President’s Day Challenge: 9 OH’s that stepped up in 17 Open
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This weekend’s President’s Day Challenge was a chance for some other clubs around the state to get the spotlight. In the 17 Open/Premier Division, we got to see some impressive outside hitters that have a lot to offer at the…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend’s President’s Day Challenge was a chance for some other clubs around the state to get the spotlight.
In the 17 Open/Premier Division, we got to see some impressive outside hitters that have a lot to offer at the next level.
Here’s a look at nine outsides that really shined this weekend.
Taylor Stephens Taylor Stephens 5'11" | OH Okemos | 2023 State MI , FaR Out 17 Black
FaR Out had a lot of players stand out, as they found their way to the 17 Open/Premier title. But, Stephens was one that immediately caught my eye. Her attacks had good power and she was able to finish from a variety of angles and speeds. Stephens was also putting in a lot of effort and energy defensively to keep her team in key points.
Sarah Dunn Sarah Dunn 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2023 State MI , FaR Out 17 Black
Dunn was another that really moved quickly on the floor. She often would take on a serve and then turn that pass into a point-finishing attack. She was able to adapt to plays well and deliver her swings with a lot of speed. Dunn also came through with some key blocks in close sets.
Lilla Nicholas, Monsters 17 Blue
Nicholas was one of the best players in the tournament in my eyes. She was called upon a lot by her team and was able to come through very consistently. Her out-of-system swings were solid and able to find landing spots. Nicholas also did a nice job of mixing up her attacks and had dominant stretches throughout the event. For being a longer player, she still performed well in the back row as well.
Alana Hardin, Passion 17
Hardin was finding her ways in a lot of plays and giving her all each time. There’s still room for improvement in her mechanics, but she’s already got the effort level to succeed. She also adjusted well to her opponents throughout matches to find ways to succeed for her team.
Olivia Nester, AVBC 17 Elite
Nester was another player that just caught your eye immediately. She had very good form on her attacks with a long swing that generated a lot of velocity and finished points. Nester was someone that AVBC was going to in key points and she was finding ways to come through.
Lauren Boehmer, Michigan Elite 17 National East
Boehmer was playing with a lot of competitive fire, which applied to her overall game. She was an explosive player at the net and came through with some big kills in close sets. Boehmer brought energy and effort to every point.
Devin Brunk Devin Brunk 5'10" | OH Lake Orion | 2024 State MI , HPVBA 17-1
Brunk was able to lift off the floor quite effortlessly. That led to a lot of impressive swings. Brunk got a little over-aggressive at times with some attacks in the net, but she made necessary adjustments and got back on track. Her athleticism is clear and that will lead to a lot of improvement.
Arianna Karl, Michigan Elite 17 National West
Karl was a really imposing player defensively. She got her hands on a lot of opposing attacks and was putting in great effort to keep points alive. Offensively, Karl displayed a strong swing and a consistent ability to finish. While there certainly is wiggle room to get better, Karl’s effort and desire to succeed will be a great foundation for her to continue to get better.
Paityn Hasselbring, Unified 17-Blue
Hasselbring was another of the solid all-around athletes that used her athleticism to make plays for her team. She made a lot of impressive plays offensive and defensively to keep Unified in some sets, but also was able to put together some great serving runs.