USAV Nationals Spotlight: Club Ignit Select 15 Blue
The 15s are wrapping up play at USAV Nationals in Las Vegas, but I’ve still got plenty of time to highlight some top performers in that age group. Up in my Central Plains homeland, Club Ignit Select is usually a…
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Continue ReadingThe 15s are wrapping up play at USAV Nationals in Las Vegas, but I’ve still got plenty of time to highlight some top performers in that age group.
Up in my Central Plains homeland, Club Ignit Select is usually a club that performs well on the national stage. In particular, the 15 Blue squad has been a fun one to follow. It’s a group that features some of the best rising young talents that Iowa has to offer. 2024s are soon to take over the prep scene nationwide, and this CIS team is good evidence of that. Even better, 15 Blue will only continue to improve over time.
So, let’s take a look at the team’s stay in Vegas this week.
Results
CIS had a stacked pool right out of the gate. After dropping their first two matches against talented Madfrog and A5 Victor teams, 15 Blue made a big rally. They finished Sunday play with a hard-fought victory over Houston Stellar and carried that momentum into Monday. CIS defeated MPV and Dynasty to put themselves in a good spot for the next round.
The next round began with another win for 15 Blue, this time over Rage. Though CIS fell in the final two matches of the day against A5 LA and Shockwave, they had still performed well enough to be placed in the A-tier Silver bracket.
Key Players
This is one of those teams that can always look to its steady setter to make a big play. Brittany Bacorn is so smooth in her delivery, and she’s not afraid to make tough out-of-system sets. Her ability to mix in tempos has been a major asset to this team. Bacorn is a true leader.
At outside hitter, Emma Walker has shown the skill necessary to contribute in both the frontcourt and backcourt. Aside from bringing a terminal, quick arm to the left pin, she can seamlessly pass and play defense, too. Walker rounds out her game with some precision serving that sparked key scoring runs throughout the event. She will flourish with continued development.
Then, of course, Kenzie Dean is another powerful left side that opposing teams have to deal with. I first encountered Dean at our Prep Dig Omaha Summer Bash about a year ago. She has embraced her big role with CIS as a dominant force on the pin. Dean is always looking to improve and will do so within this program.
Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the “little” who hold the line in the back row. Megan Rembert is always solid in the libero jersey for this squad. She knows when to snag the first ball to set up her teammates, and this willingness to step up has helped her teammates tremendously.
Now that I’m branching out into Iowa, I can’t wait to watch these CIS athletes grow in both club play and high school competition.