President’s Day Challenge: 7 Middles that stood tall in 16 Open
During the President’s Day Challenge, a number of young middles really helped steal the show in Detroit. In the 16 Open, we saw some middles that could be on track for a big future at the next level. Kendall Hopewell…
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Continue ReadingDuring the President’s Day Challenge, a number of young middles really helped steal the show in Detroit.
In the 16 Open, we saw some middles that could be on track for a big future at the next level.
Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI , FaR Out 16 Black
Hopewell was able to move around and adjust to the offense very well. Her out-of-system swings were impressive and still finished points for FaR Out. Hopewell displayed the skills of an outside while being able to control the middle of the court.
Antoinette DeCasas, Michigan Elite 16 National East
DeCasas was not one of the longer middles during the tournament, but she found a lot of success in spite of that. She brought a lot of energy to the court and was staying active throughout points. DeCasas was finding ways to contribute in every aspect, even when she wasn’t part of the designed play.
Kara Wendling Kara Wendling 5'9" | MB New Lothrop | 2024 MI , AVBC 16 Elite
Wendling was a very athletic middle that was effortlessly able to transfer from offense to defense. She was quick on her feet and had great anticipation for how the point was playing out. Wendling was also able to shift to the right side and finish at a high rate as well.
Olivia Creswell, Legends 16 Adidas
Creswell was someone that stepped up in some key moments. When a set was coming down to the wire, Creswell raised her game and came through with crucial blocks and kills. Though she had some quiet spells, she was clearly the focus when the time was right.
Rachel Youngblood, Monsters 16 Elite
Youngblood had a good connection with her setter, which led to a lot of emphatic finishes at the net. She was able to play at a high tempo and had a great feel for the point and when things would be coming her way.
Claire Bemis, HPVBA 16-1
Bemis was a really hard worker at the net. She put in a tireless effort defensively to get her hands on a lot of opposing attacks and change their attack angles. Offensively, she was able to consistently finish points by playing a little bit faster than her opponents.
Lydia Uganski, FaR Out 16 Red
Uganski was a consistent finisher as well. Her swing was technically strong, and she was able to make her contact at the high point of the ball. Uganski also had good footwork sliding around the front line.