“Live Eye” Day 1 Observations of Colorado State Tournament
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Walking into the Denver Coliseum I didn't know what to expect with five courts and 60 teams competing on day one of the Colorado Girls State Volleyball Tournament. How does this work?
5 courts, one for each class, matches started at 8 AM with seeds five through twelve squaring off (5v12, 6v11, 7v10, and 8v9). The top four seeds receive a bye into the quarterfinals.
But wait, there's more! Lose the first one? No problem. There's a playback bracket, essentially a double elimination tournament until the semifinals. This is the most unique state tournament format I've been around and I love it.
What's The Vibe?
The energy on the floor is comparable to a club tournament, the sport court is close together with nets separating courts. This venue has plenty of Colorado history as it has traditionally been used for rodeos. You can see the corall's on the edge. The fans are close, the media and personnel are closer, and being on the bench is essentially being in the game.
What Teams Stood Out?
Valor Christian out of Highlands Ranch which is a south suburb of of Denver. The size and physicality of this team is the best I've seen in the high school season so far this year out of any state. They are led by Princeton commit, Erin McNair on the outside. She plays six rotation and knows how to hit every shot. Out of the middle for Valor are two D1 commits in Sasha Cohen (UCF) and Grace Langer (West Virginia). Sophomore setter Chloe Elarton knows how to run this balanced attack where they put so much pressure on the other side.
Palmer Ridge High School out of Monument is just north of Colorado Springs not too far from the Air Force Academy. Another team well balanced who can attack with multiple athletes. Corrie Anderson is a big time swing on the outside, she's heading to Dayton. Some names I would put on the radar would be Amelia Hansen Amelia Hansen 6'1" | MB/OH Palmer Ridge | 2025 State CO out of the middle and right side Danielle Wilke. Hanson has a ton of speed and is dangerous off one foot. Wilke brings a dynamic scoring approach to the right side. The did drop set one to Cheyenne Mountain who had plenty of athleticism.
What Players Are Making a Huge Impact?
Penn State commit Izzy Starck was, as advertised, one of the best players in the country. She does it all for Rampart from setting to attacking and has such a sense of control and composure.
Emerson Deferme had a huge day. From the opening round win against Denver South to their big comeback 3-2 win against Rampart, Deferme was involved in the serve receive scheme, free ball kills, and finding a way to score out of system.
Setter Kaitlin Smith Kaitlin Smith 5'7" | S/DS/L University High School | 2025 State CO out of University High was money all day, getting a favorable matchup for her team where they had the other side guessing all day. Only a sophomore she's composed, savvy, and finds a way to get it done. Her team is back in the winners bracket semifinals after huge win over conference rival Platte Valley after losing to this team twice earlier in the season.
Another sophomore who had big play after big play was Anna Blamires of Cheyenne Mountain. So dynamic as a lefty right side. Whether it was serving or taking a big swing she was getting it done. Look for Cheyenne Mountain to be a threat in the consolation rounds.
Yes, another sophomore who was doing big things for her team was Erica Sayer of Discovery Canyon. She is going to be a 2025 prospect that will be a priority for in state schools to keep at the next level. At 6'2 and long, the fast twitch middle has quite the motor where she can block, transition, and hit a variety of tempos.
Other Observations of the Tournament:
The Ball Boys and Girls - There were so many groups of kids here today, around middle school age and they were the ball boys and girls and also helped prevent volleyballs from going on other courts during warm ups. They were wide eyed, excited, and did a great job. I talked with one of their supervisors and she said this is such a big deal for them. They even wear neon shirts and have the athletes sign their shirts whenever they can get a chance.
The best mascots. The Hoehne Farmers were solid, this school is in Southern Colorado near the New Mexico border. However, the winner by a long shot was the Mean Moose from Alamosa.
The student sections may not be very big, but they make sure they are heard. It doesn't matter if it's ten students or hundreds, these kids are taking the time to support their classmates which never gets old no matter what state I get to cover.
Digital programs - super easy to use! And free!
What Happens Friday?
Elimination day! Teams start their play back games with the ones who lost. Many of these athletes will be playing their final high school match tomorrow. Play starts at 8 AM and goes through the evening. Saturday will be final consolation rounds into the semifinals and finals at 6 PM.
I'm signing off for the night. I have not idea what state I'm in, what day it is, and zero sense of time after daylight savings and going back an hour after traveling from Wisconsin. This has been a great event so far and look forward to finishing the high school season in new heights!
