16s Standouts at Smackdown

Derek Jackson March 29, 2023 @ 08:00 AM

This weekend was big for some of the upper ages. Plenty of solid matchups between top ranked Oklahoma teams in the gold brackets. I was lucky enough to be there all weekend long. Service is always spotty at the Titan Sports Complex but I was still able to post a handful of photos and updates on our Instagram account. Lets take a look at how some of the teams and athletes faired.   <h2>Gold Bracket Finish:</h2>   1st- OK Premier 16 Diamonds   2nd- Rise 16-1   3rd- Virago 16-1   3rd- OK Redline 16-1   It was a fun filled tournament that essentially ended according to their seeding. There was actually only 1 upset in all of pool play. The top 8 teams finished all in order but that doesn't mean it was boring volleyball. There were several matchups that saw some excitement and plenty of applause. Virago 16-1 taking out TPV 16-2 was a hard fought match, OK Redline 16-1 knocking out PWP 16-1 in the quarter finals, then losing in three to OK Premier Diamonds and we cant forget the championship games itself featured a 3 set match.   <h2>Players:</h2>   Alani Wilmoth, #6 Outside Hitter for OK Premier 16 Diamonds. My goodness she can jump and hit a ball. She and many others on this team are really fun to watch fly around and play above the net. I witnessed multiple balls she slammed down the line and when the block didn't close, she would hammer it in the gap. I thought she especially hit well out of serve receive and was a clear difference maker for this team.   [player_tooltip player_id='296234' first='Saylor' last='Paden'], #10 Setter for Rise 16-1. She travels to the city from western Oklahoma and its well worth it for her and the club. I will go as far as to say, I predict she is a 4A All State pick her senior year for Weatherford. She has a great release and read on passes. The whole team was a monster from the service line. Her team is able to be up tempo often and she puts the ball where it needs to be for this to happen effectively. This is a very dangerous team and will be fighting for a regional bid come May.   Charlie Bagley, #22 Libero for OK Redline 16-1. She is a threat in the back row to opposing hitters and serves. AVOID her at all costs and do not challenge her. She has great footwork and soft platform. When you watch her play, she makes plays look easier than they really are. She is definitely on my radar when the next round of rankings updates comes around.   [player_tooltip player_id='742770' first='Brooklyn' last='Shope'], #15 Right Side Hitter for Virago 16-1. She has made the switch to right side and is blossoming. She has really provided a balance to the offense by having an option to score on both pins. She was the leading scorer against Velocity and had multiple big moment kills against BAVC to sweep their pool. She plays for Sand Springs High School. Look for her to continue to develop and start helping the Sandites in the near future.   <h2>Wrap Up</h2>   This has been a highly entertaining season thus far and we have plenty of teams representing Oklahoma well and earning bids. Good luck to those out there traveling and we cant wait to see how the season finishes up.   Don't forget that the 2026 rankings are on the horizon, as well as, the 2023 high school season. Make sure and renew your subscription soon to stay up to date on all that happening in the volleyball word here in Oklahoma.

This weekend was big for some of the upper ages. Plenty of solid matchups between top ranked Oklahoma teams in the gold brackets. I was lucky enough to be there all weekend long. Service is always spotty at the Titan Sports Complex but I was still able to post a handful of photos and updates on our Instagram account. Lets take a look at how some of the teams and athletes faired.