A Prep Dig Coverage Blitz – 3 Weekends, 3 Region Qualifiers!
We are approaching “March Madness”. The volleyball version of March Madness where region qualifiers happen, national qualifiers begin, and in some states an alternative fall high school season. I will be taking on three region qualifiers over the next three…
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Continue ReadingWe are approaching “March Madness”. The volleyball version of March Madness where region qualifiers happen, national qualifiers begin, and in some states an alternative fall high school season. I will be taking on three region qualifiers over the next three weeks and I couldn’t be more excited to cover these athletes as their club season ramps up in what has been a wild past 12 months for us all. Let’s do it!
Great Lakes Region Qualifier – Saturday, February 27
Host: Greater Chicagoland Clubs
I will be heading to Crystal Lake, IL to cover the 15s championship pools at Sky High on Saturday, February 27. This is one of many sites for the Great Lakes Region Qualifier as the entire region is serving host to these clubs vying for their Region bid. This qualifier started last weekend with teams advancing in pool play at various sites for all age divisions. This is “bid” weekend with the top teams in one spot. The Great Lakes Region is home to some of the top teams in the country where these squads are not only hoping for a bid to USAV Nationals from their region, but will have their eyes on the prize for an open bid from a national qualifier. The top seeds heading into the weekend in each division are as follows:
The Top Seed In Each Age Division:
15s – 1. Lions 15-1 2. Epic United 15 Elite
16s – 1. 1st Alliance 16 Silver 2. Sky High Adidas 16 Black
17s – 1. 1st Alliance 17 Silver 2. Michio Chicago 17 National
18s – 1. Adversity 18 Adidas 2. 1st Alliance 18 Silver
Tight match between @FCEliteVB 17 Navy and MWP goes to Elite – they move on to the @BadgerRegionVB Finals pic.twitter.com/CN1s9J1mpI
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) March 1, 2020
Badger Region Qualifier – Sunday, February 28
Host: Milwaukee Sting Center
The Milwaukee Sting Center is one of the top facilities in the country with eight taraflex courts and StingTV, a steaming service within the facility for anyone to log into and watch. The Badger Region does not have a large pool of teams who go for the USAV bid as many clubs will opt for the AAU National Tournament in Orlando. However, the bids this weekend will provide plenty of fireworks at all divisions. FC Elite and Milwaukee Sting have yet to square off besides their 18s teams who already have snagged an Open bid to USAV 18 Nationals in Columbus at the end of April. Their teams are heavily favored in all divisions this weekend. The 15s-18s will compete Saturday and Sunday while the younger divisions will compete Sunday only. I will be catching the action live in the facility on Sunday with plenty of video, pictures, and social media with content to follow the event.
The Top Seeds In Each Division:
15s – 1. Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold 2. FC Elite 15 Navy
16s – 1. FC Elite 16 Navy 2. Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
17s – 1. Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold 2. Milwaukee Sting 17 Black
18s – 1. FC Elite 18 Navy 2. Milwaukee Sting 18 Black
Iowa Regionals – Saturday and Sunday, March 13-14
Host – Drake University – Des Moines
I love the atmosphere and vibe of Iowa Regionals, which is held at the Knapp Center at Drake University in Des Moines. Iowa is heavily involved in USA Volleyball, where most teams will look to go to nationals through earning a bid through their region or a national qualifier. Very few Iowa teams will heading to AAU Nationals in Florida. This tournament is a big deal, there are club rivalries, but also a huge sense of community where everyone knows everyone (I know that’s volleyball in general, but growing up in Iowa this is true about anything). The Knapp Center floor which is the home of the Drake Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams as well as their volleyball team is separated into six courts where fans watch from the mezzanine above. The lights shine bright on the floor and every match matters. Most Iowa club teams are not at 100% until Iowa Regionals with so many of their athletes being involved in multiple sports (Many top club players will compete at state basketball next weekend in Des Moines). This particular weekend will be for the 16s-18s while the 15s and younger will be at a later date. Seeding has not been released, but here is where I see the top two teams in each division.
Big Day, Bid Day – Championship Sunday at @IowaVballRegion 🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZRqT0ROOnd
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) March 17, 2019
Projected, Unofficial Top Two Seeds:
16s – 1. Six Pack 16-1 2. Iowa PowerPlex 16 Black/Iowa Rockets 16R
17s – 1. Iowa Rockets 17R 2. Iowa Select 17 Mizuno
18s – 1. Six Pack 18-1 2. Iowa PowerPlex 18 Black
There will be plenty of fireworks at this event over the span of two days. The placement is extremely key with teams going after other bids at national qualifying events. Plenty of Iowa teams will attend the Show-Me Qualifier in Kansas City, Northern Lights Qualifier which is now in Omaha this year, Crossroads Qualifier in Denver, Mideast Qualifier in Indy/Louisville, and the Windy City Qualifier which has been moved to Indy and St. Louis. Here’s to a pencil (and an eraser) for your scheduling.
@6packvbc takes the 17s championship and a National Bid @usavolleyball pic.twitter.com/EmqqNVIlxy
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) March 17, 2019
Let the “Madness” begin!