Is Rockwood Thunder 16 Elite Ready For Next Jump?
We discussed this team often last year as they became a team to discuss after some strong performances in 2021, including triple qualifying and competing well in many other numerous stories This year they showed they are no slouch competing…
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Continue ReadingWe discussed this team often last year as they became a team to discuss after some strong performances in 2021, including triple qualifying and competing well in many other numerous stories This year they showed they are no slouch competing and knocking down many older teams in their Gateway League. We did see another 16s team, HPSTL 16 Royal had their number during Gateway but we feel Rockwood Thunder is still amongst one of the tops in the country. Does Shane Weber’s team have what it takes to make the jump to be considered one of the elite teams in the country?
Pins
They have no shortage of firepower on the pins with the return of 2025 Maya Witherspoon Maya Witherspoon 5'11" | OH Lafayette | 2025 State #44 Nation MO and 2024 Allison Risley Allison Risley 5'11" | OH Lafayette | 2024 State #187 Nation MO . Both had strong high school seasons, which increased their confidence heading into the club season. The addition of Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'4" | OH Francis Howell Central | 2025 State #59 Nation MO is one many believed would elevate their level of play. The 6’3′ pin brings a little more size to the team that was lacking in 2021. Shae Pearson Shae Pearson 6'0" | RS Francis Howell | 2024 State MO continues to be an option in a platoon on the right side, along with Mia Scanlon Mia Scanlon 5'10" | OH Marquette | 2024 State MO who also can be seen in the middle.
Middles
Emma Parker Emma Parker 6'1" | MB Eureka | 2024 State MO has the ability to play on the pin and in the middle and brings the consistency needed for teams hoping to be amongst the best in the nation. She is a competitor and brings a strong block to the net. Ellie Elms, like the before mentioned Scanlon, can fill a couple of roles on this team.
Setters
This team has run a two-setter system now for years and they do it well with Alyssa Nelson Alyssa Nelson 5'8" | S Wildwood | 2024 State MO and Morgan Christine Dumm Morgan Christine Dumm 5'11" | S Francis Howell | 2025 State MO . Both bring a level of confidence and poise to the floor needed to compete in many high-level contests. They both have the intangibles needed to keep their team in any contest.
Defenders
Any team that has strong first contact and can keep the ball off the floor will be in contention for bids and national titles. This team has that and more. Libero Olivia Hasbrook Olivia Hasbrook 5'9" | DS/L Eureka | 2024 State #56 Nation MO is one of the top liberos in the nation in our view. Her willingness to sacrifice her body and get balls up is a work of art. Not to be outdone, Amelia “Mia” Moser Amelia “Mia” Moser 5'5" | DS/L Lafayette | 2024 State MO makes things happen on the court with her court awareness and a quick first step to balls.
When they are clicking, they are tough to beat so watch this team for the remainder of the qualifying season to see if they keep the ship sailing en route to a top finish at Nationals.