defenders with good strength in her arm swing. Her arsenal includes the ability attack effectively through quicker tempos near the setter or through higher and slower tempos on the left pin or overhead off of one foot. A primary option for the Rocori offense during the high school season, she should see her opportunities grow as a member of this KEVC squad. Additionally, she is one to watch regarding her stock as a next-level prospect given the increased quality of play among her teammates and the level of competition this team will face throughout their competitive schedule. This group enters the Luau as the top seed in this division and open up play at 3pm on Saturday.
Samantha Paulsen
Samantha
Paulsen
6'3" | RS
Chisago Lakes | 2021
State
MN
– Kokoro 17-1 | 6’3 | MB | High School: Chisago Lakes
Paulsen is a handful for opposing defenses. She is very active on the offensive side and has good size and length. Her athleticism allows her to transition quickly and utilize her elevation to hit the ball at a high contact point. She works hard to make herself an available option and when her footwork and balance is in tact she can get the ball over and onto the opposing side quickly. She is effective with mid- and quick-tempo options and is developing range when attacking that is helping her to be multidimensional with her arm swing. Her size also makes her an effective defensive presence at the net. With increased experience with Kokoro her game will become more advanced and polished given the quality of play she will be a part of throughout the club season. Kokoro 17-1 is the #2 seed and will begin play at 3pm on Saturday.
Sophia Kobienia – KEVC 17-2 | 6’0 | Opp | High School: Willmar
A big asset for this squad, Kobienia has a great toolbox as a right side attacker. Left-handed, she creates great torque in the air that allows her to move the ball around with great velocity. She opens up well to the setter and can drive the ball onto the defensive side very effectively. All of this starts with great movement and footwork that involves a good momentum build and double-arm lift to create good elevation. She also is an effective blocker. She has good vision and patience in her preparation that leads to good lift when using her arms and quick hand penetration to seal the net well. Don’t underestimate Kobienia and her teammates as a second team for KEVC. They have good athletes and some quality point scoring among their hitters, with Kobienia adding a terrific facet to their offense. They enter the tournament as the #7 seed and begin play Saturday afternoon at 3pm.