1st Team All Battle at the Fort 15s
We were in Fort Smith, Arkansas this weekend for the always tough, Battle at the Fort. This is hosted by FSJ inside the convention center and FSJ facility. Unfortunately, between coaching my team and how the format of the tournament…
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Continue ReadingWe were in Fort Smith, Arkansas this weekend for the always tough, Battle at the Fort. This is hosted by FSJ inside the convention center and FSJ facility. Unfortunately, between coaching my team and how the format of the tournament was set up, I was unable to watch enough of the 16s and 17/18s to write about but, we are taking a look those players who stood out as some of the tournaments best in the 15s age division.
Gold Bracket:
1st- Crushers 15 BOOM (DE)
2nd- FSJ 14 Elite (DE)
3rd- Virago 15-1 (OK)
3rd- UPVBC 15 Pink (OK)
Setter:
Savanah Wright #3, She plays for Virago 15-1. She has continued to impress me the more I am able to watch her. She will likely be one of the top setters in her class. She sets well against the flow and has pretty good consistency in setting up tempo balls across the net but the thing I saw this weekend was her decision making and serve that were on a different level. She was able to have key serving runs and exploit opposing blockers that helped her team finish 3rd overall.
Outside Hitter:
Kaitlyn Austin #51, She plays for Crushers 15 BOOM. She is a firecracker of a player. Not only having a ton of energy and charisma but also putting some pop on the ball when she swings. She goes after the right side’s outside hand and does it well. She is often getting the tool off the block and trying to go line. Her and her middles make for a tough 6 rotations worth of attack coming at defenses.
Defensive Specialist:
Olivia Brand Olivia Brand 5'7" | OH Coweta | 2025 State OK #5, she plays for Virago 15-1. Olivia is a part of a 2 person serve receive formation most of the time and its because they read and react in such a way that allows them to cover more court. Her footwork in the back row allows her to be efficient and get into good positions to make plays. She also possess some hustle and speed that is fun to watch as she tracks down a few crazy balls each set.
Right Side Hitter:
Darcy Hinterreiter #5, She plays for Rise 15-2. Darcy made some key players during her teams matches. They may have ended tied for 15th but that isn’t indicative of their play. This team is a hard working scrappy bunch. I watched an amazing 30-32 set against UPVBC Pink who finished 3rd overall. Darcy had plays all day but definitely a few during that set alone that was pivotal. She is right handed and does a great job of letting the set get to her right shoulder so that the enter court is an option. I hope I am able to see this team again post spring break to see the growth they have.
Middle Blocker:
Jaida Sturdivant #12, She plays for Crushers 15 BOOM. WOW! Colleges need to come watch her play and start taking notes now. Not only does she possess the athletic build and athleticism to excel at a high level but she also has great decision making as a middle. She is involved in the offense a ton, some of that seems by design but mostly due to her hard work to be available. She effected every match I was able to watch in a big way.