Top Performers – 16’s
The 16’s divisions are overflowing with talent, new faces, and household names. Here is a look at a few of our Minnesota teams dominating the 16’s age class. Northern Lights 16-1: No surprise here, that this squad has some of…
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Continue ReadingThe 16’s divisions are overflowing with talent, new faces, and household names. Here is a look at a few of our Minnesota teams dominating the 16’s age class.
Northern Lights 16-1: No surprise here, that this squad has some of the best up and coming players in the state. Coach Adam Beamer has been instrumental in guiding many of our top prospects over the years. With his help the team has only dropped 4 matches (none to Minnesota teams) and just earned their bid to nationals at the NCR-USAV Regional Qualifier.
Quick stats:
- Youngest Players: Olivia Swenson Olivia Swenson 6'3" | OH Wayzata | 2024 State #98 Nation MN and Stella Swenson Stella Swenson 6'1" | S Wayzata | 2024 State #8 Nation MN (2024); The sisters from Wayzata continue to compliment one another on the court. Olivia is the taller of the two and Stella is the setter.
- Newcomer: Arianna Blohm Arianna Blohm 6'0" | MB Stewartville | 2023 State MN (2023-Stewartville) has joined the club for her first time. She was a part of the Stewartville Tiger’s State Championship team in 2019 was All-conference honorable mention this past year.
- Top Duo: Emily Moes Emily Moes 6'0" | OH Lakeville South | 2023 MN (2023- Lakeville South ) and Rylee Nelson Rylee Nelson 5'9" | DS/L Zumbrota - Mazeppa | 2023 State MN (2023 Zumbrota Mazeppa) both bring depth to the team. Moes is a noteworthy hitter who can hit from either pin. Nelson is the back-bone to their defensive efforts.
- Up Next: Show Me Qualifier in Kansas
MN Select 16-1: The Champions of the Big City Luau (Premier) combines some of the metro’s best high school programs. The group is intimidating with over 75% of their players nearly 6′.
- Defensive MVP: Kate Thibault Kate Thibault 5'3" | DS/L Watertown-Mayer | 2023 State #47 Nation MN (2023); She is the lone defensive specialist on a team of many 6-rotation players. They use her primarily out of left back. Her coverage gives her hitters the confidence they need to hammer away.
- Newcomer: Ada Schlenker Ada Schlenker 5'10" | OH Cambridge-Isanti | 2023 State MN (2023) has caught our eye this season with her contributions on the outside. She brings a calm yet physical style of play and always seems to find impossible angles to help score.
- Top Duo: Kate Simington Kate Simington 6'4" | MB Minnetonka | 2023 State #174 Nation MN (2023) and Sydney McDaniel Sydney McDaniel 5'11" | OH Breck | 2023 MN (2023) Present a strong front at the net. Simington is 6’4” and McDaniel 5’11” and both great jumpers. They make it hard for hitters to see open shots
- Up Next: MEQ Qualifer (Indiana)
SMV 16-1: Based in the Southern part of the state, SMV has really amped up their schedules to include more elite competition. They are in the middle of their season and starting to really peak.
- MVP: Hannah Hanson Hannah Hanson 5'10" | S Rochester Mayo | 2023 State MN (2023 Rochester Mayo); Hannah has the most experience of the group making her an unofficial leader. Whether she is setting out of the back or hitting middle front, Hanson is in on nearly every play.
- Newcomer: Avery Veenendahl (2023-) The club rarely sees player from Wisconsin but Veenendahl was welcomed addition who has helped elevate their success. One of the main setters, she is precise with her movements and makes insightful play choices.
- Top Duo: Josie Quam (2023) and Tessa Erlandson (2023) The teammates from Kenyon Wanamingo have played together for years and have strong chemistry. These two are very versatile and strong passers. Quam has been playing more as the DS and Erlandson as an outside.
- Up Next: Odd Cup (17’s)