Team Profile: RockCity 17-1
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RockCity ‘ last=”] from Mentor, OH is showing they have some good talent early in this season, in particular through their 17-1 team, which recently won the 17 Open division at the JVA Rock ‘N Rumble tournament in Cleveland. They…
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Continue ReadingRockCity ‘ last=”] from Mentor, OH is showing they have some good talent early in this season, in particular through their 17-1 team, which recently won the 17 Open division at the JVA Rock ‘N Rumble tournament in Cleveland. They went 7-0 without dropping a set to claim the title and set the tone for the remainder of their schedule ahead. They are next in action at the Central Zone Invitational in Indy where they open up play on Saturday as the overall #13 seed. Here are some of their key athletes.
Emma Blankenship – MH
Blankenship was the best middle for NDCL and their Division II state title run in 2022. She was among offensive leaders at 1.5 kills per set while doing some of her best work on the defensive side with a team high total of 80 blocks for an average of 3.0 b/m. At 6’0 she can be an effective point scorer when creating space to drive the ball around the defenders at the net. She has also improved the quality of her footwork and attacking overhead of the setter as well.
Niyah Lester
Niyah
Lester
6'2" | MB
Brush | 2024
State
OH
– MH
Lester has a 6’2 frame and provides some of the best physicality for this team. She has a solid skill foundation to be an impact contributor on both sides of the ball. Offensively, with good timing around the setter she can create a high contact point and drive the ball with good pace. On the defensive side, she has the ability to get up and extend well to fill big space above the tape that applies a lot of pressure upon opposing hitters. Keep and eye on her over the coming months.
Maria Flynn
Maria
Flynn
6'0" | OH
Gilmour | 2024
State
OH
– RS
At 6’1, Flynn has the ability to bring it on the pins. Primarily doing her work on the right side, she shows good pursuit of the ball with her approach footwork. When on time and balance her length can go to work with good contact point and pace. She was a big factor in their success at Rock ‘N Rumble with their in-system quick tempo overhead to the right side as she often had good space in the defense to swing for a terminal outcome.
Katie Sowko
Katie
Sowko
6'0" | OH
Lake Catholic | 2024
State
OH
– OH
Sowko was a big factor in Lake Catholic’s run to the state title as she was an offensive leader for one of the most productive point scoring teams in all of Division III in Ohio. At 4.1 kills per set, she terminated 355 total kills, earning her a spot on the All-Ohio 2nd Team. She complements Flynn’s action on the right side with a big arm at the outside hitter position. At 6’0, she elevates well and can contact well above the tape to challenge opposing blockers well. She is a high-volume attacker and should see a lot of opportunity to swing in the front and back row.
Sam Hartman – S
Hartman led her Mentor team in total assists with 351 as she shared that role throughout the fall season. She moves around the floor well, prepares her hands early to take the ball high above her forehead, and finishes with simple redirection of the ball to locate for her attackers. This team has some productive arms and Hartman is the catalyst to deliver the right opportunity within their team offense and if she can create balance they will have success.