Florida Brings the Heat for Northern Lights Qualifier

<p>It's quite a trek from Florida to Minnesota. The climate is a bit different, too. Even still, teams from the Sunshine State showed up in a big way at the Northern Lights Qualifier.</p> <p>Yesterday, we did an ode to <a href="https://prepdig.com/2022/03/nebraska-nice-in-minneapolis-for-northern-lights-qualifier/">Nebraska's successes</a> in Minneapolis last weekend. I'm now stepping way outside my home base to cover a field of Florida teams that showed strength in a variety of divisions and age groups. This state is clearly emerging as one of the leaders for astounding athletes and skilled players at every position. So, this feature is dedicated to some of my favorite Florida teams and players from this stacked event.</p> <p>Let's get into it.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>OT 16 O Roberto</strong></p> <p>OTVA's wide network of teams has been on my radar ever since the first iteration of NLQ in Omaha back in January. You can add 16 O Roberto to the list of those that are really putting together some nice volleyball lately.</p> <p>2025 outside hitter <strong>Amina N'diaye</strong> was the big headliner for this team, as she put down some authoritative swings on the left pin throughout the weekend. Her potential is unreal.</p> <p>This is a complete team, though, and I really enjoyed watching some of this team's ball control anchors. <strong>Abigayle Dickinson</strong> was a clear leader in serve receive and made all the defensive plays you hope to see from your libero. On the second contact, <strong>Juleigh Urbina</strong> did an excellent job of setting against the flow and keeping opposing blockers off balance. All the pieces are there for OT 16 O Roberto to make another charge at a Nationals bid in future qualifiers.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://x.com/OTVAvolleyball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OTVAvolleyball</a> 16 O Roberto holds off a fierce comeback bid from Drive Nation to win in three!<br /> <br /> This last ball had to go to Amina N'diaye. Feed the hot hand to victory! <a href="https://t.co/KT3tod0ILF">pic.x.com/KT3tod0ILF</a></p> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1505239723945644037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Boomers Volleyball Academy 15 Mizuno</strong></p> <p>This BVA squad went blow-for-blow with some of the top 15s teams at NLQ, and it was no fluke, either.</p> <p>15 Mizuno is led by the extraordinary pin-hitting duo of <strong>Kelly Kinney</strong> and <strong>Mia Gold</strong>. Kinney already has a wealth of high-level volleyball experience that is paying off at these big events. She elevates at a level that few 2025s are reaching at this point, and she combines that with some seriously strong six-rotation skills. Meanwhile, I remain amazed that Gold is just a 2026! We've got so much time to talk about this rising star.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kelly Kinney has been exceptional for <a href="https://x.com/BoomersVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoomersVB</a> 15 Mizuno today.<br /> <br /> She brings some great backcourt skills to the floor, too. <a href="https://t.co/GSvyAi4kvu">pic.x.com/GSvyAi4kvu</a></p> — Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://x.com/KingsleyATK/status/1504873983489019927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_187167" align="alignright" width="416"]<img class="wp-image-187167" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2022/03/IMG_7896-crop-3217x2112-1648142543-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="416" height="273" /> Thomas attacks for No Name VBC 15 Sarah.[/caption] <p><strong>No Name VBC 15 Sarah</strong></p> <p>This squad wins the crown for most class variety on one club roster. It's really awesome.</p> <p>Case in point: we've got the Class of 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 all represented for 15 Sarah. It's a team that also has plenty of athletes that excel at multiple positions. <strong>Mattea Casale</strong> (2025) has spent time at libero and outside hitter this season and is constantly influencing No Name's ball control. <strong>Campbell Fish</strong>, also a 2025, can step right into the libero role, too, while <strong>Zayda Thomas</strong> (2024) has a big arm that can get clutch kills on either pin. In short, we'll have to keep an eye on this group for some of Florida's leaders in a wide assortment of positions and age groups. The gang's all here!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>OT 15 O Meg</strong></p> <p>Back to OTVA!</p> <p>The 15 O Meg roster is loaded with players that can take over a match at any time. One of the most regular candidates to achieve this is 2024 outside hitter <strong>Laney Perdue</strong>, who definitely emerged as the go-to attacker in Minneapolis. At the same time, many ball control players are also making a big impact. <strong>Sophia Iglesias</strong> showed some nice finesse at the setter spot and also pitches in with some clutch right-back defense. And, speaking of defense, 2025 libero <strong>Jannelize Perez</strong> had another outstanding weekend for OTVA.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Jacksonville Skyline 15 Royal</strong></p> <p>Finally, we have the champions of the 15 USA division.</p> <p>Jacksonville Skyline struck the right balance in just about every phase of the game last weekend. <strong>Emily Topp</strong> provided some impenetrable defense at the net from the middle blocker spot, and <strong>Amaria King</strong> pitched in with some big roofs of her own on the left. I'd also be remiss not to mention <strong>Ariel Ross</strong>, one of the most exciting all-around Florida players I've seen. Her lightning-fast arm on the left pin is matched only by her incredible defensive instincts in the back row. She can put on the libero jersey without a hitch.</p> <p>Bring that trophy back to Duval County.</p>