4 Must See 16s Teams at the Battle in the Valley

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I cannot wait to get back on the court at a Prep Dig tournament, and it is finally here! Just a few days before I head up to Appleton for the Battle in the Valley. My camera is already charged, and I am ready to soak in all of the awesome competition and scout to my heart's content. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here is a look at some of the MUST SEE teams that will be competing this weekend at the Battle in the Valley. </span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">[program_tooltip program_id='431537' first='Midwest' last='Penguins'] 16 Black</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a powerful team with talent in all positions. Middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id="82954" first="Myla" last="Glaser"] has an insane arm and, without a block, can rip the ball within the 10-foot line. On defense, libero [player_tooltip player_id="91898" first="Olivia" last="Clinton-Ragonese"] and defensive specialist Ava Johnson are both fast, consistent, and competitive. They control serve receive incredibly well and make fast movements on defense to keep the ball alive. Pin hitters [player_tooltip player_id="91904" first="Aubrey" last="Berlowski"] and [player_tooltip player_id="82949" first="Mya" last="Trafficante"] are unique and effective. Aubrey has a lot of power behind her swing whereas Mya has control and great shots. This team will do well over the course of the weekend and is going in ranked #1 in the 16s division. </span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">I AM VBC 16 Red</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a team that competes at the highest level. They are gritty and keep even the most chaotic balls in play. Lillian Bandle is a powerhouse middle who brings huge energy to her team. She is smart, dynamic, and fast in the front row and is a key weapon for this talented team. Setters Sydney Hoeft and Emily Dickmann are both fast and smart on the court. They feed their hot hitters and have a lot of hustle. Libero Meredith Bock is scrappy in the back row and not afraid to throw herself around the court in pursuit of the ball. </span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Impact 16 National</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This team defines grit and is so fun to watch. They have pulled out some massive wins over the course of this season and should do the same at the Battle in the Valley. [player_tooltip player_id="91939" first="Alivia" last="Jeanquart"] is a gritty setter who gives her all on every point. Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id="91933" first="Isabella" last="Grace"] impresses on every point. She has an arsenal of shots that she uses to earn kills and is also consistent on serve receive. [player_tooltip player_id="119398" first="Ashton" last="Birr"] is an under-the-radar libero/ds who brings an incredible amount of value to this talented team. </span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Madison United 16 Red</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Madison United put together a great team at this age level. This is an energetic team that has fun on the court while competing at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id="119400" first="Carizma" last="Muth"] is an energizer of an outside that has great control in the back row and a fast swing out of the front. Middles [player_tooltip player_id="119420" first="Taia" last="Hodgkinson"] and Magdalene Hartwig put up a solid block from pin to pin. Each is a great tool for this team who brings in points. Libero Morgan Meyer puts up huge plays on defense and protects the backcourt!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are so many other teams I cannot wait to watch. COVID protocols have prevented me from seeing as much as I usually do by this point in the season; however, this weekend will be a huge opportunity for some great scouting!</span></p>