Daily Dozen: Twelve Elite 2025s to Follow after Windy City
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Chicago will be a popular spot this year to see some up-and-coming volleyball talent. Before we return to the courts of McCormick Place for Nationals this summer, we have plenty of time to marvel at all the remarkable players we…
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Continue ReadingChicago will be a popular spot this year to see some up-and-coming volleyball talent.
Before we return to the courts of McCormick Place for Nationals this summer, we have plenty of time to marvel at all the remarkable players we just saw at the Windy City Qualifier. I made a concerted effort to cover 16 Open at this event, and I came away with some major stock risers to watch on the national prep scene.
So, here are a dozen names from the Class of 2025 that rose to the forefront in this star-studded event.
Houston Skyline 16 Royal finally broke through to earn a bid at Windy City, and Pfefferkorn’s contributions to that effort cannot be ignored. Sure, you can talk about all the impressive swings she had in the frontcourt. But Pfefferkorn’s serving was an equally effective weapon, and that’s not usually a distinction given to middle blockers.
Highlights
HPSTL 16 Royal’s qualifier is no fluke. Baliva, a hard-hitting opposite with a killer line shot, helped elevate her Gateway Region squad all the way to the Windy City championship match in 16 Open. It’s an impressive step forward, and Baliva still found a way to deliver even when a bid wasn’t at stake.
Austin Skyline has some frontcourt talent that will generate plenty of headlines, but we can’t forget about Krueger’s incredibly valuable role along the end line. It’s rare to see a player at the 16s level with the quickness and instincts like Krueger’s, but this Texas defender has been a trendsetter for the past few seasons. Expect that to continue now that 16 Royal has claimed its Open bid.
Isabella Mogridge
Isabella Mogridge
I’ve mentioned before that Mogridge seems like the player that glues OT 16 T JP together. That was especially true at Windy City as this crafty setter helped her team secure that elusive bid in 16 Open. Mogridge is a perfect fit for the twitchy, up-tempo offense that 16 T JP likes to run, and the team’s hitters found plenty of seams thanks to some quality second contacts.
Pitcel is back at the 16s level for another year, and she has certainly not lost her touch at the middle blocker spot. Among the wide array of dynamic middle blockers we’ve seen in the MKE Sting gym, Pitcel is yet another athlete we’ll be following closely. She hasn’t stepped off the gas since 16 Gold locked up an early-season Open bid.
Tekoa Barnes
Tekoa Barnes
Barnes could be considered an unsung hero on her talent-laden Tribe 16 Elite Cardinal team. Perhaps that’s not as accurate anymore after she absolutely lit up opposing defenses at Windy City last weekend. The rapid ascent of Barnes’ frontcourt success will ensure that she isn’t an under-the-radar athlete for long.
It’s been one impactful weekend after another for Collins. She first captured my attention when she competed at this year’s Triple Crown NIT. Houston Juniors has a lot of high-flying athletes that are worthy of mention, but the way Collins elevates just feels different. This versatile middle is showing her ever-improving slide game, too, adding to the many ways she can dominate for 16 Elite.
Horner does a little of everything for 1st Alliance 16 Gold. She can set out of the back row, hit in the front row, and display a whole lot of other skills in between. In all, Horner helps contribute to an ultra-physical 16 Gold lineup that has proven it can take over events at club volleyball’s highest level.
Highlights
I’ve been fortunate enough to cover Steininger and her Mintonette squad for a while, dating all the way back to last year’s Prep Dig Open in Ohio. Steininger is yet another rock-solid libero to represent the Mintonette program, and her steady role in serve receive was brought back to our attention in Chicago.
It’s hard not to notice Onell’s unique style when she enters the FC Eltie frontcourt. While some middles dominate through their length and physicality, Onell prefers to let her lateral quickness be her biggest advantage. Ever since I first saw Onell on the Prep Dig Circuit last year, her stock has skyrocketed as an electric middle-opposite hybrid who’s lethal off of one foot. This 16 Navy group keeps climbing with Onell as a major offensive focal point.
Highlights
It was another impressive outing in Open-level competition for Six Pack 16s, and Rogers has led the way from the beginning. This physical setter has a wide range of skills that make her an ideal choice to lead the Iowa crew. Rogers has a mature feel for tempo and location, allowing her hitters to terminate while in rhythm. And, of course, Rogers will never be a liability when blocking in the frontcourt.
Legacy’s top 16s group is searching for some new go-to terminators this season, and Grenadier is a good choice whenever she’s along the net. It’s also safe to assume that Grenadier will get her fair share of attempts, as this Legacy team is never afraid to force the middle and make some risky sets for quick side-outs. Windy City offered yet another glimpse at how important Legacy’s middles are, and Grenadier leads the way at that position.