Show Me National Qualifier- Impact Players #7

Derek Jackson April 28, 2022 @ 08:00 AM

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 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: Dru Dorsey #32 Outside Hitter for Iowa Rockets 15R (IA). She is physically gifted. She has off the charts athleticism. She may have been one of the best players I got to witness at the tournament. She had a great swing but it was her off-speed roll shot that really created balance as a hitter. She is able to get up on her blocks and press tightly over the net. I foresee her being a monster player in the next couple years. She is huge reason her team finished 2nd in the Liberty division. Skylar Hilton #99 Middle Blocker for THR33 15-1 (HA). She has a huge ceiling and she is well on her way to getting there. A 6ft middle that can already run multiple sets with a great approach is something special at this age. She puts up a fierce block on defense. I witnessed an impressive swing down the line for a kill on a 31 set. She is the truest definition of an impact player for her team. She is a big reason why her team finished tied for 17th overall in the American division. Brooke Houston #18 Setter/Right Side Hitter for UPVBC 15 Pink (OK). She is an excellent back row setter for UPVBC. She has soft hands, a high contact point, and has started jumping sets when she is comfortable. She has really been coached up this club season. She does a great job of finishing her sets, this is especially important when she sets against the flow. Look for her to continue pushing herself and taking steps forward, she will soon make a name for herself. She helped her team finish tied for 13th in the Liberty division. Emily Nelson #1 Right Side Hitter for SWMNVB 15-1 (NO). Slightly undersized but she is a very skilled attacker in the front row. I saw her tool the block on three straight swings. She is a lethal hitter that would make any team better with her attacking. She did a great job in the back row as well, I saw her pick up multiple tips with ease due to her quick reactions. She helped her team finish 41st 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.