Show Me National Qualifier- Impact Players #2
I had the opportunity to watch some amazing matches and talented players in Kanas City at the Asics Show Me National Qualifier. There were teams from all over the US in attendance. This is a type of tournament where big…
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Continue ReadingI had the opportunity to watch some amazing matches and talented players in Kanas City at the Asics Show Me National Qualifier. There were teams from all over the US in attendance. This is a type of tournament where big name clubs send some of their best teams and a place where underdogs have a chance to make a splash. Typically, each winner of the gold bracket in their division will earn a bid to the Junior National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana this summer.
I was there coaching my club team but I made sure to show up early and stay late to catch some teams/players I would have otherwise missed. Here are a few players that stood out and made an impact for their team.
Emry Brown #22 Outside Hitter for UPVBC Pink (OK). She has a really high contact point, paired with her gifted size, creates the ability to hit over the top of blocks and attack angles that others cant. She isn’t just a threat in the front row, she is a 6 rotation player that stays productive when she goes to the back row. Her length helps her have a large range to dig attacks. She helped her team finish 14th overall in the Liberty division.
Asta Hildebrand #15 Setter and right side hitter playing for Iowa Rockets 15R (IA). She can really pummel the ball. I was only able to catch this team play for one set but she annihilated multiple balls into the court while playing right side. When she goes back row and becomes the other setter in the 6-2 system, she can track down balls with the best of them. She is a workhorse for her team that sets the tone from the first point. She is definitely someone you want playing on your team and not against you. She will be highly sought after soon by colleges. She helped her team finish runner up in the Liberty division and only lost two sets all weekend long.
Kailee Hildebrand #18 Middle blocker and outside hitter playing for SA Magic 15 Premier (LS). As far as I am aware, she is not related to Asta. Her team runs a hybrid offense depending on the rotation. At times she is in the middle and others on the outside. Either way, she creates opportunities for her team to win. She had great extension and power when she jousted at the net on a couple occasions. She also plays defense in middle back. She is a special player that can play just about any spot and still be at a high level. She helped her team finish tied for 3rd in the American division.
There was top notch talent all over the convention center. It was hard to stay focused on any one court. I see these players making waves in their home states in the upcoming school season. They will continue to develop and soon be on college coaches’ radars. I wish every team and player a solid finish to the rest of their season.