First Impressions of Northern Lights Qualifier Schedule
Bring on another Northern Lights Qualifier! If the 17s/18s qualifiers in Omaha this January were any indication, we’re in store for another fantastic weekend of volleyball with 15s and 16s competing for Nationals bids in Minneapolis. As always, Prep Dig…
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Continue ReadingBring on another Northern Lights Qualifier!
If the 17s/18s qualifiers in Omaha this January were any indication, we’re in store for another fantastic weekend of volleyball with 15s and 16s competing for Nationals bids in Minneapolis. As always, Prep Dig will be there to cover all the action.
First, though, let’s get a few reactions from the schedule release. These are just a few things I’m looking forward to at NLQ.
We Meet Again!
There are so many familiar names and teams on this NLQ entry list. I’m always thrilled to get a repeat look at some talented teams, and Minneapolis will provide that opportunity this weekend.
The big volleyball extravaganza of Triple Crown NIT is still fresh on my mind. Those memories will keep rushing back, as we have a lot of NIT’s top teams making the trip to this qualifier.
Dynasty 16 Black became Triple Crown royalty last month as they charged ahead of the pack to claim the 16s championship. This talented lineup will continue to test itself against some top competition, including some other big-time competitors we saw in Kansas City. KC Power 16-1 will also keep building on a strong Triple Crown performance and stands alongside next-door neighbor Dynasty as a team to watch in this division.
A5 Mizuno 16-Gabe is another Triple Crown entrant that will draw attention once again at NLQ. This team is heralded for its superior length at the net, and that physicality should put A5 in the spotlight in Minneapolis. Similarly, TAV 16 Black turned plenty of heads last month and ought to be a major factor at another big event. It’s just what TAV does.
For another perspective on some recognizable teams, we can look all the way back to the Prep Dig Chi-Town Classic that took place a week before Triple Crown. Our Chicago event helped demonstrate the depth of FC Elite, and now the Wisconsin club will bring many of those Chi-Town top performers to NLQ. FC Elite 16 Navy is coming off a title in our 17s division in Chicago, while FC Elite 15 Navy placed runner-up in 16s. I can’t wait to see more from these squads.
Cornhusker Contingent
I’m the Nebraska guy, so, of course, I have to get a word in on the Nebraska teams.
There is a good amount of representation from the Cornhusker State. Nebraska Juniors will bring two Open division challengers as Nebraska Juniors 15 Black and 16 Black will take the floor in Minneapolis. I’m anxious to get a long, extended look at both of these teams as we continue to evaluate Nebraska’s best young talent.
Nebraska Elite 16 Lokahi will also look to capture some NLQ magic. In a way, this team already has, as they earned a January Thaw championship in Omaha at the end of January. This team is right where it belongs in 16 Open, and it will be fun to see how they stack up. You’ve also got to keep an eye on 16 Lokahi’s counterpart on the 15s side: Nebraska Elite 15 Matrix.
We’ve also got Premier Nebraska 16 Gold lurking among the Nebraska pack. This is another team that got some looks at Triple Crown NIT. While we’re still on the Triple Crown train, Nebraska ONE 15 Synergy is making an appearance at NLQ after making an awesome run to bracket play in Kansas City last month. This squad has the ball control to compete with anyone.
New Scouting Opportunities
Obviously, we’re not just here to watch teams we’ve seen before. Discovering new talents is what these events are all about. So, consider this a list of teams that I’ll be excited to get a first look at this weekend.
- No Name VBC 15 Sarah
- Synergy 151
- Triangle 15 Black
- Mintonette m.51
- Kairos 16 Adidas
- Vital 16-1 Gold
- Tejas 16 Black
- Crossfire 16-1