Elite Pin Hitters Take Over at Triple Crown NIT
It was pin hitter paradise in Kansas City. Indeed, I don’t know if you’ll see a bigger concentration of elite pin talent at any other event this year. Let’s celebrate what we saw at Triple Crown with a look at…
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Continue ReadingIt was pin hitter paradise in Kansas City.
Indeed, I don’t know if you’ll see a bigger concentration of elite pin talent at any other event this year. Let’s celebrate what we saw at Triple Crown with a look at the outside hitters who took over on the big stage.
Dynamic Duos — and even Trios
Most of the strong teams we saw at Triple Crown didn’t just have one dominant hitter. They come in bunches.
Of course, Sunshine 18 LA is a shining example of this. I don’t know how much I can praise the work of Elia Rubin and Danielle Thomas-Nathan on the left pin, along with Kerry Keefe on the right. This group can go wherever these three extraordinary athletes take them.
Elia Rubin. Still bringing it for @SunshineVball. #TCVolleyballNIT pic.twitter.com/OEINtigtnC
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 21, 2022
I was excited to see the left-side duo of Harper Murray and Nina Horning for Legacy 17-1 Adidas, and they did not disappoint. These are two hitters who have no problem putting the ball down against a well-formed double block, which is a testament to how well they elevate and read the defense that’s in front of them.
@LegacyLvc 17-1 Adidas is looking to fight back in the second set after dropping the first to MAVS.
A steady dose of Harper Murray usually helps. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/bzKuQeFaXp
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 19, 2022
We also need a shoutout for the left-side duos that helped their respective teams to championships in Kansas City. For Dynasty 16 Black, the dominance of Skyler Pierce and Carlie Cisneros on the left is well documented. This pair has cemented itself as one of the most formidable combinations in the 2024 class.
@dynastyvbc 16 Black wins it!
Carlie Cisneros hammers home match point to secure the 16s championship! #TCVolleyballNIT pic.twitter.com/6w4WlL1k7k
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 21, 2022
If you followed the 17s title match, you already know that Jurnee Robinson and Ashley Sturzoiu came up huge for A5 Mizuno 17-Jing. Their clutch play helped counter the firepower of Bailey Miller and Ceci Gooch for Drive Nation 17-Red, who also made up a spectacular pair last weekend.
@a5volleyball takes the first!
Jurnee Robinson is going OFF. #TCVolleyballNIT pic.twitter.com/Qdam20cm7C
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 21, 2022
For Munciana 18 Samurai, their championship run was greatly aided by the right arms of Eva Hudson and Avery Ross. These are two players that opposing teams need to watch regardless of rotation.
Avery Ross elevates so effortlessly for @MuncianaVB 18 Samurai. A perfect fit for this fast offense. #TCVolleyballNIT pic.twitter.com/jXrflbdcUg
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 21, 2022
Discovering New Names
Elite outside hitters were everywhere, and that gave me an opportunity to get a live look at many talented players for the first time.
Triangle 16 Black put together some brilliant moments in Kansas City, and left-side hitter Asia Thigpen was usually in the middle of it. This is a multi-talented hitter who is not afraid to hold things down defensively in the back row. There’s no doubt that this was a big first impression.
Triangle 16 Black certainly looks the part in power pools right now.
Asia Thigpen swinging away on the left pin. #TCVolleyballNIT pic.twitter.com/SD1ABysc16
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 19, 2022
Let’s stay in the 16s. Colorado Juniors 16 Sherri captured a lot of attention for their long, forceful presence at the net. Addie Kanouff can play on either pin or in the middle, and she looked very comfortable hitting on the left last weekend. On the other side, Izzy Starck put down some big swings at opposite while also taking over setter duties in her backcourt rotations.
No shortage of length and physicality for Colorado Juniors 16-Sherri.
Izzy Starck can do it all as a setter/opposite. pic.twitter.com/hzRE9jtI0u
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 19, 2022
There were plenty of eyes on TAV 16 Black in Kansas City, and the Texas team delivered the kind of talent that we’d expect. Mikala Young and Jadyn Livings can do it all on the left pin, including passing a significant portion of the court.
Statement win for @TAVVolleyball 16 Black to open their run at #TCVolleyballNIT!
Jadyn Livings goes pass to attack to finish it off. pic.twitter.com/m4sDbbEzJl
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 19, 2022
In the 15s realm, 1st Alliance VBC 15 Gold frequently leaned on Abby VanderWal for kills in big moments. This outside hitter always delivered, too, and that was a big factor in helping 1st Alliance claim a title in Kansas City.
Abby VanderWal crushes match point to give @1stAllianceVBC 15 Gold an opening win! pic.twitter.com/fSiUE2OPRz
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) February 19, 2022