More 18U Teams in 2021

<p>The gyms are full again as the 2021 club season is off and running around the state. We continue to keep our hopes high for a successful year mirroring that of the high school season. We are starting to get a buzz for what teams to keep an eye out for this season. With a array of teams competing in Open, USA, American, then of course National bids in play through regions, we anticipate an exciting final season for these teams with primarily 2021 graduates on their rosters. We browse the Gateway and Heart of American regions to learn about some of the teams and rosters. The Gateway region consist of teams in the eastern part of the state as well as teams in portions of Illinois. The Heart of American region is similar where it has teams from Central Missouri moving west and the state of Kansas. We will not just focus on the Missouri teams since they compete against each other regionally and some Kansas teams have Missouri players on their rosters. We also plan to role out previews throughout the month of December! Coaches, send previews of your teams to prepdigmo@gmail.com. Now, Let's check out more teams!</p> <p><strong>Invasion 18 Black</strong></p> <p>This roster has the makings of one who can qualify for nationals in 2021. All-State OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116388" first="Kendall" last="Boone"]</strong> had a memorable final season for Lee's Summit with 351 kills. <strong>Clara Gower</strong> (Quincy) had a phenomenal year defensively for Grain Valley and will help lead the Invasion defense. In the middle, <strong>Abby Massengill</strong> will lead the way both offensively and defensively across the net. She boasts a senior season stat line of 272 kills and 73 blocks. <strong>Aleena Peterson</strong> (Southwest Baptist) is among the best defenders in the region from the libero/ds position. <strong>Mayson Beheny</strong> (Loras) is an addition to the roster after setting for Highlands last year. </p> <p><strong>Mavs 816 18-1</strong></p> <p>Mavs 816 made a few changes to their rosters as they hope to compete for a trip to Ohio this spring. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105554" first="Jordan" last="Boone"]</strong> (Bethel)  had a strong high school career that saw her earn honors. Look for <strong>Madison Clark</strong> (SW Oklahoma St.) to contribute on the pin for this team. 6 Foot middle/opposite <strong>Sienna King</strong> (Emporia State) brings height and skill to the front line. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105552" first="Lauren" last="McClure"]</strong> (McNeese State) will run the offense from the setter position after a good career at Blue Valley North. Behind the block, look for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="41776" first="Bailey" last="Willis"]</strong> and <strong>Addyson Mock</strong> to play a factor. </p> <p><strong>Dynasty 18 Black</strong></p> <p>As mentioned in the first preview, Dynasty lost their 17 Black team to a start up program. These events have led to the 17-2 team moving up to the top spot. They shouldn't worry as this team has always been competitive among the top teams in power league play over the years. With a few new additions, they are still a team capable of earning a bid this year. One of the newest players expected to play a big role is setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="41765" first="Lily" last="Letchworth"]</strong>. The All-State selectee moves over from PVA. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116393" first="Kayla" last="Smocks"]</strong> played up last year and will be an added addition to this team for ball control. <strong>Lauren Halverson</strong> (Holy Cross) should contribute on the pin, along with <strong>Seville Gates</strong> (Bellarmine) who had over 200 kills this fall.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105613" first="Taylor" last="Cackler"]</strong> was an important piece defensively for the final four Lansing Lions and should contribute on the back row. </p> <p><strong>Fight Club 18-2</strong></p> <p>This team has a mix of quality 2021 and 2022 players completing it's roster. All-State OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105523" first="Alyssa" last="Hunter"]</strong> will be a force after a season that saw her earn over 400 kills and 162 digs. Also on the pin will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105512" first="Katie" last="Berg"]</strong> (Long Island). She is described as having a heavy arm. Middle <strong>Jess Saunders</strong> (Ft. Hays St.) is an athletic, hard working kid who can has displayed the ability to play all around if needed. <strong>Kaitlin Yoder</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105577" first="Alessandra" last="Vedder"]</strong> will handle the setting duties. Look for <strong>Gracie Walden</strong> to bring the energy defensively. </p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] 18 Navy</strong></p> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428820' first='Team' last='Momentum'] has a quality roster returning for the 2021 season. They feature a handful of college pledges and will be competitive this winter/spring. <strong>Sydney Davis</strong> (Quincy) had a strong high school year with over 500 assists from the setter position. Defensive specialist <strong>Sophie Reimer</strong> (Westminster) had over 200 digs and receptions this fall for Lutheran High School. Middle <strong>Sophie Gibbs</strong> (Miliken) and her 6 foot frame had 130 kills and over 70 blocks. Nicki Behlmann (Benedictine) has the ability to play in the middle and on the right pin. <strong>Sophie Howell</strong> (Miliken) is a solid back row defender. <strong>Zhane' Sims</strong> (Mineral Area) and <strong>Emily Bloomfield</strong> (UM-St. Louis Soccer) round out the roster. </p> <p><strong>Performance Volleyball 18-1</strong></p> <p>All-State setter <strong>Alli Mitchell</strong> will lead the offense and spread the ball around for Performance Volleyball. She had almost 900 assists this fall for Miller High School. State champion and defensive wiz <strong>Taylor Crighton</strong> will lead the defense from a back row position. <strong>Ari Fazio</strong> played valuable sets defensively for Nixa's final four season in her junior year and will join Crighton in the back row. <strong>Jayden Marshall</strong> had close to 200 kills from the middle position this fall and will be key in Performance's success in 20201. Lexi Miller also had a strong year for Galena in the middle with over 200 kills and 100 blocks. <strong>McKenna Rhodes</strong> returns to a pin position after a good final season at Ozark.</p> <p><strong>Summit Volleyball 18-1</strong></p> <p>Summit features a team with some top players just south of the KC Metro. They have a roster that can compete and be in the mix for a region bid. Setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101695" first="Hannah" last="Joyce"]</strong> has been one of the top setters in the region the last few years for Pleasant Hill. She will look to dish the ball to hitters <strong>Maddy Nelson</strong> and <strong>Sydney Sample</strong>. Defensively, <strong>Kelly Kilpatrick</strong> was key to the Grain Valley success this fall on the back row. <strong>Karadan Kirkpatrick</strong> had a productive senior season from the middle for Lee's Summit West and will provide offense for Summit. </p> <p><strong>Highlands Performance 18-1</strong></p> <p>Highlands lost a few important pieces but return enough experience to compete for what would be a 5th nationals trip in 5 years for this team. Returning for this team is OH <strong>Jnai Moultrie</strong>, who had a good final two years for Liberty on the rightside. She has shown the ability to score and utilities the tool to her advantage. Also back is All-District performer <strong>Ainslee Steep</strong> (Emporia St.). She can hit from both pins and has stepped in to set on occasion. Defensively, <strong>Grace Lyndes</strong> returns. She played a key role down the stretch for the state champion Liberty North Eagles. In the middle, <strong>Jada Davis</strong> has shown she can be an offensive threat to go along with her high-level blocking. </p> <p><strong>Blue Steel VBC 18</strong></p> <p>Many members of this roster didn't play a high school season due to Illinois moving their season to the spring. They are definitely eager to get going with the club season and return an experienced roster. In the back row, <strong>Kelsie Schieppe</strong> is an elite defender. As a junior she had one 300 digs and almost 400 receptions. Setter <strong>Ally Denton</strong> is a smart leader and registered close to 900 assists last fall. Hitter <strong>Chase Luebeck</strong> can score and at 5'8" has good jumping ability. Also count on <strong>Jessie Muckensturm</strong> and the Dawsons, Katie and Lauren to contribute standing at 5'11" and 6'0". </p> <p><strong>Topeka Saints</strong></p> <p>The Saints have enjoyed some success the past few seasons with this age group. They've competed well at tournaments in Omaha and AAU Nationals in the past. They return high flying hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105498" first="Dejah" last="Miller"]</strong> (Johnson County) to the line-up after a solid career between Topeka High and Hayden. OH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105565" first="Ivy" last="Fink"]</strong> is a dynamic scorer and offensive machine for the Saints. She had almost 400 kills for Royal Valley this fall. OH<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="105544" first="Jayden" last="Brandt"]</strong> also returns and provides ball control and offense. <strong>Alyssa Dinkel</strong> is another returnee who provides a strong defensive presence behind the block. She had over 300 digs and receptions during her junior season. Setting duties will fall on the hands of <strong>Bailey Hughes</strong> and <strong>Miya Silvers</strong>. </p>