The Mitten Report at Mid-East Qualifiers 2023 (1/2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Indianapolis was on fire this weekend! A huge reason for what sparked the fire came from the talent traveling from Indiana's neighbor to the north. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michigan was well-represented this past weekend at the Mid-East Qualifiers. One of the biggest tournaments of the season, and it did not disappoint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at some of the top teams to come out of the Mitten state this past weekend at MEQs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>16 USA</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>Dead Frog 16 Black</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad was the only team from the top half of the USA Division to represent Michigan here. In fact, Dead Frog 16 Black found themselves in gold on day 3 and finishing top ten in the division. This team is one of the stronger ones out of the southwest pocket of Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MB [player_tooltip player_id='443826' first='Jordyn' last='Hughes'] is a huge contributor to this team's success. Her ability to score at such a high efficiency makes her so dangerous. Right behind her, leading the back court, is libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156291' first='Taygan' last='Corstange']</strong>. She's as scrappy as they come and keeps this team in balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>16 Open</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":264811,"width":207,"height":166,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/65-Lauren-Johnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='156309' first='Lauren' last='Johnson']" class="wp-image-264811" width="207" height="166" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> [player_tooltip player_id='156309' first='Lauren' last='Johnson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team continues to get hotter and hotter with every weekend they compete! After storming through their opponents on Day 1, 16 Mizuno had a hefty plate for Day 2 that included eventual winner, KIVA, and perennial power, A5. This team ate it up! Going 7-1 on the weekend, losing their last match of the weekend to a touch MKE Sting team, this squad is easily one of the best in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With their elite play this weekend, MiElite saw just about their entire bench light up the court at one point or another. MEQs was a breakthrough weekend for MB [player_tooltip player_id='156309' first='Lauren' last='Johnson']. Her blocking was on point! Not to mention, her attacking prowess is developing quite nicely. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>S [player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] and OH [player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'] were two other faces that had big weekends. Craggs had her game face on from first serve to the last ball. She had the magic touch all weekend long. As for Costlow, she's the unsung hero for this team. When things are smooth sailing or when its do-or-die, she's doing all the right things. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>Legacy 16-1 Adidas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right alongside their fellow team, Legacy 16-1 Adidas was a mere game away from a bid this weekend. Losing to similar foes like MKE Sting and KIVA, we almost got ourselves a brawl between the two teams for a bid... Had KIVA not accepted the bid for the first time ever! But nonetheless, this team is another powerhouse from the Mitten State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>S [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] continues to do it all for this team. From her precision in her setting, to her insane attacking abilities, she's not the best for no reason. Right with Flynn, MB [player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] is the bomb to Flynn's spark. If you so happened to get past this block, you're just going to get a mean dose of a Grenadier throw down. So much fun to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OH [player_tooltip player_id='156313' first='Marie' last='Laurio'] also had a great outing with Legacy this weekend. She's a high flier with a great first touch on the ball and she was big in the much-needed moments for this team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3>17 USA</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>Michigan Elite 17 Elite</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We may see a few teams from Michigan grab a bid in this division once all is said and done. 17 Elite is one of those teams out of the MiElite cannon. This squad just narrowly missed it, but nonetheless, continue to be impressive time and time again. 17 Elite went on to win the Silver bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the big performers from this weekend for team include the likes of L [player_tooltip player_id='222364' first='Trista' last='Ameel'], OPP [player_tooltip player_id='222361' first='Clara' last='Gyomory'] and OH [player_tooltip player_id='222362' first='Danielle' last='Mertz']. Ameel could easily make an argument for herself in one of the top 'bros in this class from Michigan. She's a scrappy defender with a lot of energy that carries a long way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Gyomory and Mertz, they're the go-to weapons on this squad. Gyomory on the right side is straight money. While Mertz can attack from just about anywhere. Out of the pipe, on the left, or up the middle, just throw it up to her and she'll crush it. Both's ball control has been key too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4>Legacy 17-2 Adidas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":279447,"width":172,"height":210,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/12-Emery-Kuebler.jpg?w=841" alt="" class="wp-image-279447" width="172" height="210" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='110309' first='Emery' last='Kuebler']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is another strong 2s team from Michigan lighting it up in the USA Division. And much like their predecessor, Legacy 17-2 just missed the chance at a bid this weekend. 17-2 just squeezed into the gold bracket on day 3 after sneaking past Iowa Rockets, 15-13 in the third of their challenge match on day 2. This is their second gold bracket in a row after Sunshine Classic, that bid is surely in reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy has a lot of fire power in the middle on this team. <strong>Lillian Frias</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='274527' first='Rachel' last='Youngblood']</strong> are two lightning rods at the net. Both are really superb blockers, but they can really bring the heat swinging as well. It all starts at the hands of S [player_tooltip player_id='110309' first='Emery' last='Kuebler']. A sometimes overlooked player on this team, but so crucial. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right alongside Frias and Youngblood, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='110329' first='Hannah' last='Tymitz'] </strong>on the right side rounds out this net prowess really well. Tymitz shapes up a wall at the net alongside her middles and she can run a variety of routes on offense. The three are dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->