MEQ Preview: Ohio Prospects in 16-18 Open Divisions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual MEQ event will take place this coming weekend for ages 16-18. in Indianapolis. With just a quick trip for most Ohio teams, there will be a lot to observe and evaluate regarding some of the state's best teams and prospects as the qualifying season for the USA GJNC is well underway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>18 Open</em></strong><br>With some Ohio athletes on their 18-1 Tsunami squad, NKYVC opens the tournament as the second seed in Pool 1. Senior outside hitter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141697' first='Ava' last='Siefke']</strong> continues to shine for this team in aspects of passing and attacking. Mintonette m.81 is the top seeded team in Pool 4 and often finds advantages given the depth of size in their net play. Uncommitted <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='141703' first='Callie' last='Kasun']</strong> has good tools for the next level and is worth continued evaluation as she plays with composure and efficiency in her movement. AVC CLE 18 Red opens the event as the #6 seed overall and features good depth of talent from the greater Cleveland area, all of whom are prepping for their respective opportunities at the next level.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='114535' first='Laney' last='Klika']</strong> will be headed to Wofford and is one of the better passers and defenders in this class in Ohio. Other teams seeing action in 18 Open include [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 18 Blue, Mintonette m.82, and [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']' last=''] 18 Spinney, who recently claimed the Bluegrass 18 title behind the assertive action of middles <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153889' first='Amelia' last='Nott'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='114516' first='Brooke' last='Bultema']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>17 Open</em></strong><br>NKYVC 17-1 Tsunami was identified as the top seed in this age group overall and will face some terrific opponents on the first day in Pineapple, BEV, and Mintonette m.71. For Mintonette, take a look as some of their uncommitted prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192769' first='Faith' last='Grafton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139284' first='Grace' last='Thomas']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196346' first='Taylor' last='Bahnub']</strong>. Thomas did some great things recently at the Sunshine Classic as she is showing really good production offensively from the middle with good arm speed and explosive approach work. She is especially good off one foot behind the setter. Also representing Ohio in this division are AVC CLE 17 Red, [program_tooltip program_id='430852' first='Tri-State' last='Elite'] 17 Blue, [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']' last=''] 17 Ulland, and Elite VBTC with the highly coveted and Florida bound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139280' first='Alec' last='Rothe']</strong>. Middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='169113' first='Soraya' last='Jackson']</strong> has good physicality in the at 6'0 as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251300' first='Lesley' last='Furuta']</strong> (*pictured) has been providing a steady presence at the libero position as she has good angle production and pursuit capabilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>16 Open</em></strong><br>Look for OPVC 16 Robinson to perhaps sneak their way into a Pool 5 position that advances them to the upper bracket at the conclusion of day one. They have athletes and the potential to compete with anyone. They open up as the third seed in their pool but could pull off an upset.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='152062' first='Kaylie' last='McIntosh'] </strong>(6'2) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='151983' first='Raegan' last='Waller'] </strong>(6'1) bring the most size for this team and are capable of producing points for their offense from the left pin and middle respectively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152037' first='Hailey' last='Campagna']</strong> is a prolific point scorer for Elite VBTC 16 Black and should continue contributing in all facets of the game as a six-rotation pin. They open as the #2 seed in Pool 4. [program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431827' first='Elevation' last='']' last=''] 16 Goller has a good collection of athletes and should outperform their Pool 6 #3 seed to stay among the upper echelon of teams for day two. Libero<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='151977' first='Livia' last='Mahoney'] </strong>deserves some attention for her role to help create a lot of good offensive opportunities for this team through good quickness and floor presence. AVC CLE 16 Red is the overall #11 seed as Mintonette m.61 is the #3 team in Pool 12 to begin the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->