USA and National Division Teams from Kansas and Missouri GJNC
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There are many teams in this division many expected to see in the open division this week. A tough qualifier season has these teams in USA and National, which makes them favorites in our eyes to compete for championships. USA…
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Continue ReadingThere are many teams in this division many expected to see in the open division this week. A tough qualifier season has these teams in USA and National, which makes them favorites in our eyes to compete for championships.
USA
Mavs KC 17-1
How did they get here? 3rd at Colorado Crossroads
Other Notes: 8th in HOA Power League, 4th at Regionals, 5th at Show Me
The one thing we must say about this team and their coaching staff is they earned our respect. It is often teams who have always labeled their top teams as “open level” teams that keep them in those divisions regardless of the outcome or their talent level. The coaches realized early in the year this wasn’t an open team this year and instead of playing at that level all season, they pivoted to where they can find success, and that they did by earning a trip to nationals. They have high-level players and should be able to spice things up a little in Las Vegas. Setter Madison Freed has been key to this team’s success this season. Brooke Leiker Brooke Leiker 6'0" | OH Blue Valley West | 2022 State KS and Jadyn Befort have been consistent this year. Vivan Kieffer is a quick-footed defender. OH Kellyn McCabe and MB Kaelyn McDonald Kaelyn McDonald 6'0" | RS Lee's Summit West | 2022 State MO have been high performers.
National
Dynasty 17-1
How did they get here? 2nd Place in HOA Power League
Other Notes: 10th Northern Lights, 11th Show Me, 17th at Colorado Crossroads
Dynasty is a team that has been together for years and hopes to build on this cohesiveness at the national tournament. They are very solid with the first pass with L Gracey Janes and OH/DS Chloe Kaminski Chloe Kaminski 5'9" | DS/L Blue Springs | 2022 State #115 Nation MO leading the way. Pin Taylor Roberts came on as the season progressed with her play along the front row, Middles Morgan DeBow and Iyanna Jackson have been a strong presence at the net defensively and have done enough offensively to keep teams honest. Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year Setter Addison Beagle Addison Beagle 5'9" | S Liberty North | 2022 State MO has played well and will look to feed pins, Mikayla Benanti and Brylee Peterson.
KC Power 17-1
How did they get here? Trickle Down after 4th Place Power League finish
Other Notes: 11th Northern Lights, 8th Show Me
Like Dynasty, Power is a team used to open play in their higher age divisions and have a team capable of winning the National Division. S Sydney Draper Sydney Draper 5'11" | S Pembroke Hill | 2023 State #143 Nation MO , who as a reminder plays up a year is among the top setters in her class and is the floor general coaches love to have. She has many weapons on the pin starting with RS and Auburn commit Isabel Zimmerman Isabel Zimmerman 6'2" | RS Liberty North | 2022 State #30 Nation MO , six rotation pin Sydney Handel Sydney Handel 5'10" | OH Lee's Summit West | 2022 State MO and Pin Ashlyn Berning. The middle play has been impressive this year with Olivia Mae VanDerWerff and recent Illinois State pledge Lauren Schutter Lauren Schutter 6'2" | MB Wabaunsee | 2022 State KS , L/DS Kamryn Farris Kamryn Farris 5'10" | DS/L Lansing | 2022 State KS is a lengthy defender with a strong serve game.
Rockwood Thunder 17 Navy
How did they get here? Gateway League Bid
Other Notes: 4th at Sunshine, 23rd Windy City, 23rd MEQ, 9th Show Me
17 Navy started the year strong with a 4th place finish at Sunshine Qualifier. They went through a rough patch at Windy City and MEQ but are equipped for strong play this week. MB Anna Sommer and OH Caroline Glastetter are two players who have been on our radars this season. They have impressed me in the matches we’ve been able to capture. RS Emmalyn O’Keefe Emmalyn O’Keefe 6'0" | RS Incarnate Word | 2022 State MO provides a threat from the opposite pin and has shown the ability to get touches and blocks. Libero Nora Belden Nora Belden 5'7" | DS/L Kirkwood | 2022 State MO is among the top defenders in the state. MB Kennedy Lane Kennedy Lane 5'9" | OH St. Pius X | 2022 State MO is another middle who has played well. S Rachel Schipper Rachel Schipper 5'8" | S St. Dominic | 2022 State MO does a tremendous job of leading this team and will look to do it well in this final week of play.