Metro North 15 Dazzles in Orlando; 2027s to Watch in Chicago
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Because there were close to 100 Chesapeake and Old Dominion teams playing in Orlando we chose to focus on the players to watch at each position, rather than break down every team. We named a number of very talented players,…
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Continue ReadingBecause there were close to 100 Chesapeake and Old Dominion teams playing in Orlando we chose to focus on the players to watch at each position, rather than break down every team. We named a number of very talented players, but not one of them played for Metro North.
We watched Metro North finish fifth out of 24 teams in the Charm City Challenge in Baltimore. A trio of those players were lauded for their performance and earned a spot in the top 120. Perhaps we should have remembered them when writing about the players to watch in AAU. Metro North finished 18th out of 159 teams in the Spirit Division. They lost in the finals of the Consolation Bracket to Rocket City Volleyball Club.
With a bit more fortune the finish could have been higher. Metro North won their first nine games, eight of them by sweeps. They took a tough loss to Nebraska Elite in a Challenge Round game that would have earned them a spot in the gold bracket. Instead, they dropped down to the Consolation Bracket.
Libero Adrianna Howell was a key piece in weaving the victories together. She made the passes on tough serves to keep the team in system and kept the ball in play on some of the hardest hits. With her consistent play the offense wreaked havoc on their opponents. Left side Elaina Murphy Elaina Murphy 5'6" | OH South Carroll | 2026 State VA kept the team on point with her leadership and encouragement. Her fast arm swing put a number of balls to the floor and her scrambling defense prevented balls from hitting the floor. She kept the team staying positive throughout the tournament.
Talia DoCarmo Talia DoCarmo OH Tuscarora | 2026 State VA also provided strong offense from the left side while also contributing on defense. Her play in the semifinal match against JustAgame Volleyball club was critical in their three set victory. The athleticism of Simone Assasie Simone Assasie 5'9" | MB Urbana | 2026 State VA putting up a big block in the middle made it difficult for other teams to attack. It also helped the defense focus on certain areas of the court knowing Simone had a large area of the court covered with her block.
It was a nice way to end the season for Metro North. They certainly proved to be one of the top teams in the Chesapeake Region, finishing fifth out of 16 teams in the Chesapeake Regional Qualifier. The other fifth place team, Liberty Elite will be competing in Junior Nationals in Chicago in the Freedom Division.
Metro North finished an impressive 12-2 (24-7). They were 3-0 in three set matches. A big thanks to Sylvia Johnson for providing some details on the tournament.
Top 2027 Prospects to Watch in Chicago
Time to break out some names for the future to keep an eye on. These are the top players on the 14 U team playing in Junior Nationals in Chicago and one 2027 playing up with the 15Us. I will only name one from each club, but if you watch them the others will catch your eye.
Highlights
Laila Chadwick Laila Chadwick 5'8" | DS/L James Madison | 2027 State VA (Libero/Metro 15) – She plays up with the 15 team. Last year with the 14s she hit outside and won the MVP award at the Capitol Hill Classic 14 Open. At 5’8″ Metro has too many pins a couple inches taller than her. To get playing time she chose to wear the different colored jersey. It has paid off as she appears to be a natural at the position, with strong athleticism that brings out the quickness in her game to play defense.
Highlights
Taylor Harrington Taylor Harrington 6'2" | MB Wakefield | 2027 State VA (middle/Paramount) – She stands 6’1″ and plays middle for a talented Paramount 14 team. She already reaches 10 feet with her approach jump, a number eclipsing any player on the 15 team. Her block covers a lot of territory. She won the best blocker award at the Capitol Hill Classic in 2022. Her height also allows her to hit balls over the smaller blocks. A lot of players with this height at this age tend to be a little slow and gangly, but that does not hold true for Taylor. She has fluid movements as she moves from pin to pin.
Highlights
Kieran Rhoton Kieran Rhoton 6'0" | RS Independence | 2027 State VA (right side/Metro 14) – At 5’11” she brings the height, jump and timing to put up a brick wall that left side hitters have difficulty hitting over. She also brings the heat with a strong right arm, loaded with the fire to go cross court or down the line. She also has the ability to put the ball away from the left side. Kiernan does not get a lot of opportunity to play back row but appears to have the quickness to play there if called upon.
Ana Woods (left side/MVSA Force) – She actually belongs to the class of 2028, but is perhaps the most dominant player on a talented MVSA Force team. She stands 5’11” with the ability to contribute kills from the left side or the three meter line. She tops the team in serve receive, plays a solid defense and has one of the toughest serves on the team. Watch for her to arrive on the scene in a couple years.
Highlights
Coco Lewis Coco Lewis 6'2" | OH Herndon | 2027 State VA (left side/Virginia Juniors) – Another six rotation player who contributed in all phases of the game. She brings height and athleticism to the court. Already listed at 6’2″. She will be one of the first girls you notice with her smooth effort of play.
Breeze Johnson (Setter/Blue Ridge) – Perhaps the best player on this talented Blue Ridge team. She stands 5’10, sets while in the back row and hits when playing right side. This from another girl who belongs to the class of 2028. She also plays a lot of beach making her game more complete.