15s Who Would Have Stole The Show at NLQ
Before I got any further, I just want to remind people that the Northern Lights Qualifier is now June 5-7 along with the Stars and Stripes Classic at the Minneapolis Convention Center. However, NLQ is traditionally the last qualifier in…
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Continue ReadingBefore I got any further, I just want to remind people that the Northern Lights Qualifier is now June 5-7 along with the Stars and Stripes Classic at the Minneapolis Convention Center. However, NLQ is traditionally the last qualifier in the Midwest before bids are solidified for USAV Nationals at the end of June/early July. I’ll be honest, this is one of my favorite tournaments because all the teams I tend to cover are in the same spot as well as the traditional powerhouses across the country. There is also a little bit more of an added sense of urgency for teams to snag a bid or improve their bid.
Here are some storylines I could have just imagined going on this past weekend, with the chance for the event to take place the first weekend of June. Let’s start with 15s who would have had a big impact at the final weekend of NLQ.
15s Who Would Have Stole The Show at NLQ
Avery Bolles Avery Bolles 5'9" | OH Andover | 2023 State #139 Nation MN – MN Select 15-1
Bolles is just a pure six rotation threat who can score in any spot on the court, but it’s her all-around intangibles and all-around skills that are really what makes her such an effective player. MN Select 15-1 would definitely be in the conversation to snag an open bid with their experience from competing at a high level as 14s and playing in top tier tournaments.
Sydney Schnickels – Northern Lights 15-1
6’3 a long on the right side. Schnickels is more than just a big block to shut down the opposing outside hitter. She’s a point scorer where she can find the open spot in the corner or the middle back to zone six. With her length and athleticism, she will be one to just continue to rise in the Class of 2023 in a really deep class in Minnesota. A Willmar prep, her high school team could have a really big season for 2020.
Annika Veurnik – Northern Lights 15-1
The upside for Veurnik is right up there. A middle blocker out of Southwest Christian, she can get from pin to pin and works hard in transition to be available as an attacker. Like Schnickels, she plays high above the net and can get a touch on plenty of swings. The wingspan on this 15-1 squad is scary with a line up full of athletes who are six feet or taller.
Emily Moes Emily Moes 6'0" | OH Lakeville South | 2023 MN – Northern Lights 15-1
Moes is continuing to rise on the list of names as one of the top 2023 athletes in Minnesota. Moes saw time on the Lakeville South varsity squad as a Freshman and will come in as a Sophomore for an even bigger role for what will be one of the top teams in contention for Minnesota’s largest class. Lights 15-1 would definitely be playing big matches come Sunday, they are that type of team who will always be in the hunt for titles.
Avery Van HookAvery Van Hook – Iowa Rockets 15R
Van Hook has plenty of grit and swag as a setter for Iowa Rockets 15R. She was a top setter that was a key piece in leading her high school team to the state tournament while also being an attacker. With her all around skill set, she has such a feel for the game and a high IQ as a 15s player. She just finds a way to win and plays with no fear.
Chloe Cline Chloe Cline 6'1" | MB Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA – Iowa Rockets 15R
Cline is long, athletic, and super dynamic as a middle blocker for Rockets. She can run a quick tempo in front of the setter or come around off one foot and terminate as well. Cline also has experience playing in Iowa’s Class 5A (Largest Class) state tournament for Pleasant Valley out of the Quad Cities. She can score points, but also get to the pin to close out an opposing outside hitter.
Sydney Bartels Sydney Bartels 5'11" | OH Freedom | 2023 State WI – FC Elite 15 Navy
Bartels is an undersized middle who can slice and dice. Uber athletic and really strong off one foot, Bartels was poised to have a big track season this Spring. Her speed and athleticism along with connection with high school and club setter, Rachel Koss is going to be a tandem to keep close tabs on.
Kyra Klumb Kyra Klumb 5'10" | MB Whitnall | 2023 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold (Attacking on Title Photo)
The pins of Sting 15 Gold are definitely powerful with the likes of Lily Wagner Lily Wagner 5'11" | OH Germantown | 2023 State #118 Nation WI and Grace Grocholski, but Klumb is definitely one to respect out of the middle with her aggressive approach and big swing off a fast tempo or a slide from super smooth setter Zoe Behrendt Zoe Behrendt 5'11" | S Whitefish Bay | 2023 State #113 Nation WI . Sting 15 Gold was building plenty of momentum heading into March with strong finishes at Triple Crown and winning the Badger Region. A definitely open bid contender.
Emily Honzelka Emily Honzelka 6'3" | MB Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2023 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold
Each time I watched Honzelka, I saw the progressions, power, and potential she has. A big swing out of the middle or right side, Honzelka is a force at the net with her length and versatility. She plays with an aggressive style and with her high contact point and solid fundamentals will only get better with each touch.
Kalvyn Rosengarten Kalvyn Rosengarten 6'3" | MB Wapsie Valley | 2023 State IA – Six Pack 15U
Really excited about the potential of Rosengarten. She’s 6’3, long, athletic, and can run various routes as a middle. A quick snap off of a quick to the corner of the court, Rosengarten knows how to see the block and find a way to score points. Defensively, she is one attackers are always aware of. She has the quickness to get each pin and if there isn’t a block, her positioning is enough to alter the shot to get Six Pack in system.
Mara Fluent Mara Fluent 5'9" | S Cedar Rapids Kennedy | 2023 State IA – Six Pack 15U
At 5’10, Fluent can run the show as a setter, but can also be a major presence on the net as a block as well as a defender in the backrow. She was able to even play with the 17s at Triple Crown and was able to demonstrate how she can compete at an extremely high level. Efficient with how she moves, she finds herself in position to get her hands on the ball and can remain neutral to go to either pin.