Part 2: More, New 16s Age Group Athletes To Tag On UA
There are plenty of things I love covering at Triple Crown. From the high level talent, new athletes, exciting matches, the list goes on. I will be one of the writers taking on a National approach to Prep Dig where…
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Continue ReadingThere are plenty of things I love covering at Triple Crown. From the high level talent, new athletes, exciting matches, the list goes on. I will be one of the writers taking on a National approach to Prep Dig where we will cover players across the country. Athletes do not need to be from one of our Prep Dig states in order to be written about. This past weekend I was watching teams from across the country, but definitely had a lens on players from the places I don’t get to with athletes from California, Texas, and others outside of the Midwest. The level of athleticism and physicality still amazes me of these up and coming 16s who still have plenty of volleyball left in their careers. Here is a look at some 2024s (and a 2025) from the 16s age group at Triple Crown this past weekend.
Ayden Ames – TAV 16 Black
Ames was extremely impressive for the TAV 16 Black where this team is going to be one in the hunt come qualifier season and beyond. What makes Ames a little different from the others is how she can move along the net while also having a high touch being 6’4. She commands the net and works extremely hard getting out of her block into transition. She’s a fun athlete to watch and lights up the court.
Deanna Dollar and Taylor Yu – SG Elite 16 Roshambo
I really liked this team out of California. Dollar is an electric outside hitter who has a really aggressive approach and knows how to score points in a variety of ways. Yu runs the show. She knows how to get her attackers in position to score points. This team is extremely organized, they have a trust among each other where they know who is going to take what ball and are a well oiled machine for being early February.
Zoe Humphrey and Jacqueline Onyechi – Houston Juniors HJV 16 Elite
Houston Juniors always has plenty of power with all of their teams. These two middles with Humphrey and Onyechi always provide a presence at the net. Their performance is consistent and they always take up space defensively with a high reach and big block. They will be key in a heavy qualifier schedule where this squad will be in the hunt for an Open bid.
Mya Bolton – KC Power 16-1
Bolton is just a ray of sunshine on the court for KC Power 16-1. She has a major presence as a libero where she plays with a major spark. Bolton is able to make all the routine plays look easy, but she’s also really great at the chaotic situations where it might be providing a second contact, block coverage, and finding a way to better the ball. KC Power thrives off the long rally where they can out grit the other side of the net. Bolton is a major part of that.
Emerson Lionberger – VCN 16 Elite
This VCN team is really solid, they are coming off a 15 Open title at AAU’s and what is really impressive about this team and I always love to talk about this in regards to Nebraska volleyball is how well rounded their players are. I saw Lionberger out of the middle, but even when she would go back to serve, she could handle the ball, set, and hold her own. She is an athlete that could play multiple positions in the front row and contribute in a lot of ways.
Sophie Ledbetter – Academy 16 E Yeti
I saw Ledbetter at the Indiana Top 250 in December and was extremely impressed with her ability to pass and attack. Watching her at Triple Crown was much of the same where she is so solid in serve receive. She can handle a high volume of serve receiving and is able to keep her squad in system. The future for Ledbetter is bright because she can contribute in so many ways. She can swing and score on the pin, but her ball control is up there, she could be picked up in a DS/libero roll.
Emily Bobbitt – Triangle 16 Black
Triangle 16 Black out of North Carolina is extremely athletic and physical. I was able to see them in a three set battle with KC Power. They have attackers everywhere that can put a ball away, but I was really impressed by setter, Emily Bobbitt. At 5’11, Bobbit plays high above the net with her setting and blocking. When she jump sets in the front row, the defense has to respect her because she can throw it down at the ten foot line. Her impact in all facets of the game are felt where she can take over.