AAU National Championships: 16 Open Final Four Dream Team

<!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Be sure to follow&nbsp;<strong>@lshotvb&nbsp;</strong>on Instagram and Twitter for all things volleyball!</em></h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading">Use code&nbsp;<strong>LSHOTVBUSAV&nbsp;</strong>and get $10 off your registration for Prep Dig's USAV Showcases,&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepdig.com/info?website_id=3&event_id=765">Session 1</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepdig.com/info?website_id=3&event_id=766">Session 2</a>!</h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":6} --> <h6 class="wp-block-heading">–</h6> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oh how sweet it is! The 16 Open Championships have concluded and this group was a doozy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KIVA secured themselves, yet, another AAU open championship. KIVA would have to claw their way from behind in the semifinals to Tribe before advancing to the finals. They would go on to sweep Michigan Elite at ESPN Wide World of Sports.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without further a do though; there were some standouts one has to nod their head to.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the 16 Open Gold Dream Team and Honorable Mention</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Victoria Gray&nbsp;- Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray can come into a match and make immediate impact. The 6'2 blocker jumps out of the gym and can penetrate the net like no other. Her net play was a pivotal player in Elite's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Izzy Busignani - Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When a championship is on the line, you bet Busignani knows how come swinging. I watched her perform similarly in her state championship win with Marian, but with the best of the best across the net, this made things even more fun.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ella Craggs - Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Craggs will never give you anything less than&nbsp;&nbsp;all she's got. The game this player brings to the table is second to none. Her IQ is immaculate and her ability to stay consistent through the toughest situations is commendable for sure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addison Makun&nbsp;- KIVA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off of her commitment to Louisville, this middle was showing just what she has in store for the Cardinals. The name of the game is get kiva off the net to not feed this beast. Give them the opportunity and it's done for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Emma Barnett - KIVA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Securing championship point for your team is DEFINITELY a highlight reel you won't forget. Barnett had herself a really strong showing for KIVA when it mattered. Not only did Barnett grab a national title, but was also honored with All-American honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kristen Simon - KIVA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing one of the best defensive performances of your career, winning a national championship and going on to be honored MVP of the entire 16 Open? Now, that's what I call a great day. Wisconsin sure loves the sounds of this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='455044' first='Zoey' last='Matias'] - Tribe</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tribe was looking to cruise to an undefeated record going into the championship match. This was much to thank to Matias' work in the back court. Surrounded by flashy plays and big swings, Matias is an underrated hero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='184108' first='Charlotte' last='Glass'] - Tribe</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's one of the top setters in the country for a reason. Leading Tribe Volleyball to an undefeated record going into Day 4, that's got to come from the quarter back of the offense. Glass was impeccable and given the tough loss in the semis, i am expecting a revenge tour in Chicago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Magdelena Dostic - OT JP</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This player was really doing the most for OT in their quest for another championship appearance. Dostic had all the shots in the book for JP to take matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='397437' first='Lily' last='Hayes'] - OT JP</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberos don't get enough love nowadays, but this class is stacked! Hayes was yet another one of those stud ‘bros the final four. A relentless defender and dominating presence on the court, Hayes makes an impression and leaves hitters second guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>–</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PrepDig is putting on the Stock Up Showcase series across the country for Class of 2024-26 prospects AND Freshmen Showcase Series for 2027s throughout the month of July.&nbsp;</em><a href="https://prepdig.com/stock-up-showcases/?type=Showcase&amp;state=&amp;start_date="><strong><em>Click here</em></strong></a><em>&nbsp;to sign up for YOUR event. You can use promo code “LshotDig2023” for $10 off your registration.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->