Big Winners at Volley by the James

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally I limit my stories to teams aged 15 and above. But the [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 14 team won the gold at the open at Volley by the James and four of those girls played for me either last year or a couple years ago. Another player attended clinics at the high school where I coach at. Lots of joy fills my heart from learning about their accomplishment. Other winners include Jersey Jrs. at 18, [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] at 17 and [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] at 16 and 15 years of age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["279856"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c71d0639793"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>team is so rich in talent that they could beat many 15 open teams. They will have an opportunity to do just that when they play in the Hampton Mid Atlantic Power League against the 14-16 age groups at the end of the month. When the Volley by the James tournament ended [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] finished 8-0 in matches, losing just two sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their two middles, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='296486' first='Taylor' last='Harrington'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='437452' first='Jolie' last='Vignier'] </strong>stand 6'1" and already reach 9'9" on their approach jumps. They cover a lot of territory with their blocks. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='437448' first='Eva' last='Collingham']</strong> at 5'11" can hammer the ball to the floor from the left side. One of their more athletic but smaller players [player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther'] also plays left side. She stands just 5'8" but plays all six rotations. A couple years ago she played briefly for Metro as a libero, which may have enhanced her ability to play defense and pass. There are still a couple more years for her to grow into the position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] runs a 6/2 with two quality setters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438046' first='Anna' last='Dierks']</strong>. Both get to the ball quick and use their hands no matter where the pass. <strong>Sophie dela Rosa</strong> stands 5'10", hits right side and ranks number 22 in our class of 2026. Libero <strong>Diane Nzoupet</strong> impressed with her quickness on defense and her tough serve. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple of the girls who played for me,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='438043' first='Katherine' last='McLaughlin'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='377395' first='Jordan' last='Yun']</strong>, did not play in the game I watched. Katherine brings hustle and enthusiasm to her game. Last year was her first year of club and by the end of the season she was putting balls down consistently from the left side despite her smaller height. <strong>Sophie dela Rosa,</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='325403' first='Annabelle' last='Kim']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279856' first='Kayla' last='Luther']</strong> are the others. Sophie attended our high school clinics and shows a great attitude in her will to improve. The five girls were all great players to coach. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</strong> finished second. They came about as close as a team can get to winning gold. The game scores against [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] were 27-25, 23-25 and 13-15. They also have some height on this team. Their setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='511457' first='Breeze' last='Johnson'] </strong>stands tall and sets well, an interesting combination. As with many of the [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] girls Breeze plays beach. Definitely a player to watch for the future. I also love the name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MVSA force has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438049' first='Ana' last='Djordjevic'] </strong>on their team. She is the younger sister of Ema, who ranks number four in our class of 2025. Ana plays libero for her team, while her sister plays left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221415"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c71d06397ff"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top two teams in this age bracket were [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] swept through their opponents without losing a set in their eight matches. I did not get a chance to watch them this tournament because my team was playing in the same wave. They did win a Maryland Jrs Open tournament and I wrote about them there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309032' first='Samantha' last='Stephens']</strong> plays an impressive and intimidating middle, using her 6 foot height to reject a number of tips. She swings left handed so her future may be on the right side. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309027' first='Skylar' last='Norris'] </strong>plays a dynamic left side. Like many of the of the girls who play for [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] the beach enhances her all around game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320813' first='Callie' last='Hose']</strong> brings solid offense to the right side. Finally, no [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] team remains complete without a solid libero. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller']</strong> fills that role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>may have finished second in this tournament but will come out on top in many before the season is complete. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic'] </strong>switches between middle and right side. She stands 6'1" and has incredible wrist snap that can bury the ball to the floor. She ranks number three in our class of 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] carries a collection of girls who can play middle in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235306' first='Brianna' last='Washington'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238851' first='Piper' last='Xeller']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='249331' first='Isabella' last='Moore']</strong>. Brianna tops the team with her approach jump of 9'10'. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty'] </strong>are two explosive outsides who can bring a finish to the game. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='298857' first='Ingrid' last='Smith']</strong> belongs to the 2027 class but returns as their setter, playing a year up. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235322' first='Avery' last='Prendergast']</strong> set for St. Johns last year as a sophomore and shares the setting duties with Ingrid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Club 540</strong> finished third. They swept through their competition winning their first six matches without losing a set. When they reached the gold bracket they were swept by both [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["290934"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c71d0639852"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] almost swept their way in winning the gold in the 16 open. They lost a set to [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 25-23. [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] finished second while Virginia Elite took the third spot. All three clubs were identified as the top clubs in the Chesapeake Region, with fourth place MVSA Sparks also named.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It can be argued that <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</strong> may have the two most dominant left sides in the 16 club division. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy'] </strong>are both six rotation players who can hit front row and back row. Kennedy ranks number one in our class of 2026. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin'] </strong>ranks at number five in that same 2026 class. Both play up. It would be hard to find a libero that covers more ground than Brenna. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290934' first='Ava' last='Dickerson']</strong> plays middle. If you focus on the outsides and ignore her she will make you pay. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='434855' first='Alexandra' last='Lynch'] </strong>and <strong>Kendall Watcher</strong> share the setting duties. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] </strong>lost to Virginia Elite in pool play but got a little revenge by sweeping them in the gold medal bracket match. They carry a talented roster with class of 2026 setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo'] </strong>playing up to lead the offense. The team is formidable in the middle with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer'] </strong>setting up the blocks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181311' first='Skyler' last='Tennant'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235282' first='Adriana' last='Perodin'],</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248705' first='Zoe' last='Ryu']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240027' first='Kaitlyn' last='Demitz']</strong> give the team depth on the outsides. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235291' first='Sadee' last='Gedse']</strong> provides incredible hustle to the libero position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year I did not get much of a chance to watch <strong>Virginia Elite </strong>play. For the 16s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181242' first='Shylah' last='Swope']</strong> ran a 5/1 with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong> used for hitting from the right side. When Shylah plays the front row she loves to jump set and dump to the left corner 4 spot with her right hand. Defenses find it tough to cover that shot. Evelyn at 6'1" brings the highest approach jump to the team. At 6'0" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos']</strong> brings power to the left side, as well as the back row with her ability to play six rotations. Another player who impressed is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong> with her libero play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["196196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c7f4a4e181f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] would have preferred a sweep in the 15-17 division but the 17 team seemed a little off. They missed a number of serves, their passing was erratic and many of their hits travelled out. The length of the <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']</strong> could have created those troubles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I had to vote for an MVP for the tournament it would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231671' first='Morgan' last='Crawford']</strong>. Next year she will be playing for Loyola Maryland. This year she dominated the floor for RVC 17. Her back row play was extraordinary with dig after dig of dead [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] attempted kills. She also terminated sets from the left side. She ranks number 27 in our class of 2023 but after her performance at Volley by the James her rank could be higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they lost <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='190541' first='Hannah' last='Ball']</strong> from last year <strong>Catori Crawford</strong> (no relation to Morgan) uses a good jump to create offense from the other left side. <strong>Kyla Johnson</strong> is a smaller middle but she carries good reach and creates havoc with her offense. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='223897' first='Amelia' last='Tomlinson']</strong> covers a lot of ground in the back court. The class of 2024 libero has committed to Liberty. At 6'2" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232998' first='Campbell' last='Woods'] </strong>uses her length on the right side that could have created many of those [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] hitting errors. It can be quite the challenge to hit a ball past her block. <strong>Anne Croft</strong> has the good hands to find the hitter's sweet spot. College recruiters will be rewarded watching this team play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We talked a lot about <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']</strong> last week after they finished second in the Maryland Jrs open. The 6'0" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243771' first='Berkeley' last='Konrady']</strong> ranks number 68 in our class of 2025. That ranking will rise. She carries a lot of velocity in her kills. A little inconsistent this past weekend against RVC but definitely a six rotation left side to watch. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242037' first='Ashlynn' last='Spence']</strong> places balls well using the deep corners in areas 1 and 6 to finish her hits. At 5'8" her height is small for a middle but her volleyball IQ makes her dangerous in the front row. You also have to like the enthusiasm and hustle of libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180302' first='Emma' last='White'].</strong> And finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barwick']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180286' first='Hannah' last='McCullough']</strong> share setting duties. Greta stands out for her offensive contributions from the right and left side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Virginia Elite</strong> was the lone team to take a match from [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']. They were swept by [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 25-18, 25-13, knocking them down to third. They also lost to [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] in their opening match, but at that time taking them to three.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1" setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson'] </strong>churns this offense. She ran a 5/1 in the game I watched but they do have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235279' first='Melorra' last='Arthur']</strong> to set if they want her offense from the right side. The 6'0" outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180291' first='Claire' last='Burducea']</strong> played six rotations and impressed. Always good to see a new face in these tournaments A player to watch is 6'4" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237239' first='Azavia' last='Thomas']</strong>. She ranks number 86 in the class of 2024 but with more club experience that ranking will rise. She is limited to three rotations but she earns points while in the front row. The 6'2" middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180298' first='Alice' last='Holoubek']</strong> plays a cerebral middle, consistently moving from pin to pin. Finally, <strong>Ella Jubeck</strong> impressed at the libero position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']</strong> finished fourth and <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='511606' first='Vienna' last='Elite']</strong> eighth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>18 Open</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["231633"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63c818608166c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jersey Jrs swept through the competition to win the 18 open. They finished 8-0, losing two sets, one to second place Club 540 and the other to third place [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Club 540 swept [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] in the gold medal bracket to take second place. They battled the Jersey team to three, losing the final 17-15. I did not watch a lot of the 18's but setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='231633' first='Alexis' last='Scipione'] </strong>seems to set her team to a higher level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='248621' first='Tatum' last='Evans'] remains the big name for the [program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club'] 18 team. The Virginia Tech commit hits left side and led Midlothian High School to their first ever Class 5 State championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='511606' first='Vienna' last='Elite'] surprised with a fourth place finish. They run an offense with the taller <strong>Madeline Schamaun</strong> setting in the front row and the smaller [player_tooltip player_id='209175' first='Trisha' last='Guevara'] setting in the back row. Trish has committed to Virginia Weslayan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Names Who Impressed </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are some names whose teams did not make the gold bracket. These players were not included in our recent rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320821' first='Jordyn' last='Palazzo'] </strong>(MVSA Sparks) - The 5'11" left side from the Class of 2025 shows she can bring the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309031' first='Caroline' last='Kaye'] </strong>(MVSA Sparks) - This 6'1" middle runs the quicks well. She also creates some buzz with her high jumping prowess in the track and field arena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309024' first='Caroline' last='Lang']</strong> ([program_tooltip program_id='498495' first='Richmond' last='Volleyball Club']) - This class of 2025 middle has some height. She is also new to volleyball and still a bit raw. She can normally be seen on the tennis court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309022' first='Peri' last='Linterman'] </strong>(Club 540) - This class of 2025 plays middle for the 17 team. She stands 6'2" and showed a powerful swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309023' first='Allison' last='Lach']</strong> (Club 540) - A 5'10" left side with a good swing. She plays for Riverbend High School with Peri above. <strong> </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->