Last Hurrah Before High School: Class of 2024
This weekend was the last AAU tournament series of New Jersey before the start of high school tryouts. These girls have been waiting patiently since August when we first got the news that we wouldn’t be having an indoor season…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend was the last AAU tournament series of New Jersey before the start of high school tryouts. These girls have been waiting patiently since August when we first got the news that we wouldn’t be having an indoor season last fall. The excitement was palpable as the 15s fought for their wins today.
Savannah Paxton Butz #14, MB, Garden State Attack 15 Elite, Colts Neck
Standing at about 5’9, this middle blocker puts up a brick wall at the net. She has long arms and a nice swing, but she also knows how to attack the ball with finesse. Savanah Paxton Butz is one of those athletes who makes her opponents feel grateful when she’s finally out of the front row because while she’s there, it’s really tough to run an offense at all. With some more explosiveness and tenacity, she will be killer in the upcoming seasons.
Julia Mikucki #25, S/OH, Garden State Attack 15 Elite, Old Bridge
One of the strongest servers of the day was Julia Mikucki. Running a 6’2 for her squad, Mikucki is one of two setters, but she plays front row outside. When she steps back at the service line, we can expect her to go on a long run before her opponents can even start to get a handle on her serve. She’s clearly a smart player and a leader able to handle a lot of pressure on the court. She’s only been playing for about two years and is already so solid. We can expect a lot of growth from her going forward and a strong breakout season with Old Bridge.
Chira Lombardo #5, S/RS, Garden State Attack 15 Elite, Colts Neck
Chira Lombardo is the other setter in the 6-2 and she plays right side. Also a powerful and consistent server, Lombardo takes a match into her own hands when she’s behind that line. She and Mikucki play off of each other well and are able to bring the game back into their own hands when things get out of control. Having this level of volleyball IQ as a freshman is impressive, and only time will tell what she does with it.
Sara Mishkind, L, Allegro 15 National Red, New Providence
This libero is a positive leader on the court. She is calm, cool, and collected, but not without a competitive spirit. Her defense and serve receive are impeccable, and she’s great at keeping her team in system. She’s dependable to off-set, cover tight to the block, and support her other defenders well. Her standing float is tough but her topspin jump is tougher. Once she finds more consistency behind the service line, she will be the full package.
Emily Galante, MB, Allegro 15 National Red, Parsippany Hills
Emily Galante made her debut at the travel level this weekend. She has been playing for a little over a year now but has taken to the sport quickly. At 5’9 and with those long arms, she has the potential to bang balls. Right now her block is on point and her swing is there. It’s only a matter of time until she finds her angles and starts pounding them. Luckily, she’s not afraid to play above and below the net when the ball is out of system. Her back row defense there too, though with the absolute bullets she serves, she seldom has to use it. She will turn into an impressive athlete especially after gaining some experience at the high school level this season.
Emily Smernoff, MB/RS/S, Allegro 17 National Red, Sparta
Emily Smernoff plays for the 17 National Red team but filled in on 15s this weekend. She is part of the class of 2024, but at 6’1, and with the strength she has, it’s clear why she plays up two levels. She and her older sister Alexis Smernoff came to New Jersey a few years ago from Florida where they played high-performance volleyball since they were little. The most ferocious part of Emily’s game is her block: straight down. She is also a tough float server and a dependable hitter. With her size, she doesn’t need to work too hard to get a good angle on the ball. Once she really starts putting more into her approach and jump, she will be quite literally unstoppable. Did I mention she sets, too?